Is a Chiropractor Covered by ACC in Wanaka?

If you’ve been injured and are considering chiropractic care, one of the first questions you may ask is:

“Is a chiropractor covered by ACC?”

The short answer is yes — in many cases chiropractic treatment is covered by ACC in New Zealand, including here in Wanaka. However, eligibility depends on the type of injury and how it occurred.

At Active Chiropractic Wanaka, we regularly support patients through the ACC process and aim to make it as straightforward as possible.

What Is ACC?

Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) is New Zealand’s government-funded, no-fault personal injury scheme. ACC helps cover treatment and rehabilitation costs for people who experience:

• Accidental injuries

• Sports injuries

• Work-related injuries

• Gradual process injuries caused by work

• Treatment injuries (injuries caused during medical care)

ACC does not cover illnesses, age-related conditions, or general wear-and-tear without a specific injury event.

For full details, you can visit the official ACC website:https://www.acc.co.nz

Is a Chiropractor / Chiropractic Treatment Covered by ACC?

Yes. ACC recognises registered chiropractors as approved treatment providers.

If your injury meets ACC criteria, ACC may contribute toward the cost of your chiropractic appointments. In most cases:

• Your chiropractor can lodge the ACC claim for you.

• ACC will determine whether your injury is covered.

• If approved, you will usually pay only the patient co-payment.

At Active Chiropractic Wanaka, we can lodge your claim directly during your appointment if your injury qualifies.

What Types of Injuries Typically Qualify?

ACC generally covers injuries resulting from a specific accident or event, such as:

• Lifting injury at work

• Sports collision

• Car accident

• Slip or fall

• Acute neck or back strain from a defined incident

Examples may include:

• Acute low back pain after lifting

• Whiplash following a motor vehicle accident

• Shoulder strain from sport

• Ankle sprain

Each claim is assessed individually by ACC.

What Is Not Covered?

ACC does not typically cover:

• Degenerative conditions (e.g., age-related spinal changes without injury)

• Chronic pain without a specific injury event

• General posture-related discomfort

• Preventative or maintenance care

If you are unsure whether your condition qualifies, we can discuss this during your consultation.

Do You Need a GP Referral?

No — you do not need a GP referral to see a chiropractor under ACC.

Registered chiropractors in New Zealand are primary healthcare providers and can assess, diagnose, and lodge ACC injury claims directly.

Chiropractors in New Zealand are regulated under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act and registered with the New Zealand Chiropractic Board.

How the ACC Process Works at Active Chiropractic Wanaka

If you’ve had an accident and are experiencing pain:

1. Book an appointment at Active Chiropractic Wanaka.

2. We assess your injury and determine if it meets ACC criteria.

3. If appropriate, we lodge your ACC claim electronically.

4. ACC reviews and confirms cover.

5. You attend follow-up visits with ACC contribution applied.

We aim to make the process simple and transparent.

Why Choose a Chiropractor in Wanaka?

If you live in Wanaka or the Upper Clutha region, choosing a local chiropractor means:

• Faster access to care

• Convenient follow-up appointments

• A provider familiar with common local injuries (skiing, mountain biking, hiking, CrossFit, farming-related injuries)

At Active Chiropractic Wanaka, we work with people of all activity levels — from weekend walkers to competitive athletes.

Important Note

Every ACC claim is assessed individually by ACC. Eligibility and contribution levels are determined by ACC, not by the clinic.

If you are unsure whether your injury qualifies, we recommend booking an assessment so we can guide you appropriately.

Need Help With an ACC Claim in Wanaka?

If you’ve recently been injured and are wondering whether chiropractic care is covered by ACC, we’re here to help.

📍 Active Chiropractic Wanaka Supporting Wanaka and the Upper Clutha community with injury assessment and evidence-informed chiropractic care.

Contact us today to book your appointment.