Usually covered by ACC
- Acute injuries with a clear event: a lift, a fall, a rolled ankle
- Sports injuries: pulls, tweaks, knocks, sprains and strains
- Work injuries, including strain that built up over time
- Car-accident injuries, including whiplash
Funded care for injuries
ACC-funded Osteopathy in Christchurch
ACC funds Osteopathy for most injuries in New Zealand. You can book direct with no GP referral, we lodge the claim at your first visit, and you pay a surcharge instead of the full fee. Here is how it works at our Fendalton and Cashmere clinics.
No referral neededClaim lodged at your first visitYou pay a surcharge, not the full fee
The short answer
Most injuries are covered, and you only pay the surcharge
If an accident or event started your pain, ACC almost certainly covers part of the cost. You book direct with no GP referral, and we lodge the claim at your first visit.
- No referral
- Book direct, you self-refer
- $95 / $90
- First visit, then follow-ups
- Lodged for you
- We file the claim at your first visit
Not sure if you are covered? Call reception on 0800 67 77 00 and we will tell you straight, or see all fees.
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How it works
From injury to treatment, step by step
ACC is a no-fault scheme: if you are injured in an accident, it does not matter how it happened or who was at fault. The claim itself is straightforward.
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01
An injury with a cause
An accident or event started it: a lift, a fall, a sports tweak, a strain that built up at work. That is the kind of injury ACC funds.
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02
You book directly
No GP visit first. Book online or call us. For most injuries you can self-refer straight to an osteopath.
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03
We lodge your claim
Your osteopath assesses you and files the ACC claim during your first appointment. No forms for you to chase.
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04
You pay the surcharge
ACC pays a fixed part of each visit; you pay the surcharge, which is less than the private fee.
That is the whole flow for an ordinary injury. For the full mechanics, including the ACC45 form, treatment reviews, and work injuries, read the complete guide.
Eligibility
What ACC covers, and what it doesn't
The line is simpler than it looks. ACC funds injuries from an accident, not pain from ageing or illness.
Usually treated privately
- Long-standing wear or age-related change with no clear event
- Postural or desk pain that crept in without an injury
- Pain from a medical condition rather than an accident
The simple test: was there an event you can point to that started this? If yes, ACC probably covers it. If you are not sure, ask us.
Common situations
The questions that come up most
You already have a claim
Already lodged a claim for this injury? We can treat you under it. Bring the details and we will continue your care.
Transferring to us
Switching from a physio, chiropractor, or another osteopath is simple. The claim follows your injury, so we pick up where you left off.
Your claim was declined
A declined claim does not stop treatment, it changes who pays. You can pay privately, ask ACC to review it, or re-lodge with more detail.
A pre-existing condition
A new injury on top of an old problem is often still covered, as long as there was a clear new event. Your osteopath will talk it through.
Work injuries under an Accredited Employer, sensitive claims, treatment reviews, and imaging are all covered in the deep guide.
ACC FAQs
The ACC questions we hear most
Do I need a GP referral to see an osteopath under ACC?
No, not for most injuries. ACC lets you self-refer to a registered osteopath, so you can book directly with us and we lodge the claim at your first visit.
Will ACC cover the whole cost of my treatment?
No. ACC pays a fixed part of each visit and you pay the surcharge: $95 for a first appointment and $90 for a follow-up. That is less than the private fee.
When does the ACC claim get lodged?
At your first visit, in the clinic. Your osteopath files the ACC claim as part of your appointment, so there is nothing for you to fill in beforehand.
What do I need to bring to my first visit?
Just a rough recall of how and when the injury happened: the date, where you were, and what you were doing. You do not need an ACC number; we look your claim up by your name and date of birth.
Can I transfer to you from another ACC provider?
Yes, easily. ACC claims follow the injury, not the provider, so we can continue treatment under your existing claim. Just let us know when you book.
What if my injury is not covered by ACC?
Some pain is not from an accident, for example long-standing wear without a clear event. That is treated privately, and you can see the private fees on our pricing page.
What happens if my ACC claim is declined?
It is uncommon. If a claim is declined you can pay privately, ask ACC to review the decision, or re-lodge with more detail. We can help you with the paperwork.
Have a different question? Browse all FAQs →
Ready when you are
Ready to start your recovery?
We'll take care of the paperwork, explain what's driving your symptoms, and create a personalised plan to help you get back to doing the things you love.
- Thorough assessment
- ACC claim lodged if required
- Personalised recovery plan