Understanding Health Insurance & ACC Coverage for Acupuncture in New Zealand
Acupuncture is increasingly recognised in New Zealand as a safe, evidence-informed therapy for a wide range of health concerns—musculoskeletal pain, stress, fertility, migraines, and more. But one of the most common questions we hear at the clinic is:
“Can I claim acupuncture through my health insurance or ACC?”
The answer is: often, yes—but the details depend on the type of cover you have, whether it’s ACC, private health insurance, or a workplace provider managing ACC claims.
The Short Answer
The ACC and many private health insurers in New Zealand offer cover for acupuncture, especially when it is provided by a practitioner registered with The Chinese Medicine Council of NZ.
However, how you claim—and how much is covered—depends on who your provider is, what type of treatment you're seeking, and the nature of your policy or injury.
Health Insurers That May Cover Acupuncture
Some of the major providers that may include acupuncture in their “extras” or “wellbeing” packages include:
Southern Cross Health – e.g., Wellbeing One/Two
AA Health Insurance – Some Everyday Cover plans may include acupuncture under general treatment benefits
NIB NZ
Accuro
UniMed
Partners Life
✅ Tip: Most insurers only cover acupuncture when it’s provided by a registered practitioner registered. Always check your provider’s criteria before booking.
What to Check in Your Policy
Before you book an appointment, we recommend confirming:
Do you need a GP referral first?
Is your practitioner approved by your insurance provider?
How much is covered per session or annually?
Are there limits on the number of sessions per year?
Can you claim online, or do you need paper receipts?
ACC vs Private Health Insurance: What’s the Difference?
ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation)
ACC covers injury-related conditions—things like sprains, sports injuries, or accidents at work or home.
To be eligible for acupuncture under ACC, you’ll need:
A valid ACC claim number
An injury that has been accepted by ACC
Treatment must be performed by an ACC-registered acupuncturist
ACC will subsidise part of your treatment, you may have a co-payment/surcharge depending on your provider.
💡 Tip: No GP referral is required for ACC—once your claim is accepted, you can book directly.
Private Health Insurance
Private insurance covers non-injury conditions, such as:
Chronic pain
Fertility support
Stress and anxiety
Digestive disorders
Headaches and migraines
Most policies require you to pay upfront and then submit a claim for reimbursement. Some may require a referral from your GP or specialist, so it’s always best to check the fine print.
Private insurance is particularly useful for ongoing treatment plans or when a condition doesn’t qualify for ACC.
A Note About Private ACC Workplace Providers
Some workplaces in New Zealand use private companies to manage their employees' ACC claims. These include:
WellNZ
Community Rehabilitation Company (CRC)
QRS (Quality Rehabilitation Services)
Enable NZ
Total Rehab NZ
These providers administer ACC claims on behalf of workplaces but are not the same as ACC directly. While they still operate under the ACC framework, the administration and payment process is often more complex.
At Burwood Acupuncture, we have found that Private Providers:
Have complicated processes for payments for services rendered
Communication can be unclear
The admin burden falls heavily on a small practise
Burwood Acupuncture Policy
To help us focus on delivering quality healthcare rather than lengthy administration, we now treat claims managed by private ACC workplace providers as private insurance cases.
This means:
You’ll pay upfront at the time of your appointment
You’ll submit the claim and seek reimbursement directly from the provider
We will provide any necessary receipts or documentation to support your claim
We appreciate your understanding—this policy allows us to continue offering consistent, high-quality care to all our clients, whilst minimising time spent on administrative tasks.
How to Make a Claim (ACC or Private)
Whether you’re claiming through ACC or private insurance, the general steps are:
Confirm your eligibility (injury vs non-injury, direct vs workplace-managed ACC)
Book with a registered practitioner
Pay for your appointment if required
Collect your receipt and treatment notes (we’re happy to supply these)
Submit your claim via your insurer’s app, portal, or post
FAQs
Can I use both ACC and private insurance at the same time?
No—claims cannot be double-billed. You’ll need to choose one funding source based on your condition.
Do I need a GP referral?
Not for ACC (once your claim is accepted), but some private insurers may require it.
How do I know if my insurer covers acupuncture?
Contact your provider directly.
Tips to Get the Most from Your Cover
Make sure your acupuncturist is registered and approved by your provider
Check your annual limits to plan treatment accordingly
Submit claims promptly to avoid delays
Post by Shameela Pacquet of Burwood Acupuncture
