Coverage for injuries incurred outside of New Zealand

Contributed by Morgan Speight and current to 1 March 2023

If you are injured outside of New Zealand

If you are injured whilst on a trip outside of New Zealand you may still be covered by ACC if:

• You would be covered if you had received the same injuries whilst in New Zealand; and
• You are an "ordinary resident of New Zealand, which means that you:
  • Intended to only be outside of New Zealand for less than 6 months; and
  • Permanently live in New Zealand (you lived in New Zealand for at least 183 days (6 months) of the last 12 months); and
  • You are either
    • A New Zealand citizen; or
    • A New Zealand resident permit holder; or
    • You are the spouse/partner, child or dependant of a citizen or resident and generally accompany that person.

ACC won't be able to cover everything, it will only be able to help you with treatment in New Zealand. If you seek treatment whilst overseas, ACC will not be able to pay for that treatment or any other associated costs that you have to pay for overseas.

If the injury is fatal, ACC may be able to pay a funeral grant to help to cover the costs of the funeral up to $6,021.11 in some circumstances.

If you were injured overseas and later develop a mental injury, you might still be covered for the mental injury if it develops whilst you are in New Zealand.

What should you do if you are injured outside of New Zealand?

• Seek appropriate medical treatment as soon as possible.
• Keep a copy of all of the medical records and notes from the health professional that you see whilst overseas.
• When you return to New Zealand:
  • See your GP or health professional and talk to them about your injury, make sure that you explain to them the circumstances of your accident.
  • Give the GP the records and notes from the health professional that you saw whilst overseas.
  • Discuss with your GP or health professional whether or not you should lodge a claim with ACC for your injury.
• If you choose to file a claim, you must do so within 12 months of the date of the accident.