New Zealanders who are injured while travelling overseas on short trips (up to six months) may be covered by ACC and, therefore, be able to get help when they return home. Cover applies whether you’ve been travelling on business, on holiday, or visiting family and friends.
What do I need to do?
The process for claiming for treatment for an injury is the same as if you were injured in New Zealand, except for the information required.
Note:
ACC does not replace travel insurance as we can’t help with costs incurred while you are overseas, or with your return journey to New Zealand, and we don’t cover illness.
- If possible obtain a written medical report from the overseas health professional you visit, including details of their qualifications.
- If you are injured while working overseas for a New Zealand company that is part of ACC’s Partnership Programme (that means the company manages work-related claims itself), it is important to let them know as soon as you can.
- When you return to New Zealand, visit your local health professional as soon as possible and complete an ACC claim form with them. If you received a medical report when you were treated overseas, give a copy to your health professional so it can be sent to ACC with your claim form.
- You should make the claim within 12 months of the date of the injury to ensure you don’t miss out on any assistance that may be available.
- ACC will investigate whether your claim is eligible for cover, as you were injured overseas, and advise you if your claim is accepted or not.
- The process continues as for Injury in New Zealand.