ACC

All members of Acupuncture NZ are recognised by the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) as eligible to be Treatment Providers.  Most of Acupuncture NZ practising members are registered ACC treatment providers.

Once a claim has been accepted by ACC you may choose to visit a recognised acupuncturist for your treatment. It is not necessary to be referred to an acupuncturist by your GP, physiotherapist or other health provider. Your practitioner may also prescribe Chinese Herbs, but ACC will not cover their cost. Most practitioners will charge a co-payment for ACC treatment. 

Acupuncture is very effective in treating acute injuries – in general, the sooner the injury is treated, the better the result. Studies show that acupuncture is effective in reducing inflammation and swelling so early treatment of an injury may considerably lessen the time needed for recovery. People who receive acupuncture for an acute injury frequently report that they feel considerably calmer after treatment, as well as reporting a reduction in pain.

If the injured area is inaccessible due to a plaster cast or dressing, acupuncture points can be chosen above and below the site to treat the injury. Because acupuncture points occur on both sides of the body, the uninjured side may be needled to effect treatment.

Health Insurance

The following Insurance companies and organisations recognise members of Acupuncture NZ and will reimburse some of the cost of treatment.

Southern Cross 

Acupuncture is covered under the the Wellbeing One and Wellbeing Two polices with the addition of the Body Care Module.  This policy allows for up to $500 per claims year for acupuncture treatment. 

Health Essentials Policy                                                                                                                                  This policy allows for reimbursed for 75% of the actual cost up to $250 per claims year.

Health Service Welfare Society ( HSWS )

PSIS Health Care

Only for those who had policies beginning prior to 2004.

Health Care Plus (Formerly EBS Health Care -Education Benevolent Society)

This Insurance covers those in the Education sector who are a member of their union. The Education Unions are as follows:

  • NZEI – NZ Educational Institute
  • PPTA – Post Primary Teachers Association
  • TEU – The Tertiary Education Union 
  • TIASA – Tertiary Institutes Allied Staff Association
  • ISEA – The Independent Schools Education Association Inc 
  • PSA – NZ Public Service Association University and Education Services Groups


The following organisations also provide access to Health Insurance policies for their employees and their families which cover all or some of the cost of acupuncture treatment: NZ  Police, Air New Zealand, Kiwi Rail

Veteran’s Affairs.

Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ)

With a referral from a GP, those who are registered with Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) may be eligible for some assistance with payment of treatment.