Let’s be honest—when you’re in pain, the last thing you want to worry about is whether you can afford to get treated. But for many Kiwis, that’s exactly the problem. You tweak your back lifting something the wrong way, or an old sports injury flares up, and suddenly, you’re stuck between two options: fork out for private care or sit on a long public health waiting list, hoping things don’t get worse.
Physiotherapy is one of the most effective ways to manage pain, recover from injuries, and prevent long-term issues—but if it feels financially out of reach, people put it off. And here’s where things get tricky: delaying treatment often leads to bigger problems down the track, requiring even more care (and more money).
At Physio Connect, we believe everyone deserves access to high-quality treatment without the financial headache. That’s why we’re on a mission to make physiotherapy as affordable and transparent as possible—because cost shouldn’t be a barrier to good health.
The Need for Affordable Healthcare in New Zealand
Healthcare costs are rising across the board, and physiotherapy is no exception. While New Zealand’s healthcare system offers some fantastic public services, it doesn’t always cover non-hospital treatments like physiotherapy, leaving many Kiwis in a difficult spot.
Around 43% of Kiwis have put off at least one medical expense due to costs – a statistic that includes physiotherapy. And for those who do try to seek help, navigating pricing can be frustrating. Many clinics aren’t upfront about costs, leaving people unsure whether they can afford treatment until they’re already in the waiting room.
Then there’s the added confusion of ACC funding. While ACC can significantly reduce the cost of physiotherapy for injury-related conditions, many people aren’t sure how it works, whether they’re eligible, or how much they’ll actually have to pay. The result? More hesitation, more delays, and more people living with untreated pain.
This is why transparent, affordable, and easy-to-understand physiotherapy pricing is so important. If people know what to expect, they’re far more likely to seek the care they need—before things get worse.
How Does ACC Work for Physiotherapy?
One of the biggest misconceptions about ACC is that you need to go through a doctor to get funding for physiotherapy. At Physio Connect, you can go straight to a physiotherapist for ACC-covered injuries—no GP referral required.
What ACC Covers
ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) provides partial funding for physiotherapy if your injury is accident-related. This includes:
- Sports injuries (e.g., sprains, muscle tears)
- Workplace injuries
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Car accident injuries
- Any sudden-onset injury caused by an external force
However, ACC does not cover chronic conditions, gradual wear-and-tear injuries, or pre-existing conditions that aren’t linked to a specific accident.
How Much Will You Pay?
At Physioconnect, ACC patients only pay a small co-payment—and we’re completely transparent about how much that is.
Here’s the price breakdown for an individual session:
- Physiotherapy with an Intermediate practitioner: $25
- Physiotherapy with a senior practitioner: $35
- Acupuncture with an Intermediate practitioner: $17.50
- Acupuncture with a senior practitioner: $22.50
- Podiatry with an intermediate podiatrist: $17.50
- Podiatry with a senior podiatrist: $22.50
Many clinics charge higher co-payments, but at Physio Connect, we keep costs low to ensure more Kiwis can access care without financial stress.
Careway: Fully Funded ACC Treatment for Specific Injuries
While standard ACC physiotherapy requires a small co-payment, Careway is a specialised ACC-funded pathway that provides fully funded treatment for certain injuries—meaning you pay nothing out of pocket.
Who is Careway For?
Careway is designed for individuals with specific knee, shoulder, or lower back injuries that require specialised treatment beyond what a GP or standard physiotherapy can offer. It connects eligible patients with a coordinated team of orthopaedic surgeons and physiotherapists, ensuring the best possible recovery.
Careway fully covers treatment for these injuries:
ACC Knee Injury
- Torn ligament or other internal derangement
- Fracture or dislocation
ACC Shoulder Injury
- Tendon rupture or labral tear
- Fracture or dislocation
ACC Low Back Injury
- Disc injury resulting in leg radiculopathy
- Lumbar fracture
If you have one of these injuries, Careway ensures you receive fully funded, structured rehabilitation—helping you recover properly without the stress of paying for each appointment.
How is Careway Different from Standard ACC Physiotherapy?
While standard ACC funding covers physiotherapy with a co-payment, Careway provides:
- Fully funded treatment—no out-of-pocket costs for eligible patients.
- Access to specialist care, including orthopaedic surgeons and physiotherapists.
- A structured rehabilitation plan, ensuring long-term recovery, not just short-term relief.
If you think you might be eligible or are already on a Careway program, call us today—our team can guide you to the right provider.
Other Ways to Get Fully Funded Physiotherapy
Careway isn’t the only way to access physiotherapy at no cost. Physioconnect also offers fully funded treatment through ACC for:
Children 14 and Under: ACC fully subsidises physiotherapy for children under 14, meaning parents don’t have to worry about co-payments. Ensuring early treatment for injuries helps prevent long-term issues as kids grow.
Gold Card & Community Service Card Holders: If you hold a Gold Card or a Community Service Card, Physio Connect subsidises ACC-approved physiotherapy appointments, reducing or eliminating co-payments. Bring your card to your appointment to access this benefit.
You Deserve Accessible Physiotherapy
Getting the treatment you need shouldn’t be a financial burden, and at Physio Connect, we make sure it isn’t. Whether you’re covered by ACC’s standard co-payment scheme, eligible for fully funded treatment through Careway, or qualify for other subsidies, we provide expert physiotherapy without hidden costs or confusion.
With transparent pricing, experienced physiotherapists, and multiple clinics across Auckland, Physio Connect ensures that affordable, high-quality care is always within reach.
If you’ve been putting off physiotherapy because of cost concerns or uncertainty about ACC, now is the time to take action. Book an appointment today, and let us help you move better, recover faster, and get back to doing what you love—without the financial stress.
