Does ACC cover cancer?

Short answer: usually, no.

This is one of the most common misunderstandings we see, so let’s clear it up properly.

When ACC does cover cancer (rare)

ACC may cover cancer only if it was caused by a specific, identifiable accident.

Examples:

• A chemical exposure at work that directly caused the cancer
• Radiation exposure from a single, identifiable event

These cases are:

• rare
• hard to prove
• often disputed
• slow to resolve

For most people, this does not apply.

When ACC does not cover cancer (most cases)

ACC does not cover cancer when it:

• develops over time
• has no single accidental cause
• is linked to genetics, lifestyle, or unknown factors

That’s the vast majority of cancer diagnoses. In those cases:

• no weekly income payments
• no lump sum support
• no help with mortgage or bills
• no support for time off work

What happens if you can’t work because of cancer?

If cancer stops you from working and ACC doesn’t apply:

• your income depends on sick leave (if you have it)
• then savings
• then your partner or family
• then government support

For many households, that’s a fast slide into stress.

This is where other cover comes in

Two types of insurance usually matter here:

Income protection

Pays a portion of your income if illness (like cancer) or injury stops you from working.

Trauma (critical illness) cover

Pays a lump sum on diagnosis of cancer and many other serious conditions.
People often use it for:

• time off work
• treatment costs
• childcare
• mortgage payments
• breathing room

ACC doesn’t provide either of these.

The important distinction:

ACC is built for accidents. Cancer is an illness. They sit in completely different lanes.

If you’ve been assuming ACC would cover cancer

You’re not alone. Most people do. The good news is this is fixable, often more affordably than people expect, once you know where ACC stops. If income protection and trauma cover has been sitting in the “too hard” basket, this is your nudge to actually look into it. And we can help.

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