With summer fast approaching, many Kiwis are itching to spend more time outdoors. Whether you're gearing up for a coastal hike, perfecting your BBQ skills, or diving into some long-overdue home DIY projects, the warmer weather invites us all to get active. While this is fantastic for your health and wellbeing, it also brings with it the potential for accidents. And that’s where accidental injury cover can help.
Why Summer in New Zealand Means More Adventure (and Risks)
Summer in Aotearoa is synonymous with adventure. From water sports and hiking to family backyard games, many of us will be spending more time being active. But with this increase in outdoor activity comes a greater chance of sustaining injuries. Whether you’re cycling along the waterfront, spraining an ankle on a bushwalk, or taking a tumble during a game of touch rugby – accidents can happen when you least expect them.
That’s why now is a great time to review your insurance and consider adding accidental injury cover to your plan. It’s a simple, yet highly effective way to ensure you’re financially protected in case something goes wrong during your summer adventures.
What Is Accidental Injury Cover?
Accidental injury cover is designed to provide short-term financial support if you experience a covered injury. It usually comes in the form of a lump-sum payment, which can be used however you need – whether that’s covering medical bills, hiring extra help around the house, or even taking time off work to recover.
This cover is especially useful for those injuries that may not be fully covered by ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) or that don’t trigger larger insurance claims. It’s a way to fill in the gaps, providing an extra layer of financial security.
For example, if you fracture your wrist while cycling, you could receive a lump-sum payment to help with recovery costs, even if your income remains unaffected. Some policies allow you to choose your benefit amount, providing flexibility in tailoring the cover to your lifestyle.
What Kind of Injuries Are Covered?
Accidental injury policies usually cover a range of injuries, and payments are made depending on the severity and nature of the injury. Commonly covered injuries may include:
1. Fractures
If you break your arm, wrist, leg, or ankle while out tramping or cycling, you can receive a payment. The amount paid often depends on the type of fracture – for instance, a leg fracture above the knee might entitle you to a larger payout than a broken wrist.
2. Amputations
If a severe accident results in the loss of a finger or toe, some policies offer substantial financial support to help you through your recovery.
3. Injuries Requiring Surgery
Some covers include payments for injuries that lead to surgeries, such as severe tears in the shoulder or knee. If your weekend rugby match leaves you needing knee surgery, your accidental injury cover could help you manage the financial burden.
4. Permanent Disabilities
In the rare event of an accident resulting in permanent loss of function or permanent total disability, many policies provide significant payments to help support long-term needs.
These lump-sum payments can help with everything from medical bills to hiring help for daily tasks – allowing you to focus on recovery without the added financial stress.
Why Kiwis Should Consider Accidental Injury Cover
While ACC provides a safety net for accidents in New Zealand, it doesn’t always cover all the costs you may face after an injury. For example, ACC may not cover non-medical expenses like hiring someone to help with childcare or transportation costs if you're temporarily unable to drive. Additionally, if you’re self-employed or rely heavily on your physical abilities for work, an injury could disrupt your income.
Accidental injury cover is designed to provide financial support without the need for complex claims processes or proving loss of income. Even if you’re not earning an income – such as stay-at-home parents or retirees – you can still receive payments that will help ease the burden of recovery.
Common Summer Injuries in New Zealand
Injuries during summer typically fall into several categories:
1. Home and Community Injuries
According to ACC data, 38% of injuries happen at home or in the community. With more people tackling home renovations or spending time in the garden, it’s easy to see why DIY mishaps are common. A slip off the ladder or a fall while trimming hedges can result in serious injuries, making cover a smart choice for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts.
2. Sports Injuries
Sport and recreation injuries make up 23% of reported incidents. From water sports to backyard cricket, summer in New Zealand is full of physical activities that can lead to sprains, fractures, and other injuries. Whether you’re playing casual rugby or joining a local surf competition, accidental injury cover can help you manage the financial fallout from a sporting mishap.
Stay Safe and Enjoy Summer
While it’s impossible to predict accidents, there are things you can do to reduce the risk of injury:
1. Warm Up and Stretch
Before engaging in physical activities, take time to warm up and stretch. This can help prevent strains and sprains.
2. Use Proper Equipment
Ensure you’re using the right safety gear, such as helmets, knee pads, and gloves. This simple step can make a significant difference in preventing injuries.
3. Be Mindful of Your Surroundings
Whether you’re hiking, swimming, or working on a home project, being aware of your environment can help you avoid potential hazards.
And if the unexpected does happen, accidental injury cover can provide peace of mind – helping you focus on recovery, not financial stress.
Is It Time to Review Your Insurance?
As you prepare for the fun-filled summer ahead, now is the perfect time to consider your insurance needs. Accidental injury cover can be a valuable addition to your policy, providing that extra layer of protection.
For more information on how to protect yourself financially, check out our Personal Insurance page. If you're ready to review your options, head over to our Get Started page to explore the right cover for you.
Useful Resources for Injury Prevention
ACC New Zealand - Offering injury prevention advice and claims information for all types of accidents.
Mountain Safety Council - Essential for safe hiking and outdoor adventure tips.
Water Safety New Zealand - A must for anyone spending time near rivers, lakes, or the sea this summer.
By taking the right precautions and ensuring you have adequate insurance, you can enjoy the outdoors knowing you’re covered for whatever summer throws your way.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional, tax or other advice. It does not take into account any individual’s personal situation or needs. You should consider obtaining professional advice from a financial adviser and/or tax specialist, or medical or health practitioner, in relation to your own circumstances and before acting on this information.
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