The average cost per claim has more than doubled from $1,695 to $3,585, driven by inflation in medical treatment costs, higher wage replacement payments, and an aging population that takes longer to recover. “This isn’t a story about more accidents – it’s about more expensive accidents,” said Christopher Walsh, Founder of MoneyHub. “Medical costs have surged, the 80% wage replacement ACC pays is now based on higher salaries, and older New Zealanders take longer to heal. The Aging EffectClaims for 70-79 year olds have grown 57.4% in ten years – far outpacing population growth. What ACC Doesn’t CoverWalsh noted an important gap: “ACC covers accidents, but if you can’t work due to illness – cancer, heart disease, mental health – ACC pays nothing.