Southern Cross expands membership benefits

With around 922,000 members, or roughly one-fifth of New Zealand’s population, Southern Cross said that its mission is to deliver better access to healthcare services in the country.

“We can do this as a for-purpose friendly society totally focused on helping our members have more years of good health,” said Nick Astwick, Southern Cross Health Insurance CEO. “We pay out more claims in number and value than any other health insurer, we put surpluses back into keeping costs and premiums down and service levels up, and we respond to what our members tell us they need.”

Astwick said the additional benefits are a response to Southern Cross’ Healthy Futures report, which found that 76% of New Zealanders with young families are putting their whānau first, at the expense of their own health. The report also highlighted Kiwis putting greater importance to mental health.

“Nearly all New Zealanders believe mental wellness affects overall health, so they want to understand how to cope with anxiety or stress and many members want to know what kind of shape they are in, or need to be in, to live their best life,” Astwick said. “That’s why on top of all the other things we do to improve access to better healthcare, we’ve negotiated great benefits for the members who choose to be with us.”

Another finding from the Healthy Futures report was that “healthcare costs” and “having to wait” are major barriers to seeking help. Astwick said that the unlimited virtual CareHQ consults and the annual check-up with MedPro will help members to take charge of their health wellbeing.