Southern Cross Health Society is New Zealand’s largest private health insurer, covering around 60% of all privately insured New Zealanders. It’s a not-for-profit organisation — meaning surplus funds are reinvested into the organisation rather than distributed to shareholders. This doesn’t make it automatically the best value, but it is a meaningful distinction in the insurance market.
Southern Cross is the benchmark NZ health insurer. Its Easy Claim plan is the most popular choice for mid-range cover (~$130/month for a 40-year-old). It costs more than nib for similar cover but offers a wider provider network and strong brand recognition. Recommended for those wanting reliable mid-to-high tier cover.
Company Overview
- Founded: 1961
- Type: Not-for-profit member society
- Market share: ~60% of NZ’s private health insurance market
- Members: Approximately 900,000+
- Regulation: Registered under the Insurance (Prudential Supervision) Act 2010
Plan Range
WellbeingOne — Entry Level
Southern Cross’s entry-level plan covers the essentials:
- Specialist consultations and diagnostics (MRI, CT scans)
- Minor elective surgery
- Some GP visits (with the EzyClaimGP option add-on)
Best for: Budget-conscious individuals wanting basic specialist access.
Easy Claim — Mid Range (Most Popular)
The most widely held Southern Cross plan:
- Specialist consultations
- Diagnostics and imaging
- Major and minor surgery in private hospitals
- Some dental and optical (cancer-related treatments)
- After-hospital care
Best for: Most working-age adults wanting solid coverage.
UltraCare — Comprehensive
The top-tier plan with broadest cover:
- Everything in Easy Claim, plus
- GP visits (via EzyClaimGP)
- A wider range of dental and optical
- Cancer care enhancements
- Specialist-prescribed medicines not funded by PHARMAC
Best for: Families, those with higher health needs, or anyone wanting maximum cover.
Pricing — Approximate Monthly Premiums (Single Adult)
| Age | WellbeingOne | Easy Claim | UltraCare |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | ~$55 | ~$80 | ~$130 |
| 35 | ~$80 | ~$110 | ~$180 |
| 40 | ~$95 | ~$130 | ~$200 |
| 50 | ~$155 | ~$210 | ~$320 |
| 60 | ~$250 | ~$340 | ~$500 |
Premiums increase with age. Family and couples plans are available at better per-person rates.
Key Features
| Feature | Southern Cross |
|---|---|
| No-claims bonus | Yes — excess reduces after claim-free years |
| Guaranteed renewability | Yes — can’t cancel policy due to health changes |
| Stand-down period | 3 years for pre-existing conditions |
| Network of providers | Large — most private hospitals and specialists in NZ |
| Online claims | Yes — ezyTrack app and online portal |
| Direct billing | Yes — many providers bill Southern Cross directly |
Pros
- Largest NZ network: Most private specialists and hospitals are affiliated, so direct billing is common — minimal out-of-pocket at point of service
- Not-for-profit: Surplus reinvested into the organisation rather than to shareholders
- Established claims service: Decades of experience processing NZ claims
- No-claim excess reduction: Your excess drops over claim-free years
- Trusted brand: Well-understood by NZ employers — often offered as a group benefit
Cons
- Price: Consistently more expensive than nib and Accuro for equivalent cover
- Premium increases: Annual premium increases have been significant — 5–10%+ some years as claims costs rise
- GP cover is an add-on: The base plans don’t cover GP visits — this is a surprise to some members
- Pre-existing exclusions: 3-year stand-down period is standard
- Dental and optical: Even UltraCare’s dental/optical cover is limited compared to standalone policies
Claims Process
Southern Cross offers multiple claims paths:
- Direct billing: Your specialist or private hospital bills Southern Cross directly — you pay nothing (or just the excess)
- EzyTrack app: Submit claim photos via app and get paid to your account, often within days
- Online portal: Web-based claim submission
- Phone: 0800 number for assistance
Members generally report positive claims experiences. Southern Cross’s size means most private providers have direct billing agreements.
Group Cover via Employer
Many NZ employers offer Southern Cross group health insurance as a staff benefit. Group rates are typically 10–20% lower than individual rates, and pre-existing condition exclusions may be waived for new joiners. If your employer offers this, it’s usually excellent value.
Verdict
Southern Cross is the gold standard for NZ health insurance — not necessarily because it’s the cheapest, but because of its network size, established claims process, and trust built over 60+ years. If price is a concern, compare with nib for similar cover at lower cost. But for peace of mind and the widest network, Southern Cross Easy Claim is the benchmark.
Best for: Mid-to-high tier cover, families, those who value a wide provider network and NZ’s most recognised health insurer.
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