Southern Cross Group

Legal structures

The Southern Cross Healthcare Group is not, in itself, a legal entity. However, it is the strategic core of the Southern Cross businesses that share a common brand and not-for-profit philosophy. The Group Chief Executive Officer is Dr Ian McPherson.

Southern Cross businesses operate independently through a not-for-profit friendly society (health insurance and wellness services) or as subsidiaries of a charitable trust (hospitals, travel insurance and a new venture - primary care).

For people, not profits, since 1961

Southern Cross first opened for business in 1961, introducing health insurance to New Zealanders and laying the foundations for one of New Zealand’s most enduring, best known and trusted brands. Southern Cross was established because its founders strongly believed New Zealanders should have ongoing access to private healthcare options. 

 

Fifty years later Southern Cross is much more than New Zealand's largest health insurer; the Southern Cross Health Society is also a leading provider of health and wellness services. 

 

Operating independently and at arms length from the Society, Southern Cross Hospitals is the largest network of private surgical hospitals in the country, last year providing treatment to 65,000 patients at its 17 wholly owned or joint venture medical facilities.

 

Southern Cross Travel Insurance is a leading online travel insurance provider in New Zealand and Australia. 

 

And this year has also seen the establishment of a new Southern Cross venture in the primary healthcare sector - Southern Cross Primary Care.

 

These Southern Cross businesses share a common brand, not-for-profit philosophy, vision and purpose.  Their products and services enable improved peace of mind and access to quality health care for their customers.