Why choose us?
We're New Zealand's most trusted health insurer1
Over 955,0002 New Zealanders have chosen Southern Cross to be their health insurer - that's more than any other provider. The number of members we have continues to grow, and here's why:
- We are not-for-profit
- We pay more claims than any other provider
- We make claiming easy and fast
- Our plans look after your whole family
- Discounts for healthy living and more
- Exclusive member offers
Looking after member's health since 1961
We’ve been looking after our members for over 60 years, becoming the largest and most trusted1 independent healthcare network and health insurance provider in New Zealand.
Southern Cross was founded on the belief that New Zealanders deserve access to private healthcare. We remain true to this commitment today: we’re here to help you get the care and protection you need to live your life to the fullest.
Here for our members, not shareholders
Southern Cross is a not-for-profit Friendly Society, so unlike other health insurers, we have members not shareholders. This means our members are our priority. We’re fully focused on providing the best possible cover, so you can live your life to the fullest.
We pay more claims than any other NZ health insurer
We paid 71% of the value of all health insurance claims paid in NZ in the last financial year3. More than 93% of what we received in premiums was paid back to our members in claims4 – that compares to 73% for the rest of New Zealand's health insurance sector.
We take the stress out of claiming
When you need to claim, do it online in My Southern Cross, use the mobile app, or download and post us a paper claim form. On average we process claims within 7 working days of receiving them. If you use Easy-Claim or an Affiliated Provider, they'll take care of your claim for you.
Add children to your policy for less
Unlike many corporates who charge adult rates after 13 years, you pay child rates for your children until they’re 21 years old. Even better, after your first two children, any other children under your health insurance policy are covered for free. 5 Newborns added within 3 months of birth have pre-existing conditions covered (general policy exclusions apply).6
Save with our healthy discounts
We want your cover to be of great value too, so we also look after your pocket with discounts for healthy living, low claims and paying by direct debit.7
Exclusive offers for our members
Save on everyday health and wellbeing services such as eye tests, hearing tests, dental treatments and gym memberships. Members also get discounts on Southern Cross Travel Insurance, Pet Insurance and Life Insurance.
Take the next step
Interested in Southern Cross health insurance? Here are two ways to take the next step.
- Reader's Digest Most Trusted Health Insurance Brand, 2017 - 2024
- As at 30 June 2024
- Southern Cross pays over 71% of the value of all health insurance claims paid in New Zealand. Based on data provided by the Financial Services Council and including an estimate for nib
- Southern Cross Medical Care Society Annual Report 2024
- Not applicable for HealthEssentials
- Terms and conditions apply, see the policy documents for each plan
- Discounts do not apply to some cover options, please refer to Member Discount and Offers for more details.