Why get health insurance?
Why it’s worth considering private health insurance in New Zealand
In Aotearoa, New Zealand, we’re lucky to have high-quality public healthcare and the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC). That means every New Zealand resident can access treatment at low cost or no cost for:
- Acute care – this includes care provided in response to a sign, symptom, condition or disease that requires immediate treatment or monitoring, like appendicitis or a heart attack
- Chronic conditions, like spina bifida or cystic fibrosis
- Any accident, treatment injury or work-related gradual process injury at home, school, or work. ACC provides no fault injury cover for everyone in New Zealand. For example, if you injure your back after falling downstairs at home, ACC should cover the treatment of your back injury as well as subsidising or paying for any subsequent support services, rehabilitation, and loss of income due to the injury
- Planned medical, diagnostic and surgical services, known as ‘elective services’. This includes diagnostic services such as MRI scans, endoscopy, laparoscopy, or tonsillectomy, grommets, hip or knee replacements, heart surgery, cataract removal, cancerous tumour removal, hysterectomy, and so on.
Navigating the public healthcare system can mean spending time on waitlists, prolonging pain and disruption while you wait for treatment.
That’s why our health insurance plans are designed to complement the services provided by the New Zealand public healthcare system and ACC. We’re filling the gaps by helping to get you and your family seen quickly, helping you get back to health quickly and providing you with peace of mind due to less financial strain from the cost of unplanned private healthcare.
We don’t provide cover for healthcare services covered by ACC or the public healthcare system such as acute care, accidents, treatment injuries or work-related gradual process injuries. However, sometimes ACC won’t pay the full amount charged for your treatment costs. In these cases, subject to the terms and conditions of your policy, you may be able to make a claim for the shortfall under your policy.
Choose a plan that works for you
We have a range of plans and options to suit your needs and budget. You can make choices that will give you peace of mind and help you cover the cost of services such as specialist consultations, cancer care, surgery, or day-to-day healthcare like dental care and General Practitioner (GP) consultations.
Southern Cross puts people before profits
As a not-for-profit Friendly Society, our members' health and wellbeing are our top priority. That means our top priority is the health and wellbeing of our members. It’s been our guiding principle since we were founded in 1961.
In the year to 30 June 2024, 93% of the money we received in premiums went back to our members in claims1 and 71% of the value of all health insurance claims paid in New Zealand were paid by us2. Maybe that’s why New Zealanders have voted us the most trusted health insurer for eight years running3.
Many members, many health journeys
See the true value of having Southern Cross health insurance for yourself.
Renata is a firm believer in health insurance being used proactively to ensure a better quality of life for her family.
Amidst his second cancer journey, father-of-two Randall actively sought out a team of health professionals to improve his recovery.
Kaitlyn’s Southern Cross membership gave her the freedom and flexibility to fit in sinus surgery around her busy life as a working mum and business owner.
Need more help in finding the right health insurance for you?
Call us on 0800 100 555
Our team are happy to help:
Monday to Thursday 9:00am - 5:00pm
Friday 9:00am - 4:30pm
- Southern Cross Medical Care Society Annual Report 2024
- Based on data provided by the Financial Services Council year ended 30 June 2024, including an estimate for nib.
- Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Health Insurance Brand, 2017-2024.