Southern Cross
New Zealand's largest health insurer, a not-for-profit friendly society
Coverage
About Southern Cross
Southern Cross Health Society describes itself as a for-purpose Friendly Society, founded in 1961, and publishes that more than 951,000 New Zealanders were with it as at 30 June 2025. It states that it puts people before profits and that most of the money received in premiums goes back to members. Cover spans everyday healthcare and diagnostics through to major medical expenses including specialists, surgery and cancer care, with a separate Cancer Cover Plus plan.
What they publish
- ✓For-purpose Friendly Society, founded 1961
- ✓More than 951,000 members as at 30 June 2025
- ✓Reader's Digest Most Trusted Health Insurance Brand, 2017 to 2026 — Southern Cross states this is its tenth consecutive year
- ✓Affiliated Providers and Easy-Claim, so claims can be paid directly to the provider
- ✓Healthcare Finder tool for contracted doctors, specialists and facilities
- ✓Member discounts on eye and hearing tests, dental and gym memberships
Questions to ask
- −What is the annual limit for non-Pharmac cancer drugs on the plan you are quoted?
- −Is everyday cover (GP, dental, optical) included or a separate module?
- −How will your own medical history be treated, and what stand-downs apply?
- −What does the premium look like at 60 and 70, not just today?
Commonly Suits
- • Those who value a not-for-profit structure
- • People who want the largest affiliated provider network
- • Comprehensive cover seekers
Coverage Types
Hospital & Surgical
Specialists & Diagnostics
Cancer Care
Everyday Health Cover
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General information, not financial advice
Information on this page is general in nature and does not take into account your personal circumstances, goals or financial situation. BestHealthInsurance.co.nz is not a Financial Advice Provider. We do not compare policies for you, we do not recommend an insurer, and we do not give financial advice.
When you request a quote, we pass your details to one of the specialist brokers or underwriters we work with. Where that is a broker, they are an independent, licensed New Zealand Financial Advice Provider: they compare the insurers they hold an agency with, give you any advice, and are responsible for that advice. Where an insurer takes the enquiry directly, you are dealing with that insurer’s own team about their own products. Either way, ask them for their disclosure information — what they can advise on, the providers behind it, how they are paid and how to complain — before you act on anything they tell you.
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