Southern Cross
 

I checked this site out for health insurance for me and my family.
Not bad quote. $180 a month for both and us and 3 kids.

thats Welbeing 2 and module c add on (glasses and prescriptions)
Is this like bupa, where you just go in for appointments and everything is paid for.

Is anyone in with this, and can let me know what they are like

Also is there a better one out there

Thanks

Re: Southern Cross
 

We do not have private health care Mark, much as we would like it.

Re: Southern Cross
 

Just looked at the link provided on the other thread, seems reasonable :thumbup:

Re: Southern Cross
 

They are one of the biggest private healthcare providers, and reputable. Similar to Bupa, the exact rates etc of what you can claim for and what payments you have to make differs from plan to plan. I dont know of other companies offhand

Re: Southern Cross
 

well here in uk i got quote for pru health for same thing , i think and its £132 a month. big differnece in price. just wanted to know if its the same service

Re: Southern Cross
 

You have to look at the small print with these schemes especially the add on bits - the dental maximum is $500 for instance and it only reimburses 75%. Eye tests is $40 maximum - they cost more than this in Wellington. Depends on amount of premium per annum whether its worth it for you...may be better to 'pay as you go' on dental and optical.

Bevs, given what you said, can you confirm if my understanding is correct..namely that all hospital care as an outpatient as well (e.g. diagnostic tests) is free at point of use as in UK...so provided you are happy with the state of waiting lists in your area, you don't need private care?

Funny how today 3 threads have popped up on this topic after months of nothing :rofl:

Re: Southern Cross
 

Just so you know, many (larger) work places are part of a group scheme with private health insurance companies (mainly Southern Cross).

The benefit of that is that there is often a discount for your premium. Furthermore, in some cases, with larger organisations they offer cover for preexisting conditions providing you join within a certain number of days.When they do offer that the typical proviso is that you can't claim on that preexisting condition for a certain number of days/months (typically 90 days or 3 months).

Obviously you are the only one who can tell whether the healthcare is sufficient but check if things like glasses, lenses are covered in your contract. They often are in computery office jobs. You are a driver right?? Not sure what that industry is like for providing stuff like glasses (why do I suspect it could be pretty bad at extras like that??!!!!)

Re: Southern Cross
 

We had cover with Southern Cross but only ever used it for minor surgery at a private dermatologist's clinic.

Our use of the NZ health system totalled up to A&E type visits for the kids, a bit of physio (which was sport related therefore covered under ACC) and asthma meds. The 'A&E visits cost us a nominal amount because we used Shore Care and we paid for the GP visits plus script and medication costs.

However, if we'd had a medical condition requiring elective surgery or a consultation with a specialist I think we would've been very grateful for having health cover.

Considering the relatively low cost compared to the UK I think these policies are worth it, if for the peace of mind if nothing else. If people can afford them then I'd say consider taking one out.