Quick Summary
Southern Cross critical illness insurance offers reliable coverage with the backing of New Zealand's most trusted health insurance brand. Good value for existing Southern Cross members, but coverage amounts may be limiting for some needs.
Best For:
- • Existing Southern Cross health insurance members
- • Those wanting integrated health coverage
- • People seeking moderate coverage amounts
Consider Alternatives If:
- • You need coverage over $300,000
- • You want the most comprehensive condition list
- • Lowest possible premiums are priority
Southern Cross Critical Illness: Complete Analysis
Coverage Structure
Available Coverage Levels
Essential
$20,000
Basic protection
Standard
$75,000
Most popular choice
Comprehensive
$150,000
Enhanced protection
Maximum
$300,000
Highest available
Limitation: Unlike specialist trauma insurers, Southern Cross caps coverage at $300,000, which may be insufficient for high earners or those with large mortgages.
Conditions Covered
Southern Cross covers 38 critical illnesses, including:
Cancer & Tumors
- • All invasive cancers
- • Brain tumors
- • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Heart & Circulation
- • Heart attack
- • Coronary artery surgery
- • Aorta surgery
- • Cardiomyopathy
Neurological
- • Stroke
- • Multiple Sclerosis
- • Parkinson's Disease
- • Motor Neurone Disease
Pricing Analysis
Sample Monthly Premiums
| Profile | $75,000 | $150,000 | $300,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30yr Male Non-smoker | $18 | $35 | $68 |
| 35yr Female Non-smoker | $22 | $43 | $84 |
| 45yr Male Non-smoker | $48 | $95 | $189 |
*Prices are estimates and include member discounts where applicable
Key Advantages & Disadvantages
✅ Advantages
- • Trusted brand reputation - NZ's largest health insurer
- • Integration benefits - works with health insurance policies
- • Member discounts - reduced rates for existing members
- • Simple structure - clear coverage level options
- • Reliable claims service - established processes
❌ Disadvantages
- • Coverage limitations - maximum $300,000 may be insufficient
- • Fewer conditions - 38 vs 45+ from specialists
- • Higher premiums - not the cheapest option
- • Limited customization - fixed coverage levels only
- • Health insurance dependency - best value only for members
Claims Experience
What to Expect
Average Processing
30-35 days typical
Approval Rate
Valid claims paid
Support Access
Phone and online
How Does Southern Cross Compare?
While Southern Cross offers solid coverage, specialist trauma insurers may provide better value and more comprehensive options:
For Higher Coverage Needs
AIA or Partners Life offer coverage up to $2M+ with more comprehensive condition lists.
- • Coverage up to $2,000,000+
- • 45+ conditions covered
- • More customization options
For Better Value
Fidelity Life or Asteron may offer lower premiums for equivalent coverage amounts.
- • Potentially 10-20% lower premiums
- • Flexible coverage amounts
- • Annual payment discounts
Bottom Line: Southern Cross is excellent if you're already a health insurance member and need moderate coverage. For higher amounts or lowest cost, compare with specialist trauma insurers.
Compare Southern Cross with All Providers
See how Southern Cross stacks up against AIA, Partners Life, Fidelity and others. Get quotes in minutes.
Compare All ProvidersFinal Verdict
4.0/5 - Solid Choice for Members
Good option but coverage limitations exist
Southern Cross critical illness insurance is a reliable choice, particularly for existing health insurance members who can benefit from integration and discounts. However, the $300,000 coverage cap and higher premiums compared to specialists mean it's not suitable for everyone.
Our Recommendation: Ideal for Southern Cross health insurance members needing up to $300,000 coverage. For higher amounts or lowest cost, compare quotes from AIA, Partners Life, and Fidelity Life.