Comparison Tool To Simplify Health Insurance Choice

News release
27 September 2012

Comparison Tool To Simplify Health Insurance Choice

With six plans and 14 variations to choose from when purchasing a policy, New Zealand’s largest health insurer Southern Cross Health Society has launched a new online tool - ‘plan finder’ - to help people find a policy that best fits their future needs and budget.

The new tool takes the guesswork out of choosing health insurance cover by recommending suitable Southern Cross policies based on individual requirements. After answering a series of simple questions, the tool allows users to compare alternative policies and prices, and apply instantly for a policy online.

Southern Cross Health Society Chief Operating Officer – Marketing and Distribution Lars Bojsen-Moller said, “A large number of New Zealanders are very comfortable with doing their own research over the internet, and are looking for robust, accurate information to make informed purchasing decisions. This tool makes this research quick, easy and convenient.”

Bojsen-Moller said accessing information and services online was the preferred communication channel for a number of Southern Cross’ 820,000 current members as well as prospective members.

Last year, the Society introduced ‘My Southern Cross’, a member portal on the Southern Cross website which provides policyholders with a secure online space to manage their health insurance and store documents related to their policy.

Over 23,000 members have registered to use My Southern Cross in the last 12 months.

The portal enables policyholders to view their policy details, check the status of claims and annual claiming limits, and change their contact details online. Policyholders can also choose to “switch off” receiving certain paper-based communications by mail, and instead receive these through the portal. They can also receive text or email notification when a claim has been received and assessed, and when documents have been issued.

Southern Cross members are active users of the Southern Cross website for information about claiming, prior approval for surgery, and information related to their policy. The website receives around 140,000 visits a month.

Bojsen-Moller said, “As a Friendly Society, any automation we can do ultimately has benefits for members, as it helps to make our business operations more efficient. Southern Cross has over 800,000 members – even reducing a small percentage of postal mail volume or calls through our contact centre has the potential to create significant savings.”

ENDS

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