Southern Cross Wellbeing One vs nib Premier Business Health: Which is better?
- By Willi Olsen
- Updated
Southern Cross Wellbeing One vs nib Premier Business Health: Both offer similar group health insurance benefits, but NIB Premier Health stands out.
nib Premier Business Health covers diagnostic imaging without the 6-month or related surgery limits seen in Wellbeing One. Plus, cancer treatment coverage is higher — up to $200,000 for chemotherapy with nib, compared to $60,000 with Southern Cross’s Wellbeing One. However, this added value usually comes with a slightly higher premium.
Southern Cross and nib New Zealand offer group medical insurance with different limits and personalisation options
nib Premier Health provides coverage for diagnostic imaging without imposing a six-month waiting period or requiring related surgical treatment, unlike Southern Cross Wellbeing One.
Southern Cross requires 15 staff, while nib only needs 5 to cover pre-existing conditions.
Southern Cross Wellbeing One vs nib Premier Business Health: Quick Benefit Comparison
The table below compares key benefits of Southern Cross Wellbeing One and nib Premier Health to help you quickly understand which health insurance plan may better suit your needs.
| Benefit | Southern Cross Wellbeing One | nib Premier Health Business |
|---|---|---|
| Surgical Hospitalisation Cover | Unlimited*1 | $300,000*1 |
| Cancer Treatment | $60,000*2 | $200,000*2 |
| Non-Pharmac Cancer Treatment | $10,000*3 Option to increase to $300,000 |
$20,000*3 Option to increase to $300,000 |
| Major Diagnostics | $60,000*4 6 months time limit of eligible surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy |
$300,000*4 No surgery or time limit required |
| Specialist Consultations | $5,000*5 6 months time limit |
$60,000*5 (add-on benefit) |
| GP Surgery Benefit | $1,000 | $750 |
| Funeral Support | Not included | $3,000 |
| Add-on Options | 4 add-on options*6 | 6 add-on options*6 |
*1 Annual maximum benefit limit for surgical procedures.
*2 Annual maximum for cancer treatment coverage.
*3 Annual maximum for non-Pharmac subsidized cancer medications.
*4 Annual maximum for diagnostic procedures such as MRIs, CT scans, and PET scans.
*5 Annual maximum for specialist consultation fees.
*6 Optional add-on benefits that can be purchased at additional cost.
Southern Cross Wellbeing One Pros and Cons
Pros
- With 15+ staff, Southern Cross covers pre-existing conditions for employees and paying family members.
- GP Surgery Benefit
- Online app and portal
Cons
- Users describe poor mobile app experience
NIB Premier Health Pros and Cons
Pros
- With 5+ staff, nib new Zealand covers pre-existing conditions for employees and paying family members.
- Major Diagnostics: No surgery or time limit required—e.g. MRI covered even without surgery.
- Online app and portal
Cons
- Users describe poor mobile app experience
nib vs. Southern Cross’s: In-Network Providers
nib First Choice Network
You can see any qualified healthcare provider across New Zealand with nib Premier Health. Whether it’s a GP, specialist, or hospital, the choice is yours.
For full cover on eligible specialists or hospital costs, we recommend choosing a provider in nib’s First Choice network. When you see a First Choice provider, nib generally covers 100% of your approved costs, up to your benefit limits and policy terms.
If your chosen provider isn’t in the First Choice network, nib still contributes toward the cost – but you may need to pay the difference between what your provider charges and nib’s efficient market price for that treatment. This is known as a gap payment.
To check if your specialist or hospital is in the First Choice network, visit nib’s Find a Provider directory.
nib First Choice Network Cost Comparison
Example: Hernia Surgery (Efficient Market Price = $6,000
| Cost Component | First Choice Provider | Non-Network Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Provider's Charge | $7,000 | $8,000 |
| Efficient Market Price (EMP) | N/A | $6,000 |
| Policy Excess | $500 | $500 |
| nib Pays | $6,500 | $5,500 |
| Client Pays | $500 | $2,500 |
Key points:
- With a First Choice provider, the client only pays their policy excess.
- With a non-network provider, the client pays:
- Their policy excess ($500)
- The gap between the provider’s charge and the EMP ($2,000)
Total additional cost to the client for using a non-network provider: $2,000
What Are Affiliated Providers and Easy-Claim Partners from Southern Cross?
If you’re on the Southern Cross Wellbeing One Group Medical Plan, understanding the difference between Affiliated Providers and Easy-Claim partners can help you manage your health cover more efficiently.
Affiliated Providers are doctors, specialists, or medical facilities that have agreed to deliver certain services at pre-approved prices. When you see an Affiliated Provider, they handle approvals and submit claims directly to Southern Cross. You’ll know upfront what’s covered and what—if anything—you’ll need to pay. In some cases, using an Affiliated Provider is required for your treatment to be eligible under your policy.
To find one, use the Southern Cross Healthcare Finder.
https://healthcarefinder.southerncross.co.nz/
Easy-Claim partners are everyday healthcare providers like GPs, dentists, pharmacies, optometrists, and physiotherapists. With Easy-Claim, you simply show your Member card or use the app, and the provider processes your claim at the time of your appointment. If your treatment is fully covered, you won’t need to pay anything. If not, you’ll only pay the difference.
Choosing Affiliated Providers and Easy-Claim partners helps make your experience smoother, with less paperwork and fewer surprise costs.
Southern Cross History
Southern Cross has been a trusted part of New Zealand’s healthcare landscape since 1961, when it introduced private health insurance to give Kiwis better access to non-public medical treatment. Founded as a not-for-profit, its mission has always been to make private healthcare more available and affordable for everyday New Zealanders.
Over time, Southern Cross has grown into a group of health-focused businesses offering services across health insurance, private hospitals, travel insurance, pet insurance, and life cover. Today, it supports the well-being of over one million New Zealanders.
Southern Cross offers group medical insurance tailored for workplaces, giving employees faster access to private healthcare and encouraging proactive treatment. For employers, it’s a valuable benefit that boosts staff morale, retention, and loyalty — helping attract and keep top talent while reducing absenteeism. In short, group health insurance supports well-being, productivity, and satisfaction on both sides.
Among its core offerings are two key plans: Wellbeing One and Wellbeing Two. Both plans include essential health benefits such as surgical cover, diagnostic imaging, and specialist consultations. While Wellbeing One covers the basics, Wellbeing Two extends the value with higher benefit limits and broader coverage—making it ideal for employers wanting more comprehensive protection for their team.
nib New Zealand History
nib New Zealand is part of the nib Group, one of Australasia’s leading health insurers. Established in Australia in 1952 to provide health cover for BHP Newcastle Steelworks employees, nib has grown into a multinational provider with a strong focus on private healthcare access.
In 2012, nib entered the New Zealand market by acquiring TOWER Medical Insurance, a respected local insurer. The integration of OnePath’s medical portfolio shortly after strengthened nib’s regional operational foundation. In 2022, nib expanded further by acquiring Kiwi Insurance Limited from KiwiBank—reinforcing its long-term commitment to the New Zealand market.
Today, nib NZ delivers tailored health insurance plans for individuals, families, and businesses across Aotearoa.
Its flagship workplace medical insurance policy is Premier Business Health, which offers wide-ranging cover for hospitalisation, surgery, specialist consultations, diagnostics, dental, optical, and more.
For day-to-day healthcare needs, nib’s Everyday cover supports Kiwis with out-of-pocket costs such as GP visits, dental care, prescriptions, and physiotherapy, bridging the gap between public care and private well-being.
Group Medical Insurance: A Decision Guide for Employers
With LifeCovered as your broker, you’re not doing this alone.
Choosing the right health cover for your team can feel overwhelming — but with LifeCovered by your side, we’ll help you compare the best options and make an informed decision that works for your business and your people.
What are our goals for offering health insurance?
- Are we trying to attract or retain staff?
- Do we want to reduce absenteeism or support mental and physical well-being?
- Is it part of a wider employee benefits strategy?
Tip: Clarifying your “why” helps you choose the right level of cover and insurer.
What level of cover do our employees need - and can we afford it?
- Do we want basic cover or more comprehensive benefits like diagnostics, specialist visits, and surgery?
- Is cancer care or mental health support important?
- What’s our budget per employee?
Tip: Balance cost with value – look at benefits that matter most to your people.
Do we qualify for group coverage with pre-existing condition benefits?
- How many employees do we have?
- nib: Covers pre-existing conditions with just 5 employees.
- Southern Cross: Requires 15 or more employees for full pre-existing condition cover.
- Can family members join and pay for their own cover?
Tip: Know your headcount and how it impacts eligibility and pricing.
Can employees personalise their cover?
- Can they add family members?
- Are there options to increase cover or adjust excesses?
- Is flexibility built into the plan?
Tip: We’ll show you which plans allow staff to add family members, choose their excess, and select optional extras, because flexibility matters.
How easy will it be to manage and support our staff through the plan?
From onboarding to claims, we guarantee a seamless experience. LifeCovered is your dedicated advisor—supporting you not only at sign-up but throughout the entire duration of your policy.
Final Thoughts on Southern Cross Wellbeing One vs nib Premier Business Health
Group medical insurance is more than a benefit – it’s an investment in your people. Take the time to understand your options, ask the right questions, and choose a plan that fits your team, your goals, and your budget.
LifeCovered is compensated through commissions paid by insurance companies when clients purchase policies through our brokerage. These commissions are standard in the insurance industry and are included in the premium you pay, meaning there are no additional costs to you for using our services. Our goal is to provide you with expert, unbiased advice to help you find the best insurance solutions tailored to your needs.
Compare Southern Cross Wellbeing One and nib Premier Business Health plans to find the best group medical insurance for your team.
Book a free 15-minute meeting with Willi to discuss health insurance options.
Looking for staff health insurance?
Need help finding the right cover?
Call 0800 259 925 or book a time we’re here to make insurance simple and stress-free.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general guidance only and does not replace personalised financial advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the content is accurate and relevant, insurance policies, healthcare benefits, provider offerings (including nib, Partners Life, and others), and regulatory settings may change over time. This article may not reflect your circumstances or the latest industry updates. We recommend you speak with a qualified and licensed financial adviser for advice tailored to your situation. LifeCovered is here to help – our advisers are fully licensed and experienced in providing personalised insurance and financial guidance.