The difference between SouthernCross Wellbeing One vs. Wellbeing Two
- By Willi Olsen
- Updated 5 March 2023
Answer
Wellbeing One differs from Wellbeing Two in that it pays for specialist consultations, diagnostic imaging, and testing if they are performed within six months following surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
Wellbeing Two, on the other hand, has the same advantages as Wellbeing One but does not have a six-month time limit.
Wellbeing One vs. Wellbeing Two
Wellbeing One and Wellbeing Two are Southern Cross’s two most popular health insurance plans because they accommodate a wide range of needs, from major medical surgery to routine checkups and peace of mind. Unfortunately, pre-existing conditions are not covered.
What’s covered by Southern Cross’ Wellbeing One policy?
- Chemotherapy or unlimited radiotherapy
- Unlimited Surgical treatment
- Specialist consultations
- Diagnostic imaging and tests within six months of related eligible surgical treatment.
What is the 6 months rule?

What’s covered by Southern Cross’ Wellbeing Two policy?
Wellbeing Two is a popular broad surgical and healthcare plan by Southern Cross, and the policy will reimburse 100% of expenses, up to the specified policy limit, for eligible healthcare services.
The six months rule does not apply.
Specialist consultations, diagnostic imaging, and tests are covered within the policy limits whether or not you undergo surgical treatment, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy.
- Chemotherapy or unlimited radiotherapy
- Unlimited Surgical treatment
- Specialist consultations
- Diagnostic imaging and tests.
- Obstetrics allowance available after one year of continuous cover
What’s the difference?
Wellbeing Two provides the same cover as Wellbeing One but covers Specialist consultations, diagnostic imaging and tests whether or not you undergo surgical treatment, chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
The Obstetrics benefit of $750 per claims year is available after one year of continuous cover.
How does excess on Wellbeing One and Wellbeing Two work?
Excess on Wellbeing One and Two is paid once every policy year, no matter how many times you claim. Therefore, the excess applies to each person on your policy once per claims year.
Which Wellbeing One and Two benefits does the excess apply to?
- Surgical treatment
- Surgical allowances
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
- Recovery
- Psychiatric hospitalisation
- Obstetrics allowance (Wellbeing Two only)
Your excess does not apply to any other benefits. Please see your policy document for full terms and conditions
Who is Southern Cross Health Insurance?
New Zealand’s largest health insurer, Southern Cross Health Insurance, is wholly owned by the non-profit Southern Cross Medical Care Society and covers a wide range of health insurance plans from Surgery and Specialists, Cancer care, Diagnostic imaging and tests.
FAQ's
What is excess?
An excess is an amount you will need to pay before SouthernCross will reimburse you or pay your health services provider for the eligible healthcare service you have received. You will pay the excess amount directly to your health services provider. The higher the excess amount, the lower your premiums will be.
Which excess options?
The Wellbeing annual excess is available on the Wellbeing One and Wellbeing Two plans. You can choose the level of excess:
- $500,
- $1,000,
- $2,000 or
- $4,000.
How does the excess apply?
The excess applies to each person on your policy once per claims year. So, if there are three members on your policy, all three will need to pay the excess each claims year before being reimbursed for any eligible healthcare services they receive. Once the full amount of each member’s excess has been applied, no excess will apply to any further claims by that member in that particular claims year.
What is a claims year?
Your claims year is the 12 months following your policy start date and every 12 months from your policy anniversary date. You can check this date in “My Southern Cross” and your Membership Certificate.
The claims year that applies to a particular claim is based on the date you received the healthcare service, not when you send Southern Cross your claim or when Southern Cross pay your health services provider.
At the beginning of each member’s new claims year, their excess will be reset to its original, full value.