Wednesday 17th of December 2003

Southern Cross is hoping that its new health insurance product will help to moderate over-indulgence this Christmas and spur others into action when making their new year's resolutions. Called the Wellbeing Plan, the new health insurance policy will reward new members who declare that they adhere to a healthy lifestyle. Southern Cross Group Chief Executive, Ian McPherson, said new members who sign up for the Wellbeing Plan are required to answer four healthy lifestyle-related questions. "These cover the eating of five or more servings of fruit and vegetables a day, levels of physical activity, alcohol consumption and non-smoking," Dr McPherson said. "Anyone answering yes to three of the four questions will immediately receive a healthy lifestyle reward which will see them pay 10 per cent less in annual premiums than they would otherwise pay. The reward will run for up to the first two years of the policy. People may earn a low claims discount after this time if they have low claims." Southern Cross Group Chief Executive, Ian McPherson, said the Wellbeing Plan is flexible and in tune with today's health needs and the wishes of thousands of potential members that that organisation has surveyed. "The healthy lifestyle reward and modules available under the Wellbeing Plan, offer encouragement to people to be more proactive about following a healthy lifestyle and looking after their health and wellbeing," he said. Sport and Recreation New Zealand were among a number of health-related organisations Southern Cross consulted with prior to the launch of the product. SPARC general manager, Deb Hurdle, said any move to encourage people to consider whether or not they take up 30 minutes a day of physical activity would be a step in the right direction. The Wellbeing Plan is presented in a simple modular format comprising Wellbeing One, Wellbeing Two and up to three modules. Wellbeing One offers a safety net to access private surgery when members need it. Policy holders have the additional option of being able to purchase Module A which includes a range of popular preventative, allied and natural healthcare services. It includes an annual health check with a GP, weight management consultations with dieticians, acupuncture, osteopathy and chiropractic, homeopathy and naturopathy consultations. "This is our preventative module that encourages and assists people to stay healthy," Dr McPherson said. "Wellbeing Two provides the surgical safety net from Wellbeing One plus other health insurance services including diagnostics and consultations which are not linked to surgery, and medical and psychiatric hospitalisation." Two further optional modules for day-to-day healthcare services can also be selected when purchasing Wellbeing Two. Depending on the modules chosen, these can include annual health checks, weight management consultations, dental treatment and prescription glasses or lenses. Dr McPherson said the launch of the Wellbeing Plan would inject new vitality into Southern Cross' product range and signal to the market that the organisation is committed to leading the way in the area of new product innovation. The Wellbeing Plan will be available to new members from Wednesday 17 December 2003.