Chatswood serves the life and health insurance sector in New Zealand with market intelligence, data, and bespoke consulting services. Some of these are provided in conjunction with Quality Product Research Limited - a subsidiary that brings you Quotemonster.

We believe that good decisions are more likely to occur when we have good information about the market environment in which we operate. Intuitive leaps and creative decisions are always required, of course, but the more they are based on a firm foundation of observation, the better they tend to be.

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Fidelity Life announce incoming Board Chair

Fidelity Life has announced that Scott Pickering will take up the reins as chair of its Board of Directors, effective 1 January 2025.

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Southern Cross Health Society Group annual results released

Southern Medical Care Society Group has shared their annual results for the year ended 30 June 2024.

Southern Medical Care Society Group has shared their annual results for the year ended 30 June 2024. By the numbers:

  • Group deficit of $88.2 million after tax. $43.1 million of the deficit is attributable to a change in international financial reporting standards introduced this financial year. The balance of the deficit is driven by higher claims costs from a high inflationary environment combined with high member demand for private health services, particularly in the second half of the financial year.

  • Group reserves of $470.7 million.

  • Claims paid at a rate of $6 million per business day (up from $5.2 million in FY23).

  • 15,196 net new members, with total membership now at 955,301.

  • This represents 60% of the New Zealand health insurance market by customer numbers but 71% per cent of the value of all health insurance claims paid.

  • 99% of claims were submitted electronically.

Southern Cross Health Insurance

  • Reported a deficit of $99.1 million.

  • Paid $1.498 billion in claims from $1.605 billion received in premiums.

  • Claims costs increased 15% on FY23 (up 13.9% when adjusted for member growth).

  • Premiums increased 9% on FY23 (up 6.6% when adjusted for member growth).

  • 93.4 cents paid in claims from every dollar received in premiums (compared to an industry average excluding Southern Cross) of 73 cents.

  • Operating costs grew by 4%, less than inflation.

  • 3.2 million claims in FY24

  • 50% of members claimed over the financial year.

  • 39,326 virtual GP consultations with Care HQ.

  • 4,635 annual health check-ups with MedPro.

  • 4,016 online mental health sessions with Raise.

  • Net promoter score of 53.7%.

 Nick Astwick, Chief Executive for Southern Cross Health Society said

“We have never been in more demand by our members as they prioritise their health needs, largely in the private system. In 2019 33% of our membership claimed, last year it was 50%.”

“The cost of claims in 2024 was steep and rapid, driven by a combination of price, volume, and the mix of claims. The growth in the volume of claims results from an increase in the number of members claiming, the frequency, and claims being made for more expensive procedures.”

 

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