Southern Cross Easy-Claim: How It Works at 1 Health Wigram
If you're a Southern Cross member visiting 1 Health in Wigram, Christchurch, you've likely heard about Easy-Claim — a convenient way to streamline your healthcare payments without the hassle of paperwork or waiting for reimbursements. This digital claiming system is designed to make your GP visits, dental appointments, and other healthcare services as seamless as possible, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: your health and wellbeing.[87][88]
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through exactly how Southern Cross Easy-Claim works at 1 Health Wigram, explain the benefits for patients, and answer common questions about the process.
What Is Southern Cross Easy-Claim?
Southern Cross Easy-Claim is an electronic claiming system that allows members to submit insurance claims at the point of service — meaning right when you're at your appointment. Instead of paying the full consultation fee upfront and then waiting days or weeks for reimbursement, Easy-Claim processes your claim in real-time, and you only pay the difference between what your insurance covers and the total cost.[88][89][90][87]
This cashless, paperless system has been adopted by thousands of healthcare providers across New Zealand, including general practices, pharmacies, optometrists, dental clinics, physiotherapists, and more. At 1 Health Wigram, we're proud to offer this service across both our medical and dental practices to make your healthcare experience more convenient and accessible.[90][87]
The Traditional Claiming Process vs Easy-Claim
Traditional Method:
· Pay the full consultation fee upfront
· Complete a paper claim form with details and receipts
· Submit the claim to Southern Cross via post, online, or mobile app
· Wait an average of 7 working days for processing and reimbursement[91][92]
Easy-Claim Method:
· Present your Southern Cross Member card or digital card via the app
· Our reception team processes the claim electronically in seconds
· Southern Cross approves the claim instantly (in most cases)
· You only pay any remaining balance not covered by your policy
· No forms, no waiting, no reimbursement delays[89][87][88]
How Easy-Claim Works at 1 Health Wigram
Using Easy-Claim at our Wigram clinic is straightforward and takes just a few simple steps:
Schedule your appointment at 1 Health Wigram for any of our medical or dental services — whether it's a routine GP consultation, skin check, dental check-up, or dental treatment. You can book online through our website, call our reception team at 03 662 9309, or drop by our clinic at 1 Henry Wigram Drive.[93][94]
Step 2: Bring Your Membership Details
When you arrive for your appointment, make sure you have your Southern Cross membership information ready. You can present:
· Your physical Southern Cross Member card
· The digital Member card through the My Southern Cross mobile app[89]
· Your membership number if you don't have your card with you
Members aged 16 and over can use Easy-Claim for themselves and anyone else named on their policy.[95][89]
Step 3: Inform Our Reception Team
Let our friendly reception staff know at check-in that you're a Southern Cross member and would like to use Easy-Claim. Our team will verify your membership details and check your eligibility for the service you're receiving.[87]
Step 4: Instant Claim Processing
Our administrative team submits your claim electronically to Southern Cross through the Easy-Claim system. Within seconds, the system confirms whether your claim is approved and how much of the cost is covered by your policy.[90][87]
This real-time processing is one of the biggest advantages of Easy-Claim — you'll know immediately what you owe, with complete transparency about your coverage.
Step 5: Pay Only the Difference
If your Southern Cross policy covers the full cost of your consultation or treatment, you won't need to pay anything at all. If there's a gap between what your policy covers and the total fee, you simply pay the remaining balance at the time of service.[88][89]
Southern Cross pays 1 Health directly via electronic direct debit, typically within two days of your appointment. This means no invoices to chase, no claim forms to complete, and no waiting weeks for reimbursement cheques to arrive in the mail.[87]
What Services Can You Claim Through Easy-Claim at 1 Health?
At 1 Health Wigram, Easy-Claim can be used for a wide range of healthcare services across both our medical and dental practices, subject to your individual policy coverage:
· Standard GP consultations
· Extended appointments when needed
· Skin checks and minor surgical procedures
· Travel vaccinations (excluding Yellow Fever)
· Driver's licence medicals
· After-hours and weekend consultations[93]
Dental Services at 1 Health Dental
At 1 Health Wigram, we're proud to offer comprehensive dental care alongside our GP services, and Southern Cross Easy-Claim is available for dental treatments as well. Our dental services include:[93]
· Routine dental check-ups and examinations
· Emergency dental care
· Preventative treatments including cleaning and fluoride applications
· Restorative dental work such as fillings and crowns (coverage varies by policy)
· Digital dentistry with cutting-edge intra-oral scanning technology[93]
· No-pressure dental care — we only recommend treatments you actually need[93]
Having both medical and dental services under one roof with Easy-Claim capability means you can manage all your family's healthcare needs conveniently in one location, with simplified claiming for both types of appointments.
While 1 Health primarily offers GP and dental care, Southern Cross Easy-Claim is also accepted at participating providers for physiotherapy, chiropractic care, optometry, podiatry, remedial massage, clinical psychology, and more.[90][87]
Important Note: Not all services are covered under every Southern Cross policy, and some services may require you to use an Affiliated Provider for coverage. Dental coverage in particular varies significantly between policy types, so always check your policy details or contact Southern Cross directly if you're unsure whether a specific service is covered.[96][97]
Benefits of Easy-Claim for 1 Health Patients
The most obvious benefit is convenience. Easy-Claim eliminates the administrative burden of traditional insurance claiming. There are no forms to fill out, no receipts to keep track of, and no claim submissions to manage. The entire process happens seamlessly in the background while you're at your appointment — whether that's a GP visit or a dental check-up.[89][87]
With traditional claiming, you need to pay the full consultation fee upfront and wait for reimbursement. This can be challenging if you have multiple family members needing appointments or if you're on a tight budget. Easy-Claim means you only pay what your insurance doesn't cover, reducing your immediate out-of-pocket expenses. This is particularly beneficial for dental treatments, which can sometimes involve higher costs.[88][90]
On average, Southern Cross processes standard claims within 7 working days. With Easy-Claim, there's no waiting period — the claim is processed instantly, and payment is arranged between Southern Cross and 1 Health directly.[92][91][87]
You'll know exactly what you're covered for and what you need to pay before you leave the clinic. This transparency helps you make informed decisions about your healthcare and budget accordingly. This is especially valuable for dental work, where treatment costs can vary.[88][90]
By making healthcare more financially accessible at the point of service, Easy-Claim encourages Southern Cross members to seek medical and dental attention when they need it rather than delaying care due to upfront cost concerns.[90]
Integrated Medical and Dental Care
At 1 Health Wigram, you can access both GP services and comprehensive dental care with Easy-Claim available for both. This integrated approach means one membership card, one claiming process, and one trusted healthcare provider for your family's complete health needs.
To use Southern Cross Easy-Claim at 1 Health Wigram, you need to:
1. Be a Southern Cross Health Society member with an active policy that includes day-to-day healthcare benefits[98][89]
2. Be aged 16 or over to use Easy-Claim yourself (though parents/guardians can claim for younger family members on their policy)[95]
3. Have your Member card or membership number available at the time of service[89]
4. Ensure the service you're receiving is covered under your specific policy benefits[97]
Some services may require prior approval from Southern Cross or may only be covered when provided by an Affiliated Provider or a General Practitioner with an Easy-Claim agreement. Our team at 1 Health will help you navigate these requirements for both medical and dental services.[96][97]
Common Questions About Easy-Claim
What if my claim isn't approved at the time of service?
If your Easy-Claim isn't approved instantly (which can happen if you've reached your annual benefit limit, don't have coverage for that particular service, or there's an issue with your policy), you'll need to pay the full fee at the time of appointment. You can then submit a traditional claim through the My Southern Cross app or online portal to see if you're eligible for any reimbursement.[99][100][88
Do I still need to keep receipts?
No, that's one of the best parts of Easy-Claim! Because the claim is processed electronically and payment goes directly from Southern Cross to 1 Health, you don't need to keep receipts for Easy-Claim transactions. However, if you're claiming for services outside of Easy-Claim, you'll still need itemised receipts showing the date of service, provider name, and patient name.[91][87][89]
Can I use Easy-Claim for my family members?
Yes, if you're the policyholder and your family members are covered under your Southern Cross policy, you can use Easy-Claim for their appointments. This applies to both GP visits and dental appointments at 1 Health. Any member over 16 can also use their Member card to claim for eligible services themselves.[95][89]
Does my policy cover dental services?
Dental coverage varies significantly between Southern Cross policies. Some policies include comprehensive dental benefits, while others may have limited or no dental coverage. Check your policy documents or contact Southern Cross directly to understand what dental services are covered under your specific plan. Our reception team can also help verify your dental coverage when you book your appointment.[97]
What happens if I don't have my Member card?
If you've forgotten your physical card, you can use the My Southern Cross mobile app as a virtual Member card. Alternatively, if you know your membership number, our reception team may be able to process the claim using that information. If you've lost your card, you can request a replacement through Southern Cross.[89]
Does Easy-Claim work for after-hours and weekend appointments?
Yes! At 1 Health Wigram, we're open 7 days a week for medical services, and Easy-Claim is available whenever we're open. Please note that after-hours consultations may incur an additional surcharge, but you can still use Easy-Claim for the portion covered by your Southern Cross policy.[93]
How long does payment take to reach 1 Health?
Southern Cross typically processes Easy-Claim payments via direct debit within two days of the claim being submitted. This is much faster than traditional claiming methods and helps healthcare providers manage their cash flow more efficiently.[87]
Why 1 Health Wigram Partners with Southern Cross
At 1 Health, we're committed to making healthcare accessible, affordable, and straightforward for all our patients in the Wigram and Hornby communities. Partnering with Southern Cross to offer Easy-Claim across both our medical and dental practices is part of that commitment.[93]
Our approach includes:
· Same doctor continuity — see the same GP for up to a week for better continuity of care[93]
· No pressure, honest advice — we recommend only the care you actually need, whether medical or dental[93]
· 7-day availability — including weekend and after-hours appointments with minimal wait times[93]
· Modern facilities — including cutting-edge digital dentistry with intra-oral scanning[93]
· Comprehensive services — from routine check-ups to skin checks, travel vaccinations, minor procedures, and full dental care[93]
· Integrated care model — medical and dental services under one roof with unified Easy-Claim processing
By offering Easy-Claim for both GP and dental services, we're removing financial and administrative barriers that might otherwise prevent you from seeking timely care. Our goal is for you to walk out of 1 Health feeling better, not stressed about paperwork or waiting for insurance refunds.
How to Make the Most of Your Southern Cross Membership
If you have Southern Cross health insurance, here are some tips to maximise your benefits:
Take time to understand what services are covered under your specific policy, what your annual benefit limits are, and whether there are any exclusions or waiting periods. This is particularly important for dental services, as coverage can vary widely between policies. You can check this information in the My Southern Cross app or by calling their customer service team.[98][97]
Use Day-to-Day Benefits Early in the Year
Many Southern Cross policies have annual benefit caps for day-to-day services like GP visits and dental care. If you have health needs you've been putting off, consider scheduling them early in your policy year to ensure you have sufficient benefits remaining.
Schedule Regular Preventative Care
Many policies cover preventative services like routine GP check-ups and dental examinations at higher rates than treatment services. Regular preventative care can help you catch issues early and make the most of your insurance benefits.
Whenever possible, visit healthcare providers like 1 Health that offer Easy-Claim for both medical and dental services. The convenience and immediate processing make managing your healthcare much simpler.[90]
Keep Your Membership Details Updated
Make sure Southern Cross has your current contact information, banking details (for any traditional claims), and that your membership card information is correct.[89]
Download the My Southern Cross App
The mobile app gives you access to your digital Member card, allows you to submit claims for non-Easy-Claim services, check your benefit balances, and book online GP consultations with CareHQ.[100][101][89]
Beyond Easy-Claim: Other Ways 1 Health Supports Your Healthcare Journey
While Easy-Claim makes the payment process easier, we offer many other benefits to our enrolled patients:
1 Health Club Membership Benefits:
· Extended GP appointments when you need more time
· After-hours access 7 days a week
· Preferential rates with trusted local partners including physiotherapists, gyms, optometrists, audiologists, and more
· No-pressure dental care — only the treatments you actually need
· Continuity of care across our medical and dental teams[93]
We believe healthcare should be a partnership between you and your providers, built on trust, transparency, and convenience. Whether you're a Southern Cross member using Easy-Claim or a non-insured patient, you'll receive the same high-quality, compassionate care from our experienced medical and dental teams.
Getting Started with Easy-Claim at 1 Health Wigram
Ready to experience the convenience of Southern Cross Easy-Claim at your next medical or dental appointment?
Here's how to get started:
1. Check your Southern Cross policy to confirm you have day-to-day healthcare benefits and understand your dental coverage
2. Locate your Member card or download the My Southern Cross app for digital access
3. Book an appointment with 1 Health Wigram online at www.1health.nz/contact, by calling 03 662 9309, or by visiting us at 1 Henry Wigram Drive, Wigram, Christchurch[94][93]
4. Inform our reception team that you're a Southern Cross member when you check in for your medical or dental appointment
5. Enjoy hassle-free healthcare with instant claim processing
Our friendly team is always happy to answer questions about Easy-Claim, explain your coverage, or help you navigate the process for both medical and dental services. We're here to make your healthcare experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Southern Cross Easy-Claim represents a significant step forward in making healthcare more accessible and convenient for New Zealanders. By eliminating paperwork, reducing upfront costs, and processing claims in real-time, it removes many of the frustrations traditionally associated with health insurance.[87][90]
At 1 Health Wigram, we're proud to offer this service across both our medical and dental practices to our patients alongside our commitment to same-doctor continuity, extended hours, and honest, patient-centred care. Whether you're visiting us for a routine GP check-up, a skin concern, travel vaccinations, a dental examination, or restorative dental treatment, Easy-Claim ensures that managing your insurance is the least of your worries.[93]
Healthcare should be about healing, prevention, and wellbeing — not administrative hassles. With Southern Cross Easy-Claim at 1 Health Wigram's medical and dental practices, it can be.
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information about Southern Cross Easy-Claim and how it works at 1 Health Wigram. Coverage varies depending on individual Southern Cross policies, and not all services or treatments may be covered under your specific plan. Dental coverage in particular varies significantly between policy types. Easy-Claim eligibility and approval are determined by Southern Cross Health Society based on your policy terms and conditions. Please check your policy details or contact Southern Cross directly on 0800 800 181 to confirm your coverage before your appointment. The information in this blog should not be considered financial or insurance advice. Always seek professional advice from your insurance provider regarding your specific policy benefits and claiming processes.
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This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Every person’s health situation is different. For personalised guidance or diagnosis, please consult a qualified clinician.
