Southern Cross launches gender-inclusive application

Southern Cross is giving customers more options when they are asked their biological sex and gender when applying for health insurance.

Thursday, January 18th 2018, 12:13PM 1 Comment

The health society said, to offer cover under some of its policies, it needed to know the biological make-up of an applicant, or their biological sex.

But this could be a problem for people who had had gender reassignment surgery or were intersex.

Now, when it asks whether an applicant is male or female, it says: “In most cases biological sex is that assigned at birth however if you are intersex or have had surgical gender reassignment please go to southerncross.co.nz/inclusive for support to help you answer this question.

“To help us build better relationships, based on understanding and respect, you have the option to advise us of the gender you identify with. We understand that your biological sex may be different to your gender identity.”

Chief executive Nick Astwick said: “Southern Cross Health Society’s vision is to create a healthier society — I believe diversity and equality are core to this.”

The insurer has been given the Rainbow Tick, which is awarded to organisations that have shown they are a safe, welcoming and inclusive place for people of all gender identities and sexual orientations.

“We established a Diversity and Inclusion forum in September 2016, made up of employees from across the business at all levels. Achieving Rainbow Tick accreditation and all it represents for our staff was the first priority for the group so I’m extremely proud that we have achieved this today,” Astwick said.

Rainbow Tick Programme Director Michael Stevens says he was impressed with how Southern Cross Health Society’s internal values and culture aligned with the ethos of the Rainbow Tick.

“Southern Cross Health Society truly encourages employees to bring their whole self to work, fostering an open and diverse workplace.”

Tags: Southern Cross