Southern Cross Health Society Group annual results reflect steep increase in demand for private healthcare

Nick Astwick, Chief Executive for Southern Cross Health Society says more people are prioritising their healthcare which is driving more demand into the private healthcare sector.

“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%,” he said.

“We’re also continuing to grow, welcoming more than 15,000 net new members to Society over the year taking us to 955,301 members, our highest membership since 1992.”

Astwick says the surge in claims has contributed to a Society Group deficit of $88 million. This follows a combined surplus of $73.6 million in the prior two financial years.