Parent Boost Visa Insurance Series: A Guide to Accuro ParentStay Health Insurance, Costs, and What to Expect

Why the Parent Boost Visa Matters

For many families, the Parent Boost Visitor Visa represents far more than a long visit. This is a dream come true. Parents spending extended, meaningful time with their children and grandchildren in New Zealand - time that would not be possible under standard visitor visas.

This new visa from Immigration NZ allows parents to:

• Stay in New Zealand for up to five years, with conditions
• Be present for family milestones and everyday life
• Maintain independence without applying for residence
• Support family while remaining financially self-sufficient

Since Parent Boost visa holders can’t use publicly funded healthcare, Immigration New Zealand requires them to carry comprehensive private health insurance that meets strict minimum standards
UniMed/Accuro ParentStay is one of two New Zealand-based options designed specifically for this visa. If you wish to find out about the other option from Orbit then follow this link.

What Is UniMed/Accuro ParentStay?

ParentStay is a New Zealand-issued health insurance policy, underwritten and administered by UniMed/Accuro. It is purpose-built to meet the mandatory health insurance requirements for the Parent Boost Visitor Visa.

Unlike travel insurance, ParentStay works like a health insurance policy, with defined benefit limits and underwriting at the application stage.

What ParentStay Covers

ParentStay protects against high-cost medical events that could otherwise cause financial devastation.

Core Areas of Cover

• Emergency and non-emergency hospital treatment in New Zealand
• Surgical treatment, including private hospital care
• Cancer treatment, up to visa-required limits
• Hospital medical admissions (non-surgical)
• Major diagnostic imaging (MRI, CT, PET scans)
• Mental health treatment (limited benefit)
• Support person travel and accommodation in certain circumstances

This structure aligns well with Immigration NZ’s requirement that parents can access appropriate treatment without relying on public funding.

What ParentStay Does Not Cover

While ParentStay offers broader healthcare access than travel-style policies, it still has clear exclusions and limits.

Common exclusions include:

• Routine or preventative GP visits
• Dental and optical care
• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Long-term care and rehabilitation
• Dialysis, organ transplants, and chronic renal failure
• Cosmetic and non-medically necessary procedures
• Treatment outside New Zealand

Pre-Existing Conditions: How ParentStay Approaches Risk

ParentStay fully underwrites applicants, so applicants must disclose their complete medical history when applying.

Outcomes may include:

• Cover approved with no exclusions
• Cover approved with specific condition exclusions
• Cover declined due to medical risk

Conditions commonly reviewed closely include:

• Heart disease
• Cancer history
• Diabetes
• Respiratory illness
• Neurological conditions
• Previous major surgery

Impact on the Visa Application

Because health insurance is a mandatory visa requirement, underwriting outcomes can affect visa progression:

• If ParentStay declines coverage, you cannot proceed with that insurer for the visa application.
• If exclusions apply, Immigration NZ may assess whether the policy still meets minimum standards
• Applicants with complex health histories should seek assessment before committing to the visa process

Early disclosure is critical — non-disclosure can void cover and jeopardise visa compliance. If you feel that you fall into this category then please contact me for guidance.

Application Process and Requirements

When to Apply

You must have an Approval in Principle for the Parent Boost Visa from Immigration NZ before applying for ParentStay. You will require insurance and proof of premium payment to complete the visa application process.

What You’ll Need

• Approval In Principal
• Copy of Immigration Medical
• Full medical disclosure/Application
• Intended start date of health insurance

Key Points

• Premiums must be paid upfront
• Insurance must remain valid for the required period
• You must disclose any changes in health to the insurer at renewal.

ParentStay Premium Cost Overview

Age and country of origin determine the premium. The table below provides indicative annual premium ranges for ParentStay policies.

These figures are indicative only and come from the quote system dated 28.12.2025. They are subject to change.

Other Costs to Budget for (Beyond Insurance)

Immigration New Zealand Fees

• Parent Boost Visa application fee: approximately NZD $3,000
• International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy: NZD $100

Health Checks

• Immigration medical examinations at application
• Additional medical check required around year three
• Typical cost range: NZD $250 – $500 per medical (varies by country)
• Further medical investigations can add additional costs.

Travel and Living Costs

• International flights to New Zealand
• Ongoing accommodation and living expenses
• Domestic travel and support costs

Final Thoughts

The Parent Boost Visa creates a valuable pathway for families to stay connected across generations — but it requires careful planning, particularly around health insurance.

UniMed/Accuro ParentStay offers a robust, visa-compliant option for parents who want strong hospital and treatment cover in New Zealand, provided they understand the exclusions, underwriting requirements, and costs involved.

Taking time to assess health history and insurance suitability early can help avoid delays and ensure a smoother visa journey — allowing families to focus on what matters most: time together.

Cover Yours Ltd (FSP769531) and Marc Hamilton (FSP306046) are registered Financial Service Providers and you can search the register here. Marc Hamilton is a member of the FSCL Disputes Resolution Service. Cover Yours Ltd and Marc Hamilton’s disclosures can be found here or by emailing marc@coveryours.co.nz