Parent Boost Visa Health Insurance Series: If You’re Coming from the USA.
This blog looks only at the UniMed/Accuro ParentStay Policy, the Parent Boost Visa Health Insurance. Want to know about the Orbit policy? Click here.
How Does this new visa help US based GrandParents
The Parent Boost Visa from Immigration New Zealand is designed to enable US based parents, like you, to stay near their Kiwi children and grandchildren for up to five years. Assuming they meet the strict requirements, of course. Health insurance is the final piece of the jigsaw for this visa and must include cover for emergency medical care, repatriation, and return of remains. Unimed have a policy specifically designed to meet these requirements.
Check likely health insurance premiums before applying, as they can be expensive and should factor into your overall application costs.. Email me for a personalised quote.
Who This Insurance Covers
ParentStay by UniMed/Accuro is tailored for applicants to the NZ Parent Boost Visitor Visa. It provides structured protection against potentially high New Zealand medical costs from the moment coverage begins and meets Immigration NZ’s minimum insurance requirements.
What the Policy Covers
| Benefit Category | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Care | Up to NZD $250,000 per member per year |
| Cancer Treatment | Up to NZD $100,000 per year |
| Medical Repatriation | Up to NZD $250,000 lifetime |
| Return of Remains | Up to NZD $50,000 lifetime |
| Mental Health Consultations | Up to NZD $1,000 per year |
Levels of cover meet or exceed NZ immigration criteria for Parent Boost Visa Health Insurance.
Premium Breakdown
Unimed/Accuro premiums change with age and country of origin. You must pay the full premium in advance and submit the receipt and policy to immigration before they issue the visa. There is no option for an excess or co-pay to reduce the premium.
| Age | Annual Premium ($NZ) | Annual Premium ($US) |
| 50 | $3,033.60 | $1773.90 |
| 55 | $3,374.16 | $1973.04 |
| 60 | $3,944.64 | $2306.63 |
| 65 | $5,936.64 | $3471.45 |
| 70 | $7,853.04 | $4592.06 |
| 75 | $9,344.64 | $5464.28 |
| 80 | $10,900.20 | $6373.89 |
These figures are based on quotes done on 28.12.25 and are in $NZ. Exchange rate is based on $1 US = $1.71 NZ, correct as of 28.12.25.
Exclusions & Limitations
Typical exclusions include:
- Pre-existing medical conditions not accepted at underwriting
- Elective procedures and routine GP visits
- Long-term care outside acute/urgent treatment
The Insurer may identify personal exclusions during your application and list them on your policy certificate.
Application Requirements
To buy ParentStay:
- Have Approval in Principle for your Parent Boost Visa, or hold the visa at purchase.
- Provide health and personal details for underwriting.
- Meet standard insurance eligibility (acceptable health, no terminal diagnosis, no oxygen dependence, no organ transplant history, etc.).
Pre-Existing Conditions
Applicants with serious existing conditions such as metastatic cancer, organ failure, or full-time assistance needs are typically not eligible for ParentStay. The insurer assesses and underwrites the ParentStay policy based on each individual’s risk.
Other Visa Costs (US Applicants)
| Item | Approximate Cost (NZD) | Approximate Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Parent Boost Visa Fee | $3,000 | ~$1,760 |
| Tourism Levy | $100 | ~$59 |
| Year-3 Health Check | $325 | ~$190 |
Health Checks in the US for NZ Visas
US immigration medicals (INZ panel exam) typically include a physical, blood tests, urine, and chest X-ray; expect to pay around USD $300–$500+ depending on clinic. If doctors identify health issues, they may require follow-up investigations, increasing costs.
Summary
For US parents planning a long stay in New Zealand under the Parent Boost Visa, UniMed/Accuro ParentStay insurance is visa-compliant and structured to mitigate high medical costs — albeit with age-linked premiums that may be significant. Planning ahead for insurance, immigration fees, health checks, and travel costs will be essential to a smooth application with no nasty surprises.
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
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