Parent Boost Visa Insurance Series: What You Need to Know

Imagine your kids growing up waving goodbye to nana or pops over a zoom call - again. They miss those Sunday dinners, the stories from “home,” the shared songs or jokes that only grandparents can dish out. And from the grandparents’ side, there’s that ache: the grandkids are right there on the screen, but the hugs and the physical presence… missing. Enter the new Parent Boost Visitor Visa. Designed to bring families closer, not just in spirit but in actual shared time.

What is it & why was it introduced?

The Parent Boost Visitor Visa enables eligible parents of New Zealand citizens or residents to stay in NZ for up to five years, with a possibility of a second five-year stay (so up to ten years total).
Introduced by Immigration New Zealand and announced in June 2025, with applications opening 29 September 2025. The objective? Strengthen family connections without putting extra pressure on the health and welfare system.

Key Requirements: Quick Overview

Here are the essentials you’ll need to check.

• Must apply from outside New Zealand and be outside NZ when the visa is granted.
• Must be sponsored by an adult child who is a NZ citizen or resident.
• Must meet health and character standards (including medical checks).
• Financial requirement: either sponsor earns the median wage (or higher if joint sponsors) or the parent(s) have sufficient income or sufficient personal funds (e.g., NZ $160,000 for a single parent, NZ$250,000 for a couple) to support themselves.
• It’s a visitor visa only (no path to residence).
• At the three-year point, a health and insurance check is required (parent leaves NZ, completes new medical certificate).

You can read full details and apply here (on the Immigration NZ site): Parent Boost Visitor Visa Immigration New Zealand

Insurance: The Big, and Often Expensive, But Essential, Bit

Here’s where we get serious (and where you’ll want to talk to your adviser—hello!). The insurance requirement is non-negotiable.

The visa conditions require that within three months of approval in principle you provide evidence of acceptable insurance for at least 12 months. The cover must then be maintained for as long as you’re in NZ on the visa.

Minimum amounts:

• Emergency medical care: NZ$250,000 per year
• Cancer treatment: NZ$100,000 per year
• Repatriation: NZ$250,000
• Return of remains: NZ$50,000

Two Kiwi-based insurance providers already tailor their policies to meet these conditions:

1. UniMed (ParentStay Health Plan) — provides emergency medical cover up to NZ$250k/yr, cancer up to NZ$100k/yr, repatriation and return of remains
2. nib New Zealand via their OrbitProtect “Parent Boost Insurance” — first-in-market to align with these exact minimums.

Yes, the visa application process is reasonably straightforward — but budgeting for insurance and making sure it remains in force for the full stay is where many stumble. Call or email for a quote to help with budgeting.

How I can help you (as your broker)

• I’ll assist with the application documentation: you’ll need an offer in principle from Immigration NZ (once they’ve approved your application in principle).
• You must have passed the medical and met all character/health requirements.
• I’ll work with you on the completed application form.
• I’ll work through the insurance quotes, help you understand what premiums might cost (age, health condition, country of origin all impact price).
• I'll help plan the total cost realistically (visa fees + insurance + travel/accommodation etc).

Why it’s worth it

Yes, the premium might sting. Yes, there are health and documentation hoops. But if the outcome is seeing your parents at the school concert, hearing nana use the wrong slang (“jandals!”), being able to share a barbeque with pops by your side — for up to five years (and potentially ten) — that’s a game-changer. The distance, the loneliness of grandparents, the missed momenta and this visa gives you real 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