Parent Boost Visa: A Practical Guide to Orbit Health Insurance, Costs, and What to Expect

Why the Parent Boost Visa Exists

New Zealand introduced the Parent Boost Visitor Visa to let parents spend extended, meaningful time with children and grandchildren living in the country.

Unlike short visitor visas, Parent Boost recognises that families want more than a brief visit — it allows parents to:

• Stay in New Zealand for up to 5 years (in multiple stays)
• Be present for important life moments
• Support family without becoming permanent residents
• Maintain independence while remaining close to loved ones

Since visa holders can’t use publicly funded healthcare, they must carry comprehensive private health insurance for their stay, as Immigration New Zealand requires.

One of the two options is Orbit Parent Boost Visa Health Insurance.

If you want to get a quote then you can have one emailed in 2 miuntes by clicking here.

What Is Orbit Parent Boost Visa Health Insurance?

Orbit designed its Parent Boost policy as travel-style medical insurance to meet Immigration New Zealand’s mandatory requirements for this visa.

It is designed to protect against large, unexpected medical costs, rather than to provide everyday healthcare access.

What the Orbit Parent Boost Policy Covers

At a high level, the policy focuses on acute, medically necessary treatment.

Core Areas of Cover

• Emergency medical treatment for sudden illness or injury
• Hospitalisation and specialist treatment when medically necessary
• Cancer treatment, up to the visa-required limits
• Emergency medical evacuation
• Repatriation to home country if medically required
• Return of remains in the event of death
• Limited cover for prescription medication when linked to a covered medical event

These benefits are designed to ensure visa holders can access urgent care without placing financial pressure on themselves, their family or the New Zealand health system.

What Is Not Covered

Orbit Parent Boost insurance is not comprehensive private health insurance. Common exclusions include:

• Routine or preventative care
• Regular GP visits not connected to an insured event
• Elective or planned surgery
• Ongoing management of chronic conditions
• Non-urgent diagnostics
• Dental, optical, and hearing care (unless emergency-related)
• Rehabilitation or long-term care
• Any treatment that could reasonably be delayed until returning home

This distinction matters: the policy covers unexpected medical events, not routine healthcare. Find full details in the policy wording. To get the document and a quote, contact me.

Pre-Existing Conditions: A Critical Area to Understand

How Orbit Treats Pre-Existing Conditions

Pre-existing medical conditions are a key underwriting consideration.

In general:

• Known or existing conditions are not automatically covered
• Claims arising directly or indirectly from pre-existing conditions are often excluded
• Some applicants may be offered cover with condition-specific exclusions
• Serious or unstable medical histories may result in decline of cover

Examples of conditions that commonly cause issues:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes with complications
• Cancer history
• Respiratory disease
• Neurological conditions
• Recent surgery or hospitalisation

Impact on the Visa Application

Because health insurance is a visa condition, the outcome of insurance underwriting can affect the entire visa process:

• If insurance is declined, the visa application cannot proceed
• If insurance includes specific exclusions, Immigration NZ will assess whether minimum requirements are still met
• Applicants should never assume pre-existing conditions will be covered without written confirmation

We strongly recommend early disclosure and pre-assessment, where possible.

Application Process and Requirements

When to Apply for Insurance

Applicants can only purchase Orbit Parent Boost insurance after receiving Approval in Principle for the visa, and need cover in place before final visa issuance.

What You Will Need

• Personal details
• Intended travel dates
• Full medical history disclosure
• Medical certificate used for visa application
• Approval in Principal from Immigration NZ

Important Notes

• Premiums must be paid upfront
• Insurance must remain valid for the duration required by Immigration NZ
• You must disclose any changes in health status at renewal.

Premium Cost Overview (Indicative)

Premiums vary significantly based on age and medical profile. The table below provides indicative annual premium ranges for Parent Boost-compliant Orbit policies. We prepared these premiums on 28/12/2025, assuming a healthy applicant with no complications.

You will notice that Orbit band the premiums, and don't take into account the country of origin. This can make them quite competive in the market place depending on the individual circumstances. As an independent broker I am happy to compare premiums for you.

Other Costs When Applying for the Parent Boost Visa

Health insurance makes up only one part of the total cost. Applicants should also budget for:

Immigration New Zealand Fees

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

Health Checks

• Immigration medical exams (initial and at year three)
• Costs vary by country but typically include:
  • Physical examination
  • Blood and urine tests
  • Chest X-ray
• Approximate cost range: NZD $250 – $500 per medical
  • The total can increase if Immigration NZ require further investigations.

Travel Costs

• International flights to New Zealand
• Travel insurance for transit periods
• Ongoing living costs while in New Zealand

Who Orbit Parent Boost Insurance Is Best Suited For

Orbit Parent Boost insurance is generally suitable for parents who:

• Are in stable health
• Want insurance focused on emergencies and serious illness
• Are comfortable self-funding routine GP care
• Primarily need insurance to meet visa compliance requirements

It may not be suitable for those who:

• Require frequent medical care
• Have complex or unstable pre-existing conditions
• Want comprehensive private healthcare access in New Zealand

Final Thoughts

The Parent Boost Visa offers a valuable opportunity to stay close to children and grandchildren in New Zealand — but it comes with clear financial and health planning responsibilities.

Understanding how Orbit Parent Boost Visa Health Insurance works, what it covers, and how they treat pre-existing conditions helps you avoid delays, declined applications, and unexpected costs.

Professional advice and early insurance assessment can make the process smoother, more predictable, and less stressful for families on both sides of the border.

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