Parent Boost Health Insurance Guide

Written By Ben Wang

New Zealand's Parent Boost Visitor Visa offers parents the opportunity to spend extended periods with their families in New Zealand. One of the key requirements for visa holders is maintaining suitable health insurance coverage.

The UniMed ParentStay Health Plan has been specifically designed for Parent Boost Visitor Visa holders and aims to provide financial protection against significant medical events while in New Zealand.

Who Is Eligible?

The plan is designed for people who:

  • Hold a valid Parent Boost Visitor Visa

  • Are applying for a Parent Boost Visitor Visa

  • Meet Immigration New Zealand's health requirements

Applicants with certain serious medical conditions may not qualify, including:

  • Metastatic cancer

  • Terminal illness

  • Congestive heart failure

  • Previous organ transplant

  • Home oxygen dependency

  • Requirement for full-time daily living assistance

Key Benefits

Emergency Medical Care

Up to NZ$250,000 per member per policy year

Coverage includes:

  • Public hospital emergency treatment

  • Hospital accommodation

  • Diagnostic testing

  • Ambulance transport

  • Specialist follow-up consultations

  • Prescription medication

  • Rehabilitation therapies such as physiotherapy and speech therapy

Cancer Care

Up to NZ$100,000 per member per policy year

Coverage includes:

  • Public hospital cancer treatment

  • Chemotherapy

  • Radiotherapy

  • Immunotherapy

  • Oncology services

  • Cancer-related diagnostics and approved medications

Medical Repatriation

Up to NZ$250,000 per member per lifetime

If a member develops a serious illness or disability and is medically fit to travel, UniMed may arrange:

  • Repatriation to the country of origin

  • Travel for one accompanying family member

  • Medical escort services if required

  • Air ambulance transportation when medically necessary

Coverage ends upon arrival in the home country following repatriation.

Return of Remains

Up to NZ$50,000 per member per lifetime

This benefit may cover:

  • Preparation of remains

  • Cremation costs in New Zealand

  • Transportation of remains or ashes

  • Required legal documentation

Funeral ceremonies, flowers, and headstones are not covered.

Mental Health Support

Up to NZ$1,000 per member per policy year

This benefit may be used for consultations with registered:

  • Psychiatrists

  • Psychologists

  • Psychotherapists

  • Counsellors

Important Exclusions

Like any insurance policy, ParentStay contains important exclusions.

Examples include:

Pre-existing Conditions

Pre-existing conditions are generally excluded unless specifically accepted by UniMed.

Pregnancy and Reproductive Health

Pregnancy, childbirth, miscarriage, infertility treatment, and assisted reproduction are not covered.

Dental Treatment

Routine, elective, and emergency dental treatment are excluded.

Preventive Healthcare

Health screenings, vaccinations, genetic testing, and visa medical examinations are not covered.

Orthopaedic Surgery

Joint replacements and spinal surgeries are excluded.

Final Thoughts

The ParentStay Health Plan is designed primarily to provide protection against significant medical events rather than comprehensive private healthcare coverage.

Before purchasing any health insurance policy, applicants should carefully review:

  • Eligibility requirements

  • Benefit limits

  • Medical repatriation provisions

  • Exclusions and restrictions

  • ACC coordination rules

Understanding these details can help families make informed decisions and avoid unexpected surprises at claim time.

Ben Wang
Next

Healthcare Myths in NZ