Parent Boost Visitor Visa: Health insurance requirements FAQ

Yes. Health insurance is a mandatory requirement of the Parent Boost Visitor Visa. Parents must obtain and maintain qualifying health insurance throughout their stay in New Zealand.

Importantly, not all health insurance products meet the visa requirements. Applicants must have an approved policy in place before the visa can be issued.

Because it is a core visa requirement, families should consider approved health insurance from the beginning of their visa planning process.

Parents visiting New Zealand under the Parent Boost Visitor Visa may spend an extended period in the country and may require medical treatment, specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, prescription medication or hospital care.

Health insurance helps provide access to healthcare support and can help protect families from potentially significant healthcare costs if unexpected medical issues arise during a parent's stay.

For families, health insurance should be viewed as more than a visa requirement. It is also an important way to support a parent's health, wellbeing and financial security while they are in New Zealand.

In simple terms, health insurance helps provide:

• Access to healthcare support when needed
• Financial protection against unexpected healthcare costs
• Peace of mind for parents and families
• Compliance with visa requirements

As early as possible.

Families should consider health insurance at the same time they begin exploring whether the Parent Boost Visitor Visa is the right option for their parents.

Starting early can help families:

• Understand the overall visa process
• Gather relevant information
• Plan timelines more effectively
• Avoid last-minute surprises
• Reduce the risk of delays

The earlier families begin considering health insurance, the easier it becomes to align insurance planning with the broader visa process.

Yes. Parents must maintain qualifying health insurance throughout their stay in New Zealand under the Parent Boost Visitor Visa.

The health insurance requirement does not end once the visa has been granted. During the third year of the visa, visa holders are required to complete a health and insurance check. As part of this process, they must demonstrate that they remain in good health and continue to meet the conditions of their visa.

The health and insurance check includes:

• A chest X-ray
• A medical examination
• Evidence that acceptable health insurance has been maintained during their time in New Zealand

Families should consider not only how health insurance will be arranged initially, but also how compliant cover will be maintained throughout the visa period.

Planning ahead can help make the Parent Boost Visitor Visa process smoother and more manageable. Families may find it helpful to think about:

• The parent's expected travel dates
• How long the parent intends to stay in New Zealand
• Important personal and contact details
• The timing of the broader visa application process
• Any information that may be needed to support discussions about health insurance

Having this information available can help streamline discussions and avoid unnecessary delays.

Many employees begin their Parent Boost Visitor Visa journey by researching information online.

However, some employees may also have access to employer-sponsored wellbeing, benefits or health programmes that provide access to information, guidance or specialist support.

If you are considering the Parent Boost Visitor Visa for your parents, it may be worth checking whether your employer offers support services that can help you better understand the health insurance requirement and the next steps involved in the process.

Many families start by researching information online but may still have questions about how the health insurance requirement applies to their particular circumstances.

Depending on the support available within their organisation, employees may be able to access information or guidance through employer-sponsored benefits, wellbeing or health programmes.

Families may also choose to seek specialist guidance to better understand:

• The health insurance requirement
• Which health insurance products meet the visa requirements
• Key planning considerations
• Information that may be required
• Practical next steps
• How health insurance fits within the broader Parent Boost Visitor Visa process

Having access to trusted information and guidance can help families make informed decisions as they plan their Parent Boost Visitor Visa journey.