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Emergency

Covered for free under family insurance: who and until when

Family insurance allows spouses or registered partners and children to be covered under statutory health insurance without their own contribution. The main requirement is that the covered person's own income stays below a certain limit.

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Your chances of getting your money back

Spouses/partners and children can be covered under statutory health insurance without contributions if their total income does not exceed the limit (§ 10 SGB V). A higher limit applies for a minijob.
Children are generally covered up to age 18, and up to 25 if in training or study (longer in the case of disability). Higher personal income or self-employment as a main occupation excludes family insurance.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Check the income limit

    Does the person to be covered have a total income below the limit (the higher limit for a minijob)? Then family insurance may apply.

  2. 2

    2. Apply for coverage

    Register the family insurance with your health insurer and submit the information on income and circumstances.

  3. 3

    3. Watch the status for children

    For children over 18 in training or study, submit proof regularly so the coverage continues.

  4. 4

    4. Report changes

    If income rises above the limit or self-employment as a main occupation begins, report it, then your own insurance is required.

How to spot the scam

  • The covered person's income unnoticed exceeds the limit.
  • Proof of training for adult children is not submitted.
  • A self-employed activity becomes a main occupation without informing the insurer.

Frequently asked questions

Who can be covered without contributions?

Spouses or registered partners and children, if their own total income stays below the statutory limit (§ 10 SGB V). A somewhat higher income limit applies for a minijob.

Up to what age are children covered?

Generally up to age 18, and up to 25 for school or vocational training or study. In the case of a disability that prevents independent support, coverage can continue beyond that.

What if income exceeds the limit?

Then family insurance ends and your own health insurance is required. Report income changes to the health insurer to avoid recovery claims or gaps in coverage.

Take action now

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.