Family insurance is one of the greatest advantages of statutory health insurance. Family members can be co-insured free of charge - without additional contributions. We explain who is eligible and what requirements must be met.
What is Family Insurance?
In statutory health insurance (GKV), certain family members can be covered free of charge. This applies to:
- Spouses and registered civil partners
- Children (biological, adopted, step-children, and foster children)
- Grandchildren under certain conditions
Major Advantage of Statutory Health Insurance
While in private health insurance (PKV) each family member must be insured separately, statutory health insurance offers free family coverage. For a family with two children, this can make a difference of several hundred euros per month!
Requirements for Family Insurance
For family members to be co-insured, certain conditions must be met:
For Spouses/Civil Partners:
- Residence in Germany: Primary residence must be in Germany
- No own income above the limit: Maximum 535 euros per month (2025)
- Not self-employed as main occupation: Self-employed persons can only be family-insured in exceptional cases
- Not subject to mandatory insurance: The partner must not be subject to mandatory insurance themselves
For Children:
- Age: Generally until age 18
- Until age 23: If the child is not employed
- Until age 25: During school, training, or university studies
- Over age 25: In case of disability that existed before age 25
Income Limit 2025
The income limit for family insurance is 535 euros per month (for regular income) or 538 euros per month for a mini-job.
Which Income is Counted?
When checking the income limit, various types of income are considered:
| Counted | NOT Counted |
|---|---|
| Employment income | Child benefit |
| Rental income | Parental allowance (up to 300 euros) |
| Pensions | Care allowance |
| Capital gains | BAföG (grant portion) |
| Alimony payments | Housing benefit |
Special Cases in Family Insurance
Children of Privately Insured Parents
If one parent is privately insured and earns more than the parent with statutory health insurance, family insurance for the children is not possible. The children must then either:
- Be privately insured, or
- Be voluntarily insured under statutory health insurance (with their own contribution)
Students Over Age 25
Family insurance ends on the 25th birthday for students. They must then be insured under student health insurance, which currently costs about 120 euros per month.
Working Students
Students working as "Werkstudenten" can be family-insured if:
- They are under 25 years old
- Their income is below the limit
- They work a maximum of 20 hours per week (during the lecture period)
Applying for Family Insurance
Family insurance must be applied for at the health insurance fund of the main insured person. The following documents are required:
- Completed family insurance questionnaire
- Marriage certificate (for spouses)
- Birth certificate (for children)
- Proof of income
- For students: Certificate of enrollment
Regular Review
Health insurance funds regularly check whether the requirements for family insurance are still met. If your circumstances change (e.g., higher income), you must inform the insurance fund!
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