Health insurance is mandatory for everyone living in Germany—including your family members. The German system offers options specifically designed for families, including the possibility of free co-insurance for dependents in certain situations.
This guide explains how family insurance works and what you need to know.
In Germany, there are two main types of health insurance:
| Type | German Name | Family Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Public insurance | Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung (GKV) | Free family co-insurance available |
| Private insurance | Private Krankenversicherung (PKV) | Each family member insured separately |
One of the biggest advantages of public health insurance is family co-insurance—dependents can be covered at no additional cost.
| Family Member | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Non-working spouse | Income below €520/month |
| Spouse in Minijob | Earning up to €520/month |
| Children | Age and status requirements (see below) |
| Situation | Maximum Age |
|---|---|
| Standard | 18 |
| Unemployed | 23 |
| In education/training | 25 |
| Military/civilian service delayed education | Over 25 (with extension) |
| Children with permanent disabilities | No age limit |
Family members need their own insurance if they:
1. Contact your health insurance provider — Request the family co-insurance form
2. Complete the application — List all family members to include
3. Provide required documents — Proof of relationship, income status, residency
4. Submit and wait for confirmation — Your insurer will evaluate and confirm
Your insurer will assess:
If your family members work in Germany, their premium is calculated based on:
| Income Source | Included in Calculation |
|---|---|
| Gross salary as employee | ✓ |
| Self-employment income | ✓ |
| Investment income | ✓ |
| Rental income | ✓ |
| Pension income | ✓ |
Your health insurance provider handles these calculations—you just need to provide the relevant information.
Beyond health insurance, several other types of coverage are highly recommended for families in Germany:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| What it covers | Damage you cause to others |
| Typical cost | €40–€80/year for families |
| Recommendation | Essential—can protect against major financial liability |
This covers your entire family for accidents that cause damage to others or their property.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| What it covers | Income replacement if you can't work |
| Best for | Primary income earners |
| Recommendation | Highly recommended for families with dependents |
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| What it covers | Financial security if a parent dies |
| Cost | Relatively affordable |
| Recommendation | Important for families with children or single incomes |
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| What it covers | Furniture, electronics, belongings |
| Protection against | Theft, fire, water damage, storms |
| Recommendation | Recommended for all households |
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| What it covers | Building structure |
| Protection against | Storm, fire, lightning, flooding |
| Recommendation | Essential if you own property |
| Priority | Insurance Type | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Essential | Health insurance | Legally required |
| 2. Essential | Personal liability | Protects against major financial risk |
| 3. Highly recommended | Disability insurance | Protects family income |
| 4. Highly recommended | Term life insurance | Protects dependents |
| 5. Recommended | Home contents | Protects belongings |
| 6. If applicable | Homeowners | Required for property owners |
Insuring your family in Germany involves understanding both the mandatory requirements and the optional coverages that provide real protection for your situation.
At Stay, we help international families find the right combination of insurance to protect what matters most. If you'd like personalised guidance, we're here to help.