# How to Insure Your Family in Germany [All blog posts](https://stayinsured.de/blog-subscription-page) [Life admin in Germany](https://stayinsured.de/life-in-germany-blog) ## How to Insure Your Family in Germany Feb 10, 2026 4 min ![](https://stayinsured.de/hubfs/Gemini_Generated_Image_w9uefzw9uefzw9ue.jpeg) Share # How to Insure Your Family in Germany 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. ## Family Insurance Basics 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 ## Free Family Co-Insurance (Familienversicherung) One of the biggest advantages of public health insurance is family co-insurance —dependents can be covered at no additional cost. ### Who's Eligible? 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) ### Children's Coverage Ages 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 ## When Family Members Must Pay Separately Family members need their own insurance if they: - Earn more than €520/month - Are self-employed or freelancing - Are privately insured (PKV covers individuals, not families) - Exceed the age limits for children's coverage ## How to Add Family Members to Your Insurance 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: - Family member's income situation - Employment status - Any existing coverage ## Calculating Costs for Working Family Members 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. ## Not sure how it works? Our experts are here to explain. Book consultation ## Essential Insurance for Families Beyond health insurance, several other types of coverage are highly recommended for families in Germany: ### 1. Personal Liability Insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung) 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. ### 2. Disability Insurance (Berufsunfähigkeitsversicherung) Feature Details What it covers Income replacement if you can't work Best for Primary income earners Recommendation Highly recommended for families with dependents ### 3. Term Life Insurance (Risikolebensversicherung) Feature Details What it covers Financial security if a parent dies Cost Relatively affordable Recommendation Important for families with children or single incomes ### 4. Home Contents Insurance (Hausratversicherung) Feature Details What it covers Furniture, electronics, belongings Protection against Theft, fire, water damage, storms Recommendation Recommended for all households ### 5. Homeowners Insurance (Wohngebäudeversicherung) Feature Details What it covers Building structure Protection against Storm, fire, lightning, flooding Recommendation Essential if you own property ## Priority Order for Family Insurance 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 ## Getting the Right Coverage Insuring your family in Germany involves understanding both the mandatory requirements and the optional coverages that provide real protection for your situation. At [Stay](https://stayinsured.de/), we help international families find the right combination of insurance to protect what matters most. 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