Free Spouse Health Insurance in Germany Could Be Scrapped

Statutory health and long-term care insurance could become significantly more expensive for many families. According to a newspaper report, the federal government is discussing abolishing free co-insurance for spouses. - AFP

Statutory health and long-term care insurance in Germany could become significantly more expensive for many families, according to a media report. As reported by Handelsblatt on Monday, citing coalition sources, discussions are underway within the federal government about abolishing the free co-insurance currently available to spouses. Those who have so far been insured at no cost would, under these plans, be required to pay a minimum contribution of around €225 per month in the future.

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According to the report, this amount would consist of a monthly contribution of €200 to health insurance and €25 to long-term care insurance. Exceptions are expected to apply to individuals with children under the age of six or with relatives in need of care.

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The abolition of free co-insurance is expected to become a central component of upcoming health and care reforms, Handelsblatt reported, citing information from within the federal government. The measure is intended to reduce the multi-billion-euro deficit facing statutory health insurers while also increasing incentives to take up employment.

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At the end of March, an expert commission appointed by Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) is set to present proposals aimed at stabilizing health insurance contributions. However, discussions on potential reforms are already taking place in parallel within the federal government. According to Handelsblatt, coalition sources indicate that abolishing free co-insurance for spouses is emerging as a likely outcome.

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A final decision has not yet been made, as the government is expected to wait for the commission’s report before proceeding.

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If co-insured spouses are required to pay a minimum monthly premium of €225, then this would theoretically generate additional revenue of €6.64 billion per year. This calculation does not take into account potential exceptions mentioned in the Handelsblatt report for people with children under six or dependent relatives.

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According to the German statutory health insurance (GKV), based on the latest available data from February, 15.7 million family members were co-insured. The majority are children. The number of co-insured spouses and partners was just over 2.46 million.

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