Private health insurance for families in Germany
Private has no free family cover — every family member is a separate contract. For one-earner households, public is often the better long-term choice.
What changes when you have a family
Separate premium per person
A spouse and two kids on private adds three premiums to your household. Public family insurance covers them free under one earner.
Children's tariffs are cheaper
Child premiums are typically €120–€200/month — lower than adult premiums but still meaningful per child.
Spouse considerations
If your spouse may stop working (parental leave, sabbatical), public family insurance becomes a real cost saver.
Switching family members later
Once children are private, returning them to public requires a qualifying employment change. Plan ahead.
Common questions
Related guides
Two more pages that come up most often when people are at this stage.
Eligibility full breakdown
Income thresholds and who qualifies — not just the earner.
Learn more30-year family cost projection
Compare public family insurance vs. four-person private.
Learn moreFor students
Options for international students.
Learn moreFor freelancers
Cover for the self-employed.
Learn moreFor employees
Employer share and switching from public.
Learn more