Germany’s coalition government is seriously considering abolishing the long‑standing benefit that lets non‑working spouses be insured for free under a partner’s statutory health insurance, a move that would hit many expat families.

What is changing?

Today, many married couples and civil partners use the public system’s Familienversicherung, which allows a non‑working spouse to be co‑insured without paying separate contributions if certain income conditions are met.

Under the reform being discussed, around three million non‑working adult spouses currently covered for free would instead pay a flat monthly premium of roughly 225 to 240 euros for health and long‑term care insurance.

Children would remain covered at no extra cost, and exemptions are being considered for spouses caring for relatives or young children under about six years of age.

Why is Germany doing this?

Public health insurers are running sizeable deficits, and total contribution rates have climbed into the 17.3 to 17.6 percent range of gross salary in 2026, prompting calls for structural reforms rather than small one‑off savings packages.

Ending free spousal co‑insurance could raise up to 3.5 billion euros per year, according to estimates cited by the government’s expert commission and media reports, and is seen by some economists as a relatively feasible way to stabilize finances.

How far along is the proposal?

Reports in national media indicate the coalition is actively working on the measure and that the real question is when, not if, it will happen, with changes discussed for as early as 2027.

After protests from unions and family groups, politicians have signalled that they do not intend to implement the expert commission’s recommendations in full and will build in more generous exceptions to avoid overburdening caregivers.

What German expats and their families should do

• Check whether you or your partner are currently insured for free through Familienversicherung under the public system.
• Model the impact of paying around 225 to 240 euros per month if free spousal coverage ends, especially if one partner is on a dependent visa or still job‑hunting.
• Follow updates from your insurer and expat‑focused health advisers, as final rules and exemptions will determine who is actually affected.