Private health insurance (PKV) premiums do not change during maternity or parental leave, and the full monthly premium stays due even while you are not working. Public health insurance (GKV) costs depend on how you are insured. Mandatorily insured members are covered at no cost during this period, while voluntarily insured members either join a working spouse's Public health insurance for free or continue paying their own contribution. Additional income during parental leave can raise a voluntarily insured member's Public health insurance contribution.
How does my Private health insurance (PKV) premium change during maternity or parental leave?
Your Private health insurance (PKV) premium stays the same during maternity leave and parental leave. You pay the full monthly premium for the whole period, even if you are not working and have no salary. Private health insurance does not reduce or pause premiums because of parental leave.
How does my Public health insurance (GKV) contribution change during maternity or parental leave?
Your Public health insurance (GKV) cost during maternity and parental leave depends on how you are insured:
If you are mandatorily insured under Public health insurance, which applies to employees earning below the income threshold for Private health insurance, your coverage continues at no cost during maternity and parental leave.
If you are voluntarily insured under Public health insurance, which applies to self-employed people and employees earning above that income threshold, and your spouse keeps working and is also publicly insured, you can be covered through your spouse's Public health insurance at no cost.
If you are voluntarily insured and cannot be covered through a spouse, you continue paying your own Public health insurance contribution, with a minimum of roughly €260 per month.
Can I be covered for free through my spouse's Public health insurance (GKV) during parental leave?
If you are voluntarily insured under Public health insurance (GKV) and your spouse continues working and is also insured under Public health insurance, you can be covered through your spouse's policy at no additional cost during parental leave. If you are not eligible for coverage through your spouse, you keep paying your own Public health insurance contribution of at least roughly €260 per month.
Which income raises my Public health insurance (GKV) contribution during parental leave?
If you are voluntarily insured under Public health insurance (GKV), income you receive during parental leave can push your contribution above the minimum amount. The income that counts includes:
rental income from property you own,
income from assets and investments, and
spousal support payments from a divorced spouse.
Does part-time work during parental leave affect my Public health insurance (GKV) coverage?
If you are mandatorily insured under Public health insurance (GKV) and take a part-time job earning more than €603 per month during parental leave, your free coverage ends and you start paying Public health insurance contributions again. Below that monthly earnings limit, your coverage during maternity and parental leave stays free.