What and when
Familienversicherung allows children to be co-insured under a parent’s GKV policy at no additional cost. Coverage lasts until age 18, until 23 if the child is not in paid work, and until 25 during school, training or study (§ 10 Abs. 2 SGB V).
Do this immediately after receiving the Geburtsurkunde — health insurance is needed for the first U-Untersuchungen and any medical visit.
What you need to do
Contact your Krankenkasse via the most convenient method:
Option 1 — Online: Through the app or customer portal. Upload a scan of the Geburtsurkunde and fill in the “Anmeldung zur Familienversicherung” form.
Option 2 — By post: Send a copy of the Geburtsurkunde + completed Antrag (form available on the insurer’s website).
Option 3 — In person: At the Krankenkasse service centre with the original Geburtsurkunde.
Within 1–2 weeks you will receive the child’s Krankenversichertennummer by post, followed by the Gesundheitskarte.
If both parents are in PKV (private insurance)
Enrol the child in PKV separately. Contact your insurance agent immediately after birth — some companies have a 30-day window for special infant tariffs.