Covering your spouse's health insurance after being separation

Lorenzo 2020 Member

Member since 01 May 2021

Lorenzo 2020Member01 May 2021 07:56:37

Hello everyone,
I'm new to this forum and I'm hopeful I can get some advise regarding my above titled subject.
I came to Germany with my German husband and child many years ago. Since a few years we've been separated and I live with our child. I unfortunately, have been on Hertz lV since a couple of years. Recently my ex (I'll call him that though we're not divorced yet), lost his job and is currently in the hospital and might need a longer term clinic. He lives with his gf in another part of Germany. His gf was informed by his insurance (same one as mine) that I can include him in my family insurance with no extra charge till she finalises his unemployment paperwork as he's entitled by law to this. Otherwise, she'll cover his insurance by paying for it herself. I called the insurance myself (talked to a different person) and was told the same including that if I don't he could go to court to obtain this.
I also asked the Socialamt who warned me not to include him as it'll cause problems for me with them and could reach to police involvement. The insurance confirmed they do not send any paperwork regarding him to my partner at Socialamt but eventually I believe they must as his name will be a new addition to my family insurance which is covered by my Socialamt. I don't mind helping him if it won't jeopardize our only current income. Do I need a lawyer?
Anyone know anything about such matters or has been through anything similar? I'd be grateful for any constructive comments or advise. Feel free to ask more questions if I've been unclear. Thank you for reading.

beppi Germany/Singapore Expert

Member since 08 August 2010

Germany & Singapore Expert

beppiGermany/Singapore Expert01 May 2021 13:54:35

15584

This is indeed a complicated matter and you are well advised to seek professional advice (instead of asking strangers on an online forum).
Instead of a lawyer (whom you'd have to pay - and they're not cheap!), you should get the answers of the health insurer and Sozialamt in writing and, if they conflict, let the two figure out what actually applies. (In my experience, the regulations are so complex and difficult to interpret that conflicting replies are likely.)
If in doubt, stay on the safe side (for your own interest and income).
Good luck!

Lorenzo 2020 Member

Member since 01 May 2021

Lorenzo 2020Member01 May 2021 15:28:41

Hello beppi, thank you for your reply and yes indeed, my child's care is my foremost priority though I thought such "public forums" were for people to exchange their experience through questions that may help the one who asks as much as others who may have similar situations. If in error, then I apologise. Have a good day.

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beppi Germany/Singapore Expert

Member since 08 August 2010

Germany & Singapore Expert

beppiGermany/Singapore Expert01 May 2021 22:11:37

15584

Yes, you are right about the intention of this forum - and maybe someone with more knowledge than me will still post a reply. I just wanted to give my warning that that someone might not in fact know the matter (which is very complex and may depend on details you did not mention) well enough, so it is prudent to treat such a reply merely as opinion, not solid evidence. You still need professional expert advice!