Parental Leave and Health Insurance: Stay Insured Without Premium (2026) Germany

The DAK Gesundheit also covers your newborn child for free. If you're in statutory health insurance (GKV), your coverage continues free of charge during parental leave (when receiving only parental allowance).

For short-term transitions, Care Economy from €30/30 days can bridge coverage gaps. Generally not – switching to GKV requires a qualifying event (e. g. , new employment below the income threshold).

No — , a side job above €538/month) may trigger contribution obligations. Parental allowance itself is not subject to GKV contributions. Only additional income (e. g.

GKV members: contribution-free during Elternzeit under § 224 SGB V — DAK Angestellte members keep full cover at €0/month for up to 36 months per child. Details on /en/insurance-plans/dak-angestellte/overview/.

Yes — Care Expatriate premium continues at €58–€496/month during Elternzeit (no employer subsidy). Consider switching back to GKV within 3 months if statutory-eligible under § 9 SGB V. See /en/insurance-plans/care-expatriate/overview/.