Updating health insurance data for orphans when changing the health insurer (Wechsel der Krankenkasse)
Registration steps, required documents, and protection of minors’ rights
After the death of a parent, caregivers of orphaned children in Germany face new administrative responsibilities. One of the most important tasks is updating the child’s health insurance (Krankenversicherung), especially when switching from one statutory health insurance fund to another.
Although the process may appear simple on the surface, there are specific legal considerations where the child is a minor (minderjährig) or has lost one or both legal guardians.
This article explains the steps for updating orphans’ health insurance after changing the health insurer, and highlights special situations, necessary documents, and key legal recommendations.
In practice, a change of health insurer is common in the following situations:
The orphan moves to a new guardian or to a different place of residence
The parent who was previously insured with a particular statutory health insurance fund (GKV) has died
The previous minimum contract period (usually 12 months) has ended and a new choice of insurer becomes possible
The child is to be included in a family insurance scheme with a relative (Familienversicherung)
Because the orphan is a minor, the procedure must be carried out by an authorised representative:
| Situation | Who has authority? |
|---|---|
| One parent is still alive | The surviving parent |
| Both parents have died | The guardian appointed by the Jugendamt or court |
| A will designates a guardian | The person named in the will, once confirmed by the Jugendamt |
1. Choosing a new statutory health insurance fund (gesetzliche Krankenkasse)
Examples: AOK, TK, Barmer, DAK and other GKV providers.
2. Completing the membership application (Beitrittserklärung)
The application is made in the name of the minor,
It is signed by the guardian or legal representative.
3. Submitting the following documents:
Death certificate (Sterbeurkunde) of the deceased parent(s)
Guardianship decision (Vormundschaftsbescheid)
Birth certificate of the child
Proof of the new address, if applicable
Confirmation of termination from the previous insurer (Kündigungsbestätigung)
4. Informing the Jobcenter or other benefit authority, if the child receives benefits under SGB II or SGB VIII
to ensure continuous health coverage without any gap
5. Receiving the new health insurance card (Gesundheitskarte)
The card is sent by post to the new address within a few days.
A minor must never be left without health insurance, not even for a single day.
Statutory health insurance funds are obliged to accept an orphaned child without risk assessment.
If there is a dispute between different potential guardians, the procedure may be temporarily suspended until a court decision is made.
If the child was previously covered by private health insurance (PKV), the possibility of switching to a statutory health insurance fund (GKV) will be examined if the legal conditions are met.
Once the child has been accepted, the new insurer must:
cover standard medical services in full,
issue a new electronic health card (Gesundheitskarte) in the child’s name,
inform doctors and hospitals about the change of insurer, if needed,
where applicable, provide support through its social service (Sozialdienst) to assist the guardian or foster family.
Updating orphans’ health insurance data when changing the health insurer is essential to ensuring uninterrupted healthcare.
The guardian or legal representative must follow the required steps carefully and submit all documents in due time to avoid later problems with treatments, billing or access to medication.
It is always advisable to contact the new health insurance fund in advance to coordinate the transfer and avoid any gaps in coverage.
The editorial team of this website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors or incomplete information cannot be completely ruled out. Please treat this text as an initial guide and always consult the competent health insurance funds, youth welfare offices or legal advisors for binding and up-to-date information.
