How to add a spouse to your health insurance plan

Getting married is a special time for couples — and with your new relationship status also comes the benefit of qualifying for your partner’s health insurance plan.  

If you are newly married, it is considered a qualifying life event, which starts a special enrollment period where you can add a spouse immediately if your health plan allows it. During a special enrollment period, you can make changes to your health insurance plan.

However, this varies by company and policy type, so be sure to confirm with your benefits administrator when making any adjustments to your coverage. 

Special enrollment periods often last only 30 or 60 days from the qualifying life event, so you only have a month or two to add your spouse to your coverage after the wedding. If you don’t adjust your coverage within this time frame, you’ll have to wait until open enrollment to make any changes. 

When can I add a spouse to my health insurance plan?

You can add your spouse to your health insurance during the following periods:

Open enrollment period: Most health insurance plans offer an open enrollment period once a year, during which you can add, remove or make changes to your coverage, including adding a spouse.

Qualifying life event: If you experience a qualifying life event, such as marriage, you can usually add your spouse to your health insurance plan outside of the open enrollment period. You typically have 30 to 60 days after the event to make the change. Other qualifying events include childbirth, change in employment or a spouse losing their health coverage.

Employer-sponsored plans: If your employer provides health insurance, they will have specific guidelines and deadlines for adding a spouse to your plan. Be sure to consult your HR department to understand the process and timing. Typically, you’ll need to complete the necessary paperwork and submit documentation, such as a marriage certificate or a termination letter from your spouse’s employer, to verify eligibility.

If you need to, you can change insurance companies during a special enrollment period, so make sure to compare insurance plans and costs. You may find another health plan’s benefits and costs are a better fit for your family.

If you miss the special enrollment period, you can wait to add your spouse to your health insurance period during open enrollment.

Can I add my spouse to my health insurance at any time?

No, you can’t add a spouse to your health insurance at any time.

You can only add your spouse to your health insurance during open enrollment or if you have a qualifying event, which triggers a special enrollment period. 

Qualifying life events that allow for a special enrollment period include having or adopting a child or being terminated from your job.

You’ll also need to show proof to take advantage of a special enrollment period. So, if you recently got married and want to add your spouse to a health plan, you’ll have to show your marriage certificate.

When the coverage becomes active varies depending on the insurance company’s guidelines. Some start coverage on the date listed on the marriage certificate, while others may begin coverage on the first day of the following month. 

Can I add my spouse to my health insurance after open enrollment?

No. You can only add your spouse after open enrollment if you experience a qualifying event. If you’re not newly married and don’t have a life event that qualifies for a special enrollment period — such as your spouse being terminated — you’ll have to wait until the open enrollment period to add your spouse to your health insurance plan. 

Employers have their own open enrollment period. Check with your company’s benefits department for the dates.

Be sure to review your policy carefully and pay attention to deadlines to make sure you and your family are fully covered.

You can only add a spouse to your health insurance plan during the open enrollment period. However, if you experience a qualifying life event, such as getting married, you may be able to add your spouse to your health insurance outside of the open enrollment period.  Once you’ve added your spouse to your health insurance plan, they will be covered under your plan and will be able to receive the same benefits as you.

Joint vs. separate health insurance plans: Which is better for couples?

Deciding between joint and separate health insurance plans depends on your health needs, finances, and available options. Joint plans, where one spouse adds the other as a dependent (common in employer-sponsored coverage), can be simpler and often more affordable, though higher deductibles or coverage loss if the policyholder changes jobs are potential downsides.

Separate plans, where each spouse has their own coverage, offer tailored benefits and stability if one loses job-based insurance. However, this approach can be more expensive. Compare premiums, deductibles, and employer contributions to decide which option best fits your needs and life circumstances.

How adding your spouse to health insurance affects costs

Adding your spouse to your health insurance can impact your overall costs in several ways, including higher premiums, shared coverage benefits, and potential tax advantages. Here’s what to consider:

Premium changes: Your monthly premiums will likely increase when adding a spouse, especially under family plans. Factors like their age and health status may also influence costs.

Benefits of shared coverage: Family plans often provide broader provider networks, preventive services, and enhanced benefits like maternity care and mental health coverage, simplifying healthcare for both spouses.

Tax advantages: Employer-sponsored plans often deduct premiums pre-tax, reducing taxable income while maintaining this benefit for both spouses.

Cost-saving tips: Ensure your plan covers preferred providers, utilize preventive services, and review coverage during open enrollment to adapt to changing needs and budgets.

What documents are required to add a spouse to your health insurance plan?

The specific requirements to add your spouse to your health insurance may vary by insurance company and state, but the following documents are commonly requested:

• Marriage certificate: Confirms your legal marital relationship.
• Proof of identity: Verifies your spouse’s identity, such as a government-issued photo ID, driver’s license, or passport.
• Proof of citizenship: Confirms your spouse’s eligibility for coverage.
• Social Security Number (SSN): Required for tax and identification purposes.
• Employment information (if applicable): Needed to coordinate coverage if your spouse is employed.
• Dependent information (if applicable): Additional documents may be required if you’re adding dependents along with your spouse.

By gathering these documents and following your insurer’s process, you can efficiently add your spouse to your health insurance and secure uninterrupted coverage for your family.

Final thoughts

Most insurance plans allow you to add a spouse during open enrollment or following a qualifying life event, such as marriage. If you have health insurance through your employer, contact your HR department to start the process. For individual plans, contact your insurer directly to learn how to add your spouse.

Typically, you’ll need to provide proof of marriage, such as a marriage certificate, to confirm eligibility. Ensure you have all required documents prepared to streamline the process.

Related Articles