Can I Put My Girlfriend on My Health Insurance? Here’s What You Need to Know

Health insurance can be confusing, especially when relationships come into play. If you’re in a serious relationship, it’s natural to want to take care of your partner — including adding them to your health insurance. But the big question is: can you put your girlfriend on your health insurance?

The answer depends on your insurance provider, your state laws, and whether your relationship meets certain qualifications. In this article, we’ll break down how it works, when it’s possible, and what options you have if it’s not.

Can I Add My Girlfriend to My Health Insurance Plan?

In most cases, you cannot put your girlfriend on your health insurance plan unless your relationship is legally recognized as a domestic partnership or marriage.

Health insurance companies typically limit coverage to:

• The policyholder (you)

• A legal spouse

• Dependent children

• Sometimes, a registered domestic partner

If you and your girlfriend are simply dating and not in a legally recognized partnership, most insurers will not allow you to add her to your policy.

However, there are exceptions, and some states or employers recognize domestic partnerships or common-law relationships as valid for insurance purposes.

 

What Is a Domestic Partnership?

A domestic partnership is a legal or employer-recognized relationship between two people who live together and share financial responsibilities but are not married.

To qualify as domestic partners for insurance purposes, you usually need to meet these requirements:

• Live together in the same household

• Be in a committed, long-term relationship

• Be financially interdependent (share bills, rent, or a bank account)

• Not be married to anyone else

• Be over 18 years old and legally competent to enter into a contract

Some employers and states will ask for proof of your partnership, like:

• A joint lease or mortgage

• Shared utility bills

• Joint bank accounts

• An affidavit of domestic partnership

If your employer or insurer accepts domestic partnerships, you may be able to add your girlfriend to your health insurance after registering your partnership.

 

How to Find Out If You Can Add Your Girlfriend

Every insurance company and employer has its own rules, so it’s important to confirm before making any changes.

Here’s what you should do:

1. Ask Your Employer’s HR Department
   If your insurance is through work, contact Human Resources. They can tell you whether domestic partners are eligible under your company’s health plan.

2. Check Your Insurance Policy
   Look at the terms of your policy or log into your insurer’s website. Search for information about eligible dependents or domestic partnership coverage.

3. Verify State Laws
   Some states legally recognize domestic partnerships or common-law marriages, while others don’t. For example, California, Oregon, and Washington have clear domestic partner laws that include insurance benefits.
   

 

Which States Allow Domestic Partner Health Insurance Coverage?

Domestic partnership recognition varies by state. If you’re wondering whether your state allows it, here are some examples:

• California – Recognizes domestic partnerships for both same-sex and opposite-sex couples.

• Oregon – Allows domestic partner benefits for state employees.

• Washington – Recognizes domestic partnerships with shared residency.

• New York – Many employers in the state offer domestic partner benefits even though it’s not a statewide requirement.

• Nevada and Colorado – Recognize domestic partnerships with proof of shared residence and commitment.

If you live in one of these states, there’s a good chance your girlfriend can be added to your health insurance as a domestic partner.

What About Common-Law Marriage?

In some states, common-law marriage is legally recognized, meaning you can be considered married without an official ceremony or marriage license.

To qualify, you generally must:

• Live together for a certain period

• Present yourselves publicly as a married couple

• Intend to be married

If your state recognizes common-law marriage, your girlfriend could be treated as your spouse for insurance purposes — allowing you to add her to your plan.

States that currently recognize common-law marriage include:

• Colorado

• Iowa

• Kansas

• Montana

• South Carolina

• Texas

• Utah

• District of Columbia

If you meet the criteria in one of these states, you can contact your insurance company to add your partner under “spouse” coverage.

What If My Employer Doesn’t Offer Domestic Partner Coverage?

If your employer’s health plan doesn’t include domestic partners, you still have other options for getting your girlfriend insured.

1. Buy a Separate Individual Health Plan
   She can purchase her own plan through HealthCare.gov or a private insurer. Many marketplace plans offer affordable coverage, especially if she qualifies for government subsidies based on income.

2. Check for Short-Term Health Insurance
   Short-term plans can provide temporary coverage until she qualifies for a more permanent option.

3. Medicaid or State Health Programs
   If your girlfriend’s income is low, she may qualify for Medicaid or a state-sponsored health plan.

4. Wait Until Marriage
   If you plan to get married soon, she will automatically become eligible for coverage under your employer’s health plan once the marriage is official.

How Much Does It Cost to Add a Girlfriend to Health Insurance?

Adding a domestic partner to your health insurance often costs more than adding a legal spouse. Some employers require employees to pay a higher premium for non-married partners because it can’t be deducted from pre-tax income like spousal coverage.

For example:

• Employer-provided coverage for a spouse might cost an extra $200 per month.

• Domestic partner coverage might cost $250 to $350 per month because it’s taxed differently.

Always ask your HR department or insurance provider for an exact cost estimate before enrolling your girlfriend in your plan.

Can You Add a Girlfriend to Medicaid or Marketplace Insurance?

If your girlfriend applies for Marketplace insurance through HealthCare.gov, your income and relationship status only matter if you file taxes together.

If you’re not married and file separately, your income won’t affect her eligibility for subsidies.

However, you cannot add her to a Marketplace family plan unless you’re legally married or in a recognized domestic partnership.

For Medicaid, the same rule applies — you can’t add someone who isn’t legally related to you by marriage or dependency.

Key Takeaways: Can I Put My Girlfriend on My Health Insurance?

• You can’t usually add your girlfriend to your health insurance unless your plan recognizes domestic partnerships or common-law marriage.

• Check your employer’s policy and state laws to see if domestic partner benefits are available.

• Some states and companies offer domestic partner health insurance if you can prove you share a household and financial responsibilities.

• If not, your girlfriend can get her own Marketplace, Medicaid, or private health plan.
  

Final Thoughts

So, can you put your girlfriend on your health insurance? The answer mostly depends on your relationship status and where you live.

If your employer or state recognizes domestic partnerships, you may be able to add her after completing some paperwork and providing proof of your shared life. If not, she’ll need to get her own plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace or another provider.

Always double-check with your HR department, insurance carrier, and state laws before making any changes. With the right information, you can find a solution that fits your relationship and financial situation.