Finding the right health insurance can be confusing enough, but if you’re in a domestic partnership instead of a traditional marriage, things can get even trickier. Many couples wonder whether they can share health insurance coverage for domestic partners and what the rules are.
The short answer is: yes, many employers and private insurers do offer health insurance for domestic partners — but the details depend on where you live, the type of plan, and your relationship status.
This article explains how domestic partner health insurance works, what’s required to qualify, and what you need to know before enrolling.
What Is a Domestic Partnership?
A domestic partnership is a legally recognized relationship between two people who live together and share a life similar to that of a married couple but are not legally married.
Domestic partnerships were originally created to provide unmarried couples — especially same-sex couples before same-sex marriage was legalized — access to benefits such as health insurance, inheritance rights, and hospital visitation.
Today, many heterosexual and same-sex couples still choose domestic partnerships for personal, financial, or legal reasons.
Can Domestic Partners Get Health Insurance Coverage?
Yes, it’s possible to get health insurance coverage for domestic partners, but not all employers or insurance companies provide this option.
Here’s how it generally works:
- Employer-sponsored health insurance: Many large employers allow employees to add a domestic partner to their health insurance plan, just like a spouse.
- Private health insurance: If you buy your own insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace or directly from an insurer, your domestic partner can often be added as a dependent if you file taxes together or share financial responsibility.
- State laws: Some states recognize domestic partnerships and require insurers to extend spousal benefits to registered domestic partners.
However, if you live in a state that does not recognize domestic partnerships, your coverage options may be limited.
Health Insurance Coverage for Domestic Partners Through Employers
Employer-sponsored insurance is the most common way couples share coverage. If your employer offers domestic partner benefits, you can typically enroll your partner during your initial eligibility period or during the company’s annual open enrollment.
But not every employer offers it — smaller companies, in particular, might exclude domestic partners from their benefit plans.
If your company does offer this coverage, you’ll likely need to provide documentation, such as:
- A domestic partnership affidavit stating you live together and share financial responsibility.
- Proof of a joint lease or mortgage.
- Shared utility bills or bank accounts.
- A registered domestic partnership certificate (if your state or city issues them).
These requirements help the employer confirm that your relationship meets the legal definition of a domestic partnership.
Health Insurance for Domestic Partners in the Marketplace
If you and your partner buy insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace (HealthCare.gov), coverage works a bit differently.
- If you’re not legally married, you must apply for health insurance separately — you can’t share one family policy unless your state recognizes domestic partnerships.
- However, if your state does recognize your partnership, you may be able to file a joint Marketplace application and qualify for premium tax credits together.
- Each state can have its own rules, so check the official Marketplace website for your state before applying.
Even if you can’t be on the same policy, you and your partner can each buy individual plans through the Marketplace and potentially receive separate subsidies based on your individual incomes.
State Laws on Health Insurance for Domestic Partners
Whether you can get domestic partner health insurance coverage often depends on your state. Some states legally recognize domestic partnerships and require insurers to provide equal benefits to registered partners, while others do not.
States that recognize domestic partnerships include:
- California
- Oregon
- Washington
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- Maine
- Hawaii
- Colorado
- District of Columbia
If you live in one of these states and are in a registered domestic partnership, insurance providers must typically offer the same benefits as they would to married couples.
However, in states that don’t recognize domestic partnerships, employers and private insurers are not legally required to provide coverage, although some choose to do so voluntarily.
How Taxes Affect Health Insurance for Domestic Partners
One important factor to consider when it comes to domestic partner health insurance coverage is taxation.
For married couples, the portion of the premium your employer pays for your spouse’s coverage is tax-free. But for domestic partners, it’s usually different.
If your partner doesn’t qualify as your tax dependent, the employer-paid portion of their insurance premium is considered taxable income to you. This means your paycheck could be slightly smaller because of the extra tax.
For example, if your employer contributes $4,000 per year toward your partner’s insurance, that $4,000 may be added to your taxable income.
To avoid surprises, ask your HR department or benefits specialist how domestic partner benefits are taxed in your company.
Pros and Cons of Health Insurance for Domestic Partners
Like most insurance situations, there are both advantages and drawbacks.
Pros:
- Access to health insurance without needing to be legally married.
- Great option for same-sex or opposite-sex couples who prefer not to marry.
- Can make healthcare more affordable by sharing coverage.
- Recognized in many large companies and progressive states.
Cons:
- Not all employers or insurers offer domestic partner coverage.
- Possible tax penalties for employer contributions.
- Extra documentation and proof of partnership may be required.
- Coverage rules can vary by state or city.
Understanding these pros and cons can help you decide if domestic partner health insurance is the right move for your relationship.
How to Get Health Insurance Coverage for Your Domestic Partner
If you want to add your domestic partner to your health insurance plan, here’s what to do:
- Check Your Employer’s Policy
Ask HR if your company offers health benefits for domestic partners. - Gather Proof of Partnership
Be ready to show documents that verify your relationship, such as joint leases, bank accounts, or legal registration. - Enroll During Open Enrollment
Most employers only allow changes during the annual open enrollment period unless there’s a qualifying event like marriage, birth, or loss of coverage. - Understand the Tax Impact
Talk to a tax professional to understand how adding your partner may affect your paycheck and yearly taxes. - Compare Options
If your employer doesn’t offer domestic partner benefits, compare Marketplace plans or individual policies. Sometimes, buying separate coverage may be cheaper overall.
The Future of Domestic Partner Health Insurance
Since same-sex marriage became legal nationwide in 2015, some employers have reduced or eliminated domestic partner benefits. However, many large corporations and public employers still offer them as part of inclusive benefit programs.
Companies like Google, Apple, and Microsoft continue to support domestic partner health insurance coverage, recognizing that many couples — regardless of gender — choose not to marry for personal reasons.
As healthcare laws evolve and more states adopt inclusive policies, access to health insurance for domestic partners is expected to remain available and possibly expand further.
Final Thoughts on Health Insurance Coverage for Domestic Partners
Getting health insurance coverage for domestic partners is absolutely possible, but it depends on your employer, state laws, and the type of insurance plan you have.
If your company offers domestic partner benefits, take time to understand the eligibility rules and tax implications. For those who buy their own insurance, check if your state’s Marketplace recognizes domestic partnerships for joint enrollment.
With the right plan and paperwork, you and your partner can both enjoy quality health coverage — without needing a marriage license.