Germany’s draft 2027 social-insurance ordinance would raise the regular-income ceiling for free family health coverage to €590 a month, subject to Bundesrat approval before the change can take effect.
The Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) said the Cabinet approved the draft ordinance Oct. 7. The new figures are scheduled to apply Jan. 1, 2027, if the Bundesrat approves the measure.
The monthly reference amount used in the calculation would rise to €4,130 from €3,955 in 2026. The standard family-coverage ceiling equals one-seventh of that amount, lifting the limit from €565 to €590. The corresponding annual reference amounts are €49,560 and €47,460. The ceiling is an eligibility measure; it does not cap crypto-sale proceeds or create a tax exemption.
BMAS says the reference figures are updated annually according to wage and salary growth. For the 2027 calculation, the ministry cites 4.38% growth in 2025 and says the formula leaves no discretion.
Spouses, registered partners and children must meet other statutory conditions to qualify. The test looks at income expected on a recurring basis, while people in marginal employment have a separate limit.
Guidance from GKV-Spitzenverband says a gain classified as income from a private disposal transaction is not regular total income for the family-insurance test under Section 10 of Social Code Book V. A crypto gain receives that treatment only if the sale qualifies as a private disposal under Section 23 of Germany’s Income Tax Act.
Voluntarily insured members face separate contribution rules. Section 240 of Social Code Book V governs those contributions, and income classified as a private-sale gain may be included. Whether a particular crypto gain qualifies depends on its tax classification under Section 23.
The Bundesrat’s decision is the next step. If it approves the ordinance, the new reference amount and standard ceiling are scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
