Can I include more people in the medical policy? Complete guide 2026

The short answer is yes. But the useful answer is more nuanced: not to anyone, not at any time, and—something that almost no one explains—you also have to know when and how to remove someone.

This article explains who can be included, the key difference between policyholder and insured, and what processes to follow when the family changes due to separation or a child becoming independent.

• Policyholder: This is the person who takes out, signs and pays for the policy. They are the contract holder and the only person authorised to add or remove insured people.

• Insured: This is the person whose health is covered. You can use the insurance, but you cannot manage it or cancel it yourself (key asymmetry in divorces).

Understanding that the policyholder has control and the insured has the right to use is essential to avoid situations where people continue to pay for people who should no longer be on the policy.

• Spouse or registered common-law partner: Requires family book or registration certificate.

• Minor and older dependent children: Normally up to 25-26 years of age if they do not have their own income.

• Parents or in-laws: Not all policies allow this; They usually require a maximum age (65-70 years) and an exhaustive health questionnaire.

• Cohabitants: Some companies accept people without family ties if they prove cohabitation through joint registration.

• Price: The premium increases for each insured according to their age and health. However, "family discounts" often make the joint policy cheaper than several individual ones.

• Waiting periods: The added person enters with their own waiting periods (3-6 months for surgery, etc.), even if the policyholder has been on the policy for years. If they already had previous insurance, these can sometimes be waived.

• Divorce: The policyholder must request the ex-spouse's withdrawal in writing. Otherwise, you will continue to pay your premium indefinitely.

• Children becoming independent: When they reach the age limit or start working, their enrolment does not disappear on its own; the policyholder must manage it so the premium can be adjusted.

• Change of policyholder: If the policyholder wants to leave the policy but the rest continue, another adult must formally assume ownership of the contract.