Health Insurance for Unmarried Couples

Unmarried Couples and Insurance

Most married couples are covered under the working spouse's health insurance policy. But what of those couples who are unmarried? The number of people who are content to stay in committed live in relationships is growing by the year. Employers are not required by law to offer plans that cover the spouses of their employees, much less live in partners. Health Insurance for Unmarried Couples remains a problem.

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The problem becomes acute considering the number of same sex relationships that exist. In most states such marriages are not allowed thereby leaving large segments of the population vulnerable without proper health insurance.

Indeed, the most common solution out of necessity seems to be individual insurance for each partner, and even though individual health insurance plans are becoming more and more affordable, it is still quite a strain on the financial resources of unmarried couples.

Slow adoption of Health Insurance for Unmarried Couples

It is true that lately, many large companies have started offering plans that provide the same medical benefits to domestic partners as to married partners. Due to the precedent set by these corporations, insurance companies are slowly beginning to offer the same to regular firms as well.

The change is pushed along by the fact that increasing number of domestic partners opt for children - either through conception or adoption, and providing coverage for these children is of paramount importance.

Proof of Domestic Live in Relationships

In order to prove that you are in a live in relationship, you might be asked to provide corroborative evidence of financial involvement such as a utility bill or a lease agreement. Also, the terms of the agreement will include items that are not easily and objectively verifiable such as "emotionally committed" or "financially responsible."

Tax Information

Unmarried partners who share the insurance plan of the primary holder are liable to be taxed for the amount of the insurance plan that employers pay. This weighs heavily against such plans since it might turn out to be cheaper to simply purchase single health insurance instead. The exact terms of the policies that are offered will vary and the viability of such plans will depend on the circumstances.

Summary

In the near future, things are likely to get much easier for unmarried couples seeking health insurance. But as of now, there are still some options available. Any of them might be preferable to taking out individual health insurance. To find out more, browse through our site to get an idea of the various plans available and make comparisons.