Quick answer
Usually not, unless you’re married or your employer offers domestic partner coverage. Most health plans cover only you, your spouse and your children. Some employers let you add a domestic partner if you meet their requirements, like living together and sharing finances. On the marketplace, unmarried partners generally buy coverage on separate applications.
Key takeaways
- Boyfriends and girlfriends aren’t eligible dependents on most plans.
- Many employers offer domestic partner coverage, with proof requirements.
- Getting married is a qualifying life event, so you can add a spouse within 30 days on a job-based plan or 60 days on the marketplace.
- Children you have together can be covered as your dependents.
- Coverage for a non-dependent partner is usually taxable to you.
On this page
Who can usually be on your plan
| Person | Can they be added? |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Yes |
| Your children under 26 | Yes |
| A domestic partner | Only if your employer or plan offers domestic partner coverage |
| A boyfriend or girlfriend who doesn’t meet domestic partner rules | No |
| Your partner’s children | Sometimes, if the plan covers a domestic partner’s children |
Domestic partner coverage
Many employers, especially larger ones, cover domestic partners. You’ll usually need to sign an affidavit and show that you live together and share finances; see how to prove a domestic partnership for health insurance. Self-funded employer plans set their own rules; see is self-funded health insurance right for you.
If your partner isn’t your tax dependent, the employer-paid value of their coverage is usually added to your taxable income.
If you get married
Marriage is a qualifying life event. You can add your new spouse within 30 days on most job-based plans, or pick a new marketplace plan within 60 days. See covering all family members under the same policy and family health insurance. Before you add a spouse, compare costs: sometimes each of you keeping your own plan costs less. Changing your mind later has limits; see can a spouse be dropped from health insurance while still married.
Children
Your own children can be on your plan until 26 whether or not you’re married. See health insurance for children.
If your partner can’t join your plan
- Their own job’s plan.
- A marketplace plan, possibly with a tax credit based on their own income.
- Medicaid, if their income is low. See government health insurance.
- If you’re thinking about leaving your own plan to buy coverage together, see can you drop your employer-sponsored health plan first.
Comparing plans for you and your partner? See quotes by ZIP code.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put my girlfriend on my health insurance?
Only if your plan offers domestic partner coverage and you meet its rules, or after you marry.
Can unmarried couples get a family plan on the marketplace?
Generally, unmarried partners apply separately, since marketplace coverage is based on tax households. Your children can be included with the parent who claims them.
Does getting married let me add my partner right away?
Marriage lets you add a spouse outside open enrollment, usually within 30 days for job-based plans and 60 days on the marketplace.
Sources
This article is general information, not insurance or tax advice. Plan rules vary. Last reviewed September 2026.