How to add family to your ZUS insurance?

Everyone officially employed or engaged in business activities in Poland pays social contributions to ZUS (Social Insurance of the Republic of Poland) from their income. Among other things, this means that such a person has compulsory insurance and, if necessary, will have access to medical services. Family members of such an insured person may not have their own job. Such relatives have the right to be included in the insurance of the employed person, but this does not happen by default and automatically – you need to take a number of special steps. We will tell you in detail how to include a family member in your ZUS insurance in this material

Who is a family member for inclusion in ZUS insurance?

The list of persons who can be included in your ZUS insurance is clearly described by law.
In this context, a relative can be considered: Spouse. Relatives in the ascending line, i.e. parents, grandparents, but only if they live together with the insured (run a common household). Children. At the same time, this category includes: own children; adopted children; children of a spouse; grandchild; a foreign child under guardianship; a foreign child adopted as part of a foster family/family children’s home. This opportunity applies to children of the above categories up to 18 years of age, and in the case of continuing education (school, university, doctoral studies) – up to 26 years of age. In the presence of an official disability – no age limit.

Who can include in their insurance?

Actually, anyone who has one. In common cases, these are:

• Employed under a labor contract.
• Contractor, i.e. in most cases, employed under a contract of zeal.
• Businessman, including individual entrepreneur.
• Unemployed person registered with the labor exchange, even if he is not entitled to benefits.
• Student. In other words, everyone who has their own income, or those whose status implies having ZUS insurance on other grounds.

Is it possible to include a common-law spouse (cohabitant)?

This issue is clearly defined by legislation and law enforcement practice. A cohabitant is not a family member, therefore, they cannot count on being included in the insurance. It is necessary to emphasize that this refers to relationships that are not officially registered. There are certain discrepancies in the wording here – in Poland, “civil marriage” is often called an officially registered union, but registered in the registry office, without the participation of the church. Such a marriage is legal, and does not fall under the described category (it is possible to include a wife / husband).