Health Spillovers: The Broad Impact of Spousal Health Shocks

In this paper we provide new evidence on the health spillover effects of health shocks within couples. Using administrative data from the Netherlands and a matching event-study framework, we estimate the causal effect of experiencing a health shock within a couple on the health of the initially unaffected partner. Our findings reveal a significant deterioration in the partner’s health outlook, characterized by substantial increases in hospital visits, overnight stays, and mortality. The health decline is broad in scope, encompassing higher risk of infections, accidents, and digestive and cardiovascular conditions. This deterioration is accompanied by substantial increases in stress, anxiety and depression for both men and women, as well as sleep disorders for women. These effects are not driven by a heavy caregiving load, financial distress or worsening of health behaviors. On the contrary, the adverse outcomes persist despite suggestive positive changes, including increased exercise for both men and women, and reduced alcohol consumption among women.