Top German Dental Insurance for Expats | Guide 2025

Understanding the German Healthcare System

Germany’s healthcare system is based on two main pillars: statutory health insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, GKV) and private health insurance (Private Krankenversicherung, PKV).

Both systems include dental care, but the scope, cost, and access to dental treatments vary significantly. Expats should understand how the system works to make informed decisions about their health and dental coverage in Germany.

Statutory versus Private Health Insurance: Key Differences

Statutory health insurance is the default system for most residents in Germany and is mandatory for most employees.

Employees with an income above the insurance obligation threshold, currently €73,000, as well as self-employed individuals and certain other groups, are exempt from compulsory insurance under the statutory health insurance system. However, they may voluntarily insure themselves with a statutory health insurance fund.

Coverage of public health insurance is standardized for all insured individuals and includes all medically necessary services, although options for dental care are limited to basic treatment.

Contributions are income-based; for employees, the employer pays 50% of the total. Spouses and children without or with very low incomes can be insured free of charge under family insurance.

Private health insurance offers individually tailored plans with broader benefits, including advanced dental services, better materials, and faster access to specialists. Premiums depend on age, health, and the chosen tariff. Income plays no role in this. Unlike under public health insurance, each family member must be insured separately.

Private health insurance providers offer people with statutory insurance various supplementary insurance policies, including additional dental insurance.

Who Can Choose Private Health Insurance?

Not everyone in Germany is eligible for comprehensive private health insurance. You can opt for PKV only if you are:

• An employee with an annual gross income above €73,800 (2025)
• A freelancer or self-employed professional
• A civil servant (Beamter)
• A student under specific conditions

Otherwise, you are required to enroll in mandatory statutory health insurance.

Insurance Eligibility for Expats

With a few exceptions, the same rules apply to expats as to German citizens when it comes to health insurance. They depend on your employment status, income, and residency type:

• Employees with income below the compulsory insurance threshold of €73.800 must join public health insurance.
• Freelancers and self-employed individuals typically have the option to choose between statutory and private health insurance at their discretion.
• Students may decide on PKV during the first 3 months of enrollment, but the decision is binding for the entire course of study. Your most affordable insurance option as a student is statutory health insurance for students, which offers a reduced contribution rate. It ends when you turn 30 or after your 14th semester of study. Subsequently, you can voluntarily take out public health insurance or switch to private health insurance.
• Families should always check whether statutory health insurance is the better option for them, as the public system offers the possibility of non-contributory family insurance for spouses and children.
• Short-term expats (e.g., researchers, interns) may be eligible for special expat tariffs.

Dental Care in Statutory and Private Health Insurance

Both GKV and PKV include dental coverage, but the scope differs sharply:

• GKV covers standard treatments: check-ups, simple dental fillings, and medically necessary dental prostheses. Cosmetic procedures or high-quality options must be paid out of pocket.
• PKV or supplementary dental insurance covers modern restorative and preventative treatments, premium materials, and aesthetic corrections. Coverage may reach up to 100%, depending on the tariff.

For expats with high expectations or specific dental needs, private or supplementary dental insurance is often the smarter choice.

If you have statutory insurance, consider taking out additional private dental insurance to cover good dental health at an affordable cost.

Dental Care under Statutory Health Insurance in Germany

Even though statutory health insurance provides a safety net for basic dental care, the scope of covered services is limited.

Treatments must be medically necessary, sufficient, and cost-effective, which typically excludes modern or high-quality procedures. If treatment is eligible for reimbursement, the statutory health insurance provider covers only the most economical solution.

What’s included: Check-ups, fillings, standard dentures

Public health insurance covers essential restorative and preventive dental care. These services ensure a minimum standard of oral health. They include:

• 2 dental check-ups per year
• Simple fillings (composite for front teeth, amalgam alternatives for molars)
• Standard dentures, such as metal-based crowns and bridges
• Periodontal treatment in medically justified cases
• Root canal treatments are performed if the tooth concerned is assessed as “worth preserving.”

What’s excluded: Cleanings, premium materials, orthodontics for adults

Statutory insurance does not cover services that go beyond the basic standard, including:

• Professional teeth cleaning, unless prescribed as part of periodontal therapy
• High-quality materials, such as ceramic inlays, gold crowns, or zirconium implants
• Orthodontic treatments for adults, unless a severe medical necessity is proven
• Other dental treatments, such as teeth whitening or aesthetic veneers

These must be paid out of pocket — unless you hold private or supplementary dental insurance.

The bonus system for dental prosthetics

For dental prosthetics, such as crowns or bridges, GKV reimburses 60% of the standard treatment cost. This percentage increases through the so-called bonus system: after five consecutive years of documented check-ups, reimbursement rises to 70%; after 10 years, it reaches 75%.

However, newcomers and expats usually cannot benefit immediately, as the bonus requires several years of continuous public health insurance coverage.

Orthodontics in statutory insurance – limited coverage for children and adolescents

Orthodontic treatment is only partially covered by statutory health insurance (GKV), and primarily for children and teenagers. Coverage is limited to severe cases of dental or jaw misalignment that fall under KIG levels 3 to 5 (KIG = Kieferorthopädische Indikationsgruppen, Orthodontic Indication Groups).

Treatment must also begin before the age of 18 to qualify for coverage. Even then, parents are required to pay 20% of the total treatment costs in advance, which are reimbursed only after the treatment is completed.

For mild to moderate cases (KIG 1–2) or treatments for aesthetic reasons, no reimbursement is provided. Adults are almost entirely excluded unless there is a medically extreme condition requiring surgical correction.

Cost examples with GKV only

Dental care with private or supplementary insurance

Public health insurance typically provides limited dental coverage, particularly for advanced treatments, materials, and aesthetic procedures. To avoid high out-of-pocket expenses, many expats opt for comprehensive private health insurance or purchase a supplementary dental insurance plan in addition to their statutory health insurance coverage.

Dental coverage in PKV plans (varies by tariff)

Private health insurance policies offer greater flexibility and a broader scope of dental services, but the exact benefits depend on the chosen tariff. Most PKV tariffs and additional dental insurance plans include:

• Professional dental cleanings are necessary several times a year
• High-quality materials (e.g., ceramic inlays, gold crowns)
• Advanced diagnostic and treatment methods
• Partial or full coverage for orthodontics and implants
• Aesthetic procedures like veneers or bleaching (depending on the plan)

In contrast to the standardized GKV system, private insurance enables individuals to tailor their dental benefits to their personal needs, resulting in corresponding differences in monthly premiums.

Why GKV members need supplemental dental insurance

Expats insured under GKV typically experience a gap between medically necessary treatments and the benefits they require or want, especially when it comes to aesthetics, comfort, or long-term dental health. Supplementary dental insurance fills this gap, ensuring access to higher-quality treatments, broader coverage, and significantly lower out-of-pocket costs.

Modern private dental insurance providers, such as ottonova, Getsafe, and Feather, offer tailored expat-friendly supplementary dental plans that are fully digital, contract-flexible, and bilingual.

What’s included: Cleanings, implants, crowns, whitening

Depending on your plan, private and supplementary dental insurance can cover:

• Professional dental cleanings
• High-quality fillings
• Crowns and bridges with premium materials
• Dental implants
• Bone augmentation
• Microscopic root canal treatment
• Bleaching and other cosmetic treatments
• Orthodontic therapies (including adult braces)

Most private dental insurance plans also reimburse high-cost treatments such as tooth replacement with implants or bridges — expenses that are not covered under statutory insurance.

Some plans may not cover treatments related to missing teeth unless the policy has been in place before the condition occurred.

Reimbursement rates, scaling rules, and waiting periods

Some tariffs offer 100% reimbursement, while others reimburse between 60% and 90%, depending on the type of treatment and the insurer.

Most supplementary dental plans follow scaling rules: reimbursement increases over time. For example:

• Year 1: €300
• Year 2: €600
• Year 3: €900
• Year 4 and beyond: full reimbursement (depending on plan)

Waiting periods are often 6 to 8 months, especially for major treatments like dentures or orthodontics. However, modern insurers like ottonova, Getsafe, and Feather offer no waiting periods for their tariffs, making them a good choice for expats who may need fast access to treatment.

Keep in mind that many insurers exclude or limit coverage for pre-existing conditions, especially when switching to a more comprehensive dental plan.

Sample costs with and without insurance

Why private dental insurance is worth considering – depending on your situation

Dental needs differ depending on your life stage, employment status, and family situation. While some people may get by with basic GKV coverage, many expats in Germany benefit from upgrading to private or supplementary dental insurance. Here’s how different groups can make the most of their options:

Employees

If you’re employed and insured under GKV, your dental benefits are limited to medically necessary and cost-effective treatments. A supplementary dental insurance plan can fill the gaps, especially for preventive care, high-quality restorations, or implants that are otherwise costly. Plans with 80–100% reimbursement help you manage your dental expenses without financial strain.

Freelancers and self-employed Expats

Many freelancers opt for private health insurance from the outset. With a well-chosen PKV tariff, you can benefit from comprehensive dental services — including professional cleanings, modern fillings, ceramic crowns, and even cosmetic dentistry. If you are in GKV, adding a supplementary plan is often essential to avoid high out-of-pocket costs.

Students

International students under 30 are usually insured through GKV and pay a reduced monthly rate. However, this only includes basic dental treatments. If you want access to higher-quality care or need orthodontic treatment, a supplementary dental plan (starting from around €10 per month) is a smart and affordable addition. Digital insurers such as Getsafe, Feather, or ottonova offer flexible, student-friendly options with multilingual support.

Families with children

Dental care for children is primarily covered by public health, including check-ups, fluoride varnishes, and basic orthodontic treatment for severe cases. However, GKV limits apply: braces are only reimbursed if the malocclusion is medically significant. For aesthetic or borderline cases, parents must pay the full amount unless they have a supplementary family plan in place. High-quality aligners also require additional payments.

The combination of statutory health insurance, including family insurance, and private supplementary dental insurance can be ideal for families. Private insurance companies often offer particularly favorable dental rates for children and teens.

How to find the best dental insurance in Germany for expats

Finding the right dental insurance can be challenging if you’re unfamiliar with the German system. The following points help you identify the best plan for your individual needs:

• Check your eligibility: Depending on your income and residence status, you may qualify for public (GKV), private (PKV), or supplementary dental insurance only.
• Look for special support for expats: Some specific insurance companies offer tailored dental plans specifically for expats, featuring multilingual support and terms that take into account international medical histories. Companies like ottonova, Feather, and Getsafe provide bilingual support, digital contracts, and claims processing — ideal for expats.
• Compare coverage levels: Ensure that your private insurance covers preventive dental cleanings, high-quality fillings, crowns, and implants — not just basic care.
• Review waiting periods and scaling rules: Some plans include delays in full reimbursement. Others, especially digital insurers, offer immediate coverage without waiting periods. However, scaling rules in the first years of insurance apply to all private dental insurers.
• Consider reimbursement rates: Aim for plans that cover at least 80%, with premium options reimbursing up to 100% of actual treatment costs, thereby providing comprehensive dental coverage.
• Think long-term: Even if you’re staying in Germany temporarily, insurance that includes preventive care can help reduce future dental expenses.
• Support by experts: If you’re unsure which plan to choose, consider consulting an independent insurance broker who can help you compare offers from different providers based on your needs.

Conclusion – Is dental insurance worth it for expats?

Yes — especially if you want access to modern dental treatments without the risk of high out-of-pocket costs. While statutory health insurance provides a basic safety net, it excludes many preventive and high-quality services that are common in other countries. Expats who are privately insured often enjoy broader coverage, including comprehensive dental cover, but should still review the scope of included dental benefits.

A private supplementary dental insurance can help close the gap for statutory insured individuals, covering professional cleanings, crowns, implants, and even cosmetic procedures, to ensure healthy teeth. Plans are affordable, flexible, and often tailored to meet the needs of international customers. For most expats, dental insurance offers not only financial protection, but also peace of mind and the freedom to choose the best treatment available in Germany.

Understanding how dental insurance works in Germany helps expats choose the right plan and avoid unnecessary dental costs, especially when high-quality care is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ

How much does supplementary dental insurance cost in Germany?

The cost of supplementary dental insurance in Germany typically ranges from about €10 to €35 per month. Basic plans that cover essential treatments, such as fillings and check-ups, start at the lower end, while more comprehensive plans, including crowns, implants, and orthodontics, cost more. Digital insurers like Feather, ottonova, or Getsafe offer expat-friendly tariffs with transparent pricing, short contracts, and no hidden fees.

How do I buy dental insurance?

You can easily take out dental insurance online, often in just a few minutes — providers like Getsafe, Feather, and ottonova offer fully digital signup processes. Claims are also processed entirely digitally by these insurance companies.

Can I upgrade my dental plan later?

Yes, but how easy it is depends on the type of insurance. If you have full private health insurance, upgrading typically means switching to a higher tariff within your existing contract. Depending on your insurer, this may involve a new risk assessment and health questionnaire, and often leads to higher monthly premiums.

If you’re insured under statutory health insurance and have private supplemental dental insurance, upgrades are usually easier. Most providers allow you to change or upgrade your supplementary tariff more flexibly, though this may restart waiting periods or come with scaling limits for higher reimbursements. Always check contract terms before switching.

Is my German dental insurance valid outside of Germany?

Most German private supplementary dental insurance plans offer worldwide coverage, especially for emergency treatments while abroad. However, for planned treatments outside Germany, dental insurance providers typically require a detailed treatment and cost plan to be submitted in advance. Without prior approval, reimbursement may be denied or reduced.

It’s always a good idea to check with your insurer before receiving dental care abroad, especially if the treatment isn’t urgent.