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Cost vs. Benefit: When Does Dental Insurance Make Sense?
- Public health insurance coverage in Germany is limited to medically necessary dental treatments, using the most economical materials and methods.
- Statutory insurance only partially or not at all covers higher-quality fillings, crowns, implants, and cosmetic or preventative treatments.
- Private dental insurance plans and supplementary dental insurance for statutory insured individuals can reimburse dental treatment costs up to 100%, providing a significant financial safety net. This can bring a sense of security and financial savvy to those who opt for additional dental insurance plans.
- Supplementary dental insurance is helpful for all those with statutory health insurance, including expats. Employees, freelancers, self-employed people, students, and families profit from the extended coverage of supplemental policies.
- Digital dental insurance providers like ottonova, Feather, and Getsafe offer expat-friendly plans with immediate coverage, English support, and flexible benefits. They allow you to manage your insurance account entirely online — from claims to plan adjustments.
Why relying entirely on statutory coverage may not be enough
There are different types of dental insurance in Germany, ranging from basic statutory coverage to high-end private policies.
Statutory health insurance provides a solid foundation for healthcare, but the benefits of dental care are limited. As a member of a statutory health insurance funds, you are entitled to standardized dental benefits. Treatments must be medically necessary, which means they are essential for your health or to alleviate severe pain, cost-effective, and sufficient. That means: public health insurance provides only basic materials, standard methods, and limited reimbursement. Even excellent public health insurance companies such as Barmer and TK are bound by these requirements.
Even routine procedures like professional cleanings or composite fillings for molars are only partially covered — if at all. For example, professional teeth cleaning is only covered if it is medically necessary due to periodontal disease — purely preventive cleanings must be paid out of pocket. Although composite is usually used for molar fillings, only the costs for an amalgam filling are reimbursed.
Patients without private or supplementary insurance often face substantial co-payments for more advanced treatments such as crowns, inlays, implants, or orthodontics.
Public health insurance only covers root canal treatments if the affected tooth is deemed “worth saving” and essential for proper chewing function. Otherwise, the public health system will require teeth extraction or private payment. Furthermore, public insurance does not cover modern treatment methods like microscopic procedures or laser-assisted root canal treatments.
Without additional private dental insurance, costs for dental treatments can quickly become expensive — especially if you expect more than just basic functionality. Many opt for supplementary dental or comprehensive private health insurance to ensure broader protection and access to modern, high-quality treatment. Private insurance covers up to 100% of dental costs depending on the policy.
Health Insurance in Germany — Statutory and Private
Germany has a dual health insurance system: statutory health insurance (GKV) and private health insurance (PKV). All German residents, including expats, must have health insurance through the public system or a private insurance provider.
GKV covers around 88% of the population and offers standardized healthcare benefits. Coverage decisions are made centrally, focusing on medically necessary, sufficient, and cost-effective treatments. GKV also includes free family insurance for dependents with low or no income.
PKV, on the other hand, is open to employees with an annual income above €73,800 (2025), freelancers, self-employed people, and other individuals who are not subject to compulsory insurance under statutory health insurance. They can choose between statutory and private health insurance options, allowing them to select the type of insurance and a plan that best fits their needs. Private health insurance plans are agreed upon individually with the insurance company and often include premium-level treatment options. Everyone must be insured separately, and family members are not automatically included.
Dental care is part of both systems, but the scope of services differs significantly. While GKV covers only basic treatments, PKV can include high-end restorations, implants, advanced preventive dental care, and even cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening or veneers, providing comprehensive dental cover to feel reassured and well-protected.
Those in GKV can take out private supplementary dental insurance policies to close this gap. Depending on your tariff, you will receive the same dental care benefits as those with comprehensive private insurance.
This guide outlines the differences between public, supplementary, and private dental insurance in Germany.
The cost gap between statutory dental coverage and real treatment prices
Even with GKV, you typically pay a significant share of dental treatment costs out of pocket. The statutory system reimburses a fixed portion of the cheapest standard treatment — any upgrade must be paid privately. This applies to crowns, bridges, implants, and even root canal treatments if not classified as medically necessary.
The table below shows the difference in out-of-pocket payments without and with additional supplement insurance.
| Treatment | Typical Cost | GKV only | With Supplementary Insurance (80–100%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional cleaning | €80–€120 | €80–€120 | €0–€40 |
| Composite filling (molar) | €80–€100 | €30–€50 | €0–€20 |
| Ceramic crown | €1,000–€1,500 | €800–€1,200 | €200–€500 |
| Dental implant | €2,000–€3,000 | €1,500–€2,500 | €300–€600 |
| Ceramic bridge | €1,500–€2,500 | €1,000–€2,000 | €300–€600 |
| Root canal treatment | €600–€1,000 | €600–€1,000 | €100–€300 (full coverage possible) |
Many providers require a prior treatment and cost plan to be submitted and approved for high-cost treatments before coverage is granted.
Public health insurance — reimbursement based on a bonus system
Public health insurance benefits include basic preventive check-ups, simple dental fillings (typically composite for front teeth and amalgam equivalents for molars), and standard dentures such as metal crowns or bridges.
Costs are reimbursed at a fixed rate: for fixed dentures and removable dental prostheses, this means 60% of the standard treatment price, which can rise to 75% if you qualify for a bonus (see Info Box). Any treatment above the basic level — including high-quality materials or more complex methods — must be paid privately. Full dental coverage for these treatments is only possible in hardship cases that may be recognized upon application.
If you regularly attend annual dental check-ups and document them in your bonus booklet, you can increase your reimbursement for dentures: after 5 consecutive years of check-ups, subsidies rise from 60% to 70%; after 10 years, they increase to 75%. This means that if you consistently maintain your oral health, you can receive a higher percentage of the cost of your dental treatments covered by public health insurance.
Treatments without public health insurance cover
Public health insurance does not cover any procedures that are not deemed medically necessary. This includes:
- Preventive extras such as professional dental cleanings or fluoride treatments for adults
- Premium materials like ceramic inlays or gold crowns
- Orthodontic treatment for adults, unless there is a severe medical indication
- Cosmetic treatments (e.g., bleaching, veneers, orthodontics for children for aesthetic reasons)
- Modern procedures like advanced functional diagnostics or microscopically assisted root canal therapies (if not explicitly medically justified)
These treatments are only reimbursed if covered by a private supplementary dental insurance plan.
Public health insurance only covers orthodontic treatment for children and adolescents if the misalignment is classified as severe (KIG 3–5). Mild to moderate cases (KIG 1–2) are excluded. Even when covered, parents must pay 20% of the costs upfront—this amount is only reimbursed after the entire treatment is successfully completed. Adults are only covered in rare cases involving extreme medical necessity, such as jaw deformities requiring surgery. (KIG = Kieferorthopädische Indikationsgruppen; orthodontic indication groups)
What are the benefits of private and supplementary dental insurance?
Private and supplementary dental insurance can significantly improve your access to high-quality dental care in Germany.
While GKV only covers the basics, private coverage allows you to receive modern treatments, choose better materials, and reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs. This makes a real difference — not just in comfort and aesthetics, but also in long-term dental health.
Better materials and more treatment options
Supplementary insurance plans normally cover high-quality materials for fillings and dentures, like ceramic or gold alloys for inlays, crowns, and bridges. You also gain access to more advanced and highly precise diagnostic and treatment methods, like digital dental imaging, advanced and holistic diagnostics, or microscopic root canal treatments.
Reimbursement rates up to 100%
Depending on the chosen tariff, supplemental dental insurance can reimburse 80% to 100% of dental treatment costs, including major restorations and preventive care. Basic supplemental tariffs offer reimbursements of at least 60%. Unlike public health insurance, the benchmark for this is the actual costs of modern diagnostic and treatment procedures.
Orthodontics, cosmetic treatments, and implants
Cosmetic procedures and orthodontic treatments for adults are typically excluded from GKV coverage, especially for adults. Supplementary dental insurance closes these gaps, offering partial or full reimbursement for services such as:
- Dental implants
- Ceramic and lingual braces, partially also Invisalign
- Orthodontic bone augmentation
- Veneers and other aesthetic denture upgrades
- Regular, exclusively preventive dental cleanings
- Teeth whitening/bleaching
Not every supplemental dental insurance plan includes all these services, so it’s important to check the policy details carefully, especially if cosmetic improvements or orthodontics are part of your treatment goals. For example, not all private insurance companies cover orthodontics for adults.
How to find the best dental insurance providers?
The following overview highlights aspects that are particularly important for finding the right private dental plan:
- Reimbursement rates
Check whether the plan covers 60%, 80%, or even 100% of treatment costs — especially for expensive procedures like crowns, implants, or orthodontics. The exact reimbursement depends on the plan and the rights granted to each policyholder. - Treatment scope
If you’re looking for more than just basic coverage, choose a policy with extensive benefits such as professional cleaning, orthodontics, high-quality fillings, dentures, and reimbursement rates for comprehensive coverage. - Waiting periods and scaling
Even no-waiting-period policies include reimbursement scaling (annual caps, partially different for certain treatments) during the first years. Review the yearly maximum reimbursements and how quickly they increase. - Excluded treatments
Some plans exclude pre-existing conditions, missing teeth, or specific procedures like bleaching or aligners. Read the exclusions carefully. - Ease of use
Consider digital onboarding, simple claims submission, and — particularly relevant for expats — whether support is available in English.
Always read the policy information carefully before signing — especially regarding exclusions, scaling, and claim procedures.
If you’re unsure which plan suits your needs, you can also search with the help of an insurance broker. We would recommend that you work with an independent expert who is not tied to specific insurance companies. This ensures that you receive unbiased advice and can compare various options based on your dental care needs and budget.
How expats benefit from private or supplementary coverage
Expats in Germany often face two challenges: limited knowledge of the German health system and higher expectations of medical and dental care based on their home country’s standards. Public dental insurance may not always meet these expectations, especially regarding materials, treatment choice, and service availability in English, if these aspects are relevant for you.
Private and supplementary insurance plans from digital dental insurance companies like ottonova, Feather, or Getsafe are tailored to international needs. They offer:
- English-language support and documentation
- Fully digital claims handling (online or via mobile app)
- Transparent terms and contract options
- Comprehensive insurance coverage for good dental health, based on modern standards
- Partially different tariff models
For expats, their policies provide excellent dental care and simplify navigation through the German healthcare system — everything regarding insurance matters is especially easy due to digital and bilingual access.
Conclusion: Is German dental insurance worth it?
Yes — especially if you rely on the statutory health system. GKV covers only basic dental care, leaving patients with significant out-of-pocket costs for modern, high-quality treatments. Private supplementary dental insurance helps close these gaps with better materials, higher reimbursement rates, and broader coverage — including preventive and cosmetic procedures. You benefit from manageable costs and beautiful, healthy teeth.
Whether you’re an employee, freelancer, or international student with public health insurance in Germany, the right supplemental insurance plan protects your dental health and your wallet. The insurance you have chosen should reflect both your current needs and your long-term dental health goals. Long-term, it’s almost always worth the small monthly premium.
Digital-first health insurance companies like ottonova, Feather, and Getsafe are designed to offer a seamless user experience, from onboarding to claims submission, especially for expats and mobile professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ
Depending on your plan, additional dental insurance reimburses part or all of your dental treatment costs. In Germany, supplementary dental insurance is especially useful for covering treatments that are not or not fully reimbursed by public insurance. These policies cover professional teeth cleaning, implants, orthodontics, and other dental procedures on a high-quality level.
Occasionally, while standard dental tariffs usually focus on conventional care, some private health insurance companies offer extended plans that include alternative treatments such as osteopathy or holistic dentistry. However, coverage is always tariff-dependent — check the policy details before signing a contract with a certain health insurer.
Supplementary dental insurance starts at around €10 per month for basic plans. Depending on the level of coverage and included treatments, you can expect to pay €15 to €30 on average.
Comprehensive private health insurance that includes dental care varies in price depending on your insurance contract and personal risk profile. Strong, well-priced options including comprehensive dental coverage are available from digital insurers like ottonova, Feather, and Getsafe. ottonova, in particular, offers excellent dental services as part of its full private health insurance and expat package (available for up to 5 years).
Yes. You must show proof of valid travel health insurance to obtain a Schengen visa. This insurance must cover medical treatment, hospital care, and emergency dental treatment — such as pain relief or temporary fillings. A regular travel insurance policy often includes this coverage, but double-check the terms. You’ll need to switch to a German health insurance (statutory or private) plan for longer stays in Germany.