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Providers Comparison
- Germany offers a range of dental insurance options that vary in coverage, cost, and level of protection.
- Statutory German health insurance covers only basic treatments. For broader protection, many people choose private supplemental dental insurance.
- Key comparison criteria include reimbursement rates, covered treatments, annual limits, waiting periods, and ease of claims. They can differ significantly between different supplemental dental insurance providers.
- Digital dental insurance companies like ottonova, Feather, and Getsafe offer modern, expat-friendly plans with fast onboarding and English-language support.
- Selecting the right provider depends on your budget, dental health, and dental care expectations – for example, whether you prioritize prevention or restoration.
Why Compare Dental Insurance Providers in Germany?
Dental insurance in Germany can vary significantly depending on the provider and the type of coverage in your policy. While statutory health insurance offers basic benefits, it rarely covers high-quality treatments or cosmetic procedures.
Private supplemental dental insurance fills these gaps — but not all policies are the same. That’s why comparing providers is essential to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket dental costs and find a dental health insurance plan that truly fits your needs.
High dental costs – not all insurance is the same
Advanced dental treatments such as crowns, implants, or orthodontics can cost thousands of euros — and are often only minimally reimbursed by public health insurance due to its limited basic dental coverage.
Private supplemental dental insurance helps reduce this burden — but policies differ in what they cover, how much they reimburse, and whether they come with waiting periods or annual caps. Comparing providers ensures you don’t end up paying more than necessary or missing out on important benefits.
Public versus supplementary insurance: What to look for
Statutory health insurance (GKV) only covers standard treatments using basic materials. You’ll need supplemental dental insurance for higher-quality care, preventive dental services like professional dental cleaning, or aesthetic upgrades. When comparing supplemental dental insurance plans, consider reimbursement percentages, included services, annual limits, and whether the insurer covers orthodontics or cosmetic treatments.
Types of Dental Insurance in Germany
Understanding the German dental insurance system is crucial for making informed decisions about your coverage. The system is based on a dual health insurance structure, and depending on your status and existing insurance, you have different options to ensure good dental care.
Knowing the differences between statutory, private, and supplementary plans will help you select the coverage that best fits your needs.
Understanding the difference between statutory and private health insurance
Germany’s healthcare system is based on a dual structure: statutory health insurance (GKV) and private health insurance (PKV).
Most employees are initially covered by public health insurance, which provides standardized benefits based on income-dependent contributions.
On the other hand, private health insurance offers individually tailored coverage with premiums based on age, health status, and the benefits package of the selected tariff.
This distinction matters in dental care: statutory insurance offers only basic dental treatments, while private insurance often includes broader coverage for preventive care, high-quality materials, implants, orthodontics, and cosmetic procedures.
Understanding whether you are eligible for GKV or PKV — and how this choice affects your dental insurance options — is the first important step for expats navigating the German system.
- GKV (Statutory Health Insurance):
It is mandatory for most employees earning below €73,800 per year (2025 threshold) and is also the standard option for students, job seekers, pensioners, and many expats starting employment in Germany. - PKV (Private Health Insurance):
Available for employees earning above €73,800 annually, freelancers, self-employed individuals, civil servants, and certain categories of students (especially those over 30). Private insurance offers more flexible and extensive coverage options — but with stricter eligibility criteria. Unlike statutory health insurance funds, private insurers can reject applicants because of pre-existing conditions and other high risks, such as high-risk occupations or hobbies.
Public health insurance coverage — the basic level
If you are insured under Germany’s statutory health insurance (GKV), basic dental care is included in your overall health coverage. This protection focuses on medically necessary and cost-effective treatments, such as:
- Routine dental check-ups
- Simple amalgam or composite fillings
- Metal-based crowns and bridges
- Basic dentures
However, public health insurance companies typically cover only some dental treatment costs. The reimbursement is based on the cheapest standard option available, regardless of whether more advanced materials or modern treatment methods are used. If you decide to undergo dental treatment exceeding these reimbursement limits, you must pay the difference out of your pocket.
Restorations using advanced materials, such as ceramic inlays, premium crowns, dental implants, and professional teeth cleanings, are either not covered or only minimally subsidized under statutory health insurance. This awareness of potential gaps in coverage can help you make informed decisions about your dental health.
GKV uses a bonus system to encourage preventive care. If you attend regular annual check-ups (documented in a bonus booklet), you can increase your reimbursement rate for dentures and crowns. After 5 consecutive years of check-ups, the subsidy rises from the standard 60% to 70%. After 10 years of continuous preventive care, the subsidy increases to 75%.
GKV provides coverage for orthodontic treatments mainly for children and adolescents under 18 and only in cases of medically necessary treatment classified under the KIG system (Kieferorthopädische Indikationsgruppen, Orthodontic indication groups). Only significant jaw misalignments (KIG levels 3–5) are covered. Mandatory insurance does not reimburse for mild misalignments (KIG 1–2) and most adult treatments.
Given these limitations, many GKV members take out additional private dental insurance for better financial protection and access to higher-quality dental care.
Private full coverage dental insurance
Private health insurance offers more comprehensive dental coverage, often including:
- Professional dental cleaning
- High-quality crowns and inlays (e.g., ceramic, gold)
- Dental implants
- Orthodontics for adults
- Cosmetic treatments like bleaching/teeth whitening, depending on the plan
The scope of services and reimbursement rates vary by provider and tariff. Premiums are calculated individually based on the desired scope of services and various risk factors (in particular, age and state of health).
Private insurance holders usually pay for dental treatments upfront and get reimbursed afterward. Many expats and freelancers choose PKV if they qualify and prefer a more extensive dental care package.
If you have comprehensive private health insurance, dental treatment is included, so you do not need additional dental insurance.
Several insurers offer special expat health insurance policies for expats who can take out private health insurance and plan to stay in Germany for a limited period (typically up to 5 years). However, dental costs under these plans are usually limited to emergency pain treatments and do not cover comprehensive dental care. The digital insurer ottonova is an exception, whose expat health insurance includes excellent dental coverage for extensive dental treatments.
Supplementary dental insurance in Germany
If you stay in the statutory health insurance system but want broader dental protection, you can take out private supplementary dental insurance.
These plans help close the financial gap between public dental insurance cover and the actual cost of modern dental treatments. Depending on the policy, most dental insurance plans reimburse a significant share of the expenses for:
- Professional dental cleanings
- High-quality fillings and crowns
- Implants
- Orthodontics for children and sometimes adults
- Cosmetic treatments like whitening or ceramic inlays
Dental insurance costs for a supplementary policy are generally affordable, starting from around €10 per month, and vary based on age, dental health, and the scope of benefits.
Supplemental dental insurance is ideal for GKV members who want protection similar to PKV dental benefits without switching to private full coverage.
How dental coverage differs depending on your insurance status
The extent of your dental coverage in Germany strongly depends on whether you are insured under statutory health insurance, have taken out supplementary dental insurance, or are fully covered by private health insurance.
The table below highlights the key differences between these options, especially regarding the scope of treatments, materials, preventive care, and reimbursement levels.
| Aspect | Statutory Health Insurance (GKV) | Supplementary Dental Insurance | Private Health Insurance (PKV) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage type | Basic, medically necessary treatments | Expands GKV coverage (e.g., implants, professional cleanings) | Comprehensive, tailored dental coverage |
| Dental materials | Standard materials (e.g., amalgam, simple crowns) | High-quality restorative treatments | High-quality restorative treatments |
| Preventive dental care | Limited (professional teeth cleaning usually only as part of periodontal treatments) | Regular professional teeth cleanings usually included | Regular professional teeth cleanings usually included |
| Orthodontics | Only for children with severe misalignments (KIG 3–5) | Sometimes includes coverage for orthodontics (children and adults) | Often covers orthodontics for children and adults |
| Cosmetic procedures | Not covered | Partially covered in premium plans | May be covered depending on the plan |
| Reimbursement level | Fixed subsidy (60–75% of basic cost) | 60–100% of actual dental costs, depending on the plan | Up to 100% of actual dental costs |
| Contribution calculation | Income-based | Monthly premium based on age, dental health, and coverage level | Risk-based premium (age, health, coverage level) |
| Waiting periods | None | Often3–8 months (some providers offer no waiting period), pre-authorization may be needed | Often none, but pre-authorization may be needed |
Understanding these differences is essential for selecting the right dental insurance option to match your needs, health priorities, and budget. Choosing the right provider is key to successfully navigating dental care in Germany, ensuring modern treatments and affordable costs.
Key criteria when comparing dental insurance providers
Selecting the right dental insurance provider in Germany is not just about finding the cheapest premium. Coverage details, reimbursement conditions, and ease of handling claims vary widely across providers. Factors like English-language support and digital services can make a real difference, especially for expats.
Here’s what you should focus on when comparing dental insurance plans.
What’s covered?
The most important aspect of dental insurance is the scope of coverage.
Check whether the plan includes:
- Preventative treatments like regular professional cleanings and fluoride treatments to avoid serious dental issues
- Restorative treatments such as high-quality fillings, crowns, bridges, and implants
- Orthodontics for children and adults (if relevant for you)
- Cosmetic treatments like whitening, ceramic inlays, or veneers
- Advanced functional diagnostics, for example, bite analysis (CMD diagnosis) or detailed jaw joint measurements
Basic plans usually cover preventive and some restorative treatments, while premium plans may also reimburse orthodontics, cosmetic procedures and advanced diagnostics, offering a comprehensive dental cover.
Functional diagnostics help detect issues with jaw alignment, bite function, and temporomandibular joints that could affect the long-term success of dental treatments. Common procedures include bite analysis and jaw joint measurements, often used to diagnose craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD).
Identifying these problems early ensures that restorations, orthodontic treatments, and dental prostheses are better tailored to individual needs and remain durable.
Since statutory health insurance rarely covers functional diagnostics, supplementary or private dental insurance with extended diagnostic benefits can be a valuable addition when planning major dental work.
Reimbursement rates
Dental insurance plans in Germany often specify a reimbursement percentage for eligible treatments:
- Basic tariffs typically reimburse around 60–80%.
- Mid-range tariffs offer around 80–90%.
- Premium tariffs can cover up to 100% of treatment costs.
When you compare plans, please always check whether the percentage applies to the actual invoice amount or only to a standard cost estimate.
Annual and lifetime limits
Many dental insurance policies impose reimbursement limits, especially during the first few years. Typical restrictions include:
- Annual maximums (e.g., €1,000 in year 1, €2,000 in year 2)
- Lifetime caps for specific treatments, such as implants or orthodontics
Plans with very high annual limits or no caps at all tend to have higher premiums but offer more financial security in the long term.
Waiting periods and scaling
Traditional dental insurance plans usually impose waiting periods:
- 3 months for preventive care
- 8 months for restorative treatments like crowns and implants
- 12 months or more for orthodontics
Some modern providers, such as ottonova, Feather, or Getsafe, offer tariffs without waiting periods, allowing immediate access to all benefits of the policy.
Scaling refers to gradual increases in coverage limits over the first few years. Always check if your plan includes such scaling phases.
Existing or ongoing treatments that started before the insurance was taken out won’t be covered.
Claim process
A fast and simple claim process is essential, especially for expats who may not be familiar with German bureaucracy.
Look for providers that offer:
- Digital claim submission (e.g., via app or online portal)
- Clear instructions in English
- Transparent reimbursement tracking
Digital-first providers typically process claims faster and with less paperwork than traditional insurers.
Customer service
Good customer service is crucial, particularly when needing assistance with claims, treatment authorizations, or policy terms.
Expats should prioritize providers that offer:
- Full English-language support
- English contracts and policy documents
- Experience handling expat-specific situations, such as early contract terminations when leaving Germany
Choosing an expat-friendly insurer can significantly reduce administrative stress and improve your overall insurance experience.
Top 5 Questions to Ask to Find the Best Dental Insurance Providers
- What types of treatments are covered?
(Preventive, restorative, cosmetic, orthodontics?) - How much of the treatment cost will be reimbursed?
(Percentage rates and based on which price reference?) - Are there annual or lifetime reimbursement limits?
(Especially for expensive treatments like implants.) - Is there a waiting period before I can use the full benefits?
(And are there scaling rules in the first few years?) - Is the claim process simple, digital, and available in English?
(Important for expats unfamiliar with German insurance procedures.)
Choosing the Right Dental Insurance Provider: Traditional and Digital Options
Germany offers a wide range of supplementary dental insurance providers. In addition to traditional insurance companies like Allianz, Barmenia, or Hallesche, a growing number of modern digital insurers focus on simple, transparent, and fully online solutions.
Digital insurers offer significant advantages for expats: They provide English-language support, easy online signup processes, clear contract terms, and fast, app-based claims handling—all of which can greatly simplify navigating the German healthcare system.
For expats looking for reliable, flexible, and expat-friendly dental insurance, we recommend checking out ottonova, Getsafe, and Feather dental insurance. These providers combine strong coverage options with modern service standards tailored to international customers.
Which provider fits which profile?
Dental insurance needs can vary widely depending on your situation. Families, students, freelancers, and those looking for affordable protection have different priorities regarding coverage, reimbursement levels, and flexibility. Here’s a guide to finding the best fit for your profile.
Best dental insurance for families
Families often prioritize coverage for children’s orthodontic treatments and comprehensive protection for regular preventive care. Plans that offer high reimbursement rates for braces, regular check-ups, and professional cleanings are ideal.
Tip: Look for dental insurance companies covering orthodontics even for mild misalignments (KIG 1–2), not just severe cases.
Best dental insurance for students
Students usually seek affordable dental insurance that covers essential preventive and restorative care.
Plans with low monthly premiums, no or short waiting periods, and basic coverage for fillings and professional cleanings are often the best choice.
Tip: Some providers offer special student tariffs with reduced costs and easier application processes.
Best dental insurance for freelancers/self-employed
Freelancers and the self-employed benefit from comprehensive coverage that protects them against high, unexpected treatment costs.
We recommend plans with high reimbursement rates (80–100%), good implant coverage, and flexible terms without long binding periods.
Tip: Digital insurers often offer faster claims processing, a plus for busy freelancers.
Best budget-friendly dental insurance
If keeping monthly premiums low is your top priority, basic dental plans focusing on preventive care and simple restorative treatments may be sufficient.
Look for policies that reimburse part of the cost of professional teeth cleaning and standard fillings, but avoid extensive coverage for high-cost treatments unless needed.
Tip: If you buy supplemental dental insurance, watch out for annual caps and scaling phases to ensure the plan meets your needs even in the first years.
Info: Dental insurance needs can change over time
Your situation may evolve — for example, if you start a family, change jobs, or face new dental health challenges. That’s why it’s important to regularly reassess your dental insurance needs and adjust your coverage if necessary. Many providers allow plan upgrades or changes to match your current life stage and dental care requirements.
Conclusion: Finding the best dental insurance in Germany
Finding a good private health insurance company the right dental insurance plan is crucial for securing access to high-quality dental care while minimizing costs. Whether you are looking for preventive coverage, protection against expensive procedures, or support for orthodontic treatments, carefully comparing providers is essential.
Before choosing a plan, take time to understand your needs. Consider your dental treatment history, future dental care priorities, and available budget. Some expats, for example, mainly want coverage for preventive care, while others prioritize protection for major treatments like crowns or implants.
When comparing providers, always carefully check the terms, exclusions, and reimbursement limits. Pay particular attention to waiting periods, scaling phases, annual maximums, and whether cosmetic treatments are included, if that is important to you. Using comparison tools or consulting expert guides can save time and help you make a well-informed decision. Alternatively, you can hire an insurance broker to help you find the best supplementary dental insurance.
For expats in Germany, digital insurance providers like ottonova, Feather, and Getsafe offer particularly strong solutions. They combine excellent coverage with bilingual support and digital claims processes, which make navigating the German healthcare system much easier.
Finally, keep in mind that dental insurance tariffs can change over time. Regularly reviewing your plan ensures that you continue to receive the best possible benefits at fair costs, even if your situation or dental health needs evolve.
Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ
Yes. Even if you have taken out private supplementary dental insurance in Germany, you will continue receiving regular subsidies from your statutory health insurance (GKV) for eligible dental treatments.
This applies to routine check-ups, professional teeth cleaning, root canal treatments, high-quality fillings, crowns, dental prostheses, and dental implants — as long as they are part of the GKV’s defined benefits, you will receive the subsidy for the standard service.
Your private dental insurance then covers the additional costs beyond the statutory subsidy.
Depending on your chosen tariff, you may be reimbursed for the full remaining amount or only for the difference between the actual costs and the GKV subsidy.
Some tariffs offer a partial annual bonus if you do not submit any claims within a policy year. The specific benefits depend on the terms of your supplementary dental insurance plan.
A supplementary dental insurance plan offers good value for money when the annual premiums are balanced against the expected benefits. It is particularly worthwhile if you plan to undergo costly treatments such as professional cleanings, crowns, implants, or orthodontic corrections — or if you already have missing teeth that may require complex restorations — which are only partially or not covered by statutory health insurance.
Good dental insurance should cover a significant portion of these expenses (preferably 80% or more), have reasonable annual limits, and ideally offer immediate or fast access to benefits without long waiting periods. Plans that include preventive care reimbursements and offer scaling bonuses for claim-free years can further enhance the price-performance ratio.
Basic dental insurance plans can offer limited benefits, usually focusing only on preventive care and simple restorative treatments. While affordable, they often do not significantly expand the coverage provided by public health insurance.
If your main concern is financial protection against expensive treatments like crowns, implants, or orthodontics, a more comprehensive plan is usually the better investment. Basic tariffs may make sense if you are primarily interested in regular professional cleanings and minor dental care, but they often provide little added value beyond public health insurance.
Children cannot be included in their parents’ supplementary dental insurance plans.
Each insured person — including children — must have their separate dental insurance policy.
However, many insurers offer special child tariffs with lower premiums and coverage tailored to children’s dental needs, particularly for orthodontic treatments.
It is advisable to take out dental insurance for children early, as early enrollment often eliminates waiting periods and ensures full coverage when orthodontic treatment becomes necessary.