- Public health insurance in Germany only covers clearly defined standard treatments. The insured must pay for any additional services out of pocket.
- If you are covered by statutory health insurance in Germany, a private supplemental dental insurance plan can protect you from high dental treatment and orthodontics costs.
- Additional private dental insurance provides access to modern dental care and helps bridge the gap between public insurance coverage and the actual cost of treatment.
- Depending on the provider and your situation (such as age and dental health), you can get additional dental insurance in Germany for as little as €10 per month.
- However, certain treatments are subject to waiting periods, and most dental insurance plans include scaling limits during the first few years of coverage.
- We particularly recommend supplemental dental insurance from ottonova, Feather, or Getsafe for expats in Germany. You will benefit from excellent services, bilingual support, and dental insurance without waiting periods.
What types of dental insurance are available in Germany?
In Germany, there are 3 main types of dental coverage, and it’s important to distinguish between what’s included in statutory and private health insurance plans:
- Basic dental care provided by statutory health insurance (GKV)
- Comprehensive dental coverage within private health insurance (PKV)
- Private supplementary dental insurance for those with statutory coverage
Each option offers different benefits, especially for major dental procedures and orthodontics. Understanding these differences is essential for choosing the right type of coverage for your needs.
Germany has a dual health insurance system, comprising statutory (GKV) and private (PKV) health insurance. Statutory insurance offers income-based coverage with standardized benefits, while private insurance provides individually agreed-upon services and premiums. Employees can only switch to private health insurance if their annual gross income exceeds €73,800 (as of 2025). Publicly insured individuals can take out private supplementary insurance — for example, for dental treatments — to achieve a coverage level similar to that of private plans.
Dental Coverage in Statutory Health Insurance (GKV)
Public health insurance covers only basic dental care. This typically includes standard treatments such as check-ups, basic dental fillings, and medically necessary dentures, but only at the most cost-effective level (e.g., metal crowns or simple acrylic dentures).
Treatments must be sufficient, appropriate, and economical. Higher-quality options or cosmetic procedures are not covered and must be paid out of pocket.
How it works:
GKV is income-based. If you are an employee, contributions are automatically deducted from your salary and shared between you and your employer. Treatment costs are usually billed directly to the insurance provider, but upgrades (e.g., ceramic fillings or crowns) require a co-payment.
Dental Coverage in Full Private Health Insurance (PKV)
Private health insurance offers more comprehensive dental coverage. Depending on the plan, it can include high-quality materials (e.g., ceramic crowns, implants), regular professional dental cleaning, orthodontics for adults, and even cosmetic treatments.
The scope of dental insurance benefits varies widely between providers and depends on your contract, chosen tariff, and risk profile (age, health status, etc.).
Dental insurance is part of your comprehensive private health insurance. You do not need additional dental insurance.
How it works:
You pay a monthly premium based on individual factors. You typically pay for dental treatment upfront and then submit the invoice for reimbursement. Coverage can be up to 100%, depending on the policy.
Dental Coverage through Private Supplemental Insurance
If you’re covered by statutory insurance but want better dental benefits, you can take out additional private dental insurance. These plans help cover the gaps between GKV payments and real treatment costs — especially for expensive procedures like crowns, implants, or orthodontics.
Many plans also include preventive dental care (e.g., professional teeth cleaning) and improve reimbursement rates for treatments that the public health insurance only covers minimally or not at all.
How it works:
You select a private dental insurance plan based on your budget and needs. Monthly premiums vary (starting from around €10/month), and coverage increases over time (due to waiting periods or a dental scale limit). After treatment, you submit your invoice and receive partial or full reimbursement, depending on your plan.
Why should I take out private supplemental dental insurance in Germany?
In Germany, public health insurance coverage includes only the most basic dental treatment procedures. Private supplemental dental insurance bridges this gap, offering enhanced coverage and reducing personal costs.
We explain what costs you can expect for dental treatment and orthodontics if you solely depend on public health insurance.
Dental benefits of statutory health insurance funds
Public health insurance covers dental treatments that are deemed medically necessary, adequate, and cost-effective. These include routine check-ups, basic fillings, dental prostheses, and other dentures.
The materials and methods covered are the most economical options, such as amalgam fillings or simple metal crowns. Furthermore, even under these conditions, there is usually a difference between the subsidies paid by the public health insurance provider and the actual treatment costs.
The statutory insurance in Germany employs a bonus system to encourage preventive care. Patients who attend regular dental check-ups can receive increased reimbursement rates for certain treatments.
Patients receive a bonus booklet from their statutory health insurance company, in which the dentist must enter and stamp all preventive check-ups. To be eligible for the bonus, children and adolescents between 6 and 18 must go for a preventive check-up twice a year, while adults must have a dental check-up once a year.
Statutory health insurance funds cover dental costs for the most economical treatment method in the following amounts:
- Standard subsidy without bonus: 60%
- After 5 years of continuous check-ups: 70%.
- After 10 years of continuous check-ups, 75%.
Dental services are not covered by public health insurance
Statutory health insurance does not cover these dental treatments:
- Ceramic fillings
- Full veneers (ceramic or plastic)
- Overlays
- Implants
- High-quality alloys for crowns and bridges
- In-depth functional diagnostics
Typical costs of dental treatments in Germany & coverage by public insurance
Dental treatments in Germany can be expensive, especially if you opt for high-quality materials or modern techniques.
For example, professional cleanings cost between €80 and €120 per session but are only reimbursed by public health insurance if there is a clear medical reason, such as periodontitis. Fillings are covered only if made from standard composite materials. If you prefer ceramic inlays or aesthetic upgrades, you’ll pay the difference yourself.
For larger restorations such as bridges or implants, statutory health insurance funds pay only a fixed subsidy based on a standard metal version (about €460). High-quality ceramic bridges or implants, which can cost up to €3,000 per tooth, are mostly self-funded – unless you have a private supplemental dental insurance policy that covers a significant portion of these costs.
Even root canal treatments are not always covered. GKV will only reimburse if the tooth is considered “worth preserving” under its guidelines. Otherwise, extraction may be recommended unless you pay privately.
The following table provides an overview of various dental treatment costs and the portion you must pay yourself under statutory health insurance.
| Treatment | Typical Cost (per tooth/session) | What Statutory Health Insurance Covers Out-of-pocket Cost (without private dental insurance) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional cleaning | €80–€120 | Only if medically necessary (e.g., as part of periodontal treatment) | €80–€120 |
| Composite fillings | €50–€250 | Basic anterior/posterior fillings (depending on location) | €0–€200 depending on upgrade/material |
| Ceramic inlays | €350–€1,000 | Not covered | Full cost |
| Metal bridge | ca. €460 | Covered (standard model, no aesthetics) | €0–€460 |
| Ceramic bridge | €1,500+ | €460 (as above, standard model only) | ca. €1,000–€1,200 |
| Dental implant | €2,000–€3,000 | Only a bridge is covered (approx. €460) | €1,500–€2,500 |
| Root canal treatment | €1,000+ | Only under strict conditions (“tooth worth preserving”) | €500–€1,000 or full cost if not covered |
Orthodontic treatment costs in public health insurance
In Germany, statutory health insurance covers orthodontic treatment only for children and adolescents under 18, and only if the misalignment is considered medically necessary.
The necessity of orthodontic treatment for children and adolescents is determined by orthodontic indication groups (Kieferorthopädische Indikationsgruppen, KIG classification):
- KIG levels 1–2 (mild to moderate misalignments): not covered
- KIG levels 3–5 (significant misalignments): covered by public health insurance
For eligible children, 80% of the treatment cost is reimbursed during the treatment. The remaining 20% must be paid in advance by the parents and is refunded after the therapy is completed. For several children, the co-payment drops to 10%.
Adults are only covered in exceptional cases, such as severe jaw deformities requiring surgical intervention.
Braces are the most common and important treatment method in orthodontics. Public health insurance only covers the cost of standard metal braces, which typically range from €2,000 to €3,000.
More aesthetic options, such as ceramic or lingual braces (€3,500–€7,000) and transparent Invisalign aligners (€3,000–€6,000), are not covered by statutory insurance. For Invisalign, no partial reimbursement is equivalent to the standard treatment level.
How much does Supplemental Dental Insurance in Germany cost?
Supplemental dental insurance can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for dental treatments not covered by statutory health insurance. But how much do you have to pay for this added protection? Monthly premiums vary depending on the provider, the scope of coverage, and personal factors like age or dental health. Here’s what to expect.
Average Monthly Premiums by Coverage Level
Most dental insurance providers in Germany offer tiered plans, which differ in how much they reimburse for various treatments. On average:
- Basic plans (covering mostly check-ups and standard fillings): from €8 to €12 per month
- Mid-range plans (including professional cleanings, crowns, simple prosthetics): around €15 to €25 per month
- Premium plans (high reimbursement for implants, inlays, orthodontics): typically €30 to €45 per month
Some dental insurance policies may exceed €50/month, especially for older applicants or plans with no waiting periods and high reimbursement rates (90–100%).
What influences the price of supplementary dental insurance?
Several factors determine how much you’ll pay for dental insurance in Germany:
- Age: Younger people usually pay lower premiums.
- Limited dental health: If you’ve had recent major treatments or are missing teeth, premiums may be higher, or coverage may be limited initially.
- Scope of coverage: The more comprehensive the plan (e.g., including implants or orthodontics), the higher the premium.
- Waiting periods: Some providers offer policies without waiting periods, which can make the plan pricier, but more flexible.
- Annual limits or scaling: Many plans limit reimbursement in the first few years, which helps keep premiums lower.
ottonova, Feather, Getsafe: Strong coverage at surprisingly low prices
The digital insurance providers ottonova, Feather, and Getsafe offer flexible plans with up to 100% reimbursement for major treatments. Their plans start from as little as €10 per month, depending on the coverage level.
These providers are especially popular among expats for their English-speaking service and digital claims processing.
What is covered by Supplementary Dental Insurance?
Private supplementary dental insurance significantly extends the range of dental services beyond what statutory health insurance covers. However, not all policies are the same. Here’s what is typically included – and where you might still face limitations.
Preventive care
Most supplementary plans cover routine preventive treatments such as:
- Biannual dental check-ups
- Tartar removal
- Professional teeth cleanings, typically 1–2 cleanings per year, reimbursements of 80–100%.
- Fluoride treatments or early diagnostics (some premium plans only)
Dental treatments
Supplementary dental insurance is especially valuable for:
- Tooth-colored composite fillings, especially on back teeth
- Full coverage of root canal treatments
- Crowns and bridges with high-quality materials
- Dental implants
- Orthodontic treatments for adults or nonmedical cases in children (depending on the selected plan, no general standard)
Most mid- and premium-level plans in supplementary dental insurance cover 60–100% of these treatments, depending on the tariff.
Cosmetic treatments
Cosmetic treatments are typically not covered by statutory health insurance, and often only partially covered by supplementary plans. These include:
- Bleaching/teeth whitening
- Ceramic inlays, which are considered an aesthetic upgrade over standard fillings
- Tooth jewelry or purely aesthetic procedures
How does reimbursement work?
Supplementary dental insurance allows you to reduce out-of-pocket costs, but the reimbursement process depends on the plan you choose and your insurance provider.
Reimbursement percentages
Most plans reimburse a fixed percentage of your total treatment cost:
- Basic plans: 60–80%
- Mid-range plans: 80–90%
- Premium plans: up to 100%
Some providers offer scaling coverage (dental scale): In the first few years, dental treatment is only reimbursed up to a certain amount, which usually increases annually. After 4 or 5 years, the policy’s contractually agreed coverage is reached.
Some insurers set annual or lifetime reimbursement caps for expensive procedures to limit costs.
How to file a claim
The process is usually straightforward:
- Receive treatment and pay the invoice upfront.
- Submit the invoice (and treatment plan, if required) via your insurer’s app or customer portal
- The insurer reviews and reimburses the covered amount
Providers like ottonova, Feather, and Getsafe are especially popular for their digital, English-language service, which makes it easy to manage your insurance online and submit claims quickly and transparently – ideal for expats.
What are the waiting periods for dental insurance in Germany?
Waiting periods are among the most important details when taking out dental insurance. They determine when you can start using your benefits and for which treatments. Here’s what you need to know.
Why do waiting periods exist?
Waiting periods protect insurers from covering already planned dental treatments and ensure that dental insurance is used for future, unforeseen procedures. Pre-existing conditions and treatments that started before the insurance was taken out won’t be covered.
Many insurers won’t cover things like crowns, implants, or orthodontics in the first few months – unless it’s an emergency.
Standard waiting times
Dental treatments can only be reimbursed for the first time after the waiting period has expired. Most traditional dental insurance policies in Germany include the following waiting times:
- 3 months for basic treatments
- 8 months for major restorative work (e.g., crowns, bridges, implants)
- 12 months or more for orthodontics or full reimbursement of these treatments
How to reduce or avoid waiting periods
If you want immediate coverage, look for providers offering no waiting period. Some insurers have introduced modern, digital policies that entirely skip the traditional waiting phase.
ottonova, Feather, and Getsafe are 3 leading providers in Germany that offer full dental plans with no waiting period, allowing you to access reimbursement from day 1 – even for higher-cost treatments. This makes them a popular choice for expats and newcomers who need flexibility and fast access to dental care.
Conclusion: Is private dental insurance worth it for expats in Germany?
Absolutely. A private dental plan can greatly benefit expats enrolled in statutory health insurance. It covers essential treatments that public insurance does not – from high-quality crowns and implants to professional cleanings and even orthodontics for adults. Without supplementary insurance, these treatments often result in high out-of-pocket costs. A well-chosen plan provides financial security, access to modern dental care, and – depending on the provider – even English-speaking service. Private dental insurance is not just useful for anyone staying in Germany long-term – it’s a smart investment for healthy teeth at affordable prices.
Frequently asked questions — FAQ
Yes, but only in specific situations. Statutory health insurance (GKV) generally only covers basic dental care, and patients often have to pay part of the cost themselves. However, there are exceptions where 100% of the costs are covered. This includes preventive check-ups, dental treatments of individuals who are eligible for hardship assistance, as well as children and adolescents up to the age of 18, for whom statutory health insurance funds cover certain preventive treatments (e.g., regular check-ups, fluoride treatments, or fissure sealing) in full. However, only the most economical level of treatment is provided here, too.
In most other cases, especially when higher-quality materials or aesthetic options are chosen, patients must cover the difference themselves. This is why many people select supplementary dental insurance to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
For more complex or high-cost procedures, private dental insurance providers often require prior approval before treatment begins. This usually involves submitting a treatment plan and cost estimate. Whether approval is necessary depends on the specific policy and the expected costs. It’s best to check with your insurer in advance to avoid surprises.
Most private dental insurers do not cover non-urgent treatments during the waiting period, even if you already pay premiums. However, depending on the provider and policy, emergencies and medically necessary procedures may be partially reimbursed. If you’re an expat with urgent dental needs, consider choosing a provider with no waiting period, like ottonova, Feather, or Getsafe.
Comparing coverage, reimbursement limits, exclusions, and possible waiting periods is important when choosing dental insurance in Germany. Some plans offer only basic benefits, while others include implants, orthodontics, or cosmetic treatments. Look closely at how much the insurer reimburses, whether annual caps apply, and which services are excluded. Your choice should also match your situation: families may prioritize child orthodontics, students often need affordable preventive care, and freelancers might look for comprehensive protection with flexible terms.