A well-groomed and attractive smile is, without a doubt, an important aspect for each of us. However, the issue of finances may cause some concern. For example, the cost of braces can be significant, even with possible reimbursements from your health insurance company.
Since insurers typically only cover part of the cost, one in five patients consider additional dental insurance. You may already be considering insurance options that can cover some or all of your orthodontic treatment costs.
We have analyzed the offers of insurance companies and will tell you when such insurance becomes profitable and how to find affordable and high-quality options.
Are braces covered by standard health insurance in Germany?
As we wrote above, standard insurance only covers severe cases and crooked teeth that negatively affect health. The degree of curvature is measured in the KIG – Kieferorthopädische Indikationsgruppe or “orthodontic indication group”.
How is KIG rated?
The system has existed since 2002, consists of 5 levels and helps doctors determine whether treatment is covered by compulsory health insurance or not.
Compulsory health insurance only applies to severity levels from three to five. From the point of view of compulsory insurance, there is no urgent need for treatment of the first and second stages, so patients have to bear the costs themselves.
Level 1 - slight displacement of teeth
From a dental perspective, minor tooth misalignment often does not require treatment. Compulsory health insurance companies do not cover this.
Level 2 - minor dental defects
The second degree includes tooth displacements of minor severity, but the characteristic is so obvious that aesthetic correction is necessary. Compulsory health insurance does not cover expenses.
Level 3 - severe tooth displacement
At grade 3, tooth curvature is already so serious that treatment is necessary for medical reasons. The compulsory health insurance company partially covers the costs of standard medical care.
Level 4 - serious deformation
With this classification, dental problems are so serious that state insurance companies confirm the need for urgent treatment.
Level 5 - extremely pronounced deviations
For level 5, compulsory health insurance companies confirm that the treatment is absolutely necessary for medical reasons and covers the costs of standard care.
What braces are installed under regular insurance?
In addition to restrictions on the severity of KIG curvatures, compulsory health insurance only covers standard budget materials.
An example from our orthodontist - standard health insurance only covers metal braces on the right:
Additional dental insurance that provides maximum coverage for orthodontic services
If you are thinking about getting braces for yourself or your children in Germany and correcting your bite, then we have selected for you the best offers on the market for orthodontic coverage, depending on your situation.
We make recommendations based on a comparison of orthodontic coverage for each tariff and experience in communicating with companies in the event of an insured event.
For adults
Including orthodontic services significantly reduces the choice of insurance companies, because most companies don't pay for an orthodontist adults. Also keep in mind that payment will be no more than 2000-2500 euros for an orthodontist for the entire duration of the contract.
For children
Children usually undergo orthodontic treatment from 12 to 16 years of age, rarely starting from 6 to 8 years of age. The active phase, using braces, lasts about two years. Then comes the maintenance phase, which prolongs the stability of the teeth and prevents them from shifting. The total treatment time lasts about three to four years.
Tariff: MeinZahnschutz 100
No restrictions KIG 1-5 100% within the limit and no more than 3000 € for the entire contract
- 1 calendar year up to 1000 €
- from 1 to 2 calendar years up to 2500 €
- from 3 calendar year to 3000 €
Tariff: Zahn EXKLUSIV pur
No restrictions KIG 1-5 100% within the limit.
- 1 calendar year up to 250-1000 €
- from 1 to 2 calendar years up to 3000 €
- from 1 to 3 calendar years up to 4500 €
- from 1 to 4 calendar years up to 6000 €
- from the 5th calendar year without restrictions
