The health of your teeth is invaluable. Not only pain-free eating is important for our well-being, but also a radiant smile. However, dental treatment and dentures can be expensive and are often only partially covered by statutory health insurance. Supplementary dental insurance is available to close this insurance gap. However, choosing the right insurance can quickly become overwhelming due to the numerous offers. Today, we'll explain the factors you should look out for when comparing different supplementary dental insurances so that you can choose the best option for you!
When is supplementary dental insurance worthwhile?
Supplementary dental insurance offers benefits if you don't have comprehensive dental cover. Regardless of whether you have statutory or private insurance, it is a worthwhile supplement for all age groups who want to take care of their dental health.
Here is an example:
As a member of a statutory health insurance fund, you have to pay a significant proportion of the cost of dentures yourself, usually between 25 and 40 percent. Even for the simplest dental prosthesis option, such as a metal crown, you will pay at least 350 euros out of your own pocket. If you opt for additional private medical services such as implants or special treatments, your own contribution increases to around 80 to 90 percent of the total costs, which can amount to between 2,500 and 3,000 euros.
Supplementary dental insurance test & test winner: important information
Supplementary dental insurance supplements the benefits provided by statutory health insurance (SHI). They cover part of the costs for dental treatment that is not covered or only partially covered by statutory health insurance. This includes high-quality fillings, crowns, bridges and implants. The costs for these treatments are often extremely high and, without supplementary dental insurance, lead to a major financial burden for many people. Fortunately, there are many different supplementary dental insurances with different prices and benefits. This allows you to find an insurance policy that perfectly suits your needs and financial means. To choose the best plan for you, however, you should compare different offers!
Why a comparison of supplementary dental insurance makes sense
As already explained, there are many different tariffs offered by different insurers. Comparing offers is essential for the following reasons:
- Saving costs: The cost factor is probably the most obvious reason to compare. The premiums often vary greatly between the different providers and tariffs. A careful comparison will ensure that you don't pay more than necessary
- Value for money: This involves evaluating the monthly premiums in relation to the benefits offered. Expensive insurance does not automatically mean better cover. Here's how you can find a plan that is both affordable and offers comprehensive benefits
- Adaptation to your needs: Everyone has different needs when it comes to their own teeth. While some may only need check-ups and teeth cleanings, others may need to see a dentist regularly for existing problems. If you have certain problems with your teeth, it makes sense for their treatment to be paid for by your insurance. A comparison of supplementary dental insurance policies allows you to choose a plan that covers your individual problems
- Weigh up the conditions: Supplementary insurance policies are contracts that may include certain conditions and restrictions. For example, some insurance policies have waiting periods and benefit exclusions. The excess also varies depending on the provider. A careful comparison can help you find the tariff with the best conditions
How is supplementary dental insurance tested?
The best-known test of products and therefore also of supplementary dental insurance is carried out by Stiftung Warentest. For this comparison, the insurance benefits for dental prostheses were examined. This includes implants, inlays, private care and standard care. The upper reimbursement limit for the first few years and the regular provision of several services per year are then evaluated. Dental treatments were not tested. Depending on what you want from your supplementary dental insurance, you should therefore not rely solely on the evaluation of Stiftung Warentest.
Our tip: An insurance broker can help you find the right supplementary dental insurance plan. Thanks to their expertise and market knowledge, you can save time and find the best cover.
Benefits and criteria in the test
Good supplementary dental insurance covers dental treatment, preventive treatment and dental prostheses. The monthly costs should not exceed your financial means. Here is a brief overview of a few insurers and their offers:
- nexible Versicherung: nexible Versicherung offers three tariffs: Basic, Classic and Premium. In the Basic tariff, plastic fillings, inlays and grinding splints are covered in full. Dental cleanings are subsidized with 60 euros. Root and periodontal treatments are not covered. These services are all fully covered in the other two tariffs. The only differences are crowns, bridges and implants: While 90 percent of these measures are covered in the Premium plan, there is no subsidy in either the Basic or Classic plans. There is no waiting period for nexible supplementary dental insurance. You pay less than ten euros per month for the Basic plan and 32.60 euros per month for the full dental insurance plan
- Deutsche Familienversicherung: Deutsche Familienversicherung offers four tariffs: Basic (from 10 euros), Comfort (from 14 euros), Premium (from 16 euros) and Exclusive (from 20 euros). The Basic tariff offers 50 percent reimbursement for dental treatment, dentures, dental implants and orthodontics. You are entitled to 100 euros per year for preventive treatment. In the Comfort plan, you receive 70 percent reimbursement for these measures and 140 euros per year for preventive treatments. The Premium plan offers 80 percent reimbursement and 160 euros for prophylaxis. The Exclusive plan offers full reimbursement and 200 euros for prophylaxis
- Allianz Versicherung: You can also choose from three tariffs with Allianz Versicherung: MeinZahnschutz 75, 90 and 100. The highest tariff, MeinZahnschutz 100, offers 100 percent reimbursement for orthodontics, anxiety and pain relief, dental treatments, preventive treatments and dentures from 18.77 euros per month. It also covers up to 150 euros every two years for bleaching. The only differences in the Dental Protection 90 tariff are orthodontics, dentures and occlusal splints: as the name of the tariff suggests, 90 percent of these benefits are covered. With MeinZahnschutz 75, you receive 75 percent reimbursement for these services. Allianz also has no waiting periods
This is just a small example of how you can proceed when comparing supplementary dental insurance.
How to find the right test winner
Here's how you can find the best supplementary dental insurance for you:
- Determine your individual needs: Think about what you want your supplementary dental insurance to cover. Do you already have existing problems with your teeth? Are there any family risks? Your insurance cover should at least cover preventive dental care and dental treatment. However, dentures can also be a sensible benefit due to the high costs involved. Preventive dental care and orthodontics are particularly important for children. If you already have implants or other difficulties with your teeth, it may also be worth taking out supplementary dental insurance without health questions. Also consider your financial situation: how much money can you afford to pay for insurance each month? Would you be able to pay for expensive treatments such as implants without supplementary dental insurance?
- Use the comparison calculator: You can use the comparison calculator on insurance portals or general comparison portals to compare different tariffs and providers with each other
- Note the conditions: Some supplementary dental insurances have a certain waiting period before benefits are covered. This is usually around eight weeks. In this way, the insurance companies ensure that you do not claim expensive benefits immediately after taking out the policy and then cancel it again. However, there are also supplementary dental insurance policies without a waiting period. You should also check benefit exclusions so that you don't have to reach into your own pocket after claiming benefits
- Advice: If you are unsure, you can seek advice from experts. These include insurance brokers and independent insurance advisors. The insurance providers themselves usually also offer advice
Supplementary dental insurance: financial security and dental health combined
The health of your teeth is a valuable asset. Supplementary dental insurance can help protect them. Comparing supplementary dental insurance is the key to finding the best cover for your teeth. Tests and reviews from independent institutions can help you make the right choice. However, you should pay attention to which benefits are included in the tests. Consider your individual needs and financial situation to find the perfect insurance for you!