Dentist Costs — What Your Insurance Covers and What You Pay

Dentist Visit — What Does Health Insurance Cover?

Statutory health insurance (GKV) covers many dental services — but not all. The distinction between insurance-covered services and private services is important for your wallet.

Free Services (Insurance-Covered)

These treatments are completely covered by insurance:

• Routine check-up — 2× per year (every 6 months)
• Tartar removal — 1× per year
• X-rays — when medically necessary
• Fillings — amalgam fillings (standard material), tooth-colored composite fillings on front teeth
• Root canal treatment — for teeth worth saving
• Tooth extraction
• Periodontal disease treatment — after insurance approval
• Preventive care for children (6–17 years) — 2× per year

Partially Covered (With Your Share)

• Dental prosthetics (crowns, bridges, dentures) — insurance pays a fixed subsidy (approx. 60% of standard coverage)
• Tooth-colored fillings (composite) — on back teeth: insurance covers amalgam portion, additional cost for composite: 30–80 €

Not Covered (Private Service)

• Professional teeth cleaning (PZR) — 80–150 € (some insurers offer subsidies)
• Teeth whitening — purely cosmetic
• Implants — insurance only pays the fixed subsidy as for conventional prosthetics
• Veneers — ceramic shells on teeth (cosmetic)
• Orthodontics for adults — only in severe cases

The Bonusheft — Save Money on Dental Prosthetics

The Bonusheft is the most important tool for saving money on dental prosthetics.

How Does It Work?

At every routine check-up you have a stamp entered in your Bonusheft. The more consistent your preventive care:

Calculation Example: Crown

• Cost of standard coverage (metal crown): 500 €
• Fixed subsidy without bonus: 60% = 300 € → Your share: 200 €
• Fixed subsidy with 10-year bonus: 75% = 375 € → Your share: 125 €
• Savings from bonus: 75 €

Bonusheft for Foreigners

• New to Germany? Start your Bonusheft immediately — after 5 years of consistent preventive care, your subsidy increases
• Documentation from home country: If you can provide evidence of preventive care abroad (dentist receipt), it may be recognized — ask your insurance!
• Bonusheft is free — available at every dental practice

Dental Prosthetics — Costs and Options

Crown

Bridge (3-part)

Implant

• One implant (screw + crown): 1.500–3.500 €
• Insurance only pays fixed subsidy for conventional prosthetics (approx. 500–600 €)
• Your share: 1.000–3.000 €

Denture

Treatment and Cost Plan (Heil- und Kostenplan)

Before any dental prosthetic treatment, your dentist prepares a Treatment and Cost Plan (HKP):

1. Dentist creates HKP — with planned treatment and costs
2. You submit HKP to your insurance
3. Insurance approves and provides fixed subsidy amount
4. Treatment begins — only after approval!
5. Ongoing treatment — dentist bills insurance directly, you pay your share

Important: Never start treatment before approval — otherwise your insurance may not pay anything!

Ways to Save on Dental Prosthetics

1. Keep Your Bonusheft Up to Date

10 years = 75% subsidy instead of 60%

2. Get a Second Opinion

Obtain a second HKP from another dentist — prices can vary by 30–50%!

3. Dental Clinics and University Dental Schools

• University dental clinics offer treatment at lower prices (students treat under supervision)
• Quality is high, but waiting times may be longer

4. Hardship Case — Double Subsidy

If your income is low, you may qualify for a double fixed subsidy (hardship exemption):

• Income threshold (2026): 1.414 € net/month (single person)
• +565 € per family member
• Automatic for social welfare recipients

5. Dental Supplemental Insurance

Dental supplemental insurance reduces your share:

• Cost: 10–40 €/month (depending on age and coverage)
• Covers 70–100% of costs (depending on plan)
• Waiting period: Usually 8 months after signing up
• Tip: Sign up while your teeth are still healthy!

Tips for Foreigners

1. Go to the dentist 2× per year — even without problems! Get your Bonusheft stamped
2. Start your Bonusheft on day one — the sooner you start, the more you save
3. Know about hardship exemptions — apply for double subsidy if income is low
4. Always get HKP before treatment — never start without insurance approval
5. Get multiple quotes — especially for expensive dental prosthetics

As of: March 2026. All information without guarantee.