Is Dental Insurance Worth It in Germany? Costs vs Benefits Compared (2024)

You’re brushing twice daily, flossing religiously, and steering clear of soda and sweets—everything you’re “supposed to do” to maintain healthy teeth. 

Yet, staring back at you in the mirror are three cavities that seemed to appear overnight. 

The diagnosis? 

You’ll need fillings for the cavities and may require further treatment to prevent more severe damage. The cost? Hundreds, maybe thousands of euros.$

The worst thing about this? Your dentist lets you know that a yearly dental cleaning could have avoided all this. 

This is where dental insurance or a dental savings plan could make all the difference.

These help cover or significantly reduce the cost of procedures like fillings, cleanings, and preventive care.

Plus, it’ll cover most of the cost of those professional dental cleanings, which could save you from a catastrophe. 

But they’re not free—and it’s not always a clear win. 

If your teeth stay healthy for years, you might feel like the premiums were a waste. But the savings could be lifesaving if you need extensive work like root canals, crowns, or implants.

So, does this peace of mind make dental insurance worth it?

Let’s find out.

What are the pros and cons of dental insurance?

Interested in learning more about how dental insurance works? Read our guide to dental insurance in Germany.

Is dental insurance popular in Germany?

Dental insurance is becoming more popular in Germany. 

According to recent research by PKV, over 17.8 million people in Germany now have supplemental dental insurance. 

That’s a 30.9% increase over the past decade. 

While this shows growing interest, it’s still a small fraction of the 74 million people publicly insured.

Why is supplemental dental insurance growing? 

For two main reasons:

1. Limited coverage on public insurance
   Germany’s public health insurance only covers basic dental care and a portion of more complex procedures.
   For example, public insurance fully covers amalgam fillings (which are silver-colored) but not tooth-colored composite fillings.
   If you want a composite filling, public insurance will only pay the same amount as an amalgam filling, forcing you to pay the difference.
2. Decreasing public coverage
   Over time, public insurance has reduced its dental benefits.
   For example, in 2020, it covered 50% of the cost of dental prostheses like dentures.
   Now, it covers just 40%.
   This makes supplemental insurance more appealing and helps bridge the gap.

What does dental insurance cost in Germany?

Dental insurance in Germany costs an average of €26 per month. However, prices can range widely based on the type of plan and your personal situation. Let’s break it down.

• Cheaper Plans: Start at about €8 per month but offer limited coverage.
• Comprehensive Plans: Extensive benefits can cost up to €39 per month.

Though the exact cost will vary, depending on:

1. Age: Younger people usually pay less because they are less likely to have dental problems.
2. Desired coverage: More coverage (e.g., for expensive treatments like implants) means a higher price.
3. Oral Health: If you already have dental issues, the cost will be higher.

Since prices and coverage vary, it’s smart to get quotes from multiple companies and ask how the cost will change as you age.

Compare them to find the right balance of cost and benefits for your needs. 

Remember that the cost increases over time, and canceling a plan when it gets too expensive can leave you without coverage when you need it most.

Here’s how monthly premiums might evolve over time for a healthy person:

But dental insurance isn’t just about the monthly rate. Here are additional potential expenses:

1. Deductibles: The amount you pay before your insurance kicks in.
2. Copays: A small fixed fee for specific treatments, like cleanings.
3. Annual maximums: The most your insurer will pay each year. For example, Feather starts with a €150 limit in the first two years, which adds up if unused. During and after the third year, there’s no limit.

What dental insurance pays for

Dental insurance helps pay for dental care but doesn’t cover everything. Understanding what’s included—and what isn’t—is essential before you rely on it.

For example, most plans won’t cover purely cosmetic procedures, like teeth whitening or veneers, which are done to improve appearance rather than fix health problems. 

Some dental plans set a maximum amount they’ll pay each year (called an annual limit).

For example, if your plan has a €1000 limit and you need €10500 worth of work, you’ll pay the extra $500 yourself. Additionally, many plans have a waiting period before coverage kicks in, meant to prevent people from signing up only when they need expensive care.

The most important limitation is pre-existing conditions. 

Dental insurance typically won’t cover issues diagnosed before your policy starts. For instance, if you already know you have tooth decay, your plan likely won’t pay for treatment after you enroll.

This also applies if you let your insurance expire. If your coverage ends—maybe because you missed multiple payments—and you sign up again later, any conditions diagnosed during the gap now count as pre-existing and won’t be covered.

These restrictions are in place because dental insurance is designed to handle unexpected costs, like a sudden cavity or dental injury. It’s not meant to act as a prepaid plan for ongoing or planned treatments.

Dental coverage specifics

With top-tier insurance plans, you can get reimbursed for 80%, 90%, or even 100% of covered costs—after meeting your deductible.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what most plans offer:

Most plans cover…

• Professional dental cleaning
• High-quality fillings
• Root canal treatments
• Mouth guards
• Pain relief treatments
• Treatments resulting from accidents

Some plans cover…

• Tooth replacements, including:
  • Implants
  • Bridges
  • Crowns
  • Inlays
• Teeth whitening

Almost no plans cover…

• Pre-existing conditions
• Cosmetic dentistry procedures
• Oral health supplies (floss, toothpaste, toothbrush)
• Orthodontics (braces or aligners) for treatments starting after age 21

Note: The best dental insurance companies may make exceptions to these general rules, so it’s worth reviewing your plan carefully.

The cost of dental care

Dental care costs in Germany can vary widely depending on the type of treatment you need.

According to recent statistics from the Association of Substitute Health Insurance Funds (VDEK), German residents spend an average of €237 per year on dentist visits. 

However, Feather’s data shows that the average claim for dental expenses is €361.45, suggesting that many people face higher costs. 

Breaking down the data further helps us identify the most common types of claims for dental insurance, showing what people often use their coverage for:

Routine treatments like dental cleanings are relatively minor and inexpensive. However, some procedures, like tooth replacements, can become very costly. 

For instance, Feather has reimbursed as much as €3,512.90 for tooth replacements.

Alternatives to dental insurance

If dental insurance isn’t the right fit for you, here are some practical alternatives to help you cover dental costs:

Investing

Instead of paying monthly premiums to an insurance company, you can save money on your own. 

Open a high-yield savings account or invest in a private pension plan to set aside funds for future dental expenses.

Pros:

• If you don’t need dental care, the money is yours to do as you please.
• You avoid paying premiums that might not match your actual dental costs.

Cons:

• You might need more saved if you face an unexpected, costly dental procedure shortly after choosing to save on your own.

Financial aid

If dental costs feel out of reach, consider these strategies:

1. Payment plans with your dentist
   Many dental clinics offer payment plans to spread the cost of treatment over time. This can make expensive procedures more manageable.
2. Low-cost clinics
   Research local dental clinics that provide lower fees. These are often community clinics or training facilities where supervised students perform treatments at a reduced cost.
3. Charitable organizations
   Some charities and nonprofit groups offer those in need financial aid or free dental care. Look for programs in your area that specialize in healthcare assistance.
4. Härtefallregelung (Hardship Rules)
   If your income falls below a specific threshold in Germany, public insurance might cover 100% of your dental treatment costs.
   Income Limits (Gross Monthly Income):
   • €1,246 for a single person.
   • €1,713 for a two-person household.
   • Add €311 for each additional household member.

Your insurance might still offer partial coverage if your income exceeds these limits. Contact them to confirm eligibility.

So, is dental insurance worth it? 

That wraps up our look at whether dental insurance is worth it in Germany. Here’s what we can take away from it:

Dental insurance can be worth the cost for many people, especially if you have the right coverage. 

It’s a smart choice if:

• You’re young and healthy – lower rates make it more affordable to start early.
• You lack significant savings – it can protect you from unexpected, large dental bills.
• You plan regular dental cleanings – Doing one per year will offset the cost of your annual premium.

Dental insurance is becoming increasingly important, mainly as public health insurance covers fewer dental expenses.

Ready to buy dental insurance? Read Feather’s list of the best dental insurance in Germany.

Do you have any unanswered questions? Use the form below; our insurance experts will reply within a day or two!

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The Feather team regularly checks and updates this article. It was last revised on 22.11.2024

Théo Max Leimer

Author

Yassine Kacem

Editor