Dental Treatment Costs in Germany Without Insurance: A Comprehensive Guide

Eiji Shibuya, a dentist from Germany, explains the cost of dental treatment in Germany without having health insurance. Germany requires everyone to have health insurance, whether they live there permanently or temporarily. This insurance can be either private or public. However, the dental coverage varies significantly. Let's break down the cost structure and review the financial implications.

Public and Private Insurance in Germany

In Germany, everyone must have health insurance coverage. This is a public or private arrangement. If you choose private insurance, dental coverage can be added as an "add-on" component. But if you opt for public insurance (Krankenkasse), which covers the majority of the population, dental costs are only partially covered. Here's a breakdown of what's included:

Routine checkups Basic dental care, such as removing wisdom teeth Small fixed costs for various other dental treatments

Essentially, public insurance covers basic dental care, but not extensive work. That means if you need detailed or expensive procedures, you will be responsible for the costs.

Costs of Common Dental Treatments

Let's explore some common dental procedures and their costs, both when covered by public health insurance and when they have to be paid for out-of-pocket.

Professional Cleaning

Both routine checkups and professional cleaning are covered to some extent by public health insurance. However, the costs of comprehensive cleaning are borne by the patient.

Public health insurance coverage: €0 You pay: €80–120

Regular visits to the dentist and cleanings are recommended at least once a year to maintain oral hygiene. Despite the cost, many consider it worthwhile to prevent more extensive issues in the future.

Root Canal Treatment

A root canal involves treating an infected tooth to save it from extraction. The procedure is more extensive and involves several stages. Here’s how it's handled:

Public health insurance coverage: €300 You pay: up to €700

Root canal treatments are vital but can be costly. Public insurance covers a significant portion, but there is still substantial out-of-pocket expense for the patient.

Ceramic Crown

A ceramic crown is used to restore a damaged tooth or improve the appearance of a chipped tooth. The cost can vary widely depending on the quality of the material and the dentist's rate:

Public health insurance coverage: €200 You pay: up to €800

A ceramic crown can be a significant investment, especially when public insurance does not cover the complete cost.

Tooth Implant with Ceramic Crown

A tooth implant involves surgically inserting a titanium post into the jaw, followed by a custom-made ceramic crown. The process is more complex and expensive:

Public health insurance coverage: €300–400 You pay: up to €2000–3000

A tooth implant with a ceramic crown is one of the most expensive dental procedures, and the remaining cost is entirely the responsibility of the patient.

Why Consider Dental Insurance in Germany?

The financial burden of dental treatment without insurance can be substantial. However, getting dental insurance can significantly reduce these costs. Here are a few reasons to consider dental insurance:

Cost Reduction: Many dental insurance plans cover a wide range of services, including treatments that may otherwise be too expensive. Early Detection and Prevention: Regular check-ups and preventive care are crucial to maintaining good oral health and can prevent more severe and costly issues. Waiting Time: Most dental insurance policies have a waiting period of around three months before coverage is effective. Some providers, like GetSafe, don't have a waiting period and offer additional benefits such as annual dental cleaning and management through an English-language app.

GetSafe Dental Insurance

If you decide to get dental insurance, consider GetSafe, a popular and reliable provider in Germany. Here’s what they offer:

No waiting period for coverage. Covers up to €80 a year for dental cleaning. Manageable through an app in English with English-speaking customer service.

To get a quote or book a consultation, visit their website or contact them directly. Ensuring proper dental insurance can save you a significant amount of money and ensure your oral health remains a priority.

Conclusion

Understanding the dental treatment costs in Germany without insurance can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare. While some basic services are covered by public health insurance, many more extensive and costly treatments are not. Dental insurance can be a wise investment to protect your oral health and financial well-being. If you're planning to live in Germany, consider the available options and choose a plan that suits your needs.

Get a quote or book a consultation here!