How dental cover works here
Around 90% of the German population is covered by statutory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, GKV), which pays for a standard, no-frills treatment level (Regelversorgung) — check-ups, fillings and basic crowns or dentures. For anything above that standard, such as tooth-coloured fillings on back teeth, higher-quality crown materials, or dental implants, the GKV pays only a fixed subsidy and the rest is out of pocket.
That gap is what Zahnzusatzversicherung (supplementary dental insurance) is designed to close. Unlike some other markets, German supplementary dental policies are often structured as a percentage reimbursement (e.g. 70-90% of the difference above the statutory subsidy) rather than a flat cash annual maximum, though many policies do also cap the very first year or two of benefits to discourage people from buying cover right before major treatment.
Typical treatment costs
| Treatment | Typical cost above GKV subsidy |
|---|---|
| Kontrolle & Zahnreinigung (check-up & cleaning) | €40 – €100 |
| Füllung, weiß (tooth-coloured filling) | €40 – €120 |
| Wurzelbehandlung (root canal) | €150 – €500 |
| Krone, hochwertig (premium crown) | €400 – €900 |
| Zahnimplantat (single implant) | €1,500 – €3,000 |
| Durchsichtige Zahnschienen (clear aligners) | €2,500 – €5,500 |
Figures show the typical amount above what statutory insurance already subsidises, not the full treatment price.
Insurers compared
| Provider | Plan type | Monthly | Typical annual reimbursement | Waiting period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allianz Zahnzusatz | Zahnzusatzversicherung | €10 – €35 | €500 – €2,000 | 3–8 Monate |
| DKV Deutschland | Zahnzusatzversicherung | €12 – €40 | €500 – €2,200 | 3–8 Monate |
| Barmenia | Zahnzusatzversicherung | €9 – €30 | €400 – €1,800 | 3–8 Monate |
| HanseMerkur | Zahnzusatzversicherung | €11 – €38 | €500 – €2,000 | 3–8 Monate |
Estimated ranges, last reviewed August 2026. Many policies also cap benefits in year one — always confirm exact terms with the provider.
Compare nowWhat to check before you sign up
- Whether the policy reimburses a percentage or a fixed cash amount — percentage models reward choosing higher-cost treatment, which matters for implants.
- Any first- or second-year benefit caps ("Staffelung"), since these are common and change what you'd actually get paid soon after signing up.
- Whether existing planned treatment is excluded — insurers usually won't cover work already recommended before your policy started.
- Whether financing a single implant directly might beat several years of premiums — see our financing comparison.