The value of supplementary dental insurance for kids: An assessment

The value of supplementary dental insurance for kids: An assessment

Dental supplementary insurance (Zahnzusatzversicherung) for children in Germany offers a range of benefits and potential savings, but it's essential for parents to carefully consider the costs and limitations before making a decision.

Benefits

One significant advantage of dental supplementary insurance is the coverage for orthodontic treatments, such as braces. While statutory health insurance (GKV) covers 80–90% of orthodontic treatments only if the severity of the condition meets strict criteria, many children who might benefit from treatment do not qualify for this coverage, leaving families to bear high out-of-pocket expenses (averaging around €4,500). Private supplementary insurance, however, may cover more. For example, Allianz’s "MeinZahnschutz 100" plan offers up to €3,000 coverage specifically for braces and orthodontic treatments started before age 21.

In addition to orthodontic coverage, these plans often include 100% coverage for professional dental cleanings (e.g., twice yearly), which public insurance only partially covers or limits. Some also include coverage for newer treatments under an "innovation guarantee." Having supplementary insurance can help manage the financial burden and provide access to higher quality or aesthetic dental care options that public insurance excludes, such as ceramic brackets or cosmetic upgrades.

Costs and Limitations

Monthly premiums for dental supplementary insurance plans like Allianz's start around €18.77, but prices vary depending on coverage and provider. Some plans have minimum contract terms (e.g., two years before cancellation is allowed), which reduces flexibility. It's also important to note that not all treatments are covered, and coverage depends on the specific plan details. For example, some tariffs exclude professional teeth cleaning or certain diagnostics and may increase premiums based on preexisting conditions.

Another consideration is that insurance is individual, meaning there are no family discounts, and each child needs a separate policy, increasing overall cost for families with multiple children. Additionally, some insurers may lack English-speaking customer service, which might be a consideration for non-German-speaking parents.

Is it worthwhile?

For parents anticipating orthodontic treatment for their children, supplementary dental insurance can be financially advantageous given the high costs and often limited public coverage. If orthodontics is unlikely or if parents are comfortable paying out-of-pocket for standard care, public health insurance together with routine dental checkups might suffice. Since orthodontic needs are common (50–70% of children), and public coverage is conditional, many parents choose supplementary insurance to reduce financial uncertainty.

The best value is found by comparing plans for orthodontic coverage limits, premiums, contract terms, and additional benefits like professional cleanings. In summary, parents in Germany often find dental supplementary insurance worthwhile to mitigate high orthodontic costs and gain enhanced dental care coverage for their children, though they should consider premiums, contract conditions, and the specific plan's coverage options before committing.

Other options, such as saving money for your child's dental treatment, can also be considered. If you start saving €15 monthly on a savings account from birth, you'll have accumulated €3,240 by the age of 18, which could cover many additional services at KIG 3-5. However, it's crucial to note that for KIG 1-2, parents may have to bear the entire cost of the treatment, which can range from €2,500 to €7,000.

In conclusion, taking out dental supplementary insurance for a child is most beneficial when done between the ages of 3 to 4, before any orthodontic treatments are foreseeable. For families whose children are assessed in KIG 1 to 2, dental supplementary insurance can be useful as the statutory health insurance does not cover treatment costs. It's always recommended to obtain a second opinion to make a decision about additional services.

1. The daily allowance for dental supplementary insurance can potentially save families high out-of-pocket expenses for orthodontic treatments, with averages around €4,500.
2. Orthodontic treatments, such as braces, are covered more by private supplementary insurance compared to statutory health insurance in Germany.
3. Allianz's "MeinZahnschutz 100" plan, for example, offers up to €3,000 coverage specifically for braces and orthodontic treatments begun before age 21.
4. Alongside orthodontic coverage, these plans often provide 100% coverage for professional dental cleanings, a service partially covered by public insurance only.
5. Some supplementary insurance plans even include coverage for newer treatments under an "innovation guarantee."
6. Assessing the financial burden and gaining access to higher quality or aesthetic dental care options is another advantage of having supplementary insurance.
7. Monthly premiums for dental supplementary insurance plans can start around €18.77, although they may vary depending on coverage and provider.
8. Some plans have minimum contract terms, reducing flexibility for cancellations.
9. It's important to note that not all treatments are covered, and coverage depends on the specific plan details.
10. Certain diagnostics and professional teeth cleaning may even be excluded by some tariffs, with premiums increasing based on preexisting conditions.
11. Since insurance is individual, there are no family discounts for parents with multiple children, resulting in increased overall costs.
12. Consideration should also be given to non-German-speaking parents, as some insurers may lack English-speaking customer service.
13. For parents who anticipate orthodontic treatment for their children, dental supplementary insurance can be financially advantageous.
14. If orthodontics is unlikely or if parents are comfortable paying out-of-pocket for standard care, public health insurance together with routine dental checkups may suffice.
15. Since orthodontic needs are common (50–70% of children), and public coverage is conditional, many parents choose supplementary insurance to reduce financial uncertainty.
16. To get the best value from supplementary insurance plans, parents should compare plans for orthodontic coverage limits, premiums, contract terms, and additional benefits.
17. In summary, parents in Germany often find dental supplementary insurance worthwhile to mitigate high orthodontic costs and gain enhanced dental care coverage for their children.
18. Another option, such as saving money for your child's dental treatment, can also be considered.
19. Starting to save €15 monthly on a savings account from birth can accumulate €3,240 by the age of 18, which could potentially cover additional services at KIG 3-5.
20. However, for KIG 1-2, parents may have to bear the entire cost of the treatment, which can range from €2,500 to €7,000.
21. Taking out dental supplementary insurance for a child is most beneficial when done between the ages of 3 to 4, before any orthodontic treatments are foreseeable.
22. For families whose children are assessed in KIG 1 to 2, dental supplementary insurance can be useful as the statutory health insurance does not cover treatment costs.
23. It's always recommended to obtain a second opinion before deciding on additional services for your child's dental care.
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