Higher subsidies through bonus booklet
Denture treatments are usually covered to a certain extent by both the health insurance company and the patient themselves, although the health insurance company’s subsidies for implants, bridges and crowns were increased on October 1, 2020. Those who have their annual visits to the dentist entered in the bonus booklet can receive higher subsidies for the costs of standard care. The subsidies can increase from 60 percent with no entry to up to 75 percent of standard care with ten entries in the bonus booklet. According to “Stiftung Warentest”, medically appropriate treatments “without special extras” are considered standard care, depending on the findings.
Discuss the treatment and cost plan in detail
How high the health insurance company’s share actually is can be seen from the so-called “treatment and cost plan”. This is drawn up by the dentist in the first step and contains the treatment plan, the expected costs and the amount of the respective shares. However, if further costs are incurred in the course of the treatment, the final amount may deviate from the cost estimate in the treatment and cost plan. Here, “Stiftung Warentest” advises that before signing the treatment plan, it is essential to have an explanation as to why the planned care is necessary from a medical point of view and also to be informed about alternatives.
Get a second opinion
Insured persons always have the option of obtaining a second opinion from another independent dentist free of charge. The “dentolo” supplementary dental insurance explains that in most cases there are many different therapy approaches and treatment options. “Especially with extensive and expensive therapies, there can be big differences in the treatment method and the costs involved.” That’s why “dentolo” advises asking another dentist for an independent second opinion if you’re unsure.
Treatment only after approval
If the dentist has explained the necessity of the individual steps, informed about possible alternatives and, under certain circumstances, a second dentist has approved the planned undertaking without any noticeable objections, the treatment and cost plan can be signed. However, it is of fundamental importance to send the treatment and cost plan to the health insurance company before the start of treatment and only to start treatment when the health insurance company approves the treatment. Only then can it be ensured that the health insurance company also pays its share.
Reduce your own contribution with supplementary dental insurance
Supplementary dental insurance can further reduce the deductible. According to “Stiftung Warentest”, it is particularly worthwhile when the standard care subsidized by health insurance is no longer sufficient. For example, if you would prefer the more expensive ceramic solution instead of the conventional metal crown, you could under certain circumstances consider taking out additional private dental insurance, since statutory health insurance companies do not contribute to the additional costs. According to “Stiftung Warentest”, patients who have to have several teeth treated within a short period of time could also think about supplementary dental insurance.
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