Two supplementary dental insurances: More protection or a double cost trap?
20 May 2025
8
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
Many policyholders wonder if they are allowed to have two supplementary dental insurance policies at the same time to maximize their coverage. Is this a smart strategy or an expensive misunderstanding? This article clarifies what is legally permissible and when a second policy really pays off.
The topic in brief and concise terms
It is legally possible to have two supplementary dental insurance policies, but the total reimbursement must not exceed one hundred percent of the costs (prohibition of enrichment § 78 VVG).
Many insurers contractually exclude double insurance for identical risks or there are strict disclosure obligations (§ 77 VVG).
A single, powerful dental insurance policy is often more sensible and straightforward than two parallel contracts.
Multiple dental insurance: Understanding the legal basics
The possibility of having two supplementary dental insurances is not legally prohibited. However, the crucial factor is the so-called prohibition of enrichment according to paragraph 78 of the Insurance Contract Act (VVG). This stipulates that the total of all reimbursements, including the services of the statutory health insurance, must not exceed the actual treatment costs of one hundred percent. Many insurers explicitly exclude double insurance for identical areas of coverage in their policy conditions to prevent precisely this. Therefore, it is essential to carefully examine the specific contract details before concluding a second policy. A comprehensive supplementary dental insurance can often already provide the desired protection.
The duty of disclosure according to paragraph 77 VVG also obliges you to inform each insurer about the existence of other policies for the same risk. This transparency is necessary so that insurers can accurately assess their risk. A breach of this duty can, in the worst case, lead to a loss of insurance coverage. The coordination between two providers can also delay the reimbursement process, often by several weeks. So, before you consider whether darf man 2 Zahnzusatzversicherungen haben, the potential disadvantages should be considered.
Claims Coordination: How Two Insurers Pay in the Event of a Loss
If you actually have two supplementary dental insurance policies covering the same claim, a clear regulation applies. First, the insurer whose contract was concluded first — often referred to as the older contract — provides the initial coverage. This insurer reviews the submitted invoice and reimburses its share according to the agreed conditions. Afterwards, the (often stamped) copy of the invoice is forwarded to the second insurer. This insurer then covers the remaining costs up to its coverage limit, but not exceeding one hundred percent of the total costs. An example: if the costs for dental prostheses amount to one thousand euros, tariff A (older) covers forty percent and tariff B (newer) covers eighty percent, tariff A pays four hundred euros. Tariff B would then take over the remaining six hundred euros, not the full eighty percent of one thousand euros.
This process ensures that no overcompensation occurs. However, the coordination can extend the entire reimbursement process by a few days to weeks. It is important to know that some insurers might attempt to shift the obligation onto the other provider, which requires additional communication. A correct submission of the cost estimate is particularly important in this context.
Sensible Scenarios: When a Second Dental Insurance Policy is Beneficial
Although a single, powerful policy is usually the better choice, there are situations where it's worth considering whether you can have two dental insurance plans. A common reason is to supplement an existing, older contract with potentially lower benefits. Perhaps your parents took out basic coverage for you ten years ago that no longer meets your needs. A second policy could then fill specific gaps, such as for orthodontics or high-quality fillings, without having to cancel the old, affordable contract. It is crucial that the benefits ideally complement each other and do not completely overlap.
Another scenario is bridging waiting periods when switching to a new plan. Many dental insurance plans have an initial waiting period of up to eight months. To avoid being left without coverage during this time, the old policy can continue to run in parallel until the new contract fully takes effect. However, this requires the agreement of both insurers, as some companies do not allow dual insurance even during the waiting period. Before you take this route, check the options for plans without waiting periods.
Here are some points that might advocate for a second policy:
Supplementing a weak old contract with specific modules.
Coverage of different types of benefits (e.g., one plan for dental prostheses, another for prophylaxis).
Bridging waiting periods when switching insurers (with the consent of both insurers).
If an existing contract offers very favorable terms for one area, which is supplemented by a second contract for other areas.
However, the decision for a second policy should always be made after careful consideration of the costs, administrative effort, and actual improvement in benefits.
Risks and Drawbacks: The Downside of Two Dental Policies
Despite potential benefits, the disadvantages often outweigh when maintaining two dental insurance policies. The biggest disadvantage is the increased administrative effort. Every invoice must be submitted to both insurers and the process coordinated, which can delay reimbursement by several weeks. Furthermore, there is the risk of disputes between insurers about who should pay first or in what amount. This can lead to significant stress and time loss for you as the insured. Another point is the double premiums. You pay monthly for two contracts without the guarantee that the overall benefit exceeds the costs of a single top policy.
Many insurers refuse applications if there is already a dental insurance policy covering the same risks. Even if the conclusion is successful, one insurer may stipulate in its terms and conditions that its benefits together with other reimbursements must not exceed a certain percentage, such as eighty percent, even if the contract actually provides for higher rates. This undermines the potential benefit of a second policy. Carefully consider whether the cost of two insurances justifies the benefit.
Expert Tip: Focus on a strong contract instead of double insurance
Our expert tip: Focus on concluding a single, but powerful dental insurance policy. A careful comparison of different plans with regard to coverage, reimbursement rates, and service quality is often a more efficient strategy. A good policy can already cover up to one hundred percent of the costs for many treatments. This not only saves you from double contributions but also from the considerable additional effort and possible complications in handling claims with two companies. Remember that the goal of a dental insurance is straightforward protection.
If you are unsure which insurance is right for your individual needs, professional advice can help. nextsure supports you in finding the right protection that is precisely tailored to your requirements. A careful analysis of your situation is the first step towards optimal dental health and financial security. Knowing can you have 2 dental insurances is only part of the equation; making the smarter decision is often a different one.
Disclosure obligations and consequences: What you need to tell insurers
If you choose to take out two supplementary dental insurance policies despite the drawbacks, which potentially cover the same risk, you must comply with your duty of disclosure. According to Paragraph 77 of the German Insurance Contract Act (VVG), you are obliged to inform each insurer immediately about the existence of the other insurance. This notification should include the name of the other insurer and the respective insurance sum. Insurers require this information for correct risk assessment and to avoid overinsurance. A breach of this duty can have serious consequences. In the worst-case scenario, the insurer may refuse to provide benefits or terminate the contract.
It becomes particularly critical if multiple insurance policies are taken out with fraudulent intent. This means the aim of unlawfully gaining a financial advantage, for instance, by planning to claim multiple times for the same damage. In such a case, according to Paragraph 78 Section 4 VVG, any contract concluded with this intention is void. You lose any insurance cover. Even the tax deductibility of contributions may be questioned in such cases. Therefore, honest and transparent communication with your insurers is essential.
If accidental double insurance occurs, for example, through marriage or a new employment contract with included insurance benefits, Paragraph 79 VVG offers a solution. You can then request the cancellation of the later contract or a reduction in the insurance sum. This is an important protection for honest policyholders. Also, inform yourself about special regulations if it concerns a supplementary dental insurance for braces.
Considering alternatives: A comprehensive policy as a solution
Instead of dealing with the effort and potential issues of having two supplementary dental insurance policies, it is usually more sensible to take out a single, very good policy. A plan that covers, for example, ninety to one hundred percent of the costs for dentures, dental treatments, and prophylaxis often provides better and more straightforward protection. Many modern plans also include benefits for orthodontics for children or professional teeth cleaning several times a year. The market offers a variety of options that allow for individual coverage, without having to consider darf man 2 Zahnzusatzversicherungen haben.
When choosing, you should pay attention to the following aspects:
Reimbursement level for dentures (implants, bridges, crowns).
Coverage of costs for dental treatments (root treatments, periodontal treatments).
Benefits for prophylaxis (professional teeth cleaning).
Possible waiting periods and sum limits in the first years.
Transparent contract conditions and good customer service from the provider.
A supplementary health insurance can also cover additional areas and should be included in the overall consideration. Thorough research and comparison are worthwhile to find the optimal protection for your needs and save costs in the long term.
Conclusion: One policy is usually enough – nextsure is happy to advise you
More useful links
Wikipedia provides a comprehensive overview of dental supplemental insurance in Germany.
The National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Dentists (KZBV) offers information on dental services covered by statutory health insurance (GKV).
The Federal Chamber of Dentists (BZÄK) provides patients with comprehensive information on dental health.
FAQ
Am I legally allowed to have two supplementary dental insurance policies at the same time?
Yes, the legislator does not prohibit having two supplementary dental insurances. However, the prohibition of enrichment applies (maximum reimbursement of one hundred percent of the costs) and many insurers have their own regulations on this.
Which insurance pays first if I have two supplementary dental insurance policies?
As a rule, the insurance of the contract that was concluded first (older policy) is the first to be liable for benefits.
Does it make sense to keep an old dental insurance plan and take out a new one?
This can make sense to complement an affordable old contract with specific new services or to bridge waiting times. However, this should be closely examined and coordinated with the insurers.
What is the prohibition of enrichment in the context of dental supplementary insurance?
The prohibition of enrichment (Paragraph 78 VVG) states that you must not receive more money through insurance benefits than the actual damage incurred. The total reimbursement is limited to one hundred percent of the costs.
What are the drawbacks of taking out two supplementary dental insurance policies?
Disadvantages include double premium payments, increased administrative effort in claims handling, potential delays, and the risk of disputes between insurers.
What is the obligation to disclose when holding multiple insurance policies?
According to paragraph 77 of the VVG, you must inform each insurer about the existence of other insurance policies that cover the same risk. This includes the name of the other insurer and the sum insured.
