Health & Care
dental supplementary insurance
Is it allowed to have two supplementary dental insurances?
Two supplementary dental insurances: More protection or double cost trap?
Many insured individuals wonder if they are allowed to have two supplementary dental insurances at the same time to maximise their coverage. Is this a clever strategy or an expensive misunderstanding? This article clarifies what is legally permitted and when a second policy is truly worthwhile.
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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 have strict disclosure requirements (§ 77 VVG).
A single, comprehensive dental insurance policy is usually more sensible and straightforward than having two concurrent contracts.
Multiple insurance for teeth: Understanding the legal basics
The possibility of having two supplementary dental insurance policies is not legally excluded. However, the so-called enrichment ban under Paragraph 78 of the German Insurance Contract Act (VVG) is decisive. This stipulates that the total of all reimbursements, including the benefits from the statutory health insurance, must not exceed the actual treatment costs by one hundred percent. Many insurers explicitly exclude double insurance for identical areas of coverage in their terms and conditions to prevent exactly this. Therefore, it is essential to carefully check the respective contract details before taking out a second policy. A comprehensive dental insurance policy can often already provide the desired protection.
The disclosure obligation under Paragraph 77 VVG also requires you to inform each insurer about the existence of other policies for the same risk. This transparency is necessary so that insurers can correctly assess their risk. A breach of this obligation can lead to the loss of insurance cover in the worst case. Coordination between two providers can also slow down the reimbursement process, often by several weeks. So before you consider if you can have 2 supplementary dental insurances, the potential disadvantages should be considered.
Leistungskoordination: This is how two insurers pay in the event of a claim
If you actually have two dental supplementary insurances that cover the same claim, a clear regulation applies. The insurance contract that was concluded first - often referred to as the older contract - is responsible for paying first. This insurer checks the submitted invoice and reimburses its share according to the agreed conditions. Afterwards, the (often stamped) invoice copy is forwarded to the second insurer. This insurer then takes over the remaining costs up to its benefit limit, but no more than one hundred percent of the total costs. For example, if the costs for dental prostheses are one thousand euros, Policy A (older) covers forty percent and Policy B (newer) eighty percent, Policy A pays four hundred euros. Policy B would then cover 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 to the other provider, which requires additional communication. A correct submission of the cost estimate is particularly important here.
Practical Scenarios: When a Second Dental Insurance Policy is Beneficial
Although a single, powerful policy is usually the better option, there are situations where it's worth considering whether you can have two dental supplementary insurances. A common reason is to supplement an existing, older policy with potentially lower benefits. Perhaps your parents took out a basic cover for you ten years ago, which no longer meets your needs. A second policy could then cover specific gaps, such as orthodontics or high-quality fillings, without having to cancel the favorable old 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 supplementary insurances have an initial waiting period of up to eight months. To ensure you are not without coverage during this time, the old policy can continue to run in parallel until the new contract is fully effective. However, this requires the approval of both insurers, as some companies do not permit double insurance even during the waiting period. Before taking this path, check the options for plans without waiting periods.
Here are some points that might favour a second policy:
Supplementing a weak old policy with specific modules.
Covering different areas of benefits (e.g., one plan for dentures, another for preventive care).
Bridging waiting periods when changing insurance (with the approval of both insurers).
If an existing policy offers very favourable conditions for one area, a second policy can cover other areas.
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 Disadvantages: The Downside of Two Dental Policies
Despite potential advantages, the drawbacks often outweigh the benefits when holding two dental insurance policies. The biggest disadvantage is the increased administrative burden. Each invoice must be submitted to both insurers, and the process needs to be coordinated, which may delay reimbursement by several weeks. Additionally, there is a risk of disagreements between insurers about who should pay first or how much. This can lead to significant stress and a loss of time for you as the insured. Another point is the double premiums. You pay monthly for two policies without any guarantee that the total benefits will exceed the costs of a single top-tier policy.
Many insurers reject applications if there is already an existing dental insurance policy covering the same risks. Even if you succeed in securing a second policy, one insurer may have terms stating that their payout, combined with other reimbursements, must not exceed a certain percentage, such as eighty percent, even if the contract allows for higher rates. This undermines the potential benefit of a second policy. Carefully consider if the cost of two insurances justifies the benefit.
Disclosure Obligations and Consequences: What You Must Inform Insurers About
If you decide to take out two supplementary dental insurance policies, despite the disadvantages, which potentially cover the same risk, you must comply with your duty of disclosure. According to Paragraph 77 of the VVG, you are obliged to promptly inform each insurer about the existence of the other policy. This notification should include the name of the other insurer and the respective insurance sum. Insurers require this information for accurate risk assessment and to avoid overinsurance. A breach of this duty can have serious consequences. In the worst case, the insurer may refuse coverage or terminate the contract.
It becomes particularly critical if multiple insurance policies are taken out with fraudulent intent. This means, with the aim of gaining an unlawful financial advantage, for example, by planning to claim multiple times for the same damage. In such a case, according to Paragraph 78 Section 4 of the VVG, any contract concluded with this intent is void. You lose all insurance cover. Also, the tax deductibility of the contributions could be questioned in such cases. Therefore, honest and transparent communication with your insurers is essential.
If double insurance has inadvertently arisen, for example through marriage or a new employment contract with included insurance benefits, Paragraph 79 of the VVG offers a solution. You can then request the cancellation of the later concluded contract or a reduction of the insurance sum. This is an important safeguard for honest policyholders. Also, inform yourself about specific regulations if it's a supplementary dental insurance for braces.
Exploring Alternatives: A Comprehensive Policy as a Solution
Instead of dealing with the effort and potential issues of having two supplemental dental insurance policies, it is often more sensible to take out a single, but very good policy. A plan that covers ninety to one hundred percent of the costs for dental prosthetics, treatments, and prophylaxis often offers 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 enable individual coverage without the need to consider whether you can have 2 supplemental dental insurance policies.
When choosing, you should pay attention to the following aspects:
Reimbursement amount for dental prosthetics (implants, bridges, crowns).
Coverage for dental treatments (root treatments, periodontal treatments).
Benefits for prophylaxis (professional teeth cleaning).
Possible waiting periods and limit on sums in the first years.
Transparent contract conditions and good customer service from the provider.
A supplemental health insurance can also cover other areas and should be considered in the overall assessment. 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
In summary, while it is legally possible to have two supplementary dental insurance policies, it is really only advisable in very rare cases. The drawbacks such as doubled administrative work, higher overall costs, and the risk of reductions in benefits or disputes between insurers often outweigh the potential advantages. The statutory prohibition on unjust enrichment ensures that you never receive more than one hundred percent of your actual costs reimbursed. A single, powerful supplementary dental insurance policy that is tailored precisely to your needs generally offers the best and simplest protection. This way, you avoid the question of whether you can have 2 supplementary dental insurances and ensure optimal coverage.
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More useful links
Wikipedia offers a comprehensive overview of dental supplemental insurance in Germany.
The National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Dentists (KZBV) provides information about dental services covered by statutory health insurance (GKV).
The German Dental Association (BZÄK) provides patients with comprehensive information on oral health.
FAQ
Darf ich gesetzlich zwei Zahnzusatzversicherungen gleichzeitig besitzen?
Yes, the law does not prohibit having two supplementary dental insurances. However, the prohibition of enrichment (maximum reimbursement of one hundred percent of the costs) applies, and many insurers have their own regulations regarding this.
Welche Versicherung zahlt zuerst, wenn ich zwei Zahnzusatzversicherungen habe?
Usually, the insurance from the first policy taken out (older policy) is liable to pay first.
Macht es Sinn, eine alte Zahnzusatzversicherung zu behalten und eine neue abzuschließen?
This can be sensible to supplement a cheap old policy with specific new benefits or to bridge waiting times. However, this should be carefully checked and coordinated with the insurers.
What is the prohibition of enrichment in the context of supplementary dental insurance?
The prohibition of enrichment (Paragraph 78 VVG) states that you may not receive more money from insurance benefits than the actual damage incurred. The total reimbursement is limited to one hundred percent of the costs.
What are the disadvantages of taking out two supplementary dental insurances?
Disadvantages include double premium payments, increased administrative effort in handling claims, potential delays, and the risk of disputes between insurers.
Was ist die Anzeigepflicht bei mehreren Versicherungen?
According to Paragraph 77 VVG, you must inform each insurer about the existence of other insurances covering the same risk. This includes the name of the other insurer and the sum insured.
