Two dental supplementary insurances: More protection or a double cost trap?
20.05.25
4
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
Many policyholders ask themselves whether they are allowed to have two dental supplementary insurance policies at the same time in order to maximise their cover. Is this a clever strategy or an expensive misconception? This article explains what is legally permitted and when a second policy is really worthwhile.
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 per cent of the costs (prohibition of enrichment, Section 78 VVG).
Many insurers contractually exclude double insurance for identical risks, or there are strict disclosure obligations (§ 77 VVG).
A single, comprehensive dental supplementary insurance policy is usually more sensible and straightforward than two parallel policies.
Multiple insurance for teeth: understanding the legal basics
The possibility of holding two dental supplementary insurance policies is not ruled out by law. However, what is decisive is the so-called prohibition on enrichment under Section 78 of the Insurance Contract Act (VVG). This states that the total of all reimbursements, including benefits from the statutory health insurance fund, may not exceed 100 per cent of the actual treatment costs. Many insurers explicitly exclude double insurance for identical areas of cover in their policy terms to prevent exactly this. It is therefore essential to check the respective policy details carefully before taking out a second policy. A comprehensive dental supplementary insurance policy can often already provide the desired cover.
The duty of disclosure under Section 77 VVG also requires you to inform each insurer about any other policies for the same risk. This transparency is necessary so that insurers can assess their risk correctly. A breach of this obligation can, in the worst case, lead to loss of insurance cover. Coordination between two providers can also slow down the reimbursement process, often by several weeks. So before you consider whether you can have 2 dental supplementary insurance policies, the potential disadvantages should be taken into account.
Benefit coordination: How two insurers pay in the event of a claim
If you actually have two dental supplementary insurance policies covering the same claim, a clear rule applies. The policy that was taken out first pays first – often referred to as the older policy. This insurer checks the invoice submitted and reimburses its share in accordance with the agreed terms. The (often stamped) copy of the invoice is then forwarded to the second insurer. That insurer then covers the remaining costs up to the limit of its benefits, but no more than one hundred per cent of the total costs. Example: if the cost of dental prosthetics is one thousand euros, tariff A (older) covers forty per cent and tariff B (newer) eighty per cent, tariff A pays four hundred euros. Tariff B would then cover the remaining six hundred euros, not the full eighty per cent of one thousand euros.
This process ensures that there is no overcompensation. The coordination can, however, extend the overall reimbursement process by a few days to weeks. It is important to know that some insurers may try to shift their obligation to provide benefits onto the other provider, which requires additional communication. Correct submission of the cost estimate is particularly important here.
Practical scenarios: When a second dental insurance policy can be beneficial
Although a single, high-performing policy is usually the better choice, there are situations in which it is worth considering whether you can have 2 dental supplementary insurance policies. A common reason is to supplement an existing, older contract with potentially lower benefits. Perhaps your parents took out basic cover for you ten years ago, which no longer meets your needs. A second policy could then close specific gaps, for example in orthodontics or high-quality fillings, without having to cancel the inexpensive old contract. What matters here is that the benefits ideally complement each other and do not overlap completely.
Another scenario is bridging waiting periods when switching to a new plan. Many dental supplementary insurance policies have an initial waiting period of up to eight months. To avoid being left without cover during this time, the old policy can continue in parallel until the new contract takes full effect. However, this requires the approval of both insurers, as some companies do not permit double insurance even during the waiting period. Before taking this route, check the Options for plans without waiting periods.
Here are some points that could speak in favour of a second policy:
Supplementing an old contract with poor benefits with specific components.
Covering different areas of benefits (e.g. one plan for dental prosthetics, another for preventive care).
Bridging waiting periods when changing insurer (with the approval of both insurers).
When an existing contract offers very favourable terms for one area, which is supplemented by a second contract for other areas.
However, the decision to take out a second policy should always be made after carefully weighing up the costs, the administrative effort and the actual improvement in benefits.
Risks and disadvantages: The downside of two dental insurance policies
Despite the potential benefits, the drawbacks often outweigh them when you hold two dental supplementary insurance policies. The biggest disadvantage is the increased administrative effort. Each invoice must be submitted to both insurers and the process coordinated, which can delay reimbursement by several weeks. In addition, there is the risk of disagreements between the insurers about who has to pay first or in what amount. This can cause considerable stress and wasted time for you as the insured person. Another point is the double premiums. You pay monthly for two contracts, without any guarantee that the total benefit will exceed the cost of a single top-tier policy.
Many insurers reject applications if there is already a dental supplementary insurance policy covering the same risks. Even if you do manage to take one out, it may be that an insurer stipulates in its terms that its benefits, together with other reimbursements, may not exceed a certain percentage, for example eighty per cent, even if the contract actually provides for higher rates. This undermines the potential benefit of a second policy. Think carefully about whether the price of two policies justifies the benefit.
Expert tip: focus on a strong contract instead of double insurance
Our expert tip: Focus on taking out a single but high-performing dental supplementary insurance policy. A careful comparison of various tariffs in terms of scope of benefits, reimbursement rates and service quality is usually the more efficient strategy. A good policy can already cover up to one hundred per cent of the costs for many treatments. This saves you not only double premiums, but also the considerable extra effort and possible complications when processing claims with two companies. Bear in mind that the purpose of a dental supplementary insurance policy is straightforward cover.
If you are unsure which insurance is right for your individual needs, professional advice can help. nextsure supports you in finding the right cover, tailored precisely to your requirements. A careful analysis of your situation is the first step towards optimal dental health and financial security. The question of whether you can have 2 dental supplementary insurance policies is only part of the equation; the wiser decision is often a different one.
Duty of disclosure and consequences: What you must tell insurers
If, despite the drawbacks, you decide to take out two dental supplementary insurance policies that potentially cover the same risk, you must comply with your duty of disclosure. Under Section 77 VVG, you are obliged to inform each insurer immediately of the existence of the other policy. This notification should include the name of the other insurer and the respective sum insured. The insurers need this information for an accurate risk assessment and to avoid overinsurance. A breach of this duty can have serious consequences. In the worst case, the insurer may refuse to pay or terminate the contract.
This becomes particularly critical if double insurance is taken out with fraudulent intent. That means with the aim of obtaining unlawful financial gain, for example by planning to collect payment multiple times for the same loss. In such a case, under Section 78(4) VVG, any contract concluded with this intent is void. You lose all insurance cover. The tax deductibility of the premiums could also be called into question in such cases. Honest and transparent communication with your insurers is therefore essential.
If double insurance has arisen unintentionally, for example through marriage or a new employment contract with included insurance benefits, Section 79 VVG offers a solution. You can then request cancellation of the later contract or a reduction in the sum insured. This is an important safeguard for honest policyholders. Find out also about special rules if it concerns a dental supplementary insurance for braces.
Instead of burdening yourself with the effort and potential problems of two dental supplementary insurance policies, it is usually more sensible to take out a single, but very good policy. A plan that, for example, covers ninety to one hundred per cent of the costs for dental prosthetics, dental treatments and preventive care often offers better and more straightforward protection. Many modern plans also include benefits for orthodontics for children or professional dental cleanings several times a year. The market offers a wide range of options that make individual cover possible, without having to consider can you have 2 dental supplementary insurance policies.
When making your choice, you should pay attention to the following aspects:
Reimbursement level for dental prosthetics (implants, bridges, crowns).
Costs covered for dental treatments (root canal treatments, periodontal treatments).
Benefits for preventive care (professional dental cleaning).
Possible waiting periods and benefit limits in the first few years.
Transparent contract terms and good customer service from the provider.
A supplementary health insurance policy can also cover other areas and should be included in the overall assessment. Thorough research and comparison are worthwhile in order to find the optimal cover for your needs and save costs in the long term.
Conclusion: Usually, one policy is enough – nextsure will be happy to advise you
In summary, while it is legally possible to have two dental supplementary insurance policies, this is only really advisable in very rare cases. The disadvantages, such as double administrative effort, higher overall costs and the risk of benefit reductions or disputes between insurers, usually outweigh the potential benefits. The statutory prohibition on unjust enrichment ensures that you will never be reimbursed for more than one hundred per cent of your actual costs. A single, high-performing dental supplementary insurance policy, tailored precisely to your needs, usually offers the best and most straightforward protection. This helps you avoid the question of whether you can have two dental supplementary insurance policies and ensures you are optimally covered.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation reviewed free of charge and receive specific suggestions for optimisation.
More useful links
Wikipedia provides a comprehensive overview of supplementary dental insurance in Germany.
The Kassenzahnärztliche Bundesvereinigung (KZBV) provides information on dental services covered by statutory health insurance (GKV).
The Bundeszahnärztekammer (BZÄK) provides patients with comprehensive information on dental health.
FAQ
Am I legally allowed to have two dental supplementary insurance policies at the same time?
Yes, the legislator does not prohibit owning two dental supplementary insurance policies. However, the prohibition on overinsurance applies (maximum reimbursement of one hundred per cent of the costs), and many insurers have their own rules on this.
Which insurance policy pays first if I have two dental supplementary insurance policies?
As a rule, the insurer under the first contract concluded (the older policy) is primarily liable to provide cover.
Does it make sense to keep an old dental insurance policy and take out a new one?
This can be useful for supplementing a favourable older policy with specific new benefits or bridging waiting periods. However, this should be checked carefully and agreed with the insurers.
What is the principle of indemnity in the context of dental supplementary insurance?
The prohibition of enrichment (Section 78 VVG) states that you may not receive more money through insurance benefits than the actual loss incurred. Total reimbursement is limited to one hundred per cent of the costs.
What are the disadvantages of taking out two supplementary dental insurance policies?
The disadvantages include double premium payments, increased administrative effort in claims processing, possible delays and the risk of disputes between insurers.
What is the duty to notify when you have multiple insurance policies?
Under Section 77 of the Insurance Contract Act (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.
