Cancelling dental insurance after a claim: Your rights and options clearly explained
6 May 2025
10
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
Has your dental supplementary insurance been cancelled following a claim? This is a shock for many policyholders, especially if they have just undergone an expensive treatment. Find out here what rights you have as a policyholder and the best steps to take.
The topic in brief and concise terms
An insurer may often terminate the supplementary dental insurance within one month after claim settlement, even if § 92 VVG does not directly apply.
As a policyholder, you do not have a special termination right after a claim; regular periods of generally three months apply.
The 'cancellation reversal' can avoid disadvantages when seeking a new policy if the insurer has terminated it.
Termination after a Claim: The Most Important Facts
Termination of your dental supplementary insurance after a claim is complex. Many policyholders are surprised when the contract ends. Quite a few policies allow the insurer to terminate the contract.
This is possible within one month after claim settlement. Thousands of insurance contracts are affected annually.
The special right of termination pursuant to Paragraph 92 of the Insurance Contract Act (VVG) does not directly apply to dental supplementary insurance. This paragraph is primarily relevant for property insurance.
Nevertheless, insurers may have contractual termination rights after a claim. As a policyholder, you do not have an automatic special right of termination after a claim; the regular notice periods apply, usually three months.
Legal foundations: When is the insurer allowed to terminate?
Insurers often waive their ordinary right to terminate supplementary dental insurance. Cancellations generally occur for extraordinary reasons, such as non-payment of premiums.
However, a termination option may arise after a claim settlement. This is often stipulated in the General Terms and Conditions of Insurance (GTCI).
The cancellation must be made within one month after the conclusion of compensation negotiations. It is a misconception to directly apply paragraph 92 of the Insurance Contract Act (VVG) to supplementary dental insurance.
This primarily concerns property insurance. For personal insurance, such as supplementary dental insurance, specific contractual regulations apply. Always check your individual contract documents.
Effective communication with the insurer is crucial. Termination by the insurer may have disadvantages for your future insurance cover.
Finding a new policy is often difficult. New insurers ask about the reason for the termination of the previous insurance. Understanding the exact reasons and deadlines is therefore important. Be well informed.
Your options as a policyholder when cancelling
Received a notice of cancellation for your dental supplementary insurance following a claim? Prompt action is necessary. One important option is the "cancellation reversal".
You request the insurer to withdraw their cancellation. This way, you can cancel yourself in a timely manner. It improves your position when searching for new coverage. A self-initiated termination is viewed more positively.
Over 70 percent of applications with a prior cancellation by the insurer are scrutinized more thoroughly. This highlights the importance of cancellation reversal. Here are your action options:
Check the legitimacy of the insurer's cancellation. Note the deadlines, usually one month after the final settlement.
Contact the insurer for a cancellation reversal.
Seek a new dental supplementary insurance early. This avoids gaps in coverage.
Present all facts honestly in new applications. This includes previous damages and the reason for cancellation.
Consider changing the tariff with your current insurer, if offered.
Another consideration is holding two dental supplementary insurance policies concurrently. This can bridge transition periods. However, it is rare and only possible under specific conditions. A thorough situation analysis is crucial for your next step.
Case Study: Termination after Claiming Dental Prosthetics
Let me introduce you to Mr Müller. After two years, he received a dental bridge costing €3,000. His supplementary dental insurance reimbursed €1,500.
Four weeks after the payout, Mr Müller received the cancellation of his contract. This scenario unsettles many insured individuals. Mr Müller now needs to check whether the notice period for the cancellation was observed.
He should promptly contact his insurance provider. His goal is to reverse the cancellation. At the same time, he is comparing new dental supplementary insurances. He is looking for policies without waiting periods to quickly find protection. It is essential to honestly disclose pre-existing conditions and cancellation history when making new applications.
Our expert tip: Document every communication with your insurer in writing. This secures important evidence. An early, accurate claim report can have a preventative effect. However, it does not guarantee against cancellation following a claim.
Expert Knowledge: Pitfalls and Tips to Avoid Disadvantages
A common pitfall: believing one can easily find an equivalent policy after being cancelled by the insurer. Insurers explicitly ask who terminated the prior contract.
Cancellation by the provider often leads to rejections. Or risk surcharges of up to 50 percent. Therefore, reversing the cancellation is the best strategy.
Consider the following expert tips:
Respond immediately to a notice of cancellation. Deadlines are short, often only a month.
Always try to achieve a reversal of cancellation.
When applying for new policies, answer health questions and previous damages truthfully. Misrepresentations lead to denial of benefits or cancellation.
Consider switching tariffs within your current company. Do this before looking for external alternatives.
Do not be dazzled by enticing offers. The cost of dental supplementary insurance should always be proportional to the benefits.
Our expert tip: Obtain a confirmation of benefits before submitting a cost estimate for expensive treatments. This creates transparency. However, it does not necessarily protect against a later cancellation after a claim.
Understanding these connections helps you make the right decisions and minimise disadvantages. Comprehensive advice can provide valuable support here.
Long-term perspectives and the value of continuous protection
Cancelling dental insurance after a claim is inconvenient, but there's no need to panic. However, it highlights the importance of reliable, long-term insurance coverage.
The loss of age-related reserves and restarting dental benefit periods are financial aspects to consider. Many policies limit benefits in the first three to five years.
The average policyholder stays with a dental insurance plan for about seven years. Therefore, any switch should be carefully considered. A good dental insurance plan offers high reimbursements. Stable premiums and fair conditions are also important. Look for plans that limit the insurer's ordinary right to terminate. Or those with clear rules after claims.
Our expert tip: Seek out plans with a short minimum contract term. Twelve months is a flexible option. This provides more freedom if your life situation changes. Dental insurance is an investment in your health and financial security.
Your next step: Take advantage of individual consultation
Cancelling supplementary dental insurance can create a complex situation. Each scenario is unique and requires a tailored strategy. With the right knowledge, you can overcome this challenge. Use professional advice to fully explore your options.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked for free. Receive concrete optimisation suggestions.
More useful links
Gesetze im Internet provides the exact wording of paragraph 92 of the Insurance Contract Act (VVG), which contains regulations for termination after an insurance event.
Gesetze im Internet offers the complete Insurance Contract Act (VVG), the legal foundation for insurance contracts in Germany.
The PKV Ombudsman is the independent arbitration body for complaints from policyholders of private health and care insurance.
The GDV, the German Insurance Association, provides detailed statistics on the portfolio of private supplementary insurance in Germany.
The GDV offers a comprehensive overview of current statistics and data on the entire German insurance industry.
The Federal Ministry of Health informs about important aspects of dental treatment and the health policy framework in Germany.
FAQ
How quickly can the insurer terminate my supplementary dental insurance after a claim?
Generally, the insurer may terminate the contract within one month after the negotiations on compensation have been concluded or after the service has been rendered.
What deadlines do I need to consider if I want to cancel my dental supplementary insurance myself?
The usual notice period is usually three months at the end of the insurance or calendar year. Also, be aware of any possible minimum contract term (often one to two years).
What are the consequences if the insurer terminates my policy?
A termination by the insurer can make it more difficult to take out a new dental insurance policy, as new providers may ask who ended the previous contract. This can lead to rejections or higher premiums.
Is there a special right of termination if the premium for supplementary dental insurance increases?
Yes, if the insurer increases the contributions (excluding adjustments due to insurance tax or agreed dynamics) or reduces the benefits, you usually have a special right to terminate the policy within one month after receipt of the notification.
What is the difference between regular and extraordinary termination?
Ordinary termination is timely at the end of the contract without any special reason. Extraordinary termination (special cancellation right) is possible in certain circumstances, such as premium increases, and allows termination outside the regular deadlines.
Should I cancel a dental insurance plan if an expensive treatment is upcoming?
No, that is not advisable. Ongoing or already recommended treatments are generally not covered by a new insurance policy. Always clarify the cost coverage before starting treatment.
