Cancelling dental supplementary insurance after a claim

Has your dental supplementary insurance been cancelled after a claim? For many policyholders, this comes as a shock, especially if they have only just undergone an expensive treatment. Find out here what rights you have as the policyholder and how best to proceed.

Termination after a claim: the key facts

Cancelling your dental supplementary insurance after a claim is complex. Many policyholders are surprised when the contract ends. Many policies allow the insurer to terminate the contract.

This is possible within one month after the claim has been settled. Thousands of insurance contracts are affected every year.

The special right of termination under Section 92 of the Insurance Contract Act (VVG) does not apply directly to dental supplementary insurance. This section is primarily relevant to property insurance.

Nevertheless, insurers may have contractually agreed termination rights after a claim. As a policyholder, after a claim you do not have an automatic special right of termination; the standard notice periods apply, usually three months.

Legal basis: When may the insurer terminate the contract?

Insurers often waive their ordinary right to cancel dental supplementary insurance. In most cases, cancellations are made for extraordinary reasons, such as missed premium payments.

However, an option to cancel may arise after a claim settlement. This is often set out in the General Insurance Conditions (AVB).

The cancellation must be made within one month after the claim negotiations have been concluded. A common mistake is the direct application of Section 92 VVG to dental supplementary insurance.

This primarily concerns property insurance. For personal insurance, such as dental supplementary insurance, specific contractual provisions apply. Always check your individual policy documents.

Proper communication with the insurer is crucial. A cancellation by the insurer can have disadvantages for your future insurance cover.

Finding a new policy is often difficult. New insurers ask for the reason the previous policy was cancelled. Understanding the exact reasons and deadlines is therefore important. Make sure you inform yourself thoroughly.

Your options as a policyholder if you cancel your policy

Have you received a cancellation of your supplementary dental insurance after a claim? Then swift action is needed. One important option is the “cancellation reversal”.

You ask the insurer to withdraw its cancellation. This allows you to cancel yourself within the notice period. This improves your position when looking for a new policy. A cancellation initiated by you is assessed more favourably.

Over 70 per cent of applications with a previous-policy cancellation by the insurer are reviewed more closely. This shows how relevant the cancellation reversal is. Here are your options for action:

• Check whether the insurer’s cancellation is lawful. Observe the deadlines, usually one month after completion of benefits.
• Contact the insurer to request a cancellation reversal.
• Start looking for a new supplementary dental insurance policy early. This will help you avoid gaps in cover.
• When making new applications, disclose all facts honestly. This includes pre-existing damage and the reason for cancellation.
• Consider switching tariff with your current insurer, if this is offered.

Another option is to hold two supplementary dental insurance policies in parallel. This can bridge transitional periods. However, it is rare and only possible under specific conditions. A precise analysis of your situation is crucial for your next step.

Case study: Termination after receiving dental prostheses

Imagine Mr Müller. After two years, he received a dental bridge for €3,000. His supplementary dental insurance reimbursed €1,500.

Four weeks after payment, Mr Müller received the notice of termination. This scenario unsettles many policyholders. Mr Müller now has to check whether the one-month notice period for termination was observed.

He should contact his insurer immediately. His goal is a reversal of the cancellation. At the same time, he compares new supplementary dental insurance policies. He is looking for tariffs without a waiting period in order to find cover quickly. Honest disclosure of pre-existing damage and cancellation history is essential for new applications.

Our expert tip: Document every communication with your insurer in writing. This secures important evidence. An early, correct claims notification can have a preventive effect. However, it does not guarantee protection against cancellation after a claim.

Expert knowledge: pitfalls and tips for avoiding disadvantages

A common pitfall: people believe that after cancellation by the insurer, it is easy to find an equivalent policy. Insurers explicitly ask who cancelled the previous contract.

A cancellation by the provider often leads to rejections. Or to risk loadings of up to 50 per cent. Reversing the cancellation is therefore the best strategy.

Please note the following expert tips:

• Respond immediately to a cancellation letter. The deadlines are short, often only one month.
• Always try to secure a reversal of the cancellation.
• When submitting new applications, answer health questions and disclose pre-existing damage truthfully. False statements can lead to refusal of benefits or cancellation.
• Check whether you can switch to a different tariff within your insurer. Do this before looking for external alternatives.
• Do not be dazzled by special offers. The cost of dental supplementary insurance should always be proportionate to the benefits.

Our expert tip: before submitting a cost estimate for expensive treatments, obtain pre-authorisation. This creates transparency. However, it does not necessarily protect you from a later cancellation after the 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 supplementary insurance after a claim is frustrating, but no reason to panic. However, it does highlight the importance of reliable, long-term insurance cover.

The loss of ageing reserves and restarting dental benefit scales are financial considerations. Many tariffs limit benefits in the first three to five years.

The average policyholder stays with a dental supplementary insurance policy for around seven years. A switch should therefore be carefully considered. A good dental supplementary insurance policy offers high reimbursements. Stable premiums and fair terms are also important. Look for tariffs that restrict the insurer’s ordinary right to cancel. Or that have clear rules after a benefit has been paid.

Our expert tip: Look for tariffs with a short minimum contract term. Twelve months is a flexible option. This creates more freedom if your life situation changes. Dental supplementary insurance is an investment in your health and financial security.

Your next step: Get personalised advice

Cancelling supplementary dental insurance can create a complex situation. Every case is unique and requires a tailored strategy. With the right knowledge, you can master this challenge. Use professional advice to explore your options to the full.