Cancelling dental supplementary insurance after a claim: your rights and options clearly explained
06.05.25
12
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
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.
The topic in brief and concise terms
Termination of the dental supplementary insurance by the insurer after a claim is often possible within one month after the claim has been settled, even if § 92 VVG does not apply directly.
As an insured person, you do not have a special right of cancellation after a claim; the usual notice periods of usually three months apply.
The 'cancellation reversal' can help avoid disadvantages when looking for a new policy if the insurer has cancelled it.
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.
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.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation reviewed free of charge. Receive specific suggestions for improvement.
More useful links
Laws on the Internet provides the exact wording of section 92 of the Insurance Contract Act (VVG), which contains provisions on termination after an insured event.
Laws on the Internet provides the full Insurance Contract Act (VVG), the legal basis for insurance contracts in Germany.
The PKV-Ombudsmann is the independent arbitration body for complaints from policyholders of private health and long-term care insurance.
The GDV, the German Insurance Association, provides detailed statistics on the number of private supplementary insurance policies in Germany.
The GDV provides a comprehensive overview of current statistics and data on the entire German insurance industry.
The Federal Ministry of Health provides information on important aspects of dental treatment and the health policy framework in Germany.
FAQ
How quickly can the insurer cancel my dental supplementary insurance after a claim?
As a rule, the insurer may terminate the contractual relationship within one month after the completion of negotiations on compensation or after the benefit has been provided.
What deadlines do I need to observe if I want to cancel my dental supplementary insurance myself?
The standard notice period is usually three months to the end of the policy or calendar year. Also note any possible minimum contract term (often one to two years).
What are the consequences if the insurer cancels my policy?
Termination by the insurer can make it more difficult to take out a new supplementary dental insurance policy, as new providers ask who ended the previous contract. This can lead to rejections or higher premiums.
Is there a special right to cancel if the premiums for dental supplementary insurance increase?
Yes, if the insurer increases the premiums (excluding adjustments due to insurance tax or agreed indexation) or reduces the benefits, you usually have a special right of cancellation within one month of receipt of the notice.
What is the difference between ordinary and extraordinary termination?
Ordinary termination is given in due time at the end of the contract term without any special reason. Extraordinary termination (special termination right) is possible in certain events, such as premium increases, and allows termination outside the regular notice periods.
Should I cancel my dental supplementary insurance if an expensive treatment is coming up?
No, that is not advisable. Ongoing or already recommended treatments are generally not covered by a new insurer. Always clarify cost coverage before beginning treatment.
