Optimal coverage: finding the right dental supplementary insurance with orthodontics for children
05.06.25
11
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
Your child's orthodontic treatment can quickly run into the thousands, or even tens of thousands, of euros. Suitable dental supplementary insurance with orthodontic cover for children protects you from high out-of-pocket costs. Find out what you need to look out for to ensure the best possible cover for your child.
The topic in brief and concise terms
Orthodontic treatments for children often cost several thousand euros; supplementary dental insurance closes the gap to the statutory health insurance benefit.
Statutory health insurance (GKV) only pays for children from KIG level three onwards; for milder misalignments (KIG levels one and two) or additional services, private cover is required.
Take out supplementary dental insurance early, ideally before the first diagnosis of a misalignment, to secure full entitlement to benefits and avoid waiting periods.
Braces cost trap: Why early insurance cover is crucial
The need for orthodontic treatment catches many families by surprise. More than half of all children and young people in Germany are affected by misaligned teeth or jaws. [10] The cost of braces can quickly range between €1,500 and up to €10,000, depending on the type and extent of treatment. [1,3] For example, a removable brace as part of standard care costs around €1,500 to €2,000. [1] Fixed braces often cost between €2,200 and €3,700 when a combination of fixed and removable braces is required. [1] Especially discreet, lingual braces can cost between €7,000 and €10,000 – costs that statutory health insurers usually do not cover. [1] A suitable supplementary dental insurance policy helps absorb this financial burden. Statutory health insurance does cover part of the costs, but often not the full amount, which increases planning certainty.
Understanding statutory benefit limits: The role of KIG classification
Statutory health insurance (GKV) only provides cover for orthodontic treatment for children under eighteen under certain conditions. The key factor is classification in the orthodontic indication groups (KIG). [6,7] This system divides dental and jaw misalignments into five severity levels. [7] Cost coverage by GKV usually only begins from KIG level three, four or five. [11] At KIG one and two, i.e. mild to slightly pronounced misalignments, insurers usually see no medical necessity and do not cover the costs, although treatment may be medically advisable. [11] Parents then bear the entire treatment costs, often amounting to several thousand euros, on their own. [7] Even at KIG three to five, GKV initially covers eighty per cent of the costs for standard treatment; the remaining twenty per cent are reimbursed only after successful completion of the treatment. [8,11] You should find out about the cost of dental supplementary insurance at an early stage. This illustrates how important private provision is in order to close gaps in coverage.
Optimising coverage: What a good dental supplementary insurance policy for children must provide
A powerful supplementary dental insurance policy with orthodontics for children should cover various aspects. Make sure the tariff also pays for KIG 1 and 2, as statutory health insurance often does not cover this. [7] It is also important that additional costs for higher-quality materials or treatment methods beyond standard care are covered. These include, for example, less conspicuous mini brackets, tooth-coloured wires or lingual braces. [4] Some tariffs reimburse up to one hundred per cent of orthodontic costs. [5] The following points are important when choosing:
Coverage of costs even in KIG 1 and 2.
Reimbursement of additional costs for modern treatment methods (e.g. Invisalign, lingual technique).
High reimbursement rates, ideally ninety to one hundred per cent.
No waiting periods or only short waiting periods for orthodontics. [14]
Inclusion of preventive measures such as professional teeth cleaning.
Coverage of fissure sealants.
Benefits for retainers to stabilise the result.
Some insurers offer tariffs with no waiting period or even for treatments that have already been recommended, which can be a major advantage. [4,5] Ideally, you should take out the policy before the dentist or orthodontist has diagnosed a misalignment. [2] This ensures that you secure full entitlement to benefits.
Practical check: Choosing the right tariff and avoiding pitfalls
When choosing the right plan for supplementary dental insurance with orthodontic cover for children, there are a few pitfalls. Compare not only the monthly premium, but above all the benefit details and benefit limits in the first few years. [13] Many plans have so-called dental benefit scales, which limit the maximum reimbursement in the first years of cover; for example, €1,000 in the first year. [14] Pay attention to the exact conditions for benefits with KIG classifications. Some plans only pay if the statutory health insurance scheme pays first, others regardless. [4,5] An cost estimate should be submitted before treatment begins to the insurer. Check whether functional analytical and therapeutic services (FAL/FTL), which are often incurred additionally, are also covered. The consumer advice centre recommends being sceptical of expensive additional services if the statutory health insurance scheme already fully covers medically necessary treatment from KIG 3 onwards (after reimbursement of the patient's own contribution). [11] However, good supplementary dental insurance offers flexibility for preferences that go beyond standard care. Also clarify whether the contributions can be claimed as tax-deductible. Choosing supplementary dental insurance is an investment in your child's future.
Expert tips for parents: Early planning and long-term benefits
Experts recommend taking out dental insurance for children as early as possible, ideally before the first dental visit even suggests a possible misalignment. [2,5] This not only secures lower premiums, but also avoids benefit exclusions for treatments that have already been diagnosed or recommended. The German Association of Statutory Dentists (KZBV) emphasises the importance of orthodontic treatment for oral health, as misalignments can increase the risk of decay and lead to problems with chewing. [12] Early correction can therefore improve dental health in the long term. [10] Our expert tip: Document every step and keep invoices as well as all correspondence with the health insurer and insurance provider carefully. Look for plans that also cover the retention phase after active treatment, to secure the result in the long term. Comprehensive children's braces insurance is more than just a question of cost. It is a building block for a healthy and confident smile.
nextsure: Your partner for tailored insurance cover
As a digital insurance portal, our mission at nextsure is to offer you transparent and easy-to-understand insurance solutions. We understand that choosing the right dental supplementary insurance with orthodontics for children can be complex. That is why we support you with our expertise and help you find a plan that is tailored precisely to your child’s needs and your financial situation. With our digital platform, you can compare different options easily and quickly. We place importance on ensuring that you do not simply take out a policy, but receive the cover that really suits you. Good cover gives you the freedom to choose the best medical care for your child without having to constantly think about costs. Your child’s health is the most important thing.
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 comprehensive information on the orthodontic indication groups (KIG), a system for classifying tooth and jaw misalignments.
The Federal Dental Association publishes a press release on a new study into tooth and jaw misalignments among children and adolescents in Germany.
The National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Dentists provides comprehensive information on fixed orthodontic appliances and their use.
A detailed guide to orthodontics, which highlights key aspects of treatment, is available as a PDF document from the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Dentists.
The Federal Joint Committee offers insights into the guidelines on orthodontic services under statutory health insurance.
The Consumer Advice Centre provides information on statutory health insurance coverage for orthodontic treatment for children.
Details on out-of-pocket payments, insurance benefits and possible additional costs for orthodontic treatment can also be found at the Consumer Advice Centre.
The German Society for Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine provides information on the optimal time to begin orthodontic treatment.
An expert opinion from the Federal Ministry of Health on orthodontics, which contains important aspects and recommendations, is available as a PDF document.
FAQ
Why is supplementary dental insurance with orthodontics worthwhile for my child?
It protects against high out-of-pocket costs, as statutory health insurance often only covers part of the cost of braces, especially for minor misalignments or modern treatment methods. A good policy can cover up to one hundred per cent of the costs. [1,11]
At what age should I take out supplementary dental insurance for my child?
Experts recommend taking out cover as early as possible, ideally in toddlerhood, before a dentist diagnoses misalignment. This usually secures better terms and full entitlement to benefits. [2,5]
What does KIG mean and why is it important?
KIG stands for orthodontic indication groups. This system classifies the severity of dental misalignment (one to five). Statutory health insurance usually only covers costs from KIG 3 onwards. A dental supplementary insurance policy can also provide benefits for KIG 1 and 2. [6,7,11]
What benefits should a good supplementary dental insurance policy for orthodontics in children include?
Key factors are: high reimbursement rates (ninety to one hundred per cent), benefits also for KIG 1 and 2, coverage of additional costs for modern techniques (e.g. invisible braces), short or no waiting periods, and ideally prophylaxis and retainers. [4,5]
What happens if treatment has already begun or has already been recommended?
Most standard policies then no longer cover this specific treatment. There are only a few special policies with immediate cover, but these must be examined closely. Taking out cover early is therefore always better. [4]
How do I find the best plan for my child?
Compare not only prices, but also the benefits in detail: reimbursement levels, waiting periods, coverage limits (dental schedule) and which KIG levels are covered. Use independent comparison portals or seek advice.
