Optimal Coverage: Finding the Right Dental Supplement Insurance with Orthodontics for Children
5 Jun 2025
8
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
Orthodontic treatment for your child can quickly reach four-figure or even five-figure amounts. A suitable dental insurance with orthodontics for children protects you from high out-of-pocket expenses. Find out what you need to consider to ensure the best protection for your child.
The topic in brief and concise terms
Orthodontic treatments for children often cost several thousand euros; a dental supplementary insurance bridges the gap to statutory health insurance benefits.
The statutory health insurance (GKV) only covers treatment for children starting from KIG level three; for milder misalignments (KIG one and two) or additional services, private provision is necessary.
Take out supplementary dental insurance early, ideally before the first diagnosis of a misalignment, to ensure full entitlement and avoid waiting periods.
Cost trap braces: Why early protection is crucial
The necessity of orthodontic treatment often comes as a surprise to many families. Over half of all children and adolescents in Germany are affected by dental or jaw misalignments. [10] The cost for braces can quickly range from 1,500 euros to up to 10,000 euros, depending on the type and extent of the treatment. [1,3] For example, a removable brace as part of standard care costs about 1,500 to 2,000 euros. [1] Fixed braces often cost between 2,200 and 3,700 euros, especially when a combination of fixed and removable braces is needed. [1] Invisible, lingual braces can particularly cost between 7,000 and 10,000 euros – expenses that statutory health insurance generally does not cover. [1] A suitable dental supplementary insurance offsets these financial burdens. While statutory health insurance covers part of the cost, it often does not cover the total amount, increasing planning security.
Understanding Legal Benefit Limits: The Role of KIG Classification
The statutory health insurance (GKV) only covers orthodontic treatments for children under eighteen under certain conditions. The decisive factor is the classification into the Orthodontic Indication Groups (KIG). [6,7] This system divides dental and jaw misalignments into five severity levels. [7] GKV usually only covers costs from KIG level three, four or five. [11] At KIG levels one and two, which are mild to slightly pronounced misalignments, the insurers typically see no medical necessity and do not cover the costs, even though 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 levels three to five, GKV initially covers eighty percent of the costs for standard care; the remaining twenty percent is only reimbursed after successful completion of treatment. [8,11] You should inform yourself about the costs of supplemental dental insurance early on. This highlights how important private provision is to close gaps in coverage.
Optimizing scope of services: What a good dental insurance for children must cover
A powerful dental supplementary insurance with orthodontics for children should cover various aspects. Ensure that the plan also covers KIG one and two, as the statutory health insurance often does not pay for these. [7] It is also important to cover additional costs for higher-quality materials or treatment methods that go beyond the standard provision. This includes, for example, less noticeable mini-brackets, tooth-coloured arches, or lingual braces. [4] Some plans reimburse up to one hundred per cent of the costs for orthodontics. [5] The following points are important when choosing:
Coverage of costs even for 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 or only short waiting periods for orthodontics. [14]
Inclusion of prophylactic measures such as professional tooth cleaning.
Coverage of fissure sealants.
Benefits for retainers to stabilise the result.
Some insurers offer plans without a waiting period or even for treatments already recommended, which can be a great advantage. [4,5] Ideally, the conclusion should be made before the dentist or orthodontist diagnoses a misalignment. [2] This way, you secure the full entitlement to benefits.
Practice Check: Selecting the Right Tariff and Avoiding Pitfalls
When selecting the right tariff for a dental supplementary insurance with orthodontic coverage for children, there are several pitfalls to consider. Don’t just compare the monthly premium, but pay particular attention to the benefit details and benefit caps in the first few years. [13] Many plans have so-called dental scales that limit the maximum reimbursement in the first insurance years; for instance, 1,000 euros in the first year. [14] Pay attention to the specific conditions regarding benefits for KIG classifications. Some plans only provide benefits if the statutory health insurance (GKV) pays in advance, while others do so regardless. [4,5] A quotation should be submitted to the insurer before starting treatment. Check whether functional analytical and therapeutic services (FAL/FTL) are also covered, as these are often additional expenses. The consumer advice centre advises skepticism towards expensive additional services if the GKV already fully covers a medically necessary treatment from KIG level three (after reimbursement of the personal contribution). [11] However, a good dental supplementary insurance offers flexibility for wishes beyond the standard provision. Also clarify whether the contributions are tax-deductible. Deciding on a dental supplementary 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 even before the first dentist visit indicates a potential misalignment. [2,5] This not only secures lower premiums but also avoids exclusions for already diagnosed or recommended treatments. The National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Dentists (KZBV) emphasizes the importance of orthodontic treatments for oral health, as misalignments can increase the risk of cavities and lead to problems with chewing. [12] Early correction can thus improve dental health in the long term. [10] Our expert tip: Document all steps and carefully keep invoices as well as correspondence with health insurance companies and insurers. Pay attention to tariffs that also cover the retention phase after the active treatment to secure the result in the long term. Comprehensive children's dental brace insurance is more than just a question of costs. It is a building block for a healthy and confident smile.
nextsure: Your partner for tailored insurance coverage
As a digital insurance portal, it is our mission at nextsure to offer you transparent and comprehensible insurance solutions. We understand that choosing the right dental insurance with orthodontics for children can be complex. That's why we support you with our expertise and help you find a plan that is perfectly tailored to the needs of your child and your financial situation. With our digital platform, you can easily and quickly compare various options. We emphasise that you not only sign a contract but also receive coverage that truly suits you. Good protection gives you the freedom to choose the best medical care for your child without constantly worrying about costs. Your child's health is the most important thing.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked for free and receive specific suggestions for optimisation.
More useful links
Wikipedia provides comprehensive information about the Orthodontic Indication Groups (KIG), a system for classifying dental and jaw misalignments.
The German Dental Association publishes a press release about a new study on dental and jaw misalignments in children and adolescents in Germany.
The National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Dentists offers comprehensive information on fixed orthodontic appliances and their application.
A detailed guide to orthodontics, highlighting important aspects of treatment, is available from the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Dentists as a PDF document.
The Federal Joint Committee provides insights into the guidelines on orthodontic services under the statutory health insurance scheme.
The Consumer Advice Centre informs about the coverage of orthodontic treatment costs for children by statutory health insurance.
Details on personal contributions, insurance benefits, and possible additional costs for orthodontic treatments can also be found at the Consumer Advice Centre.
The German Society of Dental, Oral, and Maxillofacial Medicine offers information on the optimal timing to start orthodontic treatment.
An expert report from the Federal Ministry of Health on orthodontics, containing important aspects and recommendations, is available as a PDF document.
FAQ
Why is a dental supplementary insurance with orthodontics beneficial for my child?
It protects you from high out-of-pocket expenses, as statutory health insurance often only covers part of the costs for braces, especially in cases of minor misalignments or modern treatment methods. A good insurance policy can cover up to one hundred percent of the costs. [1,11]
At what age should I take out supplementary dental insurance for my child?
Experts recommend arranging it as early as possible, preferably during early childhood, before a dentist diagnoses a misalignment. This generally ensures better conditions 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 misalignments (from one to five). The statutory health insurance usually covers costs starting from KIG three. However, a dental supplementary insurance can provide benefits even for KIG one and two. [6,7,11]
What benefits should a good dental supplementary insurance for orthodontics in children include?
Important factors are: high reimbursement rates (ninety to one hundred percent), coverage even at KIG levels one and two, covering additional costs for modern techniques (e.g., invisible braces), little or no waiting periods, as well as ideally including prophylaxis and retainers. [4,5]
What happens if the treatment has already started or been recommended?
Most standard tariffs no longer cover this specific treatment. There are a few special tariffs with immediate coverage, but they must be thoroughly checked. Therefore, an early contract conclusion is always better. [4]
How do I find the best plan for my child?
Don’t just compare prices; examine the services in detail: reimbursement levels, waiting periods, benefit limits (dental scaling), and which KIG levels are covered. Use independent comparison portals or seek advice.
