Supplementary insurance TK: More benefits and individual protection for your health
4 May 2025
10
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
Is the basic cover of your statutory health insurance sufficient for you? Many members of the Techniker Krankenkasse desire more comprehensive services, for instance, at the dentist or in the hospital. A TK supplementary insurance can specifically close these coverage gaps and offer you added security.
The topic in brief and concise terms
The Techniker Krankenkasse offers various supplementary insurance options through its partner Envivas to fill gaps in statutory health insurance.
Important areas for supplementary insurance include dental prostheses, hospital services, alternative healing methods, and care.
Before signing on, health questions must be answered truthfully and waiting periods, typically ranging from three to eight months, should be taken into account.
Identify and close coverage gaps in the statutory health insurance
The statutory health insurance provides basic coverage, but often leaves some desires unfulfilled. For example, for dental prostheses, only fixed allowances are often granted, which cover about 60 percent of standard care. An additional health insurance can close this gap. Many insured individuals underestimate the additional costs for high-quality fillings or professional dental cleanings, which can quickly amount to several hundred euros. The Techniker Krankenkasse collaborates with Envivas Krankenversicherung to offer exclusive additional insurance to its members. This way, you secure important additional benefits.
Evaluate diverse options for TK supplementary insurance
TK offers a wide range of supplementary insurance through their partner Envivas. This includes plans for dental prostheses, inpatient treatments, or alternative healing methods. The 'Praxis Extra' plan, for example, reimburses 80 percent for naturopathic services up to 1,000 euros over two calendar years. For young people up to 29 years of age, there is the 'StarterPlus' plan with benefits for dental prostheses and visual aids. The choice of the right plan strongly depends on your individual needs and age. A dental supplementary insurance is one of the most popular additions. This variety allows for tailored coverage.
Weighing up the costs and benefits of TK supplementary tariffs
The premiums for a TK supplementary insurance vary depending on the chosen plan and entry age. For the 'Praxis Extra' plan, a healthy 30-year-old pays a certain monthly contribution. It is important to focus not only on the price but also on the range of services. Some TK dental supplementary insurance plans were rated 'Adequate' by Stiftung Warentest, while others received a 'Very Good'. Savings of up to ten per cent are possible if the supplementary insurance is taken out through the GKV, but a comparison is advisable. A careful analysis ensures that you get the best value for your money and do not pay for unused benefits. Also, remember to obtain possible cost estimates from your health insurance provider.
Mastering Health Questions and Wait Times
Before concluding additional TK insurance, health questions usually need to be answered. Incorrect information can lead to refusal of benefits or termination. The general waiting periods are usually three months, and for special services such as dental prostheses or childbirth, often eight months. Some providers waive waiting periods if medical evidence certifies good health. Always answer health questions truthfully to avoid jeopardizing your insurance coverage. These initial hurdles are important for the stability of the insurance community. A hospital supplementary insurance can be particularly relevant here.
The following points should be noted regarding waiting times:
General waiting period: Typically three months for outpatient services and dental treatment.
Special waiting period: Often eight months for dental prostheses, orthodontics, psychotherapy, and childbirth.
Waiver of waiting period: Possible in case of accident or with medical certificate under certain tariffs.
Credit for previous insurance: Seamless transitions can count previous insurance periods (more likely in comprehensive insurance).
Exact conditions vary depending on the tariff and provider.
Expert tips for your optimal supplementary insurance
Choosing the right supplementary insurance with TK requires foresight. Our expert tip: First, define your personal needs. Do you primarily need coverage for dental prosthetics, better hospital accommodation, or subsidies for alternative healing methods like alternative practitioners? Compare not only the monthly premiums but also exclusions and maximum limits. Be mindful of the regulations regarding waiting periods and medical examinations, which are common with almost all providers. An annual review of your insurance coverage can be beneficial, as life circumstances and therefore the need for coverage can change. For example, a supplementary insurance for osteopathy may become relevant later on.
Understanding the legal framework and contract details
Supplementary insurance policies are subject to the Insurance Contract Act (VVG) and the General Terms and Conditions of Insurance (AVB) of the respective provider. TK acts as an intermediary for its partner Envivas; the contractual partners are you and Envivas Krankenversicherung AG. In case of discrepancies, you must contact the private insurer directly. Read the small print carefully, especially clauses on benefit exclusions or premium adjustments. The upper limit of statutory health insurance (GKV) plays an indirect role here, as supplementary insurances cover services beyond this limit. Understanding these basics protects against misunderstandings.
Important aspects of the contract are:
Scope of benefits: Precise definition of covered treatments and cost coverages.
Health assessment: Honest answers are crucial for entitlement to benefits.
Waiting periods: Typically between three to eight months depending on the type of service.
Premium amounts and adjustments: Clarification of costs and potential future increases.
Notice periods: Conditions for an ordinary or extraordinary termination.
These points should be carefully examined before concluding the contract.
Additional protection for specific needs: Children and travel
There are suitable supplementary insurances for special life situations as well. For children, a supplementary insurance for glasses or orthodontics may be sensible. The TK partner tariff 'StarterPlus' already covers some of these areas for children and teenagers. For trips abroad lasting more than eight weeks, a robust international travel health insurance is essential. Remember that the standard health insurance card often offers only limited or no coverage abroad. An outpatient supplementary insurance can also be useful domestically. This way, you and your family are optimally covered in many situations.
Long-term Perspective: Care and Precaution
Your next step towards optimal protection
More useful links
Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) provides an overview of the supplementary insurances.
Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) informs about the dental insurance Zahnflex.
Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) offers information on the hospital supplementary insurance.
Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) details the long-term care and preventative supplementary insurance.
Wikipedia offers a comprehensive article on private supplementary health insurance in Germany.
Gesamtverband der Deutschen Versicherungswirtschaft (GDV) provides statistics on the stock of supplementary insurances in Germany.
Verband der Privaten Krankenversicherung (PKV) issues a press release on the growth in dental insurance policies.
Statista offers statistics on the stock of supplementary insurances in Germany since 1997.
Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis) delivers information on health insurance coverage in Germany.
GKV-Spitzenverband provides figures and graphics on statutory health insurance in Germany.
FAQ
How do I find the right TK supplementary insurance for me?
Analyse your individual needs: What services are important to you? Then compare the offers from Envivas, which are exclusive for TK-insured persons, in terms of price, performance, waiting times, and health questions.
Can I cancel an additional TK insurance?
Yes, supplementary insurance can generally be terminated by observing the contractually agreed notice periods. Please refer to the details in your insurance terms and conditions.
What happens to my TK supplementary insurance if I switch health insurers?
The supplementary insurance is a separate contract with Envivas (or another provider) and generally remains in place when changing statutory health insurance. Notify your supplementary insurer about the change.
Does the additional TK insurance also cover alternative medicine?
Some tariffs of the TK supplementary insurance, such as 'Praxis Extra' from Envivas, reimburse costs for treatments by alternative practitioners up to certain maximum limits.
Do I have to answer health questions for every additional service provided by TK?
Yes, for most private supplementary insurances, including those mediated by TK, a health assessment with health questions is common practice.
Does the supplementary insurance TK cover costs for visual aids?
Certain tariffs, such as 'StarterPlus' or 'VitalXtra' from Envivas, also include benefits for visual aids.
