TK supplementary insurance: more benefits and personalised protection for your health
04.05.25
4
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
Are the basic benefits of your statutory health insurance enough for you? Many policyholders at Techniker Krankenkasse would like more comprehensive benefits, for example at the dentist or in hospital. A TK supplementary insurance policy can specifically close gaps in coverage here and offer you added peace of mind.
The topic in brief and concise terms
Techniker Krankenkasse offers various supplementary insurance policies through its partner Envivas to close gaps in statutory health insurance.
Important areas for supplementary insurance are dental prostheses, hospital benefits, alternative therapies and long-term care.
Before concluding the policy, health questions must be answered truthfully and waiting periods of usually three to eight months must be taken into account.
Identifying and closing gaps in statutory health insurance benefits
The statutory health insurance scheme provides basic cover, but wishes often remain unfulfilled. For example, only fixed subsidies are often granted for dental prostheses, covering around 60 per cent of standard care. A supplementary health insurance policy can close this gap. Many policyholders underestimate the additional costs of high-quality fillings or professional teeth cleanings, which can quickly amount to several hundred euros. Techniker Krankenkasse works with Envivas Krankenversicherung to offer its members exclusive supplementary insurance policies. This gives you access to important additional benefits.
Evaluate the various options for TK supplementary insurance
TK offers a broad range of supplementary insurance policies through its partner Envivas. These include tariffs for dental prosthetics, inpatient treatment or alternative medical methods. The tariff 'Praxis Extra', for example, reimburses 80 per cent for alternative practitioner services up to EUR 1,000 in two calendar years. For young people up to the age of 29, there is the 'StarterPlus' tariff with benefits for dental prosthetics and vision aids. The choice of the right tariff depends largely on your individual needs and your age. A dental supplementary insurance policy is one of the most popular additions. This variety makes it possible to ensure tailor-made cover.
Weighing up the costs and benefits of TK supplementary tariffs
Premiums for supplementary insurance from TK vary depending on the selected tariff and entry age. For the 'Praxis Extra' tariff, a healthy 30-year-old pays a certain monthly premium. It is important not only to look at the price, but also at the range of benefits. Some TK dental supplementary insurance tariffs were rated only 'Satisfactory' 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 via the statutory health insurance scheme, nevertheless a comparison is advisable. A careful analysis ensures that you get the best value for your money and do not pay for benefits you do not use. Also remember to obtain possible estimates from the health insurance provider.
Managing health questions and waiting times
Before taking out supplementary insurance with TK, health questions usually have to be answered. False statements can lead to refusal of benefits or cancellation. General waiting periods are usually three months; for specific benefits such as dental prostheses or childbirth, they are often eight months. Some providers waive waiting periods if a medical certificate confirms good health. Always answer health questions truthfully to avoid jeopardising your insurance cover. These initial hurdles are important for the stability of the insured community. A hospital supplementary insurance can be particularly relevant here.
The following points should be noted regarding waiting periods:
General waiting period: Usually three months for outpatient services and dental treatment.
Special waiting period: Often eight months for dental prostheses, orthodontics, psychotherapy and childbirth.
Waiver of the waiting period: Possible in the event of an accident or, for some tariffs, with a medical certificate.
Credit for previous cover: When switching seamlessly, periods of previous insurance cover may be credited (more common with comprehensive insurance).
The exact terms vary depending on the tariff and provider.
Expert tips for your ideal supplementary insurance
Choosing the right TK supplementary insurance requires foresight. Our expert tip: first define your personal needs. Do you primarily need cover for dental prosthetics, better hospital accommodation or subsidies for alternative therapies such as a non-medical practitioner? Compare not only the monthly premiums, but also exclusions and maximum limits. Pay attention to the rules on waiting periods and medical assessments, which are standard with almost all providers. A yearly review of your cover can be worthwhile, as your personal circumstances and therefore your need for cover may change. For example, supplementary insurance for osteopathy may become relevant later.
Understanding legal frameworks and contract details
Supplementary insurance policies are governed by the Insurance Contract Act (VVG) and the General Insurance Conditions (AVB) of the respective provider. TK acts here as an intermediary for its partner Envivas; the contracting parties are you and Envivas Krankenversicherung AG. In the event of discrepancies, you must contact the private insurer directly. Read the small print carefully, especially clauses on benefit exclusions or premium adjustments. The cap of statutory health insurance plays an indirect role here, as supplementary insurance covers benefits beyond this. Understanding these basics helps prevent misunderstandings.
Important aspects of the contract include:
Scope of cover: Precise definition of the treatments covered and costs assumed.
Health assessment: Honest answers are crucial for your entitlement to benefits.
Waiting periods: Three to eight months are common, depending on the type of benefit.
Premium amount and adjustments: Clarification of the costs and any future increases.
Notice periods: Conditions for ordinary or extraordinary termination.
These points should be checked carefully before concluding the contract.
There are suitable supplementary insurance policies even for special life situations. For children, supplementary insurance for glasses or orthodontics may be worthwhile. The TK partner tariff 'StarterPlus' already covers some of these areas for children and young people. For trips abroad lasting longer than eight weeks, robust international travel health insurance is essential. Remember that the standard statutory health insurance card often offers only limited or no cover abroad. An outpatient supplementary insurance policy can also be useful within Germany. This way, you and your family are well covered in many situations.
Long-term perspective: care and provision
In addition to the classic supplementary insurance for dental treatment or hospital stays, cover for the need for care is becoming increasingly important. TK also offers long-term care supplementary insurance via Envivas, such as 'PflegeAktiv' or 'PflegePlus'. These can help to offset the often high costs of care services in old age, which statutory long-term care insurance only covers in part. Dealing with a long-term care supplementary insurance policy at an early stage can pay off through lower contributions. Think about your healthcare provision for the long term. This secures your financial independence if the need arises.
Your next step towards optimal protection
Choosing the right TK supplementary insurance is an important decision for your health and financial security. With Envivas's diverse range of offers, you can tailor your cover individually. Take the opportunity to inform yourself comprehensively and compare different plans. An informed decision protects you from unexpected costs and secures you the best possible care. We at nextsure are happy to support you in finding the solution that is right for you. Request your individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation reviewed free of charge and receive concrete suggestions for improvement.
More useful links
Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) offers an overview of supplementary insurance policies.
Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) provides information on the Zahnflex dental supplementary insurance.
Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) provides information on hospital supplementary insurance.
Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) offers details on long-term care and preventive supplementary insurance.
Wikipedia offers a comprehensive article on private supplementary health insurance in Germany.
Gesamtverband der Deutschen Versicherungswirtschaft (GDV) provides statistics on the number of supplementary insurance policies in Germany.
Verband der Privaten Krankenversicherung (PKV) publishes a press release on the growth in dental supplementary insurance.
Statista offers statistics on the number of supplementary insurance policies in Germany since 1997.
Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis) provides information on health insurance coverage in Germany.
GKV-Spitzenverband provides figures and charts on statutory health insurance in Germany.
FAQ
How can I find the right TK supplementary insurance for me?
Analyse your individual requirements: Which benefits are important to you? Then compare Envivas offers, which are exclusively for TK policyholders, in terms of price, benefits, waiting times and health questions.
Can I cancel a TK supplementary insurance policy?
Yes, supplementary insurance policies can usually be cancelled in accordance with the contractually agreed notice periods. Please note the details in your insurance terms and conditions.
What happens to my TK supplementary insurance if I change health insurance provider?
The supplementary insurance is a separate contract with Envivas (or another provider) and generally remains in place if you change your statutory health insurer. Inform your supplementary insurer of the change.
Does TK supplementary insurance also cover alternative medicine?
Some TK supplementary insurance tariffs, such as 'Praxis Extra' from Envivas, reimburse the costs of treatments by alternative practitioners up to certain maximum limits.
Do I have to answer health questions for each additional benefit from TK?
Yes, for most private supplementary insurance policies, including those arranged by TK, a health assessment with health questions is standard.
Does TK supplementary insurance cover the cost of visual aids?
Certain tariffs, such as Envivas' 'StarterPlus' or 'VitalXtra', also include benefits for visual aids.
