When it comes to health insurance in Germany, Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) stands out as a true leader.
Not only is it the country’s largest statutory health insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) company, but it has also consistently earned the title of “Germany’s best health insurance fund” by Focus Money magazine.
TK’s commitment to service excellence and multilingual support has earned it this esteemed reputation.
But the key question we will answer today is: What dental care services does TK cover?
Let’s uncover the details.
Quick Summary
- TK’s public health insurance (or GKV) covers primary dental care for all TK members.
- Covered dental treatments include check-ups, teeth cleaning, and necessary fillings, with restrictions on cosmetic procedures.
- Braces are only covered for 18 and under, while teeth whitening isn’t covered as it’s a cosmetic procedure.
- TK doesn’t offer extra dental insurance; you have to buy supplementary coverage for things like composite fillings or adult orthodontics.
We cover in this article:
Does TK Public Health Insurance Cover Dental Care?
As you may already know, TK is one of the many public health insurance companies in Germany.
This means TK, like other public health insurers, offers general health coverage that includes the following medical services:
- Regular check-ups
- Treatment and medication
- Screening examinations
- Vaccinations
- Glasses
- Primary dental care
So, the short answer to your question is yes! TK public health insurance covers dental care.
But to what extent? And which dental procedures? Let’s find out.
** There are limits and conditions to the TK coverage for everything listed above.
Our Pick for dental insurance
Which Dental Treatments (Zahnbehandlungen) Are Covered By TK Insurance?
All public health insurance providers offer limited dental coverage.
This is why people have to buy supplementary dental insurance (Zahnzusatzversicherung) on top of mandatory public insurance.
Here’s detailed information on what treatments TK Insurance covers.
Does TK Insurance Cover Dental Checkups?
Yes. TK insurance covers dental checkups.
However, there’s a condition to getting your teeth checked under TK’s insurance.
First, you have to visit the dentist before you develop a tooth decaying problem. TK refers to such visits as “screening.”
Secondly, there is an annual limit to these screenings. You can only get a screening twice every year.
The dentist will make an entry into the dental bonus booklet (Zahnbonusheft) every time you visit. This entry serves as proof that you have been in for screening.
Does TK Pay For Professional Teeth Cleaning?
Yes. TK covers the partial cost of your professional dental cleaning (Zahnsteinentfernung).
As per its latest policy, if you go to the dentist after October 1, 2022, and you’re 18 or older, TK will give you up to €40 each year to help cover dental cleaning.
Now, of course, dental cleaning costs a lot more than this. So, you have to pay the rest of the amount by yourself.
Or, you can get supplementary dental insurance to take care of additional costs.
Does TK Insurance Pay For Tooth Filling?
Yes. If you have holes in your teeth and the dentist recommends you get them filled, TK will take care of the costs.
Important
However, remember that TK only covers the necessary “amalgam” fillings. These are mercury-based fillings that don’t match your teeth color.
If you want to have high-quality composite or plastic fillings (Kunststoff-Füllungen) that match your teeth color, you’ll be on your own.
Why? Because that will make it a cosmetic procedure, and TK won’t cover it.
Again, supplementary dental insurers will gladly offer such coverage.
Does TK Insurance Cover Dental Braces?
TK health insurance cost also covers dental braces if your jaw or teeth are misaligned. However, this condition only applies if you’re 18 or younger.
For people above 18, this may vary on a case basis.
If the misalignment affects routine matters like chewing or swallowing food, your dentist might recommend that you get braces. In that case, you can make an application with the doctor’s prescription along with the treatment plan and cost estimate.
TK will review the application and decide if it will cover the costs or not.
Is Teeth Whitening Covered Under TK Health Insurance?
No. Teeth whitening is not covered under TK health insurance.
Why?
Well, Teeth whitening (or bleaching) is different from dental cleaning and involves teeth polishing and fluoride treatment.
Since it’s a cosmetic procedure, it doesn’t come under the preventative care code. Hence, it’s not covered by TK or other public health insurance providers.
FAQs
TK covers basic dental care as part of its policy, meaning it will take care of most mandatory procedures if you have been visiting the dentist for checkups.
However, TK doesn’t offer extra dental insurance. You have to get supplemental dental insurance for that.
Generally, all dentists are supposed to be covered by TK.
However, it’s recommended that you ask the dentist’s secretary or receptionist first by calling or visiting in person.
Some popular and reliable dental insurance add-ons in Germany are Feather, Ottonova, Getsafe, and Barmenia.
