Dental restorations · Health insurance · Planning
Dental restorations in 2027: changes to statutory health insurance subsidies
Statutory subsidies for dental restorations decrease on 1 January 2027. The clinical findings, your record of preventive check-ups and approval by your health insurer are what count.
Information for the turn of the year · Updated: 12 November 2026
The changes at a glanceA brief explanation
The subsidy is based on standard care.
Your health insurer pays a fixed subsidy based on the clinical findings. The percentages apply to the defined average cost of standard care, rather than to every restoration option or automatically to your entire bill.
| Record of preventive check-ups | Previous rules | From 1 January 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Without a bonus | 60 % | 50 % |
| 5 years of regular preventive check-ups | 70 % | 60 % |
| 10 years of regular preventive check-ups | 75 % | 65 % |
Comparison of statutory rates. Transitional rules for subsidies already approved and hardship provisions must be considered separately.
What does this mean for your own contribution?
Each rate decreases by ten percentage points. This does not mean a flat ten per cent increase in your treatment costs. Your own contribution depends, among other things, on the clinical findings, the approved subsidy and the restoration you choose.
Approval and deadlines
What if approval is granted in 2026?
Under the statutory transitional rules, the previous subsidy rules apply to fixed subsidies approved by your health insurer before 1 January 2027. Booking an appointment or submitting a plan alone is not sufficient. We cannot guarantee that approval will be granted in time.
The validity of the plan still matters.
An approved treatment and cost plan is generally valid for six months. The restoration must be fitted within the approval period; starting treatment alone is not sufficient. A valid approval from 2026 can therefore also cover a restoration fitted in 2027.
If the plan changes or an extension is needed, this must be clarified with your health insurer. Do not assume that the previous subsidy rates will automatically remain in place after a change or extension.
Your health insurer decides on your individual subsidy and approval. Treatment is guided by clinical need and careful planning.
In three steps
How to plan a dental restoration without rushing.
Discuss the findings and options
We examine your teeth and discuss whether a dental restoration is appropriate and which type may be suitable. We explain the available treatment options.
Clarify costs and the subsidy
The treatment and cost plan describes the proposed restoration. Records of preventive check-ups and, where relevant, a hardship application help your health insurer assess your entitlement.
Plan together after approval
For a planned dental restoration, approval must be obtained before treatment begins. We then agree on the treatment schedule, taking the validity period into account. Time pressure is no substitute for clinical judgement.
Which restoration?
Standard care, additional services and hardship provisions.
Which costs does the subsidy cover?
Standard care is the treatment specified for a particular clinical finding. A similar type of restoration adds services to that standard care. A different type of restoration follows another treatment concept. Additional costs may increase your own contribution.
What if you have a low income?
If the hardship criteria are met, the cost of standard care may be covered in full. This does not automatically include additional services. A graduated hardship allowance may also be available when your income is just above the threshold. Your health insurer assesses each case individually.
Common questions
Key answers for planning your care.
Is an appointment before the end of the year enough?
No. The transitional rules depend on your health insurer approving the fixed subsidy before 1 January 2027. Neither an appointment nor simply submitting a plan amounts to approval.
Does the restoration have to be completed in 2026?
This is not generally required. If approval is granted in time, the restoration can also be fitted in 2027 within the valid approval period. Discuss the specific schedule and any changes with the practice and your health insurer.
Will I be reimbursed for 50, 60 or 65 per cent of my bill?
Not automatically. These rates apply to the average cost of standard care for the clinical findings. More extensive or different restoration options may cost more.
Does the dental bonus record still matter?
Yes. Documented regular preventive check-ups can still increase the subsidy. Your health insurer determines which records count towards your bonus.
Does the change also apply to private insurance?
The statutory fixed subsidies explained here apply to statutory health insurance. Reimbursement under private health insurance and supplementary policies depends on the individual contract.
Should I bring treatment forward because of the year-end deadline?
An examination establishes whether treatment is appropriate and when it is needed. Base your decision on the clinical findings, treatment options and a clear explanation of costs. A deadline alone is not a reason for treatment.
SMILE meets DESIGN · Cologne
Your dental needs. A plan you can understand.
Do you have questions about a crown, bridge or another restoration? We discuss the findings, options and cost planning with you in person.
Discuss dental restorations and costs in person
On Doctolib, select the specialty “Zahnarzt” (dentist) and the appointment type “Beratung Zahnersatz” (dental restoration consultation).
Sources and context
This information provides general guidance. For a binding decision on your subsidy, contact your health insurer.
- German Federal Ministry of Health: questions and answers on the Statutory Health Insurance Contribution Rate Stabilisation Act
- Adopted legislation: amendment to Section 55 of Social Code Book V and entry into force
- KZBV: dental restorations — from application to billing
- KZVB: validity of approved treatment and cost plans
- KZVB: fixed subsidies at the turn of 2026/27
Sources read on 12 November 2026. This is not an individual guarantee of benefits from a health insurer.