Which system?
German statutory health insurance.
← All explanationsHardship assistance for dental prostheses
What support is available when funds for dental prostheses are limited?
The German statutory insurance hardship provision can support people on low incomes who need dental prostheses. When eligibility is recognised, standard-care costs are covered. Choosing additional or different-type services generally leaves costs beyond that cover to the patient. The health insurer determines entitlement.
For training & practice ↓
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Choose a view
Check eligibility
Income, household members and certain benefits may matter. Ask the insurer for current limits and required evidence.
Separate the care options
Full cover concerns standard care. Extra preferences do not automatically make the whole bill an insurance benefit.
Clarify before treatment
Eligibility and the treatment-and-cost plan should be settled before planned prosthetic work. Sliding assistance may also apply just above the threshold.
At a glance
What can full cover concern?
Approved standard care.
Whom to ask?
Your insurer and treating practice.
Knowledge in motion
Explained in 36 seconds.
Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.
Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available below.
Read the film text in English
Check eligibility
Income, household members and certain benefits may matter. Ask the insurer for current limits and required evidence.
Separate the care options
Full cover concerns standard care. Extra preferences do not automatically make the whole bill an insurance benefit.
Clarify before treatment
Eligibility and the treatment-and-cost plan should be settled before planned prosthetic work. Sliding assistance may also apply just above the threshold.
Often confused
Hardship assistance and the check-up bonus
A prevention bonus and income-based hardship support have different conditions. A bonus booklet does not replace a hardship application.
Quick answers
Does it make every prosthesis free?
No. Full cover in an approved hardship case concerns standard care; additional charges may remain.
Where do I apply for hardship assistance?
Apply to your health insurer and ask which income documents are needed. The practice records the proposed care in the treatment-and-cost plan. The insurer decides entitlement.
Should I ask if income is above the limit?
Yes. Additional sliding assistance may be possible; the insurer calculates it.
At the practice
For a personal discussion
Editorially suggested question to discuss with Dr Niusha Barahmand Pour:
Which items are standard care, and which additional costs could remain?
We can explain the treatment plan; discuss hardship entitlement with your health insurer.
Discuss prosthetic treatment planningAppointment selection at DoctolibLearning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
- Standard care
- The defined reference treatment for a prosthetic finding.
- Patient contribution
- Costs remaining after insurance contributions.
- Sliding hardship assistance
- Possible extra support when income exceeds the main threshold.
Make the distinction
A prevention bonus and income-based hardship support have different conditions. A bonus booklet does not replace a hardship application.
Sources and context
Editorial research: . General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.