Professional teeth cleaning: Does the insurance cover the costs? All information about subsidies, bonus programs and cost coverage.
Professional teeth cleaning (PZR) is an important measure for maintaining dental health.
It removes plaque and discoloration that cannot be completely removed with daily dental care and helps to prevent gingivitis and tooth decay.
However, despite the numerous health benefits, many patients are faced with the question: Who covers the costs of professional teeth cleaning? Here is a detailed overview.
What is professional teeth cleaning and why is it important?
Professional teeth cleaning is an intensive cleaning of the teeth carried out by specially trained professionals.
It comprises various steps: First, soft and hard plaque as well as plaque and tartar are removed.
The teeth are then thoroughly polished to create a smooth surface to which bacteria can adhere less easily. Finally, the teeth are fluoridated to strengthen the enamel and protect against tooth decay.
You can find more details about the professional teeth cleaning procedure here.
Regular professional dental cleanings contribute to long-term dental health, prevent gum disease and periodontitis and promote fresh breath.
Although professional teeth cleaning is a preventive measure, it is not always covered by statutory and private health insurance.
Statutory health insurance: What is covered?
Most statutory health insurance companies do not fully cover the costs of professional teeth cleaning.
As professional teeth cleaning is not yet one of the services covered by statutory health insurance, people with statutory health insurance generally have to bear the costs themselves.
An exception to this are some insurance companies that offer additional benefits for preventive dental care – it is definitely worth comparing them.
Many health insurance companies also offer subsidies or bonus programs that can at least partially cover the costs.
Bonus programs and subsidies from statutory health insurance companies for professional teeth cleaning
Many statutory health insurance companies offer their members the opportunity to receive subsidies for dental cleaning via bonus programs.
These programs reward preventive measures such as regular visits to the dentist or participation in health courses.
Depending on the health insurance company, an annual professional dental cleaning can be subsidized with an amount of 20 to 50 euros.
It is worth asking your health insurance company directly and checking your individual options.
Private health insurance: depending on the tariff
With private health insurance (PKV), the costs of professional dental cleaning are covered depending on the tariff.
Many private insurers offer more comprehensive dental health benefits, which often include prophylactic measures such as professional teeth cleaning.
Many tariffs cover the costs of one or even several PZR sessions per year, often up to a certain maximum amount.
Important tips for privately insured persons
Before having your teeth cleaned, check whether and to what extent your insurance will cover the costs.
This can usually be found in the insurance conditions or in the benefits catalog. If there is any uncertainty, asking the insurance company can provide clarity.
Billing is usually done by submitting the dental bill.
Supplementary dental insurance: A sensible supplement
Supplementary dental insurance can be an interesting option for people with statutory health insurance who wish to have their teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis.
Depending on the tariff, supplementary dental insurance covers a proportion of the costs for professional teeth cleaning and other preventive measures.
Some insurance policies even cover several treatments per year in full.
Tariff comparison and selection
When choosing supplementary dental insurance, it is worth comparing the tariffs, as there are major differences in terms of cost coverage and scope of benefits.
A good plan offers annual coverage of the costs of professional dental cleaning and also covers other prophylactic and dental services.
What does professional teeth cleaning cost?
The cost of a professional dental cleaning can vary depending on the region and practice and averages between 80 and 150 euros in Germany.
The price depends, among other things, on the extent of the treatment, the technique used and the duration of the session.
Some dentists charge for professional teeth cleaning according to the time required, while others charge a flat rate.
In some cases, dental practices offer discounts or packages if patients have their teeth cleaned regularly.
It may be worth asking for such offers in order to reduce costs in the long term.
Why do health insurance companies not fully cover the costs?
As professional teeth cleaning is not part of the mandatory range of services covered by statutory health insurance, it is an “individual health service” (IGeL).
Statutory health insurance companies are not legally obliged to cover the costs of this type of treatment, as it is considered preventive and not medically necessary treatment.
However, many health insurance companies recognize the preventive value of professional dental cleaning and offer corresponding subsidies or bonus programs to support their policyholders.
Conclusion: Is it worth investing in professional teeth cleaning?
Professional teeth cleaning is an effective method of preventing tooth and gum disease and ensuring long-term oral health.
Although the costs are not always covered by insurance, the investment is worthwhile for many patients in order to avoid later dental treatment and the associated costs.
Those with statutory insurance in particular should ask their health insurance provider about bonus programs and subsidies, while those with private insurance can check the benefits of their tariff in detail.
Supplementary dental insurance can also be a useful supplement to reduce the cost of professional teeth cleaning and other prophylactic measures.
This means that everyone can decide individually how important preventive care for healthy teeth is to them and how they want to finance it.
FAQs on the topic of “Professional teeth cleaning: Does the insurance cover the costs?”
Here we answer a few of the most frequently asked questions on the subject of “Professional teeth cleaning: Does the insurance cover the costs?”
Does statutory health insurance cover the costs of professional teeth cleaning?
Most statutory health insurance companies do not fully cover the costs of professional teeth cleaning (PZR), as this service is not included in the statutory benefits catalog. However, some insurance companies offer subsidies or bonus programs that can cover at least part of the costs.
How much does a professional dental cleaning cost?
The cost of a professional dental cleaning varies depending on the practice and region and averages between 80 and 150 euros per session. Some practices charge for treatment based on the time required, while others offer fixed flat rates.
What do statutory health insurance companies offer for professional teeth cleaning?
Many statutory health insurance companies have bonus programs through which insured persons can receive partial reimbursement for dental cleaning. There are also special agreements and discount programs with certain dental practices that offer members discounts.
Does private health insurance cover the costs of professional teeth cleaning?
Depending on the tariff, private health insurance (PKV) often covers the costs of one or more PZR sessions per year. It is advisable to check the insurance conditions in advance or ask the insurance company to what extent professional dental cleaning is covered.
Does supplementary dental insurance for professional teeth cleaning make sense?
Supplementary dental insurance can be a good supplement for people with statutory health insurance who want to have their teeth cleaned professionally on a regular basis. Many supplementary dental insurance policies cover the costs of one or more dental cleanings per year and offer additional benefits for dental health.
How often should I have my teeth professionally cleaned?
Dentists generally recommend professional teeth cleaning every six to twelve months, depending on the individual risk of tooth decay and periodontitis. In the case of existing gum disease or other dental problems, a more frequent frequency may also be advisable.
Why does the statutory health insurance fund not fully cover professional teeth cleaning?
As professional teeth cleaning is classified as an individual health service (IGeL), it is not legally a compulsory service provided by health insurance companies. It is considered a preventive measure that goes beyond daily dental care, but is not necessarily medically necessary.
How do I submit the costs for dental cleaning to the insurance company?
Privately insured persons can submit the invoice for the dental cleaning directly to their insurance company if professional dental cleaning is included in the tariff. With statutory health insurance, it is often necessary to have bonus booklets completed in advance or to take part in preventive programs in order to receive subsidies.
Is professional teeth cleaning worthwhile even without insurance coverage?
Yes, professional teeth cleaning is a valuable investment in dental health. It helps to prevent gum disease and tooth decay and makes your mouth feel clean. Even if the insurance does not cover the costs in full, teeth cleaning can avoid the costs of expensive dental treatment in the long term.
