Why Dental Insurance Matters for International Students
Dental care is one of the most commonly overlooked aspects of student health insurance. Many international students assume their health insurance covers dental treatment, only to discover at the dentist’s office that it doesn’t. A single filling can cost €80–€200, a root canal €500–€1,500, and orthodontic work thousands of euros.
Getting dental insurance as an international student protects you from these unexpected costs and ensures you can maintain your oral health throughout your studies abroad.
Does Standard Health Insurance Cover Dental?
The short answer: it depends on the country and plan.
Germany
GKV (Public Insurance):
- ✅ Basic dental checkups (twice per year)
- ✅ Basic fillings (amalgam)
- ✅ Tooth extractions
- ✅ Root canal treatment on front teeth
- ⚠️ Partial coverage for crowns and bridges (50–65% with Bonusheft)
- ❌ Cosmetic dentistry
- ❌ Implants (only in exceptional cases)
- ❌ Professional teeth cleaning (some GKVs offer partial subsidies)
PKV (Private Insurance):
- Varies dramatically by plan
- Some include full dental; others exclude it entirely
- Check the Zahnbehandlung and Zahnersatz sections of your policy
Bonusheft tip: The German GKV system rewards regular dental visits with a “Bonusheft” (bonus booklet). Visit the dentist annually, and after 5 years your coverage for crowns/bridges increases from 60% to 70%; after 10 years to 75%.
United States
- Most student health insurance plans (SHIPs) don’t include dental
- Separate dental insurance required: $20–$50/month
- University dental clinics often offer discounted rates
- Without insurance: cleaning ~$100–$300, filling ~$200–$500, root canal ~$700–$1,500
Australia
- OSHC generally does not cover dental (except emergency dental due to accident)
- Separate extras/ancillary cover needed: $15–$30 AUD/month
- University dental clinics available at reduced cost
United Kingdom
- NHS dental care available but with charges: Band 1 (£27.40), Band 2 (£75.30), Band 3 (£326.70)
- Long wait times for NHS dentists: many international students go private
- Private dental insurance: £15–£40/month
Spain
- Public healthcare covers very limited dental (extractions and emergencies only)
- Private dental insurance: €10–€30/month
- Many private insurance plans include basic dental
Types of Dental Coverage
1. Dental Included in Health Insurance
Some full health plans include basic dental coverage. This is the simplest option but may have limitations on what’s covered.
2. Standalone Dental Insurance
Separate dental insurance plans. These typically offer:
- Preventive: Cleanups, checkups, X-rays: usually covered at 100%
- Basic: Fillings, extractions, root canals: covered at 70–80%
- Major: Crowns, bridges, implants: covered at 50–60%
- Orthodontics: Braces, aligners: limited coverage, often with lifetime maximums
3. Dental Discount Plans
Not insurance, but membership programs that offer discounted rates at participating dentists. Typically €5–€15/month.
4. University Dental Clinics
Many universities with dental schools offer low-cost or free treatment performed by supervised students. Quality is high; wait times can be long.
Costs of Common Dental Treatments (Without Insurance)
| Treatment | Germany | USA | UK | Australia |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Checkup | €50–€100 | $100–$300 | £26–£70 | $50–$200 AUD |
| Cleaning | €80–€120 | $100–$300 | £26–£73 | $100–$250 AUD |
| Filling | €80–€200 | $200–$500 | £73 | $150–$350 AUD |
| Root canal | €300–€1,000 | $700–$1,500 | £73–£319 | $800–$2,000 AUD |
| Crown | €400–€1,000 | $800–$2,000 | £319 | $1,000–$2,000 AUD |
| Implant | €1,500–€3,500 | $3,000–$6,000 | £2,000–£3,000 | $3,000–$6,000 AUD |
Tips for Affordable Dental Care Abroad
1. Get a Checkup Before You Leave
Visit your dentist at home before going abroad. Address any issues while you’re still covered by your home insurance.
2. Maintain Preventive Care
Brush twice daily, floss, and don’t skip checkups. Prevention is always cheaper than treatment.
3. Use University Dental Clinics
If your university has a dental school, take advantage of reduced-cost treatments.
4. Ask About Payment Plans
Many dental offices offer payment plans for expensive procedures.
5. Consider Dental Tourism (Carefully)
Some students travel to neighboring countries with lower dental costs. This can save money but comes with risks, research carefully and ensure follow-up care is possible.
6. Keep Your Bonusheft (Germany)
In Germany, start your Bonusheft immediately. Annual dental visits increase your coverage percentage for future major work.
7. Know What’s an Emergency
If you have acute dental pain, swelling, or trauma, this is typically covered as emergency medical care even without dental insurance. Don’t delay emergency dental treatment.
How to Choose Dental Insurance
When comparing dental plans:
- Waiting periods: Many dental plans have 6–12 month waiting periods for major work. Plan ahead.
- Annual maximums: Most plans cap coverage at €500–€2,000/year.
- Network restrictions: Check that dentists near your university are in-network.
- Pre-existing conditions: Ongoing dental issues may not be covered (more on pre-existing conditions).
- Deductibles and co-payments: Understand your out-of-pocket costs.
Take Action: Protect Your Smile
Dental problems don’t wait for a convenient time. Get dental coverage before you need it.
👉 Compare student insurance plans with dental coverage and find the right plan for your smile. Whether you need basic coverage or full dental, our tool helps you compare options.