Statutory health insurance covers only a small portion of the costs for dental prosthetics and complex dental treatments. Those who value high-quality dental restorations, implants, or regular preventive care can significantly reduce their out-of-pocket expenses with a dental supplementary insurance plan.

Benefits of a good dental supplementary insurance:

• Reimbursement of up to 100% for dental prosthetics (implants, crowns, bridges)

• Coverage for professional teeth cleaning (1–2 times per year)

• Subsidies for orthodontic treatments (including for adults)

Under statutory health insurance, patients are usually accommodated in shared rooms and treated by on-duty doctors. A hospital supplementary insurance, however, provides enhanced care by covering optional services such as treatment by the chief physician or single-room accommodation.

Key benefits of hospital supplementary insurance:

• Single or double rooms for greater privacy and comfort

• Treatment by the chief physician or choice of a specialist

• Option to be treated in specialized or private clinics

Extended illness or hospitalization can lead to significant financial losses. Self-employed individuals and freelancers especially benefit from supplementary coverage, as they often do not receive statutory income replacement during long-term illnesses.

Differences between the two types of insurance:

• Daily sickness allowance insurance (Krankentagegeldversicherung): Supplements statutory sick pay and helps compensate for income loss during prolonged illness.

• Hospital daily allowance insurance (Krankenhaustagegeldversicherung): Pays a fixed amount for each day spent in the hospital, which can be used for co-payments or to offset lost income.

Travelers are not automatically covered by statutory health insurance (GKV) when abroad. GKV generally only covers medical treatment costs within the EU—and even then, only to a limited extent. In countries like the USA or Switzerland, hospital bills can quickly reach five-figure amounts. Travel health insurance is therefore advisable for anyone who travels regularly, whether for vacation or business. Annual policies are often available for less than €20.

Key benefits:

• Worldwide reimbursement of medical and hospital expenses

• Coverage for medical repatriation to Germany

• Valid for vacations, extended stays abroad, or work & travel programs

Statutory long-term care insurance covers only part of the actual care costs. Depending on the care level, individuals often have to bear a significant personal contribution. A long-term care supplementary insurance can close this gap and protect personal assets.

Key benefits:

• Monthly care allowance payments, regardless of actual costs

• Reimbursement of nursing home expenses or outpatient care

• Financial relief for family members who would otherwise need to cover costs

Statutory health insurance (GKV) only partially covers many outpatient services. Vision aids, alternative therapies, or extended preventive check-ups often have to be paid out of pocket.

Typical benefits of outpatient supplementary insurance:

• Subsidies for glasses and contact lenses

• Coverage for alternative treatments such as osteopathy or homeopathy

• Extended preventive examinations beyond the standard GKV coverage

Private supplementary health insurance allows those covered by statutory insurance to enhance their healthcare selectively—whether through higher-quality dental prosthetics, greater comfort in hospitals, or financial security in the event of long-term care.

Since benefits and tariffs vary widely, independent advice is recommended to find the most suitable and cost-effective supplementary insurance. Careful selection ensures the best possible medical care is secured in the long term.