Dentists

There is no need to be concerned about the quality of dental care, or any other kind of health care, in Germany. It's very comprehensive in just about every way and is comparable to that of treatment in UK, and there are even some who think it's better. There may be some language problems but it is possible to find an English speaking dentist. Ask your BAESG Management Office for a latest list of English Speaking Practitioners.

Basic dental costs will be covered by health insurances in Germany. Those insured under the State-run plans are covered for routine procedures such as simple fillings and dental hygiene. But major dental work, such as crowns and dentures,

is only partially covered by the State plans. Privately insured persons, however, can continue to get partial or total reimbursement for major dental work. But they should investigate carefully the type of dental coverage they have purchased.

Whether insured with State Healthcare or Private healthcare, you should make yourself aware of any waiting periods to receive compensation for dental work. German Insurance companies usually limit the coverage new policyholders can receive. They probably will require a waiting period of eight months before they will make any reimbursements at all, and after that, restrict their reimbursements to 60 to 80 percent of the total cost of major dental work.

If you have been receiving regular dental treatments/checkups in your home-country prior to working in Germany, any certificate you can obtain from this dental practice should be obtained and forwarded to your health insurer, as this will be looked on favourably in repaying certain dental treatments; i.e. if you have a previous 5-year of regular checkups you can have an additional 10% paid for dental work.

Anyone faced with major dental work should request a detailed cost estimate (Heil- und Kostenplan) from the dental surgeon before any work begins, and submit this to their insurer for prior approval.

For Emergency Dental services, please see the section Emergency Numbers.