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Costs & insurance

What do braces cost – and what does insurance pay?

Explained transparently: the KIG classification, the co-payment and when statutory insurance pays. So you know what to expect.

In short

For children and teenagers, German statutory health insurance covers standard treatment from KIG level 3. A 20 % co-payment is withheld at first and refunded in full after successful completion.

The KIG classification: the key to the cost question

Whether statutory insurance pays for braces is decided by the orthodontic indication group (Kieferorthopädische Indikationsgruppe, KIG), ranging from 1 (mild) to 5 (extreme). We determine the level at the first examination and discuss concretely what it means for you.

LevelMeaningCoverage
KIG 1–2Mild to moderate misalignmentsNot covered – treatment possible as a private service
KIG 3Pronounced misalignmentsStatutory insurance covers standard treatment
KIG 4–5Severe to extremeStatutory insurance covers standard treatment – considered medically urgent

Beyond standard treatment: your options

Standard statutory treatment covers what the law defines as sufficient, economical and appropriate – a standard set in 1988 and not reformed since. Many of our patients choose additional services for more comfort, faster or less visible treatment and modern digital methods: self-ligating brackets (Damon system) or tooth-coloured ceramic brackets, impression-free 3D scanning, aligners, a jaw joint examination, and professional teeth cleaning during treatment. These are private services; you receive a transparent treatment and cost plan in advance, with instalment plans on request.

Adults and self-payers

For adults, orthodontic treatment is usually a private service. You receive a transparent cost plan up front, and we're happy to discuss payment in instalments.

Frequently asked about costs

From which KIG level does insurance pay?
For children and teenagers, statutory insurance covers standard treatment from indication group KIG 3. At KIG 1 and 2, treatment is possible privately.
What is the 20 % co-payment about?
Statutory insurers initially withhold a 20 % share (10 % from the second child in treatment). This amount is refunded in full after successful, on-schedule completion of treatment.
Does insurance pay for adults?
As a rule, statutory insurers do not cover orthodontics for adults – except for severe jaw misalignments requiring combined surgical treatment. For most adults, treatment is a private service, and we provide a transparent cost plan up front, with instalments on request.
Can I deduct the costs from tax?
Self-paid costs for medically necessary orthodontic treatment can be claimed as extraordinary expenses (außergewöhnliche Belastung) in your German tax return. Your tax adviser can tell you whether and how much this helps in your case.

All figures are general guidance and do not replace an individual treatment and cost plan. Actual coverage depends on your personal findings and your insurer.

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