The orthodontist will use a system of five levels of severity, the German Orthodontic Indication Groups (KIG), to assess whether the treatment is medically necessary. We will pay the costs of medically necessary treatment for children and adolescents who are less than 18 years of age and have been classified as KIG 3 or more. Additional services must be paid for by you.
More details
We are unable to cover any of the costs of treatment for misalignments classified as KIG 1 or 2. If the conditions for KIG 3 or more are met, your dental practice will draw up a treatment plan. Definitions in German of these indication groups can be found here: definitions of orthodontic indication groups . This plan contains information on
- the planned therapeutic measures
- how long the treatment is likely to last
- the anticipated costs
How much does TK pay?
We cover 100 per cent of medically necessary orthodontic treatment costs; however, in two stages:
- The orthodontic practice bills us 80 per cent of the costs directly, while you cover the remaining 20 per cent as your co-payment.
- We will refund your co-payment once the treatment has been successfully completed.
If you have several children receiving orthodontic treatment, the practice can even bill us 90 per cent of the costs for the other children. The co-payment for your second child and any further children will then be reduced to 10 per cent.
You will find information in German on the reimbursement of your co-payment here: Refunding your co-payment - how it works
Additional services you pay for yourself
If you would like to take advantage of additional services that go beyond what is medically necessary, the orthodontist will conclude a private written agreement with you. You will find more information about additional services in the article on supplementary benefits.
If you would like to get a second medical opinion, you can for example contact the patient advisory services offered by the associations of statutory health insurance dentists.
More about this topic:
Supplementary insurance for your child's orthodontic treatment
Dental check-ups while undergoing orthodontic treatment
Dental check-ups can continue throughout the course of orthodontic treatment. Individual dental check-ups for children between the ages of 6 months and 18 years usually take place at the dental practice. You should therefore tell your orthodontist if your child is receiving dental check-ups at another practice.
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