Dental Care In Austria: What's Covered?

Austria is known for its high standard of dental care, with 99% of the population having access to basic dental care through social security. While dental care is not completely free, the country's public healthcare system covers basic dental treatments such as check-ups, cleaning, and fillings. However, procedures like implants, bridges, and orthodontics are not covered by public health insurance and must be paid for by the patient. Additionally, dental cleaning is not covered for adults but is free for children between the ages of 10 and 18. Austria also offers private dental insurance, which provides access to more advanced treatments and reduced waiting times.

Basic dental treatments covered by state care

Austria has a very high standard of dental care, with 99% of the population having access to basic dental care through social security. Basic dental treatments covered by state care include check-ups, cleaning, and fillings. Amalgam fillings are covered in full, while white fillings are covered only for the front six teeth, unless the patient is pregnant or breastfeeding. In this case, white fillings are covered in full.

The E-card public insurance scheme costs just €10 per year and covers basic treatment. You can choose whichever dentist you prefer who displays a “Kassenarzt” (contracted doctor) or “Alle Kassen” (state dentists) sign.

However, procedures such as implants, bridges, and orthodontics are not covered by public health insurance. If you need these treatments, you will have to pay out of pocket or get private health insurance to offset the expense.

Private dental care in Austria

Private dental insurance in Austria offers several benefits over the public system, including shorter waiting times, more comfortable accommodation, and access to more advanced treatments.

The benefits of private dental insurance

As with private healthcare, the decision to take out private dental insurance is often influenced by the speed of treatment. Private insurance provides reduced waiting times and increased comfort. It can also grant access to more advanced forms of dental treatment. Therefore, if you anticipate needing these kinds of treatments, private dental insurance might be the way to go.

The cost of private dental plans

The cost of private dental plans will depend on whether you want coverage outside of Austria as well as inside, as well as the range of treatments you wish to cover. The pricier the procedure, the higher your rate of insurance. Your rate will also depend on whether you have any dependents on your policy.

The average cost of private health insurance in Austria is approximately €220 per month. However, prices vary considerably depending on factors such as age and the features included in each health insurance plan.

How to get private dental insurance

To purchase additional private dental insurance, simply choose a plan that suits your needs. Private health insurance companies in Austria usually offer several different plans that cater to people of all different ages, with prices varying for children under 18 and those 65 and older.

Private health insurance coverage

Private health insurance in Austria offers optimal expert care, the ability to choose your physician for outpatient treatment, and life-long coverage. In Austria, a contract with a private health insurance provider is seen as a lifelong contractual relationship, which means they cannot impose restrictions or terminate the contract.

Types of health insurance plans

If you take out private health insurance in Austria and need to spend time in a special ward at a hospital, the costs for staying there are covered by your insurance. The insurer will pay the hospital directly, so you don't need to worry about it.

"Special Class" private health insurance in Austria means you can choose your physician and benefit from shorter waiting times for operations. You will also have a greater choice of doctors who are not available through the public health system. Special Class insurance also allows you to stay in private hospitals or private wards/rooms, where you will often have access to the internet, a private bathroom, and other bonus equipment.

Dental insurance in Austria

Austria has a very high standard of dental care, with 99% of the population having access to basic dental care through social security. Basic dental treatments covered by state care include check-ups, cleaning, and fillings. However, procedures such as implants, bridges, and orthodontics are not covered by public health insurance.

Public dental care

The E-card public insurance scheme costs just €10 per year and covers basic treatments. You can choose whichever dentist you prefer who displays a “Kassenarzt” (contracted doctor) or “Alle Kassen” (state dentists) sign.

Private dental care

Private dental insurance in Austria offers optimal expert care, the ability to choose your physician for outpatient treatment, and life-long coverage. Private health insurance will also grant access to more advanced forms of dental treatment and reduced waiting times. The cost of private dental plans will depend on whether you want coverage outside of Austria and the range of treatments you wish to cover.

Dental "wrap-around" insurance

Dental "wrap-around" insurance is an additional policy on top of standard governmental and private insurance coverage. It covers orthodontic procedures, better materials for fillings, crowns, and bridges, as well as professional dental cleanings and other prophylactic measures. The costs reimbursed can be up to 80% (as opposed to roughly 50% for insurance policies with lower premiums) and the remainder must be covered by the patient.

Dental care for children

Almost all children in Austria have access to free basic dental care. This is covered by the country's extensive social security system, and as long as a child's parents are registered, the child will be covered as a dependent. Orthodontics is only covered if it's deemed medically necessary.

Children's dental care in Austria

Austria has a very high standard of dental care, with 99% of the population having access to basic dental care through social security. Basic dental treatments covered by state care include check-ups, cleaning, and fillings.

Children's Dental Care

Fortunately, almost all children have access to free basic dental care in Austria. This is covered by the country's extensive social security system, and as long as a child's parents are registered, the child will be covered as a dependent. Orthodontics is only covered if it's deemed medically necessary and includes braces and retainers. In 2015, the health insurance fund began covering dental braces for children under 18 in cases of serious misalignment.

Finding a Dentist

You can find a dentist for your child at What Clinic or consult the GCR, which lists the top-rated dentists in Austria.

Costs of Dental Care

The cost of dental care in Austria can vary significantly, ranging from €60 to €150 per session. Despite the wide price range, providers offer quite similar services. It's worth researching and comparing your options to ensure you receive high-quality care at a fair price.

Dental Insurance

In Austria, you can either buy standalone private dental insurance or add it to your public health insurance. If you choose the add-on, you will be covered for high-cost services such as children's braces and bridges, and implants. Some of the larger international insurance companies that operate in Austria include Allianz Care and Cigna Global.

Emergency Dental Care

It's important to remember that you can't always schedule a dental appointment, especially when a tooth unexpectedly pops out. In Vienna, the Emergency Clinic of the University Clinic of Dentistry Vienna is open every day from 08:00 to 13:00, including weekends and holidays. It has an agreement with all major insurers in Austria, so it should be covered by your Austrian social security insurance.

Dental tourism

The Austrian public healthcare system covers basic dental treatments such as check-ups, cleaning, and fillings. However, procedures like implants, bridges, and orthodontics are not covered by public health insurance.

Dental Insurance in Austria

In Austria, you can purchase standalone private dental insurance or add it to your public health insurance. If you choose the add-on, you will be covered for high-cost services such as children's braces, bridges, and implants. The cost of private dental plans will depend on the range of treatments and whether you want coverage outside of Austria.

Dental Care Costs in Austria

The cost of dental care in Austria can vary significantly, ranging from €60 to €150 per session. Advanced dental treatments such as braces and bridges can be very expensive.

Popular Destinations for Dental Tourism

Hungary and Romania are popular destinations for dental tourism among Austrians due to their affordable prices and proximity to Austria. For example, dental implants in Romania typically start at €450, while they cost at least €1,500 in Austria.

Advantages of Dental Tourism

Considerations for Dental Tourism

When considering dental tourism, it is important to research and compare prices and the quality of care offered. Additionally, language barriers and the potential need for follow-up treatments are important factors to keep in mind.

Frequently asked questions