dentist orthodontics health insurance switzerland
Insurance

Dentists and Orthodontics: What Swiss Health Insurance Covers

September 18, 2024 - Daniel Dreier

Find clear information about Swiss health insurance cover for dental work and dental hygiene, and orthodontic procedures like braces and dental brackets.

The cost of getting braces and undergoing orthodontic procedures in Switzerland is very high. Typically, costs run into the tens of thousands of francs over the full course of the treatment. Here, moneyland.ch answers the most important questions about insurance for tooth and jaw misalignments for children in Switzerland.

Are orthodontic treatments covered by mandatory Swiss health insurance?

The basic Swiss health insurance that all residents are required to have generally does not cover orthodontic treatments. But there are exceptions to this rule: Dental work is covered if the problem results from severe illnesses or from medical treatments. Dental work is also covered if the problems result from an unavoidable, severe infection of the masticatory system (jaws).

Are orthodontic treatments covered by Swiss disability insurance?

Swiss social disability insurance (DI) generally does not cover braces or other orthodontic treatments. Here too, there is an exception to the rule: Disability insurance covers orthodontic treatments for severe dental and alignment problems in children that are classified as birth defects and may impact the child’s future career.

Each case is judged individually based on specific criteria for coverage. Your dentist should be able to tell you whether your child qualifies for orthodontics cover from disability insurance. If the case is accepted, disability insurance will cover the entire cost of the treatment.

Can I get supplementary health insurance for braces and orthodontic treatments?

Many Swiss supplemental health insurance offers include at least some coverage for orthodontic treatments for children and teenagers.

If you already have complementary health insurance for your child, check the terms and conditions to find out whether it covers dental alignments. It is also beneficial to compare orthodontics benefits when choosing a supplemental health insurance for your child, especially if either parent’s family has a history of tooth or jaw misalignments.

The table below lists all Swiss supplementary health insurance offers that have benefits for orthodontic treatments for kids. You can also see exactly how much orthodontics coverage each offer includes.

Swiss supplemental health insurance offers with orthodontics and dental benefits

Insurance
offer
Orthodontics Dental examinations
and dental work
Qualification
period
Useful information
Agrisano
Agri-Special
50%, with no limit.
Children up to age 18 only.
Surgical removal
of teeth:
50%, maximum
CHF 500 per
calendar year.
No age limit.
Anaesthetics:
50%. Children up
to age 18 only.
No qualification
period.
Orthodontic
treatments begun
at age 18 are
covered until
your 21st birthday.
Aquilana Top 75%, maximum
CHF 5000 per
calendar year. Up
to age 25 only.
Not covered. 24 months. No additional
information.
Assura
Complementa
Extra
Not covered. Maximum CHF 1000
per insurance year,
with a deductible of
CHF 500 per year.
Not specified. No additional
information.
AXA Complet 75%, maximum
CHF 12,000 per year.
Up to age 20 only.
Not covered. Not specified. No additional
information.
AXA Plus 75%, maximum
CHF 10,000 per year.
Up to age 20 only.
Not covered. Not specified. No additional
information.
Birchmeier
Krankenkasse
Plus 1
75%, with no limit.
Up to age 20 only.
75%, with no limit.
Up to age 20 only.
Not specified. No additional
information.
Birchmeier
Krankenkasse
Plus 2
75%, with no limit.
Up to age 20 only.
75%, with no limit.
Up to age 20 only.
Not specified. No additional
information.
Concordia
Diversa
50%, with no limit.
Up to age 22 only.
Treatment of
periodontal disease
and jaw joint
problems, surgical
removal of retained
or impacted teeth,
manual tooth
extraction:
50%, with no limit.
Not specified. Benefits also apply
to stays in the
general wards of
hospitals in your
canton of residence,
when equired as
part of covered dental
and orthodontic
treatments.
Concordia
Diversa Care
50%, with no limit.
Up to age 22 only.
Treatment of
periodontal disease
and jaw joint
problems, surgical
removal of retained
or impacted teeth,
manual tooth
extraction:
50%, with no limit.
Not specified. Benefits also apply
to stays in the
general wards of
hospitals in your
canton of residence,
when equired as
part of covered dental
and orthodontic
treatments.
Concordia
Diversa Plus
75%, with no limit.
Up to age 22 only.
Treatment of
periodontal disease
and jaw joint
problems, surgical
removal of retained
or impacted teeth,
manual tooth
extraction:
75%, with no limit.
Not specified. Benefits also apply
to stays in the
general wards of
hospitals in your
canton of residence,
when equired as
part of covered dental
and orthodontic
​​​​​​​treatments.
Concordia
Diversa Premium
75%, with no limit.
Up to age 22 only.
Treatment of
periodontal disease
and jaw joint
problems, surgical
removal of retained
or impacted teeth,
manual tooth
extraction:
75%, with no limit.
Not specified. Benefits also apply
to stays in the
general wards of
hospitals in your
canton of residence,
when equired as
part of covered dental
and orthodontic
​​​​​​​treatments.
CSS
Myflex Balance
50%, maximum
CHF 12,000 per
calendar year. Up
to age 20 only.
Dental treatments:
50%, maximum
CHF 1000
per calendar year.
Up to age 18 only.
Wisdom teeth
removal is covered
from age 19 on up.
Not specified. No additional
information.
CSS
Myflex Premium
50%, with no limit.
Up to age 20 only.
50%, maximum
CHF 2000 per
calendar year. Up to
age 18 only. Wisdom
teeth removal is
covered from age
19 on up.
Not specified. No additional
information.
EGK
Sun (1,2,3 and
Flex)
80%, maximum
CHF 10,000 per
calendar year. Up
to age 18 only.
Not covered. 3 years. No additional
information.
Einsiedler
Krankenkasse
Optima
70%, maximum
CHF 5000. Up to
age 25 only.
Routine dental
examinations and
dental hygiene:
CHF 60 per calendar
year. Up to age 25
only.
Wisdom teeth
extraction:
90%, with no limit
and no age limit.
3 years for
orthodontic
treatments.
Treatments in
countries bordering
Switzerland are
also covered.
Einsiedler
Krankenkasse
Premium
70%, with no limit.
Up to age 25 only.
Routine dental
examinations and
dental hygiene:
CHF 100 per calendar
year. Up to age 25
only.
Wisdom teeth
extraction:
90%, with no limit and
no age limit.
3 years for
orthodontic
treatments.
Treatments in
countries bordering
Switzerland are
also covered.
Galenos
Maxica I
30%, maximum
CHF 5000 per
calendar year.
30%, maximum
CHF 5000
per calendar year.
Orthodontics: 
24 months.
Dental work:
12 months.
No additional
information.
Galenos
Maxica II
40%, maximum
CHF 7500 per
calendar year.
40%, maximum
CHF 7500
per calendar year.
Orthodontics:
4 months.
Dental work:
12 months.
No additional
information.
Galenos
Maxica III
50%, maximum
CHF 10,000 per
calendar year.
50%, maximum
CHF 10,000 per
calendar year.
Orthodontics:   
24 months.
Dental work:
12 months.
No additional
information.
Glarner
Kranken-
versicherung
Premium
70%, without a
limit. Up to age
25 only.
Routine dental
examinations and
dental hygiene:
CHF 100 per
calendar year.
Wisdom teeth
extraction: 
90%.
3 years for
orthodontic
treatments.
No additional
information.
Glarner
Kranken-
versicherung
Zusatz Allgemein
70%, maximum
CHF 5000 for the
whole treatment.
Up to age 25 only.
Routine dental
examinations and
dental hygiene:
CHF 100 per
calendar year.
Wisdom teeth
extraction: 
90%.
3 years for
orthodontic
treatments.
No additional
information.
Groupe Mutuel
Premium
75%, maximum
CHF 3000 per
calendar year.
Routine dental
examinations
and dental hygiene:
CHF 75%, maximum
CHF 500 per
calendar year
Orthodontics:
12 months
Dental work:
3 months
No additional
information.
Helsana
Completa
75%, maximum
CHF 10,000 per
calendar year.
​​​​​​​Up to age 20 only.
75%, maximum
CHF 10,000 per
calendar year.
Up to age 20 only.
Not specified. Treatments outside
of Switzerland by
eligible dentists are
covered.
Existing customers
can receive
Denta Plus Bronze
dental insurance

on their 21st birthday,
with no additional
examination required.
Helsana
Top
75%, maximum
CHF 10,000 per
calendar year. Up
to age 20 only.
75%, maximum
CHF 10,000 per
calendar year.
Up to age 20 only.
Not specified. Treatments outside
of Switzerland by
eligible dentists are
covered.
Existing customers
can receive
Denta Plus Bronze
dental insurance

on their 21st birthday,
with no additional
examination required.
Innova
Activa/Sanvita
Plus Eins
75%, with no limit.
Up to age 20 only.
75%, with no limit.
Up to age 20 only.
Not specified. Treatments in
countries bordering
Switzerland are
also covered.
Innova
Activa/Sanvita
Plus Zwei
75%, with no limit.
Up to age 20 only.
75%, with no limit.
Up to age 20 only.
Not specified. Treatments in
countries bordering
Switzerland are
also covered.
Klug
Completa
75%, maximum
CHF 10,000. Up
to age 20 only.
75%, maximum
CHF 10,000.
Up to age 20 only.
Not specified. Treatments outside
of Switzerland by
eligible dentists are
covered.
Existing customers
can receive
Denta Plus Bronze
dental insurance

on their 21st birthday,
with no additional
examination required.
Klug
Top
75%, maximum
CHF 10,000. Up
to age 20 only.
Not covered. Not specified. Treatments outside
of Switzerland by
eligible dentists are
covered.
Existing customers
can receive
Denta Plus Bronze
dental insurance

on their 21st birthday,
with no additional
examination required.
Krankenkasse
Steffisburg
Invita Standard
70%, maximum
CHF 8000 per
calendar year. Up
to age 17 only.
Removal of wisdom
teeth:
50%, maximum
CHF 300
per calendar year.
Removal of
wisdom teeth:
36 months.
No additional
information.
Krankenkasse
Steffisburg
Invita Flex
80%, maximum
CHF 10,000 per
calendar year. Up
to age 17 only.
50%, maximum
CHF 500 per
calendar year.
Routine dental
examinations and
dental hygiene:
CHF 50 every 2
years, from age 15.
Removal of
wisdom teeth:
36 months.
No additional
​​​​​​​information.
Krankenkasse
Visperterminen
Plus Eins
75%, with no limit.
Up to age 20 only.
75%, with no limit. 
Up to   age 20 only.
Not specified. No additional
​​​​​​​information.
Krankenkasse
Visperterminen
Plus Zwei
75%, with no limit.
Up to age 20 only.
75%, with no limit.
Up to age 20 only.
Not specified. No additional
​​​​​​​information.
Krankenkasse
Wädenswil SC 3
50%, maximum
CHF 10,000. Up to
age 18 only.
Dental surgery:
50%, maximum
CHF 500 every 3
calendar years.
Not specified. No additional
​​​​​​​information.
Krankenkasse
Wädenswil SC 4
50%, maximum
CHF 20,000. Up to
age 18 only.
Not covered. Not specified. No additional
​​​​​​​information.
Lumneziana
allgemeiner
Zusatz
70%, maximum
CHF 3000 per
calendar year.
Not covered. Not specified. No additional
​​​​​​​information.
Lumneziana
Cumpletta
70%, maximum
CHF 3000 per
calendar year.
Not covered. Not specified. No additional
​​​​​​​information.
ÖKK
Start
70%, maximum
CHF 10,000 francs
per calendar year.
Routine dental
examinations and
dental hygiene:
CHF 60 per
calendar year.
Wisdom teeth
extraction: 
90%.
Not specified. Treatments in
countries bordering
Switzerland are
also covered.
Rhenusana
Rhenu Plus
Silber
60%, maximum
CHF 5000 per
calendar year. Up
to age 20 only.
Dental surgery:
60%, maximum
CHF 5000 per
calendar year. Up
to age 20 only.
18 months. No additional
​​​​​​​information.
Rhenusana
Rhenu Plus
Gold
60%, maximum
CHF 10,000 per
calendar year. Up
to age 20 only.
Dental surgery:
60%, maximum
CHF 10,000 per
calendar year. Up
to age 20 only.
18 months. No additional
​​​​​​​information.
Rhenusana
Rhenu Plus
Platin
60%, with no limit.
Up to age 20 only.
Dental surgery:
60%, with no limit.
Up to age 20 only.
18 months. No additional
​​​​​​​information.
Sanavals
general
supplement
70%, maximum
CHF 3000 per
calendar year.
Routine dental
examinations:
70%, maximum
CHF 100 per
calendar year.
Dental work:
50%, maximum
CHF 150 per
calendar year.
Not specified. No additional
​​​​​​​information.
Sanavals
Cumpletta
70%, maximum
CHF 3000 per
calendar year.
Routine dental
examinations:
70%, maximum
CHF 200 per
calendar year.
Not specified. No additional
​​​​​​​information.
Sanitas
Vital Basic
50%, maximum
CHF 10,000 per
calendar year.
Up to age 20 only.
Not covered. Not specified. Treatments in
countries bordering
Switzerland are
also covered.
Sanitas
Vital
Premium
80%, with no limit.
Up to age 20 only.
Not covered. Not specified. Treatments in
countries bordering
Switzerland are
also covered.
Sanitas
Vital
Smart
50%, with no limit.
Up to age 20 only.
Not covered. Not specified. Treatments in
countries bordering
Switzerland are
also covered.
SLKK
QualiCare
Basis
75%, maximum
CHF 10,000. Up
to age 20 only.
Not covered. Not specified. Orthodontics
coverage only
applies if at least
one parent also
holds an
SLKK Qualicare
policy.
SLKK
QualiCare
Comfort
75%, maximum
CHF 10,000. Up
to age 20 only.
CHF 300 per
calendar year.
Not specified. Orthodontics
coverage only
applies if at least
one parent also
holds an
SLKK Qualicare
​​​​​​​policy.
Sodalis
Sana
CHF 500 per
calendar year,
with a 10%
deductible.
Tooth extraction is
covered, with a 10%
deductible.
Not specified. No additional
information.
Sodalis
Sana Plus
CHF 1000 per
calendar year,
with a 10%
deductible.
Tooth extraction is
covered, with a 10%
deductible.
Not specified. No additional
information.
Sumiswalder
Krankenpflege-
Zusatz
20%, with no limit.
Up to age 20 only.
X-rays, tooth
extraction,
dental surgery,
periodontitis
treatments:
50%, maximum
CHF 500
per calendar year.
Not specified. No additional
information.
Swica
Completa
Forte / Top
50%, maximum
CHF 10,000 per
calendar year. Up
to age 25 only.
50%, maximum
CHF 100 per
calendar year.
Not specified. No additional
information.
Sympany
Plus
70%, maximum
CHF 10,000 in total.
Routine dental
examinations:
CHF 60 per
calendar year.
Removal of
wisdom teeth:
90%.
Orthodontics:
2 years.
No additional
information.
Sympany
Premium
70%, maximum
CHF 15,000 in total.
Routine dental
examinations:
CHF 60 per
calendar year.
Removal of
wisdom teeth:
90%.
Orthodontics:
2 years.
No additional
information.
Visana
Ambulant II
80%, maximum
CHF 10,000 in total.
Dental surgery
for specific
problems (including
extraction
of wisdom teeth):
25%, maximum
CHF 500 per
calendar year.
Not specified. No additional
information.
Visana
Ambulant III
80%, maximum
CHF 10,000 in total.
Dental surgery for
specific problems
(including
extraction of
wisdom teeth):
50%, maximum
CHF 1000 per
calendar year.
Not specified. No additional
information.
Vita Surselva
general
supplement
70%, maximum
CHF 3000 per
calendar year. Up
to age 20 only.
Routine checkups
and dental hygiene:
70%, maximum
CHF 100 per
calendar year.
Dental work: 50%,
maximum CHF 150
per calendar year.
Not specified. No additional
information.
Vita Surselva
Cumpletta
70%, maximum
CHF 3000 per
calendar year.
Up to age 20 only.
70%, maximum
CHF 200 per
calendar year.
Not specified. No additional
information.   

 

For offers that cover both orthodontics and other dental work, the limits generally apply to both orthodontics and dental work combined.

Coverage from supplementary health insurance for orthodontic and dental treatments is generally based on the pricing recommended by the Swiss Dental Association. If your dentist charges higher prices, the insurance coverage will generally be limited to the recommended price.

Is it worth getting additional dental insurance?

Many insurance providers also offer specialized dental insurance in addition to the dental and orthodontics coverage included in mandatory health insurance and supplemental health insurance. Unlike health insurance, dental insurance only covers dental and orthodontics treatments, and not medical treatments or healthcare.

For adults, the advantage of dental insurance is marginal because the insurance premiums are high in relation to the covered costs.

Children generally pay much lower premiums for dental insurance. Because of that, getting additional dental insurance can be a useful way to insure the remaining costs that are not covered by your child’s supplementary health insurance.

You can find useful information and a full overview of Swiss dental insurance offers in the guide to Swiss dental insurance.

More on this topic:
Compare Swiss supplementary health insurance offers now
Compare Swiss mandatory health insurance offers now
Dental insurance in Switzerland explained
Health insurance coverage for glasses, contact lenses, and laser therapy
Health insurance coverage for vaccinations

Health insurance premiums in comparison

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Swiss health insurance

Selection of offers

Supplementary Insurance

Helsana Completa

  • Most comprehensive supplementary outpatient insurance

  • Contact lenses and vision aids: 90 percent up to CHF 300 per year

  • Cost contributions for preventive measures

Supplementary Insurance

Concordia Diversa Plus

  • Outpatient and inpatient coverage in the event of emergency abroad

  • Contributions towards search and rescue costs worldwide

  • Contributions towards vaccinations, corrective dentistry, as well as spectacles

Supplementary Insurance

Helsana Sana

  • Supplemental health insurance

  • 75% for complementary medicine remedies

  • Cost contribution for prevention, vaccinations, ultrasound: 75 percent

Deal of the Day
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Supplementary Insurance

Helsana Completa

Most comprehensive supplementary outpatient insurance

Editor Daniel Dreier
Daniel Dreier is editor and personal finance expert at moneyland.ch.
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