Dental Insurance in Austria for Expats
Last updated: March 2026
Updated March 2026. Austrian public health insurance (OeGK) covers basic dental check-ups and fillings but NOT cosmetics, orthodontics, or implants. Private dental insurance (Zahnzusatzversicherung) from Uniqa, Generali, or Wiener Staedtische costs EUR 15-50/month and covers crowns, implants, and orthodontics. If you need anything beyond basic fillings, private dental coverage is strongly recommended for expats in Austria.
What Does OeGK Cover for Dental Care?
The Austrian public health insurance fund (OeGK) covers essential dental services for all insured residents. This includes annual check-ups, amalgam fillings, tooth extractions, and basic root canal treatments. You can visit any Kassenarzt (contracted dentist) and pay nothing beyond your standard insurance contributions. For more on how public insurance works, see our health insurance guide.
Covered by OeGK
- ✓ Annual dental check-ups
- ✓ Amalgam fillings
- ✓ Tooth extractions
- ✓ Basic root canal treatments
- ✓ Dental X-rays
- ✓ Removable dentures (partial coverage)
NOT Covered by OeGK
- • Dental implants
- • Ceramic or composite fillings
- • Orthodontics for adults
- • Teeth whitening and cosmetic work
- • Crowns and bridges (only partial subsidy)
- • Professional teeth cleaning
Save on Fillings
If you want tooth-colored (composite) fillings instead of amalgam, you can request them at a Kassenarzt. The OeGK covers the amalgam portion and you pay the difference out of pocket, typically EUR 50 to EUR 150 per filling.
What Does Private Dental Insurance Cover?
Private dental insurance (Zahnzusatzversicherung) supplements your public coverage. It reimburses costs for treatments that OeGK does not cover or only partially covers. Coverage typically includes implants, crowns, bridges, orthodontics, professional cleanings, and high-quality filling materials. Most plans reimburse 50% to 80% of treatment costs, with annual limits that increase over the first few years of the policy.
Many plans include a Staffelung (graduated benefits), meaning your maximum annual reimbursement increases each year. In the first year, you might be limited to EUR 500, rising to EUR 2,000 or more by year four. This prevents people from signing up only when they need expensive treatment.
Waiting Periods Apply
Most dental insurance plans have a 6 to 12 month waiting period for major treatments. Sign up early, ideally when you first arrive in Austria, to ensure coverage is active when you need it.
How Much Does Dental Insurance Cost in Austria?
Private dental insurance premiums depend on your age at enrollment, the coverage tier, and the provider. Younger enrollees pay significantly less. Here is a typical price range as of 2026:
| Coverage Tier | Monthly Cost | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | EUR 15-20/month | Professional cleanings, composite fillings, basic crowns |
| Standard | EUR 25-35/month | Above plus implants, bridges, orthodontics |
| Premium | EUR 40-50/month | Full coverage with higher reimbursement rates (up to 80%) and higher annual limits |
Age Matters
Premiums are lowest when you enroll in your 20s or 30s. Enrolling after age 50 can double the monthly cost. Some providers also require a dental health check before acceptance.
Top 3 Dental Insurance Providers in Austria
These providers offer the most popular Zahnzusatzversicherung plans for expats in Austria:
Uniqa Zahnzusatzversicherung
Uniqa offers three tiers of dental insurance with coverage for implants, crowns, bridges, orthodontics, and professional cleanings. Their online portal makes claims submission straightforward, and English-speaking support is available.
Best for: Expats who want comprehensive dental coverage with English-language support and flexible plan tiers
Pros
- +Up to 80% reimbursement on implants and crowns
- +English-language customer support
- +Online claims submission
Cons
- −6-month waiting period for major treatments
- −Graduated benefits in first 4 years
- Coverage for implants, crowns, bridges, and orthodontics
- Professional teeth cleaning covered twice per year
- Up to 80% reimbursement rate on premium tier
- Annual limit up to EUR 3,000 after year 4
- Online claims portal
- Starting from approximately EUR 18/month
Generali Zahnzusatzversicherung
Generali offers one of the most generous dental insurance plans in Austria, with high annual reimbursement limits and broad coverage for implants, orthodontics, and cosmetic dentistry. No dental health check is needed for enrollment.
Best for: Expats who anticipate needing implants or extensive dental work and want high reimbursement limits
Pros
- +High annual limits (up to EUR 5,000)
- +Covers orthodontics for adults and children
- +No dental health check required
Cons
- −Higher premiums (from EUR 25/month)
- −12-month waiting period for implants
- Implant coverage up to EUR 5,000 per year (after year 4)
- Orthodontics for adults and children
- No dental health check for enrollment
- Covers composite and ceramic fillings at 80%
- Worldwide emergency dental coverage
- Starting from approximately EUR 25/month
Wiener Staedtische Zahnzusatzversicherung
Wiener Staedtische offers affordable dental insurance with a strong local branch network. Their basic tier is one of the cheapest options on the market, and bundling with other Wiener Staedtische policies (such as household insurance) can reduce your overall premium.
Best for: Budget-conscious expats who want basic dental coverage at a low monthly premium
Pros
- +Lowest starting price (from EUR 15/month)
- +Extensive branch network for in-person advice
- +Bundle discounts with other policies
Cons
- −Lower reimbursement rates (50-60%)
- −Lower annual limits in basic tier
- Coverage for crowns, bridges, and basic implants
- Professional cleaning covered once per year
- 50-60% reimbursement on standard tier
- Bundle discounts with household or liability insurance
- In-person consultation at local branches
- Starting from approximately EUR 15/month
Dental Insurance in Austria: Frequently Asked Questions
Does Austrian public health insurance cover dental care?
Yes, the OeGK covers basic dental check-ups, amalgam fillings, extractions, and some root canal treatments. Cosmetic dentistry, implants, adult orthodontics, and ceramic fillings are not covered or only partially subsidized.
How much does private dental insurance cost in Austria?
Private dental insurance costs EUR 15 to EUR 50 per month depending on coverage level, your age at enrollment, and the provider. Basic plans covering cleanings and fillings start at EUR 15/month, while premium plans with implant coverage cost EUR 40-50/month.
Is there a waiting period for dental insurance in Austria?
Yes, most plans have a 6 to 12 month waiting period for major treatments like crowns, bridges, and implants. Basic treatments like check-ups and cleanings are typically covered immediately. Sign up early to avoid gaps in coverage.