Cost assumption by health insurance | 14.7.2026
How much do health insurers contribute towards braces?
The cost of braces in Switzerland can soon run to more than 10,000 francs. However, basic health insurance contributes towards this amount only in exceptional cases. By taking out suitable supplementary insurance in good time, you can receive help towards this significant outlay.
What does basic health insurance cover?
Basic health insurance only covers the cost of braces in exceptional cases; for example, for jaw malformations or severe, unavoidable conditions affecting the masticatory system.
It does not typically cover the cost of braces for misaligned teeth. In view of this, families can soon find braces to be a significant financial burden.
To cover themselves for this eventuality, many families therefore take out supplementary health insurance. The health insurer may then, depending on the insurance model chosen, make some contribution towards orthodontic costs.
What does supplementary health insurance cover?
Supplementary health insurance (such as supplementary dental insurance) covers a portion of the costs that are not met by basic health insurance. Contributions may be made towards:
- Fixed metal braces («orthodontic brackets» braces)
- Removable braces
- Aligners and orthodontic trays
- Orthodontic check-ups
- Post-treatment retainers
The amount that supplementary health insurance will pay towards braces depends on the insurance coverage selected.
Supplementary dental insurance is particularly recommended for children. One in two children in Switzerland require braces.
For adults, coverage is often limited. Many insurers contribute very little towards orthodontics or impose exclusions for existing dental misalignment.
Supplementary dental insurance from KPT
Supplementary dental insurance from KPT contributes towards the cost of dental treatment, braces and teeth cleaning. There are three benefit classes to choose from:
- Benefit class 1: 50% of the treatment costs up to 500 francs per calendar year
- Benefit class 3: 75% of the treatment costs up to 1,500 francs per calendar year
- Benefit class 4: 75% of the treatment costs up to 2,000 francs per calendar year. The plus factor: for people under the age of 20, 75% of the cost of braces is covered with no financial limit.
A waiting period of 12 months applies for orthodontic treatments. This means that supplementary health insurance will only cover costs for braces once this waiting period has passed. A 6-month waiting period applies for other dental treatments.
Children:
Taking out supplementary dental insurance as early as possible is particularly recommended for children. With KPT, if the insurance is arranged before the child’s 5th birthday, no health check is required. You will not need to present a certificate from a dentist, and the child will be accepted without any pre-existing condition clauses. A health check is required after the age of 5. During the child’s first year of life, supplementary dental insurance is free of charge.
Adults:
For adults, it can also be worth taking out supplementary dental insurance for orthodontic treatment. Note, however, that cost coverage tends to be limited for correcting misaligned teeth. It is advisable to compare waiting periods and benefit limitations.
When is the best time to take out supplementary dental insurance?
With supplementary dental insurance, the sooner you take it out, the better – the ideal time is before your child’s 5th birthday. Up to this age, many health insurers do not require a certificate from the dentist and your child is also unlikely to have been diagnosed with misaligned teeth. This is important, because existing dental misalignments are often excluded from cover.
With KPT, families additionally benefit from free premiums until their child reaches the age of one.
When does supplementary insurance not cover treatment costs?
Supplementary insurance will not usually cover the cost of braces if the dental misalignment was diagnosed prior to the insurance start date. That’s why arranging the insurance early is particularly advisable for children.
The 5-year limit is also an important factor, as most health insurers require a health check for children aged 5 or above. If a child is found to have misaligned teeth during this check, coverage for braces may be limited or excluded altogether.
Moreover, a waiting period of 12 months usually applies for orthodontic treatments. Supplementary health insurance will only cover costs for braces once this waiting period has passed.
Arrange early to avoid paying more later
Once a dentist diagnoses a misalignment of the teeth, health insurance will no longer cover the costs. By taking the precaution of arranging dental insurance early, ideally before your child’s 5th birthday, you can avoid high costs for braces and orthodontic treatment later.
Find the right dental insurance for you and calculate your premium.
Key info
- Basic health insurance only pays for braces in exceptional cases.
- Under supplementary health insurance, a portion of the costs for braces and orthodontic care may be covered, depending on the model.
- In Switzerland, the cost of braces tends to range from 5,000 to 12,000 francs.
- It is worth taking out supplementary dental insurance as early as possible, especially for children.
- If a dental misalignment has already been diagnosed, the costs for correcting this will often be excluded.
- A waiting period of 12 months usually applies for orthodontic treatments.
FAQ on cost cover for braces
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