Dental implants are a widely-used solution for replacing missing teeth, but a common question remains: are these treatments reimbursed by our Belgian health insurance? The answer depends on several factors, including the type of implant treatment, the type of prosthetics used, the patient’s age, and specific conditions. In this article, we explain how the reimbursement system for dental implants works in Belgium and when you might qualify for financial assistance.
Dental implants when you still have natural teeth
For patients who still have some natural teeth, an implant procedure is often classified as an aesthetic and functional dental treatment. Typically, these treatments are not covered by the standard Belgian health insurance, and in most cases, implants, crowns, and bridges are not reimbursed.
To receive partial or full reimbursement for these expenses, an additional dental insurance plan is usually required. Coverage specifics vary depending on your insurer, the type of policy, any annual reimbursement limit, and possible waiting periods. It’s advisable to consult your insurer for policy details, as some supplementary plans cover a substantial portion of dental costs.
Some mutual health providers provide some partial coverage via ‘ harmonization’ procedures.
Dental implants when you have no natural teeth anymore
For patients with a fully toothless jaw, the reimbursement possibilities may differ. In Belgium, the mutual health insurance can sometimes partially cover an implant procedure under strict conditions, such as prolonged toothlessness, difficulty using a conventional denture, or a significantly resorbed jaw. The patient has to be older than 70 and has to wear a full removable prosthesis in his lower jaw for more than 1 year and the lower jaw has to be extremely resorbed.
In such cases, an implantologist will assess your situation, create a treatment plan, and submit a request for authorization to your health insurance provider. Once approved, a portion of the implant costs may be covered by health insurance. However, some out-of-pocket expenses remain, including co-payments and a required personal contribution.
Don’t get caught off guard by the cost of dental implants!
While Belgian health insurance may provide partial coverage for certain implant treatments, having a supplementary dental insurance plan can be beneficial, especially if you don’t meet the standard reimbursement criteria. Without additional insurance, most implant treatment costs will be out-of-pocket. It’s essential to consult your health insurance provider and supplementary insurance provider to fully understand which expenses may be reimbursed and to discuss your options with your dentist or implantologist for a clear financial overview.
Do you have questions about dental implants and possible reimbursement options from your health insurance or are you looking for more information? Take a look at our blog or contact specialist Doctor Frank Vanhove!
Doctor Frank Vanhove has more than 20 years of experience as an oral, maxillofacial and maxillofacial surgeon. Today he focuses exclusively on implantology. Dr. Frank Vanhove is the specialist in the field of dental prostheses and implants. He and his team place implants, a fixed and provisional dental bridge in one day. So you walk out the same day with a radiant smile.
