Dental Insurance Coverage in Spain – What's Included & Excluded
Spanish dental insurance isn't like health insurance – it works on a "included + discounted" model rather than percentage reimbursement. This guide explains exactly what treatments are covered, what you'll still pay for, and how coverage levels differ between plans.
How Dental Coverage Works in Spain
Most Spanish dental plans divide treatments into three categories:
Fully Included
No extra cost – covered by your premium
Discounted Price
Fixed reduced rate – you pay the discounted amount
Not Covered
Pay full price or not available through plan
Important: Always ask for the cuadro de servicios (treatment price list) before signing up. This shows exactly what's included and what each treatment costs.
Treatments Typically Included (No Extra Cost)
Preventive Care
- Annual check-up and oral exam
- Basic cleaning (1-2 per year)
- Panoramic X-ray
- Fluoride treatment (children)
- Dental sealants (children)
Basic Treatments
- Emergency consultations
- Simple extractions (some plans)
- Basic fillings (some plans)
- Diagnosis and treatment planning
- Second opinions
Treatments at Discounted Prices
These treatments aren't free but come at significantly reduced fixed prices:
Restorative Treatments
Fillings (composite)
€15-40 (vs €50-80 private)
Root canals
€50-150 (vs €200-400 private)
Crowns
€120-250 (vs €300-600 private)
Periodontal (Gum) Treatments
Deep cleaning (scaling)
€30-80 (vs €100-200 private)
Root planing
€50-100 per quadrant
Gum surgery
€100-300 (vs €300-600 private)
Major Treatments
Dental implants
€400-1,200 (vs €1,000-2,500 private)
Bridges
€200-500 (vs €500-1,200 private)
Dentures
€150-400 (vs €400-1,000 private)
Orthodontic Coverage (Braces & Aligners)
What's Typically Covered
- • Initial orthodontic assessment: Free or €20-50
- • Traditional metal braces: 40-60% discount
- • Ceramic braces: 30-50% discount
- • Retainers: Often included or heavily discounted
- • Follow-up visits: Usually included during treatment
What May Cost Extra
- • Invisible aligners (Invisalign): Lower discounts (20-40%)
- • Lingual braces: Often minimal or no discount
- • Early/interceptive orthodontics: Varies by plan
- • Replacement retainers: May not be covered
Waiting period: Most plans have 6-12 month waiting periods for orthodontics. If your child needs braces soon, sign up well in advance.
Children's Dental Coverage
Children's dental care often has extra benefits:
Usually Included Free
- All check-ups and cleanings
- Fluoride treatments
- Dental sealants
- X-rays as needed
- Baby tooth extractions
Usually Discounted
- Fillings
- Space maintainers
- Orthodontics (after waiting period)
- Emergency treatments
What's Usually NOT Covered
Cosmetic treatments
Whitening, veneers for aesthetics only
Pre-existing conditions
Teeth already needing treatment when you join
Experimental procedures
New or unproven treatments
Full-mouth rehabilitation
Complete reconstruction cases
Treatments outside Spain
Except emergency care abroad
Self-inflicted damage
Injuries from negligence or substance abuse
Waiting Periods by Treatment Type
| Treatment Category | Typical Waiting Period |
|---|---|
| Preventive (check-ups, X-rays) | None |
| Basic (fillings, simple extractions) | 0-30 days |
| Moderate (root canals, crowns) | 30-90 days |
| Major (implants, prosthetics) | 6-12 months |
| Orthodontics | 6-12 months |

