Private health insurers have confirmed the return of dental benefits, with Dôvera presenting its specific offering and Union currently preparing its proposal. In the state-run General Health Insurance Company (VšZP), the choice of benefits is left to the insured. Dôvera has announced the return of its "Healthy Teeth" benefit, aimed at reducing the financial burden of dental visits while emphasizing their "undeniable importance in preventing tooth decay." The company will offer adults a €30 contribution for dental hygiene twice a year and children can receive up to five €30 contributions annually for dental hygiene, treatment, or sealing teeth.
Union also confirmed it is preparing changes to its health benefits, specifically focusing on dental care. "Union was the first insurer to introduce a dental benefit, with conditions always among the most generous on the market. Our clients can expect an attractive new offer soon," said spokeswoman Beáta Dupaľová Ksenzsighová.
The VšZP refers to its "Health Wallet" service, offering benefits up to €100, or up to €800 for families, with the choice of benefits left to the insured. Currently, VšZP covers full payment for local anesthesia for children up to 10 years old and offers discounts on various dental products and invisible braces in one Bratislava clinic. "We spend up to €150 million annually on dental care for our insured clients," said the insurer’s press department.
Dental benefits were previously canceled in May 2024, as they were deemed to have fulfilled their purpose and were a cost-saving measure. The Ministry of Health, currently led by Kamil Šaško, clarified that the financing of these benefits is limited by law and that they are not part of the legally defined scope of health care covered by public health insurance. "Their provision is a voluntary decision of the insurer, which also determines the conditions for their use," the Ministry added, explaining that these conditions must be published in advance and cannot be discriminatory.
Additionally, insurers can allocate a maximum of 0.5% of premiums for benefits, as new legislation focuses on preventing the most common diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, and mental health issues.
Source: STVR
