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Definition. The hardship rule for dental prosthetics is a special provision of statutory health insurance. If you have a low income or receive certain social benefits, you can receive a higher subsidy towards dental prosthetics. Your health insurance fund checks on the basis of evidence whether the requirements are met. The rule only concerns dental prosthetics, not other treatments.
Who can fall under the hardship rule
The rule applies to insured people whose income is below a limit set by law. Receiving certain benefits can also count. For students, it matters mainly when their own income is low and no other support applies. Your health insurance fund can tell you the exact limit.
Figures 2026 and their sources
| Figure | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed subsidy for dental prosthetics so far | 60 percent | Statutory health insurance, status 2026 |
| Fixed subsidy under the GKV contribution rate stabilisation act | 50 percent, with preventive check-ups 60 or 65 percent (planned) | Federal Ministry of Health, FAQ on the act |
| Legislative status of the act | Passed by the Bundestag on 10 July 2026, Bundesrat approval reported by the Federal Ministry of Health | Federal Ministry of Health, press release |
We do not state an income limit for the hardship rule here, because it follows the statutory requirements and should be confirmed with your fund. We cannot currently confirm a date on which the change to the subsidy takes effect.
An example with a low income
You need a crown and have only a small income from a part-time job. You submit your income evidence to your health insurance fund and apply for the hardship rule. The fund checks the details and decides on the higher subsidy. Without an application and evidence, there is no entitlement.
Related terms
- Dental supplementary insurance for students: Dental supplementary insurance for students (in German)
- Dental costs in private health insurance: Private health insurance and dental costs in your studies (in German)
- Co-payment exemption: Co-payment exemption and the burden limit (in German)
- Glasses subsidy in statutory insurance: Glasses and the health insurance fund subsidy (in German)
- Full glossary: Health insurance for students: A to Z glossary (in German)
Frequently asked questions
Does the hardship rule apply to students in student health insurance?
Students in student health insurance are statutorily insured and can in principle fall under the rule if their income meets the requirements. The fund checks the details in each case.
Does the new law change the subsidy?
The law provides for a reduction of the fixed subsidy, with an exception for preventive check-ups. We cannot currently confirm when it takes effect, so check the current position before you plan treatment.
Do I need dental supplementary insurance for this?
The hardship rule does not replace supplementary insurance. It only increases the fund’s subsidy under certain conditions. Whether supplementary insurance is worthwhile depends on your situation.
Last updated: October 2026. This entry is general information, not individual advice. The German version is authoritative.
Sources: GKV contribution rate stabilisation act, Federal Ministry of Health, FAQ on the act and press release of 10 July 2026.
