Orthodontic insurance in the Netherlands: what braces cost and which insurance pays
Dutch basic health insurance does not pay for braces, not even for children. Only for very severe developmental disorders of the teeth and jaws, such as a cleft palate, does basic insurance cover orthodontic treatment. For regular braces you need supplementary insurance with orthodontic cover. According to the Dutch Association of Orthodontists (NVvO), treatment costs €2,000 to €3,000 on average. Most insurers only pay after a waiting period of 12 months, so arrange cover before your child needs braces.
Compare dental insurance in the Netherlands
Orthodontics needs a specific module. Compare the premium, the reimbursement and the waiting period of every Dutch insurer.
What do braces cost in the Netherlands?
| Treatment | Made up of | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed braces, upper and lower, 24 months | Examination (F121, F125, F126, F155–F158) + F461 + 23 × F516 + 2 × F492 + 4 × F533 (+ 2 × F813 in 2027) | €2,345.02 | €2,372.46 |
| Clear aligners, 18 months | Examination + F471 + 17 × F517 + 2 × F813 + 4 × F532 | €1,882.95 | €1,937.81 |
| Removable plate, 12 months | F121 + F125 + F126 + F155 + F156 + F411 + 11 × F511 + 2 × F531 | €718.43 | €739.31 |
Our own calculation with the NZa maximum tariffs for regular orthodontics, excluding material and technical costs such as brackets, wires and aligners (for aligners these are usually high). Orthodontists and dentists charge the same tariffs. The actual duration and number of visits differ per patient.
Orthodontic cover for children under 18, per insurer
| Insurer | Supplementary package | Reimbursement | Maximum under 18 | Waiting period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ONVZ | Optifit / Topfit | 80% | €2,000 / €3,000 | 1 year |
| Zilveren Kruis | Aanvullend 3 sterren / 4 sterren | 100% | €2,000 / €2,500 | 1 year |
| VGZ | Tand Beter / Tand Best | 100% | €1,500 / €2,500 | up to 12 months |
| De christelijke zorgverzekeraar | Largepolis / Extra Largepolis | 100% | €2,000 / €2,500 | 1 year |
| CZ | Tandarts / Uitgebreide Tandarts | 80% | €2,045 per treatment | 365 days |
| Univé | Tand Best | 100% | €2,000 | 1 year |
| Menzis | TandVerzorgd 750 | 100% | €2,000 | 1 year |
| DSW | AV-Standaard / AV-Top | 75% | €685 / €2,000 | 12 months |
| Zorg en Zekerheid | AV-GeZZin | 100% | €1,750 | 12 months |
| Nationale-Nederlanden | Zorg Vrij Extra / Compleet | 75% | €1,000 / €1,750 | 12 months |
| Interpolis | ZorgActief MeerZeker / ZonderZorgen | 100% | €1,250 / €1,500 | 1 year |
| De Friesland | AV Extra | 100% | €1,250 | 1 year |
| OHRA | Extra Aanvullend / Uitgebreid | 70% | €1,000 / €2,000 | 12 months |
| a.s.r. | ZorgBeter / ZorgBest | 75% | €500 / €1,000 | none |
| FBTO | Module Gezichtszorg & Orthodontie | 100% | €500 per calendar year | 1 year |
| Salland | TandExtra / TandPlus | 75% | €250 / €500 per calendar year | none |
2026 policies. Most maximums apply once for the whole insured period; FBTO and Salland pay per calendar year. Zilveren Kruis, FBTO, Interpolis, De Friesland, De christelijke zorgverzekeraar, Salland and Zorg en Zekerheid percentages partly from the Consumentenbond. Anderzorg and VinkVink dental modules do not cover orthodontics.
Is my child insured for free?
At most insurers children under 18 are co-insured free of charge and automatically get the (highest) supplementary insurance of one of the parents, including its orthodontic cover. There are exceptions. At Menzis children do not automatically get the dental insurance of their parents: for TandVerzorgd 750 children under 10 are free but must be registered separately, and children from 10 to 17 pay €20.45 a month. At ONVZ you pay extra per child for Topfit (€24.46) and Superfit (€33.87). At some insurers, such as FBTO and Menzis, a newly added child also gets a waiting period, even if a parent has had the cover for years.
Braces for adults
Cover for adults is much lower. Examples for 2026: OHRA €250 once, CZ 80% up to €350, Menzis TandVerzorgd 750 80% up to €500, DSW AV-Standaard 75% up to €685 and DSW AV-Top up to €1,000. FBTO does not insure orthodontics for adults.
Tips before your child gets braces
- Take out cover early. With a 12-month waiting period you pay premium for a year before you can claim. a.s.r. and Salland have no waiting period, but lower maximums.
- Look at the maximum for the whole period. At most insurers the maximum applies once per child for the entire time they are insured with that package, not per year.
- Switching insurer during treatment? Check the waiting period at the new insurer and whether the treatment has already started. There is no scheme to take an ongoing treatment with you.
- Ask for a treatment plan and estimate. The orthodontist can tell you the expected category, duration and costs, so you can choose a package with a matching maximum.
Frequently asked questions
Does Dutch health insurance cover braces for children?
No. Basic insurance does not cover braces, not even for children. The only exception is a very severe developmental disorder of the teeth and jaws, such as a cleft palate. For regular braces you need supplementary insurance with orthodontic cover.
How much do braces cost in the Netherlands?
According to the Dutch Association of Orthodontists, €2,000 to €3,000 on average. With the NZa tariffs for 2027, fixed braces for the upper and lower jaw over 24 months cost €2,372.46, excluding material and technical costs.
Which insurance pays the most for braces?
For children under 18, ONVZ Topfit (80% up to €3,000), Zilveren Kruis Aanvullend 4 sterren, VGZ Tand Best and De christelijke zorgverzekeraar Extra Largepolis (up to €2,500) offer the highest reimbursements in 2026.
Is there orthodontic insurance without a waiting period?
Yes, at a.s.r. (ZorgBeter and ZorgBest) and Salland (TandExtra and TandPlus) there is no waiting period for orthodontics. Their maximums are lower than at insurers with a waiting period.
Is an orthodontist more expensive than a dentist?
No. Orthodontists and dentists who provide orthodontic treatment charge the same NZa tariffs.
Sources
- NZa: tariff decision orthodontic care 2027 (TB/REG-27620-01)
- NZa: tariff decision orthodontic care 2026 (TB/REG-26617-01)
- NVvO (Dutch Association of Orthodontists): what do braces cost? (Dutch)
- Zorginstituut Nederland: Mondzorg (Dutch)
- Consumentenbond: reimbursement orthodontics (Dutch)
- Consumentenbond: paying extra for co-insured children (Dutch)
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