The legal framework
The Union sets neither dental fees nor levels of reimbursement, which belong entirely to the member states. Two instruments nevertheless apply: Directive 2011/24/EU on patients' rights in cross-border healthcare, and Directive 2011/84/EU on hydrogen peroxide in tooth-whitening products.
The 2011 cross-border directive lets you receive treatment in another member state and claim it back from your own fund, at the rate of the country where you are insured, not that of the country where the treatment was given. You pay up front, and prior authorisation may be required for care involving hospitalisation or heavy equipment — rarely the case in dentistry.
Reimbursement is at your country's rate: if your fund pays little for a crown, it will pay little even if you had it fitted where crowns cost a third as much. The saving comes from the price charged, not from the reimbursement.
On whitening, Directive 2011/84/EU sets a uniform rule: a product containing more than 0.1 % and up to 6 % hydrogen peroxide may only be supplied to a dental practitioner, the first use in each cycle must be carried out by them or under their direct supervision, and the products are prohibited under eighteen. Above 6 % they may not be sold as cosmetics at all.
National contact points, created by the 2011 directive, are the official place to find out what your fund will reimburse before you travel.
Key points
| Cross-border care | Directive 2011/24/EU: reimbursement at the rate of the country of affiliation |
|---|---|
| Paying up front | Yes, with a claim on return |
| Prior authorisation | Possible for hospital care; rare in dentistry |
| Whitening | Directive 2011/84/EU: above 0.1 % peroxide, dentist supply only, up to 6 % |
| Under 18 | Whitening prohibited |
| Contact point | One per member state, to check reimbursement before travelling |
In practice
- Before travelling, ask your national contact point exactly what will be reimbursed and on what basis.
- Keep detailed, receipted invoices with procedure codes: without them there is no reimbursement.
- A foreign quote that gives only a lump sum allows neither comparison nor reimbursement.
Cost and coverage
Reimbursement is calculated at the rate of the country of affiliation, capped at the amount actually paid.
Recent changes
Whitening products sold online from outside the Union largely escape control and frequently exceed the permitted concentrations.
Where to go
- National contact point for cross-border healthcare, one per member state.
- Form S2 for planned care requiring prior authorisation.
- European Health Insurance Card, for unplanned care during a stay.
Worth knowing
The European Health Insurance Card covers unplanned care during a stay, not a trip organised in order to get treatment. Confusing the two is the commonest mistake in intra-European dental tourism.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim back a crown fitted in another EU country?
Yes, at your own country's reimbursement rate, after paying up front and on a detailed invoice.
Is prior authorisation needed?
Rarely in dentistry: it targets hospital care and heavy equipment. Check with the national contact point.
Are whitening kits sold online legal?
Above 0.1 % hydrogen peroxide a product may only be supplied by a dentist. Many online kits exceed that limit and fall outside the rules.
Official sources and links
- UN Human Rights Office — ratified treaties and country reviews
- ILO NATLEX — national legislation database