The rigorous training of practitioners ensures excellent-quality dental care in France. Yet, more and more French patients are choosing to receive healthcare abroad. This trend is partly explained by significantly shorter waiting times in other European countries, but above all by the lower cost of certain specific dental treatments.
However, contrary to appearances, medical tourism is relatively complex. Before booking a ticket and flying to a foreign country for treatment, it is essential to take certain precautions.
Beyond practical information, it is crucial to know the exact cost of dental care before taking any initiative. How can you obtain a clear and reliable dental estimate before traveling? Here are some answers.
Why is a clear and reliable dental estimate essential before traveling?
For many years, medical tourism has been gaining momentum. This is particularly true in the dental field, where increasing numbers of French patients travel abroad for a dental implant or a crown placement. In addition to offering fast access to care, foreign clinics often provide high-quality services at prices generally lower than those charged in France.
However, before taking the plunge, it is imperative to know the exact cost of the treatment. Although dental care is based on common principles, treatment protocols may vary from one country to another. Some countries outside the European Union require additional examinations and impose specific recovery periods between two medical procedures.
These elements can significantly alter the traditional treatment pathway and result in substantial additional costs. A detailed dental estimate therefore makes it possible to identify all planned procedures and their actual cost, helping to avoid unpleasant surprises.
By definition, a dental estimate is a medical document issued by a dentist before performing certain treatments. To be usable, this document must include:
-
clinic identification details (official name, full address, contact information, registration number, practitioner’s name);
-
patient identification details;
-
a precise description of the planned treatments;
-
the materials used;
-
detailed pricing;
-
and an equivalence with French procedures.
In concrete terms, beyond clinic and patient information, dental estimates must present a clear diagnosis, the nature of the treatments, and the teeth concerned. They must also specify the procedures planned, the number of sessions, and any other relevant treatment information.
The dental estimate must also indicate the type and origin of the materials used to justify their price and durability. In addition, it must clearly state the actual cost of each procedure in the patient’s home currency. Finally, although not mandatory, estimates should include a correspondence with treatments performed in France.
Steps to obtain a clear and reliable dental estimate before traveling
A dental estimate allows you to precisely understand the nature and cost of the planned treatments. However, obtaining such an estimate is not always straightforward. Contrary to popular belief, simply contacting a Turkish, Romanian, or Hungarian clinic is not enough to receive a usable document. A preliminary diagnosis is required first.
Obtaining a clear and reliable estimate before traveling: performing a preliminary diagnosis in your country of residence
A foreign dental clinic’s estimate is based on the information provided by the patient. To determine the number of implants required or the need for an extraction, clinics must rely on solid medical data. They need to know the condition of the patient’s teeth and gums.
Approximate data lead to inaccurate treatment forecasts and additional costs after on-site examinations. To avoid these issues, it is preferable to carry out a preliminary diagnosis in your country of residence.
This examination provides precise information on oral health, generates recommendations, and includes a panoramic X-ray and a CBCT scan of the mouth. These data identify contraindications, help rule out unnecessary treatments, and serve as a basis for analyzing the treatment proposals made by clinics abroad.
Sending a complete medical file to the foreign clinic
The second step in obtaining a dental estimate is to send a medical file to the foreign clinic. Traditionally, clinics refine their estimates after a physical examination of the patient. However, a preliminary diagnosis significantly reduces uncertainty.
With panoramic and CBCT X-rays, clinics have sufficiently reliable data to prepare accurate estimates. The on-site examination merely confirms the findings from imaging.
In addition to radiographs, it is strongly recommended to send medical reports and photographs of dental history. These elements provide a 360-degree view of oral health, facilitating clinical decision-making.
Obtaining a clear and reliable estimate before traveling: comparing several estimates before deciding
The preliminary diagnosis and submission of the medical file allow patients to obtain multiple highly detailed estimates. This provides a solid basis for comparison to identify the best offer.
To secure a clear and reliable estimate, it is essential to analyze price differences carefully. Some clinics offer low prices that conceal incomplete services. Before making a decision, each treatment item and associated cost must be compared. Estimates that deliberately omit essential treatments should be approached with caution.
Patients should also verify the guarantees offered by clinics. Reputable clinics provide warranties on treatments and materials and clearly outline the conditions under which care may be corrected or resumed.
Beyond pricing, special attention must be paid to the clinic’s reputation and the practitioner’s qualifications. It is advisable to verify the clinic’s legal authorizations, areas of specialization, and the degrees of the lead practitioner.
Likewise, a reputation check should be conducted through former patients and local authorities. This step is crucial, as it helps assess service quality and prevent disappointment, especially since disputes with foreign clinics can be administratively difficult to resolve.
Dental estimates before traveling abroad: key points of caution
In principle, a dental estimate covers all elements related to the medical procedure. However, unexpected issues may arise and increase the final cost. These usually involve preparatory treatments, postoperative adjustments, or changes in oral health conditions.
For this reason, it is essential to plan a contingency budget before traveling. Although difficult to quantify precisely, many clinics recommend an extra 15–30% of the estimated amount.
Furthermore, contrary to common belief, dental estimates do not include indirect travel costs. Accommodation, transportation, and extended stays in case of complications are not covered by the clinic.
While many clinics offer all-inclusive packages, these should not be confused with the dental estimate, which remains a medical and administrative document. Therefore, patients must separately plan their airfare and accommodation.
Due to the sensitivity of dental treatments, it is generally advisable to schedule a longer stay than strictly required by the medical procedures. This allows for recovery and ensures prompt clinical intervention if complications arise.
Additionally, anyone seeking dental care abroad must verify compatibility with social security and insurance coverage. Public health insurance and supplementary insurers usually provide only partial reimbursement for dental care abroad. Reimbursement options should therefore be checked before booking travel.
As a reminder, social security and insurers generally reimburse only medically recognized treatments. Moreover, a dental estimate prepared before traveling must meet specific administrative requirements to be accepted by French authorities.
For example, the estimate must be translated into French and include CCAM codes used in France. This classification allows procedures to be billed and reimbursements calculated according to applicable tariffs.
Finally, the exact nature of the materials must be specified to determine the applicable treatment category. Patients must also provide a paid detailed invoice, proof of payment, and complete a “care abroad” form (S3125). A before-and-after panoramic X-ray must also be submitted to confirm that the treatments were carried out.
