Toothache Abroad: How Much Does a Dentist Cost in Europe in 2026 and How to Avoid Overspending

Dental care abroad can cost several times more than in Ukraine, especially without insurance coverage. Find out how much fillings, cleanings, and tooth extractions will cost in 2026 in Poland, the Czech Republic, and Germany, and how to reduce costs for emergency treatment

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Toothache while traveling is one of those problems that’s hard to put off “until you get home.” And this is where many Ukrainians face an unpleasant surprise: even basic dental services in the EU often cost several times more than in Ukraine, especially when it comes to private practices or emergency appointments.

How much does a dentist cost in Ukraine in 2026?

According to current prices at Ukrainian dental clinics in 2026, a professional teeth cleaning usually costs around 1,100–1,900 UAH, a filling—approximately 1,000–2,800 UAH depending on the material and complexity, a simple tooth extraction—roughly 700–1,800 UAH, and wisdom tooth extraction—on average 2,400–3,200 UAH. Root canal treatment starts at approximately 800 UAH per canal, but in more complex cases, the cost can be significantly higher.

That is why, for Ukrainians, getting treatment at home is often the cheaper option if the problem is not urgent. But when acute pain strikes while abroad, there is almost no choice—you have to seek care locally.

Poland: Basic dental care through the NFZ and the more expensive private sector

In Poland, you can visit a dentist without a referral, but free services under the NFZ system are available only to the extent specified by the state list. The NFZ explicitly states that free dental treatment is covered only to a limited extent, and additional fees apply for non-standard services and materials.

In the private sector, prices are already significantly higher than in Ukraine. According to current price lists from Polish dental clinics, a filling typically costs around 250–400 zł, professional cleaning—approximately 450–500 zł, and a simple tooth extraction—on average 320–650 zł. When converted to hryvnia, even basic treatment often turns out to be noticeably more expensive than in most Ukrainian cities.

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Czech Republic: Starting in 2026, insurance covers part of the cost of fillings, but private prices remain high

In the Czech Republic, a new rule took effect in January 2026 for insured adults: basic white fillings can now be fully covered by insurance. Separately, insurance companies, including VZP, will provide subsidies for preventive care and dental hygiene in 2026, but this does not mean that all dental care has become free—patients still pay extra for more complex or “above-standard” services.

When it comes to the private market, prices here are already closer to those in Western Europe.

Professional teeth cleaning in the Czech Republic usually costs around 1,290–2,150 Kč, a composite filling—approximately 2,050–4,990 Kč, and a simple tooth extraction—around 2,225–2,500 Kč, although for insured patients, a basic extraction may be covered by insurance.

Germany: Standard treatment is covered, but “comfort” and modern materials often require an additional fee

In Germany, public health insurance covers only standard, medically necessary dental care. For adults, preventive checkups twice a year, tartar removal, and basic treatment are covered. At the same time, professional teeth cleaning is usually not included in standard coverage, and the health insurance fund does not cover root canal treatment in all cases—for example, only if it truly makes sense to save the tooth.

If a person seeks private care or chooses higher-quality materials, the bill rises very quickly. According to current market estimates, professional teeth cleaning in Germany costs approximately 80–150 euros, a filling—80–200 euros, a simple root canal treatment—from 200 to 1,000 euros depending on complexity, and a simple tooth extraction without insurance coverage is usually priced between 80 and 200 euros.

Where is dental treatment cheaper, and what is important to consider?

When comparing private prices specifically, Ukraine still appears significantly more affordable than Poland, the Czech Republic, or Germany for fillings, cleanings, and tooth extractions. But in the EU, it’s important to consider another factor: if you have public or private health insurance in your country of residence, some basic dental services may be covered in full or in part. Therefore, the actual out-of-pocket cost for the patient may be lower than the clinic’s listed price.

To ensure that a toothache abroad doesn’t end up costing you a loan or a large unexpected bill, it’s worth taking out health insurance that covers emergency dental care before your trip. On Visit Ukraine, you can find a policy for traveling abroad that will serve as a financial safety net precisely in situations where an urgent examination, pain relief, or emergency treatment is needed, and postponing treatment is no longer an option.

We remind you! Rules regarding access to medical care for Ukrainians are gradually changing in EU countries. Read about which medical services for refugees in Europe remain free, and what you increasingly have to pay for yourself.

Photo: wavebreakmedia_micro / Freepik

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