Dental Cost Estimate Request
Request a detailed dental treatment cost estimate (Kostenvoranschlag) from your Swiss dental practice. Upload X-rays, specify insurance details, and receive a transparent breakdown of planned treatments.
About this template
The Dental Cost Estimate Request form enables Swiss dental practices to collect all information required to prepare a legally compliant Kostenvoranschlag (KVA). Under Swiss KVG and TARMED billing regulations, dental practices must provide patients with a written cost estimate for treatments exceeding certain thresholds, particularly for prosthetic and orthodontic work. This template streamlines that process by gathering patient insurance details, planned treatment descriptions, and existing X-rays in a single, secure submission.
Data protection under nFADP
Dental records are sensitive health data under the Swiss revised Federal Act on Data Protection (nFADP/nDSG). All submissions via Schweizerform are encrypted end-to-end and stored on Swiss infrastructure. Your practice remains the data controller.
What this form collects
- Patient contact information and date of birth
- Dental insurance provider and policy number (LAMal/LCA)
- Type of treatment requested (crown, implant, orthodontics, etc.)
- Specific teeth or regions involved
- Upload of existing X-rays or panoramic radiographs
- Preferred appointment window
- Patient signature for data processing consent
How to use this template
Use this template
Click 'Use template' to create a copy in your dashboard.
Customise treatments
Add or remove treatment types from the multi-choice list to match your practice's service portfolio.
Link your practice profile
Connect the form to your practice profile so submissions route to the correct dentist or coordinator.
Share with patients
Send the form link via email, SMS, or embed it on your practice website.
Review and respond
Once submitted, review the uploaded X-rays and insurance details, then issue the formal Kostenvoranschlag.
Dental Cost Estimates in Switzerland: A Complete Guide
In Switzerland, dental care is largely financed privately or through supplementary dental insurance (Zusatzversicherung). Unlike most medical treatments, routine dental care is not covered by the mandatory basic health insurance (KVG/LAMal) except in specific circumstances such as accidents, congenital malformations, or severe systemic diseases. This makes transparent cost communication between dentist and patient especially important.
What is a Kostenvoranschlag (KVA)?
A Kostenvoranschlag (KVA) is a written estimate of the costs associated with a planned dental treatment. Swiss dental practices are expected to provide a KVA for any treatment likely to exceed a few hundred francs, particularly for crowns, bridges, implants, orthodontic appliances, and periodontal surgery. The estimate is calculated using the Swiss Dental Tariff (SSO/SZO tariff) and lists each procedure code with its corresponding point value and current point price.
Patients are encouraged to submit the KVA to their supplementary insurer before treatment begins. Insurers typically require pre-authorisation for high-cost treatments and may request X-rays or a second opinion. Once approved, the insurer confirms the reimbursable portion in writing, allowing the patient to make an informed decision.
What information does an insurer require?
Most Swiss dental insurers require the following with a pre-authorisation request: the completed KVA signed by the treating dentist, current bite-wing or panoramic X-rays (not older than 12 months), a clinical diagnosis with tooth numbering in the FDI system, and the patient's policy number. Some insurers also request a periodontogram for periodontal treatments or photos for aesthetic procedures. Submitting incomplete documentation is the most common reason for delays or rejections.
How long is a cost estimate valid?
A KVA is typically valid for six months from the date of issue, though individual insurers may set shorter or longer validity periods. If treatment does not begin within the validity period, or if the clinical situation changes significantly, a new estimate must be prepared. Practices should note that tariff point prices may be revised annually, which can affect the total cost even for previously approved treatments.
Digital KVA requests and data protection
Digital submission of cost estimate requests simplifies the process for both patients and practices. Under the nFADP (revised Federal Act on Data Protection, in force since 1 September 2023), dental records qualify as sensitive personal data. Any digital tool used to collect, transmit, or store this information must implement appropriate technical and organisational measures, including encryption, access controls, and a documented retention policy. Schweizerform's infrastructure meets these requirements, with servers located in Switzerland.
Frequently asked questions
Is a cost estimate mandatory in Switzerland?
While Swiss law does not explicitly mandate a KVA for every dental procedure, the professional code of the Swiss Dental Association (SSO/SZO) and the contractual requirements of most supplementary insurers make it de facto mandatory for treatments above a few hundred francs. Patients have the right to request a written estimate before consenting to any significant treatment.
Can I use this form for orthodontic treatment?
Yes. The form includes a treatment type selector that covers orthodontics. For orthodontic KVAs, insurers typically require a full orthodontic assessment report including a cephalometric analysis and a treatment plan with expected duration. You can upload these documents using the file upload field.
What happens after I submit the form?
Your dental practice will review your submission, prepare the formal Kostenvoranschlag, and send it to you and optionally directly to your insurer. You will then receive confirmation of the estimated costs and the next steps for scheduling your treatment.