TL;DR: The HCP is not an offer — it is a legal entitlement. You have the right to a comprehensible plan, time to consider it, and a second opinion. This article explains what the most important positions mean and how to make a fair comparison.
What is a Treatment and Cost Plan?
The Treatment and Cost Plan (HCP) is a binding document that your dentist must prepare before any major treatment. It contains the planned services, the insurance benefit (insurance company subsidy), your out-of-pocket portion, and any additional costs for premium treatments.
In Austria, the HCP is legally required for prosthetic services (dentures, implants). You must sign the plan before treatment begins — and you have the right to refuse it or seek a second opinion.
Key HCP Positions Explained
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Insurance Coverage / Standard Care | What the insurance company covers completely — typically the simplest medically necessary treatment. |
| Equivalent Treatment | A higher-quality alternative to standard care with out-of-pocket costs. Medically equivalent, but e.g. aesthetically superior. |
| Alternative Treatment | Treatment beyond insurance coverage (e.g. implants). Insurance covers only the standard care portion. |
| Out-of-Pocket Share | The amount you pay yourself — the difference between total costs and insurance subsidy. |
| Additional Cost Agreement | Written agreement regarding costs beyond insurance coverage. Required document. |
Your Rights as a Patient
These are your rights with the HCP — and they are legally protected:
- Right to Information: The plan must be explained in a comprehensible manner. You may ask questions and request clarification.
- Right to Consider: You do not have to sign the HCP immediately. Take your time.
- Right to Second Opinion: You can present the HCP to another practice and obtain an independent assessment.
- Right to Cost Estimate: Before treatment begins, the total amount must be clearly stated.
- Right to Decline: You can refuse individual services and choose a more affordable alternative.
How to Make a Fair Comparison
When comparing multiple HCPs, ensure you are comparing the same services. Common sources of error:
- Implant Brand: Cheaper implants often have less long-term evidence. Ask about the brand and clinical data.
- Bone Grafting: Is bone grafting included in the price? This can make a difference of €1,000–€3,000.
- Temporary Crown: Do you receive a temporary crown during the healing period? Is this included in the price?
- Warranty: What warranty does the practice offer on materials and workmanship?
Your HCP Checklist
Digital Planning: What Is Often Missing in the Cost Plan
A cost plan that does not mention DVT diagnostics (cone beam CT) or computer-assisted implant planning is incomplete. The 3D image is the only reliable basis for determining bone volume, nerve proximity and optimal implant position. Without it, the plan is based on estimates — and estimates lead to complications. At IIDZ Vienna, DVT diagnostics are part of every initial consultation, so the cost plan reflects reality, not guesswork.
Institut für Implantologie und digitale Zahnmedizin Wien
Patientenrechte-Redaktion
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Hinweis: Diese Inhalte dienen ausschließlich der allgemeinen Information und ersetzen keine individuelle zahnärztliche Beratung. Das Institut für Implantologie und digitale Zahnmedizin Wien ist eine gemeinnützige, unabhängige Wissenschaftsplattform — kein Behandlungsbetrieb. Alle Angaben entsprechen dem aktuellen Stand der wissenschaftlichen Literatur; individuelle Behandlungsentscheidungen müssen stets mit einem approbierten Zahnarzt oder Facharzt getroffen werden.