Toothache during your stay in Europe: Which costs are covered by your travel insurance?

Toothaches don't follow travel schedules. A sudden infection or a broken tooth can force you to see a dentist even when you're abroad. But who covers the cost of treatment?

The AXA Schengen Travel Insurance covers emergency dental treatment up to €150 and with no deductible. Find out which treatments are included, what exclusions apply, and what you should keep in mind if you have a dental emergency while traveling.

Author: Hannah Brinkmann
Date: 10.28.2026

Table of contents:

• 🦷 What is emergency dental treatment abroad?
• 💶 Reimbursement amount
• 🚫 What is not covered?
• 🆘 What should you do if you have a toothache abroad?
• 🛡️ Why is coverage for dental emergencies a smart choice?
• ⭐ More AXA benefits at a glance
• ❓ FAQ

What is considered emergency dental treatment abroad?

Emergency dental treatment is dental care that cannot wait until you return home from your trip. Rather than addressing a complete or long-term solution to a dental problem, the focus is on providing immediate relief for acute symptoms.

Under the AXA Schengen Travel Insurance, emergency dental treatments are covered when they serve the purpose of immediate pain relief. Repairs to dentures or artificial teeth may also be covered when necessary to restore chewing function.

Typical situations in which emergency dental treatment may be needed include:

• sudden, severe toothache,
• an acute infection or dental abscess,
• a broken or damaged tooth,
• a damaged dental prosthesis, or
• issues with artificial teeth that affect chewing.

📌 Key Takeaways
For coverage to apply, the treatment must be immediately necessary to relieve acute pain or restore the ability to chew. Follow-up care or long-term planned dental treatments are not covered under this emergency benefit.

How much does AXA Schengen reimburse for dental treatment abroad?

In the event of a dental emergency abroad, the AXA Schengen travel insurance covers costs of up to €150 per insured person*. This benefit comes with no deductible. Coverage for emergency dental treatment is the same across all four AXA Schengen plans.

* If reimbursement is made directly to the insured, a flat transfer fee of €20 will be charged for wire transfers outside the European Union.

💡 Good to know: The €150 limit applies specifically to emergency dental care and is separate from the general coverage for medical expenses.
Depending on the plan, AXA provides coverage of €30,000 to €2 million for medical expenses and hospitalization (physician fees, hospital costs, medical treatment, etc.).

What dental treatments are not covered?

AXA Schengen travel insurance is limited to emergency dental treatments that are immediately necessary during the trip. It is not a substitute for regular dental insurance and does not cover planned or long-term treatments.

The following are not covered:

• Dental treatments that do not serve the purpose of immediate pain relief.
  
• Also excluded are costs for treatments involving the fitting of dentures or artificial teeth or the use of precious metals that are not necessary for the immediate relief of acute symptoms.

👉 In short: This benefit is designed for the acute, immediate treatment of a dental emergency — not for comprehensive dental work or long-term restorations that can be addressed after your trip.

What should you do if you have a toothache abroad?

If you're experiencing acute symptoms, don't wait until you get home — seek dental care on the spot. Here are the steps to follow:

1. See a dentist: Have acute pain or damage examined and treated as soon as possible.
   
2. Keep your insurance documents handy: Have your AXA policy number and insurance certificate readily available.
   
3. Contact AXA: If you have questions about coverage or next steps, you can reach out to the Assistance team listed in your insurance documents.
   
4. Limit treatment to what's necessary: The dental benefit is intended for immediate pain relief or to restore your ability to eat. Non-urgent treatments can be addressed after your trip if needed.
   
5. Keep all receipts and documentation: Ask for an itemized record of the treatment performed and the costs incurred, and keep all documents for reimbursement purposes.

Why is emergency dental coverage important when traveling?

A toothache or damaged tooth can happen at any time — even far from home. While minor discomfort may be able to wait until you return, severe pain, acute infections, or dental damage may require prompt treatment on-site.

A travel insurance plan with an emergency dental benefit can help protect you from at least some of those unplanned costs. With AXA Schengen, this coverage is included in all four plan tiers.

That means if you experience acute symptoms during your trip, you can visit a dentist without having to bear the full cost of covered emergency dental treatment out of pocket.

💡 Good to know: All AXA Schengen plans meet the Schengen visa requirements while also offering benefits that go beyond what the regulations require.

What other benefits does AXA offer in addition to emergency dental treatment?

With AXA Schengen, travelers have access to additional benefits that make your time abroad significantly safer and more comfortable.

1. High coverage limits for medical expenses

• Depending on your AXA plan, you benefit from coverage limits of €30,000 (Basic), €100,000 (Essential & Annual), or €2,000,000 (Premium)

2. 24/7 medical assistance

• Available around the clock for medical advice, hospital referrals, and emergency support
• Helps with language barriers, finding specialists, or obtaining second opinions.
• Remote consultation with a doctor through the "Doctor Please" app

3. Daily hospital indemnity benefit

• Under the Essential, Premium, and Annual plans, you receive a flat-rate benefit of €50 for each day spent in the hospital.

4. Medical repatriation within Europe

• Whether it's an accident or a sudden illness, the AXA repatriation guarantee ensures you are transported back to your home country in the event of an emergency
• We make sure you can quickly return to an appropriate medical environment in your home country.

5. Assistance with Authorities and Administrative Formalities

• AXA Assistance helps with contacting clinics, authorities, and embassies when needed

6. Additional Coverage for Third-Party Liability, Permanent Disability, and Death

• Personal liability for bodily injury or property damage during your trip, up to €10,000
• Coverage for permanent disability and death up to €10,000

7. Optional Add-Ons and Features Included in Select Plans

• Baggage insurance (loss, theft, damage, delayed delivery)
• Search and rescue costs
• Increased reimbursement limits for medical expenses

8. Insurance Certificate, Issued Instantly

• Immediate delivery of your insurance certificate by email upon completing your AXA Schengen insurance purchase online, accepted by all embassies and consulates

9. 100% Refundable Insurance in Case of Visa Denial

• Submit your request online with the official denial letter for a full refund

You Might Also Be Interested In

• All AXA Travel Insurance Benefits for Europe at a Glance
• Schengen Travel Insurance Compared: Which Plan Should You Choose?
• How Much Does Schengen Visa Insurance Cost?

FAQ

Does travel insurance cover dental costs abroad?

Yes, provided that emergency dental treatment is included in your selected plan. With AXA Schengen, necessary treatments for immediate pain relief or to restore chewing function are covered up to the agreed benefit limit.

How much does AXA cover for emergency dental treatment?

AXA Schengen covers up to €150 per insured person for emergency dental treatment. This benefit limit applies to the Basic, Essential, Premium, and Annual plans.

Is dental repair abroad covered by insurance?

A necessary repair of dentures or artificial teeth may be covered when it is required to restore chewing function. Certain adjustments to dental prostheses, as well as non-essential treatments, are excluded.

Do I have to pay a deductible for emergency dental treatment?

No. With AXA Schengen travel insurance, there is no deductible for covered emergency dental treatment. Costs are reimbursed up to €150, subject to the policy terms and conditions.
Please note: If a covered claim is reimbursed by bank transfer outside the European Union, a fee of €20 applies.