Hi EFrs. I saw a lot of threads about that, but mainly quite old.
So, our kid is 6 years old, all is fine with her teeth so far, but based on the genetics in our family we expect that the probability of needing braces in the future is quite high.
Now, I see two ways. Either we buy the insurance, which is proactive approach or we assume that we will go to Germany when needed (reactive approach). We live 0.5 h from Lotstetten.
My question is - will the approach with insurance and treatment in Switzerland be much more expensive than the solution with German orthodontist (assuming the braces will be needed)?
If she is already six you have probably left it too late to get insurance for her for orthodontic treatment with most insurers without getting a dental exam beforehand which will likely flag up any potential figure issues and exclude them from cover.
I think if you know braces are an option then indeed makes sense to insure early so that you can get that payout. It does not cost much for kids and the payout can be pretty big as I imagine braces are pretty expensive here. But everyone has they opinion on this matter and some people will tell you that it's better to just put the money aside and pay yourself etc
To answer your original question you have to do some maths or find someone who has done that already and share with you, it's not an off the top of ones heads question.
In your calculations also consider the time spent driving to Germany. My child got braces as teen and would just walk themselves to local dentist and back to school for all the many appointments (at the beginning there are lots).
However as Belgianmom pointed out, if the insurance also suspects braces are needed then they will refuse you coverage. This is how insurance works -;you cannot buy it when you know you need it, only in case of.