Educating Patients & Connecting Them to Membership Plans.

How Much Does a Dental Crown Cost with Insurance? Ways to Save on Treatment

February 23, 2025
Topics: Patients
Written by: Ally Comstock

Wondering How Much a Dental Crown Costs with Insurance? You’re Not Alone

If your dentist has recommended a dental crown, you might be wondering:

How much will I have to pay out of pocket?
Does insurance cover 100% of the cost?
Are there ways to lower my costs even more?

A dental crown is a long-term solution for protecting and restoring a damaged tooth, but it can be expensive. The average cost of a dental crown ranges from $800 to $2,500 per tooth—and even with insurance, many patients still face significant out-of-pocket costs.

The good news? You can maximize your insurance benefits and use additional savings strategies to reduce your final bill.

This guide breaks down the cost of a dental crown with insurance, how much you’ll actually pay, and the best ways to cut costs even further.


How Much Does a Dental Crown Cost with Insurance?

The total cost of a dental crown with insurance depends on several factors, including your policy’s coverage, deductible, copays, and annual maximums.

Average Cost of a Dental Crown with Insurance

Porcelain Crowns – $1,000 to $2,500 (Insurance covers 50%)
Ceramic Crowns – $1,000 to $2,500 (Insurance covers 50%)
Metal Crowns (Gold, Silver, or Platinum) – $900 to $2,500 (Insurance covers 50-80%)
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns – $900 to $1,500 (Insurance covers 50-80%)
Zirconia Crowns – $1,000 to $2,500 (Insurance covers 50%)
Resin Crowns – $500 to $1,300 (Insurance covers 50-80%)

Most dental insurance plans cover about 50% of the cost, but patients are still responsible for the remaining balance.


How Much Will You Pay Out of Pocket?

Even with insurance, you’ll likely have some out-of-pocket costs. Here’s what you need to consider:

Deductible – Many plans require you to pay $50-$150 before coverage kicks in.
Copayment – You may be responsible for 20-50% of the crown’s cost.
Annual Maximum – Most dental plans cap benefits at $1,000 to $2,000 per year, which may not cover multiple crowns.
Waiting Periods – Some insurance plans require a waiting period before covering crowns (often 6-12 months).

Even with insurance, your out-of-pocket cost can still be hundreds of dollars—but there are ways to reduce it!


How to Lower Your Out-of-Pocket Costs on a Dental Crown

1. Use a Dental Membership Plan for Additional Discounts

If your insurance only covers part of the cost, a dental membership plan can further reduce your expenses by 30-60%.

Example Savings With a Membership Plan:
Porcelain Crown: $1,500 → Insurance covers 50% ($750)Membership plan covers another 30% ($225)
Zirconia Crown: $2,000 → Insurance covers 50% ($1,000)Membership plan covers another 30% ($300)

Low annual fee ($150-$400/year)
Discounts on crowns, cleanings, and exams
No waiting periods or claim rejections

Find dentists offering membership plans at The Patient Marketplace.


2. Choose an In-Network Dentist

Most insurance companies have a network of preferred providers. Visiting an in-network dentist can significantly lower your costs since they’ve negotiated discounted rates.

Check with your insurance provider to find an in-network dentist near you.

Compare in-network dentists at The Patient Marketplace.


3. Use a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)

If your employer offers an FSA or HSA, you can use pre-tax dollars to cover the cost of your crown—reducing your overall expense.

FSAs must be used within the plan year
HSAs roll over and can be saved for future treatments
Can cover deductibles, copays, and non-covered treatments

If you have an FSA or HSA, use it to cut costs!


4. Consider Financing Options & Payment Plans

If your insurance only covers part of the crown, many dentists offer monthly payment plans to help spread out the cost.

CareCredit & LendingClub – 0% financing available for qualified applicants
In-house payment plans – Monthly installments with no interest
Third-party lenders – Low-interest loans for dental procedures

Find financing-friendly dentists on The Patient Marketplace.


Real Patient Story: How Megan Cut Her Crown Cost in Half

Megan, a 40-year-old teacher, needed a porcelain crown for a broken tooth. Her dentist quoted her $1,500, and her insurance covered 50% ($750).

Solution? She signed up for a dental membership plan, which saved her another 30% off her remaining balance.

Original cost: $1,500
Insurance covered: $750
Membership plan discount: $225
Final cost: $525 (instead of $750)

Now, Megan has a durable, high-quality crown at half the original price!

Like Megan, you can maximize your insurance and use a membership plan to save even more.


Where to Find Affordable Dental Crowns with Insurance

Need a dental crown but don’t want to overpay? The Patient Marketplace connects you with affordable dentists, membership plans, and financing options that work with insurance.

Compare pricing & find in-network dentists
Save 30-60% on your remaining out-of-pocket costs
Find flexible payment plans that fit your budget

Click here to explore affordable dental crown options now!


Frequently Asked Questions About the Cost of a Dental Crown with Insurance

Q: What percentage of a dental crown does insurance cover?

Most insurance plans cover 50% of a dental crown, but some may cover up to 80%, depending on the material and reason for treatment.

Q: Does insurance cover cosmetic dental crowns?

No. Insurance typically only covers crowns that are medically necessary due to damage or decay.

Q: How can I lower my out-of-pocket cost for a crown?

Use a dental membership plan (save 30-60%)
Choose an in-network dentist
Use an FSA or HSA account
Ask about financing or payment plans

Q: Where can I find an affordable dentist for a crown with insurance?

Visit The Patient Marketplace to compare affordable dental providers that accept insurance.

Save on Dental, Optometry & Wellness

Dental & vision insurance are not the best options if you want to truly save on dental work or vision care. Search our listings of vetted prctices that can help you save money!

Jordon Comstock

Author Bio

Jordon Comstock is the Founder & CEO of BoomCloud™, a software that allows practice, clinic & spa owners to build, manage and scale a membership program. Jordon loves helping patients save on care & writing tips in dentistry, optometry and the spa industries. Jordon is passionate about music, Hawaii, Healthcare businesses like: dentistry, optometry, med spas and massage spas.