How much should I expect to pay for dental insurance?
Asked by: Harry Krajcik | Last update: August 27, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (53 votes)
What is the average cost of dental insurance in the US?
On average, people spend between $20 and $50 per month on dental insurance premiums, according to moneygeek.com, with annual estimates ranging from $240 to $600. Dental insurance plans use a 100-80-50 cost-sharing model, requiring patients to pay a copayment or coinsurance for services the plan doesn't cover.
What is a good annual maximum on dental insurance?
A dental annual maximum is the total amount your dental plan will pay toward your care in a 12-month period (also known as the benefit period). Annual maximums typically range between $1,000 and $2,000 – and most people never reach this amount in their benefit period.
How much does the average employee pay for dental insurance?
Based on Investopedia's research1 of 17 dental insurance companies, the average cost of monthly premiums can vary between $7 and $87. Basic preventive care plans are cheaper, and dental insurance policies with comprehensive coverage are more costly.
Why is dental work so expensive even with insurance?
Overhead costs for dental practices, which can account for 60% to 80% of patient charges, include many expenses such as rent, payroll, insurance, taxes, supplies, and advanced technology. The repayment of student loans from dental schools also plays a role in the overall costs.
How To Get Affordable Dental Care (without Dental Insurance)
What is a good deductible for dental insurance?
The deductible is the amount of dental expense for which the beneficiary (i.e., patient) is responsible before a dental plan will assume any liability for payment of benefits. The deductible may be an annual or one-time charge, and may apply to an individual or a family. $50 is still the most common deductible.
What is the best insurance to have for dental?
Investopedia found Delta Dental to be the best dental insurance company for people looking for standalone plans because of its great coverage and customer satisfaction. However, Physicians Mutual or Spirit may be a better fit if low costs are your main concern.
Is Delta Dental a good dental insurance to have?
In addition to ranking best overall of the 17 companies we surveyed, Delta Dental also made our lists for: Best dental insurance provider for braces. Best dental insurance companies for implants. Best dental insurance for older adults.
Can you pay monthly for dental treatment?
Dental Payment Plan (Capitation Plan) – A payment plan offered by a dentist which allows you to pay a monthly amount towards any treatment received. Pros: With a dental payment plan, or capitation plan, you pay a regular monthly amount, which can be an effective way to spread the costs.
What percentage of people don't have dental insurance?
The 2023 survey results show the oral health challenges faced by many throughout the country, including: The portion of the population without dental insurance (27%) is almost 3x as high as those without health insurance (9.3%).
Is it better to have dental insurance or pay out of pocket?
Dental care without insurance: The costs quickly add up
That's a lot to pay out of your own pocket. But dental insurance can help cover a big chunk of the cost. For example, if you need one crown that normally costs $1,200, your dental plan's negotiated fee with network dental clinics could be reduced to around $900.
How much does the average American spend on dental insurance per month?
On average, dental insurance premiums can cost between $15 and $50 per person per month. Most dental insurance plans cover 100% of preventive care, 50-80% of basic procedures like fillings, and 50% of major procedures like crowns.
How to afford a lot of dental work?
- Dental Insurance. ...
- Medical Insurance. ...
- Payment Plans. ...
- Flexible Spending Account. ...
- Health Savings Account. ...
- Negotiate With Your Dentist. ...
- Get Work Done at a Dental School. ...
- Credit Card.
What happens if I can't afford a root canal?
A dental clinic
Many communities have free dental clinics for people without insurance who cannot afford care at a dental practice. Look online for a local dental society or university dental school, call them, and ask about programs for free dental care.
Is it cheaper to pull a tooth or root canal?
While both procedures aim to address dental health issues, they vary significantly in terms of treatment approach and financial impact. A root canal usually costs between $800 and $1,500 per tooth, whereas a tooth extraction ranges from $135 to $500 or more, depending on complexity.
Does dental insurance cover crowns?
Dental insurance does cover crowns, but only when they are medically necessary. The coverage for a crown is usually 50% of the cost of the procedure, with the patient liable for the rest.
How can I fix my teeth if I don't have money?
- Nonprofit clinics. Some cities have dental clinics that specifically serve people with low incomes, no insurance, or who otherwise can't afford care.
- Donated services. Some state or national charities use donated labor and materials to give free care. ...
- Private dentists.
What are the cons of dental insurance?
Aside from cost concerns, other cons include limited coverage or policies that have annual limits on reimbursements. Additionally, some plans may require premium payments that are higher than what is necessary for providing the desired level of care.
Why do so many dentists not accept insurance?
The rates of reimbursement by many insurance carriers are less than the cost of providing the treatment, forcing dentists who are in these plans to find ways to cut corners and cut costs that are not in the best interest of the patient.
How much does a dental plan cost?
A basic dental plan through Cigna Healthcare starts around $20 a month—that's the monthly premium, or how much you pay for the insurance plan itself. After you pay your monthly premium, your routine exams and cleanings typically cost you $0. So, your cost over the course of the year is around $240.
What does PPO mean in dentistry?
PPO. PPO, or Preferred Provider Organization, means that the insurance company that you have chosen already has a network of dentists to choose from. These dentists have a contract with the insurance company in which they agree to pay fees for their services that are set by the insurance company.
Do you have to pay upfront for dental insurance?
If your dentist is in-network with your insurance, you will only be responsible for paying the estimated copayment upfront. You do not need to pay the full amount of treatment. Typically for most dental treatment, the insurance will cover a portion of it while you're responsible for what they do not cover.