Dental Crowns in Germany: Cost & Insurance Coverage Explained

Losing part of a tooth can make simple things like chewing, speaking, or smiling feel uncomfortable or even painful.

A dental crown is a standard solution to restore the shape, strength, and function of a damaged tooth. It can also improve appearance—making it easier to smile with confidence.

However, dental crowns can be costly, and prices vary depending on several factors. 

A crown typically ranges from €300 to €1,500 or more in Germany. Public health insurance usually covers only part of the cost.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• When a dental crown is needed
  
• The different types of crowns available
  
• What various health insurance plans cover
  
• Why costs vary so widely
  
• And our top tips for saving money on dental crowns

By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of your options—and how to choose the best and most affordable solution for your dental health.

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers or replaces a damaged tooth. 

Crowns are a standard dental solution for decayed, broken, worn-down teeth or teeth that have had a root canal. They are custom-made to match natural teeth and made from durable materials such as porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a mix.

How much do dental crowns cost in Germany?

Generally, you can expect to pay between €500 and €900 per crown. But, the cost of a dental crown varies widely, depending on several factors:

• Type of crown
• The material used
• The location of the tooth 
• And the dentist or lab performing the work.

Let’s take a closer look at each of these:

1. Material of the crown

The type of material plays the most significant role in pricing. 

Some materials are more natural-looking or durable than others, which makes them more expensive. 

Here’s a breakdown of common crown materials and their costs:

2. Tooth location

Crowns for front teeth usually cost more than those for back teeth. That’s because front teeth require materials that blend in naturally with your smile.

3. Dentist and laboratory fees

The experience of the dentist and the quality of the lab creating the crown can affect the price. 

Some labs charge more for better craftsmanship or faster turnaround. Prices can vary significantly even within the same city.

4. Crown attachment

The method used to attach the crown also influences the cost. Some procedures require more preparation, precision, or time, which can add to the final price.

For example, if a tooth needs a core buildup before placing the crown—often due to severe decay or a root canal—the total cost can increase by several hundred euros.

How much of dental crown costs are covered by German insurance?

In Germany, dental insurance typically covers part—not all—of the cost of a crown. How much you pay depends on the type of insurance you have. 

Let’s take a closer look.

What does public health insurance (GKV) cover? 

If you’re covered under Germany’s statutory (public) health insurance, you’ll get a fixed subsidy toward your dental crown. 

This subsidy usually covers 60% of the cost of “standard care,” which is the most affordable, medically necessary option—typically a metal-ceramic crown.

Before treatment, your dentist provides a treatment and cost plan (Heil- und Kostenplan). This outlines your dental issue, the proposed treatment, and expected costs. 

It’s sent to your insurer, which calculates your subsidy. If you choose a more expensive crown than standard care (such as full ceramic or gold), you’ll pay the extra cost yourself.

To give you a rough estimate, here’s a cost comparison of different types of crowns:

What does supplemental dental insurance cover? 

Because public insurance only covers basic options, many add supplemental dental insurance for better coverage.

Take Feather’s dental insurance Advanced plan as an example. 

It provides up to €1,500 in annual coverage, which rolls over if unused. After three years without claims, you could have €4,500 in available benefits. After five years, coverage becomes unlimited.

The exact details will vary from one company to the next, but for example’s sake, here’s what you might pay for crowns with Feather’s dental insurance (Advanced plan):

What does private health insurance cover?

Private health insurance typically offers better coverage than public insurance, but ultimately, it depends on your provider and plan.

Feather’s private health insurance covers 70% to 90% of treatments. A cost plan is required for treatments over €2,500; otherwise, only 50% of the amount above €2,500 is reimbursed.

So, here’s how much you’d typically pay for crowns with Feather:

What does expat (incoming) insurance cover? 

Expat insurance is a type of private health insurance designed for newcomers. Coverage varies by plan.

With Feather’s expat insurance, after 6 months on the premium plan, you get 80% coverage for dentures (including crowns), up to €1,250 per insurance year.

After a 6-month waiting period, long-term expat plans offer €750/year for crowns and dentures and €1,125/year (on the standard and premium plans, respectively). 

Note: Expat insurance only covers new dental issues that begin after your policy starts.

When should a dental crown be used?

A dental crown is used when there is a need for restoration or protection of a damaged tooth. 

Your dentist may recommend a crown if you:

• Have a broken or cracked tooth.
  
• Have a cavity that’s too large for a traditional filling.
  
• Have had a root canal treatment.
  
• Want to protect a weak tooth from breaking.
  
• Need to anchor a dental bridge or hold a denture in place.
  
• Have a dental implant that needs protection.
  
• Want to cover a discolored or misshapen tooth.

Pros & cons of dental crowns

Alternatives to dental crowns

While dental crowns are often the best option for restoring severely damaged teeth, several alternatives may be suitable depending on the tooth’s condition.

1. Onlays

Onlays are a strong alternative to crowns for reinforcing damaged teeth. 

Like crowns, they protect the tooth, but they cover a smaller area. This means less natural tooth structure needs to be removed during the procedure, reducing the risk of complications. 

Onlays are also easier to clean around, which helps maintain healthy gums.

2. Fillings

Fillings are often used to treat cavities or minor tooth damage. 

However, they aren’t as durable as crowns. For teeth that have experienced significant trauma or have large cavities, fillings may not provide enough support. Fillings can crack or fall out more quickly than crowns, not fully restoring the tooth’s structure. 

Sometimes, a dentist might use a filling to rebuild part of a tooth before placing a crown on top.

3. Veneers

Veneers are thin shells covering a tooth’s front surface. 

They are typically used for cosmetic improvements, such as fixing discoloration or minor chips. In some situations, a veneer may be used instead of a crown, but it will not offer the same level of protection. 

A crown is usually the better option if the tooth is badly damaged.

7 tips for more affordable dental crowns

Dental crowns can be expensive, but there are several ways to reduce the cost without compromising quality. Here are seven practical tips to help you save money:

1. Use your bonus booklet

Regular dental checkups can increase your coverage if you have public health insurance.

• One checkup per year is enough to qualify.
  
• After 5 years, your subsidy increases from 60% to 70%.
  
• After 10 years, it goes up to 75%.

Ask your dentist for one if you don’t have a bonus booklet. You can also record past visits if they’re documented.

2. Choose cost-conscious materials

You may not need pricey ceramic in areas that aren’t visible, like back teeth.

Metal options often work just as well, and can save you several hundred euros without affecting function.

3. Compare multiple offers

Dental labs charge different prices, and your dentist may work with more than one (and if they don’t, maybe another dentist might).

Getting a few quotes can reveal significant differences in cost between providers. 

4. Practice good oral hygiene

Crowns need regular care to stay in good shape.

Brushing and flossing correctly helps your crown last longer and saves you the cost of early replacement.

5. Ask for financial help

You may qualify for a hardship allowance if your income is low. This includes situations where you receive benefits like basic social security or Hartz IV.

Ask your dentist or insurer for the application form.

6. Consider supplemental dental insurance

Private dental insurance can lower future dental costs. The best dental plans in Germany may even cover pre-existing conditions.

It might not help immediately, but it can provide peace of mind and significant savings in the future.

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The Feather team regularly checks and updates this article. It was last revised on 13.04.2025

Théo Max Leimer

Author

Yassine Kacem

Editor