How Much Does a Private Hip Replacement Cost in the UK
As an FCA-authorised expert broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr understands that considering a private hip replacement in the UK involves big questions about cost and quality of care. This guide demystifies the costs of private hip surgery and explains how private medical insurance can make it affordable.
A 2025 breakdown of average hip surgery costs and how private health insurance can help
Living with chronic hip pain can be debilitating, affecting everything from your daily mobility to your overall quality of life. While the NHS provides excellent care, long waiting lists for elective procedures like hip replacements can mean months, or even years, of discomfort. In early 2025, NHS England figures showed a significant backlog, with many patients waiting over 18 weeks from referral to treatment.
This reality has led many to explore the private healthcare route. Going private offers a fast track to treatment, giving you control over when and where you have your surgery and who performs it.
There are two main ways to fund a private hip replacement:
- Self-funding: Paying for the entire procedure out of your own pocket.
- Private Medical Insurance (PMI): Using a health insurance policy to cover the costs.
This comprehensive guide will break down the exact costs you can expect in 2025 and explore how a PMI policy can provide a cost-effective solution.
Why Consider a Private Hip Replacement? The NHS vs. Private Care
The decision to opt for private surgery over waiting for NHS treatment is a personal one, usually driven by a desire for speed, choice, and comfort. While the clinical outcomes for hip replacements are excellent in both sectors, the patient experience can differ significantly.
According to recent NHS statistics, the median waiting time for trauma and orthopaedic treatment, which includes hip operations, can often exceed the 18-week target. For many, the prospect of enduring pain and limited mobility for that long is simply not an option.
Here’s a comparison of the key differences:
| Feature | NHS Treatment | Private Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Waiting Time | Can be many months, often exceeding 18 weeks from GP referral. | Typically a few weeks from consultation to surgery. |
| Choice of Surgeon | You are usually assigned a surgeon from the hospital's team. | You can research and choose your preferred consultant surgeon. |
| Choice of Hospital | Limited to your local NHS trust hospitals. | A wide choice of private hospitals across the UK. |
| Accommodation | A bed on a ward, which may be mixed-sex. | A private, en-suite room with amenities like a TV and flexible visiting hours. |
| Scheduling | Surgery date is fixed by the hospital with little flexibility. | You can schedule the surgery at a time that is convenient for you. |
| Post-op Physio | Often provided in group sessions with some limitations on the number of sessions. | A personalised, one-to-one physiotherapy programme. |
| Cost | Free at the point of use. | Paid for either by self-funding or through private health insurance. |
Choosing private care is about regaining control over your health journey and getting back on your feet as quickly and comfortably as possible.
The Cost of a Private Hip Replacement in the UK: What Are You Paying For?
If you choose to self-fund, private hospitals usually offer a "package price". This is an all-inclusive, fixed-cost fee that covers every aspect of your treatment. This provides peace of mind, as you won't face unexpected bills if your hospital stay is slightly longer than planned.
The average cost of a private hip replacement in the UK in 2025 ranges from £12,500 to £18,000. This price can fluctuate based on several factors.
Breakdown of Typical Hip Replacement Costs
A package price is comprehensive. Here is a detailed breakdown of what your payment typically covers:
| Cost Component | Description | Estimated Cost Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Consultation | Your first meeting with the consultant orthopaedic surgeon. | £200 - £300 |
| Diagnostics & Scans | Pre-operative tests like X-rays, MRI scans, and blood tests. | £500 - £1,500 |
| Surgeon & Anaesthetist Fees | The fees for the specialist medical team performing the operation. | £3,000 - £5,000 |
| Hospital Costs | Includes use of the operating theatre, nursing care, and accommodation. | £6,000 - £9,000 |
| Prosthesis Cost | The cost of the artificial hip joint itself. | £1,500 - £2,500 |
| Medication & Consumables | Pain relief, dressings, and other medical supplies during your stay. | Included in hospital costs |
| Post-operative Care | In-patient physiotherapy and any take-home medication. | £500 - £1,000 |
| Follow-up Consultation | A post-surgery check-up with your consultant, usually around six weeks later. | £150 - £250 |
Factors That Influence the Final Price
Not all hip replacements cost the same. The price you are quoted will depend on:
- Location: Hospitals in Central London and the South East are generally more expensive than those in the North of England, Scotland, or Wales.
- Choice of Hospital: A world-renowned hospital with luxury facilities will charge more than a standard local private hospital.
- Choice of Surgeon: Highly experienced surgeons with a national reputation may charge higher fees.
- Type of Prosthesis: The materials used for the artificial joint (e.g., ceramic-on-ceramic, metal-on-polyethylene) can affect the cost.
- Surgical Complexity: A standard primary hip replacement is less expensive than a complex revision surgery (where a previous replacement is being replaced).
Average Private Hip Replacement Cost by UK Region (2025 Estimates)
| Region | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| London | £15,000 - £18,500 |
| South East England | £14,000 - £17,000 |
| Midlands & East of England | £13,000 - £15,500 |
| North of England | £12,500 - £15,000 |
| Scotland, Wales & NI | £12,000 - £14,500 |
Always ensure your fixed-price quote includes a clear statement on what happens if unforeseen complications arise, as some packages have limits on post-operative care.
How Private Medical Insurance Can Cover Your Hip Replacement
For many, a five-figure sum for surgery is not readily available. This is where private medical insurance (PMI) becomes an invaluable financial tool. Instead of a large one-off payment, you pay a manageable monthly premium. When you need treatment, the policy covers the costs, minus any excess you’ve chosen.
A Critical Point on Pre-Existing and Chronic Conditions
It is vital to understand a fundamental rule of UK private medical insurance: PMI is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy.
- Pre-Existing Condition: A hip problem that you have sought medical advice or treatment for before your policy start date will be excluded from cover. You cannot buy a policy today to cover a hip replacement you already know you need.
- Chronic Condition: Conditions that require long-term management rather than a cure, such as some forms of arthritis, are not covered. Osteoarthritis is the leading cause of hip replacements. If it is diagnosed after you have a policy, the resulting acute need for surgery is often covered. But the long-term management of the condition itself is not.
An expert PMI broker like WeCovr can provide clear, honest advice on these rules, ensuring you fully understand what is and isn't covered.
The Process for Getting a Hip Replacement on PMI
If you develop hip pain after your policy has started, the process is straightforward:
- GP Referral: Visit your GP to discuss your symptoms. They will provide an open referral to an orthopaedic specialist.
- Contact Your Insurer: Call your PMI provider's claims line. You will need your policy number and the details of your GP referral.
- Authorisation: The insurer will check your cover and authorise the consultation. They will provide an authorisation code.
- Choose Your Specialist: Your insurer will give you a list of approved consultants and hospitals. You can choose who and where you want to be treated.
- Treatment: The specialist will diagnose your condition. If surgery is needed, you will get another authorisation code from your insurer for the procedure.
- Direct Billing: The hospital and consultant will bill your insurance company directly. You only need to pay the excess, if any.
Choosing the Right Private Health Insurance Policy for Surgical Cover
Not all PMI policies are created equal. To ensure a hip replacement is covered, you will typically need a mid-range or comprehensive policy.
- Basic Policies: Often limit cover to in-patient treatment only and may have financial limits or use a restricted hospital list, which might not cover major joint replacements.
- Mid-Range Policies: Usually offer good in-patient and day-patient cover, including surgery, and a decent choice of hospitals. They may have limits on outpatient diagnostics.
- Comprehensive Policies: Provide extensive cover for in-patient, day-patient, and outpatient treatments, including consultations, diagnostics, and therapies. They typically offer the widest choice of hospitals.
Key Policy Features to Consider
When comparing private health cover, pay attention to:
- Hospital List: Insurers group hospitals into tiers. A policy with a limited list will be cheaper but may not include the hospital you want. Ensure the list includes high-quality local private hospitals.
- Outpatient Cover: This covers your initial consultations and diagnostic scans. A policy with a low outpatient limit (£500, for instance) might mean you have to pay for some scans yourself before surgery is approved.
- Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards a claim. A higher excess (£500 or £1,000) will significantly lower your monthly premium.
- Underwriting Type:
- Moratorium: The insurer automatically excludes conditions you've had in the 5 years before joining. Cover for that condition can be added later if you remain symptom-free for a continuous 2-year period after your policy starts.
- Full Medical Underwriting: You declare your full medical history upfront. The insurer will then state any specific exclusions from the outset. This provides more certainty but can be more complex.
An independent PMI broker can be invaluable here. The team at WeCovr compares plans from all the UK's leading providers, explaining the pros and cons of each policy to find cover that perfectly matches your needs and budget. This service comes at no cost to you.
As a WeCovr customer, you also get complimentary access to our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, CalorieHero, to support your health and wellness goals, plus discounts on other insurance products like life or home insurance.
Life After Hip Replacement: Recovery, Wellness, and Staying Active
A successful hip replacement is a new lease on life, but the recovery journey requires patience and commitment. The first 12 weeks are crucial.
Your Recovery Timeline
- Days 1-3 (In Hospital): You'll be encouraged to get up and walk with support (crutches or a frame) within a day of surgery. A physiotherapist will guide you through gentle exercises.
- Weeks 1-6 (At Home): You will be mobile on crutches. The focus is on managing pain, reducing swelling, and diligently following your physiotherapy exercise programme. You will likely be unable to drive during this period.
- Weeks 7-12: You should see a significant improvement in mobility and a reduction in pain. You may be able to walk without crutches and resume activities like driving (once you can safely perform an emergency stop).
- 3-6 Months: Most people are back to their normal daily activities. You can start reintroducing low-impact sports like swimming, cycling, and golf.
- 12 Months: You should be close to a full recovery, with the hip feeling strong and stable.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery
- Prepare Your Home: Before surgery, set up a "recovery station" downstairs with everything you need. Remove trip hazards like rugs and cables. Consider a raised toilet seat and a shower stool.
- Fuel Your Body for Healing: A balanced diet is essential. Focus on:
- Protein: For tissue repair (lean meat, fish, eggs, beans).
- Calcium & Vitamin D: For bone health (dairy, leafy greens, sunlight).
- Vitamin C: For collagen production (citrus fruits, berries, peppers).
- Iron: To replenish blood loss (red meat, spinach).
- Don't Skip Your Physio: The exercises may seem repetitive, but they are vital for restoring strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
- Prioritise Sleep: Sleep is when your body does its best healing. Use pillows to support your leg in a comfortable, safe position as advised by your physiotherapist.
- Stay Active (Safely): Follow your surgeon's advice on returning to activities. Avoid high-impact sports like running or jumping, as these can wear out the new joint faster.
Self-Funding vs. Private Medical Insurance: A Summary
Choosing how to pay for your surgery is a major decision. Here is a summary of the pros and cons to help you decide.
| Payment Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Self-Funding | - Immediate access to treatment if you have the funds. - Complete freedom to choose any surgeon and hospital. - No ongoing monthly payments. | - Very high upfront cost (£12,500+). - You bear the financial risk if complications require further treatment not covered by the package price. |
| Private Medical Insurance | - Affordable monthly premiums instead of a large lump sum. - Provides peace of mind and cost certainty. - Covers a wide range of future acute health issues, not just one operation. - Access to digital GP services and wellness benefits. | - Does not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions. - You must pay a monthly premium. - An excess is usually payable on a claim. - Choice of hospital may be tied to your policy's list. |
For many, the long-term security and affordability of private medical insurance make it the most sensible option for managing future health concerns, including the potential need for a hip replacement.
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Take the Next Step Towards Peace of Mind
Navigating the world of private healthcare and insurance can feel complex, but you don't have to do it alone. If you're considering private medical insurance to protect yourself against future health worries, expert advice is crucial.
The friendly, professional team at WeCovr is here to help. As an independent, FCA-authorised broker, we compare policies from across the UK's leading insurers to find the right cover for you. Our advice is impartial, our service is free, and our goal is your peace of mind.
[Get your free, no-obligation Private Health Insurance quote from WeCovr today and take control of your health.]
Why private medical insurance and how does it work?
What is Private Medical Insurance?
Private medical insurance (PMI) is a type of health insurance that provides access to private healthcare services in the UK. It covers the cost of private medical treatment, allowing you to bypass NHS waiting lists and receive faster, more convenient care.How does it work?
Private medical insurance works by paying for your private healthcare costs. When you need treatment, you can choose to go private and your insurance will cover the costs, subject to your policy terms and conditions. This can include:• Private consultations with specialists
• Private hospital treatment and surgery
• Diagnostic tests and scans
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Mental health treatment
Your premium depends on factors like your age, health, occupation, and the level of cover you choose. Most policies offer different levels of cover, from basic to comprehensive, allowing you to tailor the policy to your needs and budget.
Questions to ask yourself regarding private medical insurance
Just ask yourself:👉 Are you concerned about NHS waiting times for treatment?
👉 Would you prefer to choose your own consultant and hospital?
👉 Do you want faster access to diagnostic tests and scans?
👉 Would you like private hospital accommodation and better food?
👉 Do you want to avoid the stress of NHS waiting lists?
Many people don't realise that private medical insurance is more affordable than they think, especially when you consider the value of faster treatment and better facilities. A great insurance policy can provide peace of mind and ensure you receive the care you need when you need it.
Benefits offered by private medical insurance
Private medical insurance provides numerous benefits that can significantly improve your healthcare experience and outcomes:Faster Access to Treatment
One of the biggest advantages is avoiding NHS waiting lists. While the NHS provides excellent care, waiting times can be lengthy. With private medical insurance, you can often receive treatment within days or weeks rather than months.
Choice of Consultant and Hospital
You can choose your preferred consultant and hospital, giving you more control over your healthcare journey. This is particularly important for complex treatments where you want a specific specialist.
Better Facilities and Accommodation
Private hospitals typically offer superior facilities, including private rooms, better food, and more comfortable surroundings. This can make your recovery more pleasant and potentially faster.
Advanced Treatments
Private medical insurance often covers treatments and medications not available on the NHS, giving you access to the latest medical advances and technologies.
Mental Health Support
Many policies include comprehensive mental health coverage, providing faster access to therapy and psychiatric care when needed.
Tax Benefits for Business Owners
If you're self-employed or a business owner, private medical insurance premiums can be tax-deductible, making it a cost-effective way to protect your health and your business.
Peace of Mind
Knowing you have access to private healthcare when you need it provides invaluable peace of mind, especially for those with ongoing health conditions or concerns about NHS capacity.
Private medical insurance is particularly valuable for those who want to take control of their healthcare journey and ensure they receive the best possible treatment when they need it most.
Important Fact!
We can look at a more suitable option mid-term!
Why is it important to get private medical insurance early?
👉 Many people are very thankful that they had their private medical insurance cover in place before running into some serious health issues. Private medical insurance is as important as life insurance for protecting your family's finances.👉 We insure our cars, houses, and even our phones! Yet our health is the most precious thing we have.
Easily one of the most important insurance purchases an individual or family can make in their lifetime, the decision to buy private medical insurance can be made much simpler with the help of FCA-authorised advisers. They are the specialists who do the searching and analysis helping people choose between various types of private medical insurance policies available in the market, including different levels of cover and policy types most suitable to the client's individual circumstances.
It certainly won't do any harm if you speak with one of our experienced insurance experts who are passionate about advising people on financial matters related to private medical insurance and are keen to provide you with a free consultation.
You can discuss with them in detail what affordable private medical insurance plan for the necessary peace of mind they would recommend! WeCovr works with some of the best advisers in the market.
By tapping the button below, you can book a free call with them in less than 30 seconds right now:
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