The Cost of Private Hip Replacement in the UK
As an FCA-authorised broker that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr provides expert guidance on private medical insurance in the UK. This article explores the cost of private hip replacement surgery and how a quality PMI policy can make it significantly more accessible, helping you bypass long NHS waits.
WeCovr shows how PMI can make private hip surgery more affordable
Living with chronic hip pain can be debilitating, affecting everything from your mobility to your mental well-being. For many, a hip replacement offers a route back to an active, pain-free life. In the UK, you have two main pathways to this surgery: the NHS or private healthcare.
While the NHS provides excellent care, the waiting times for elective procedures like hip replacements have become a significant concern. According to the latest NHS England data, the median waiting time for trauma and orthopaedic treatments can stretch to many months, with hundreds of thousands of patients on the list. For someone in constant pain, this delay is more than just an inconvenience; it's a prolonged period of reduced quality of life.
This is where private healthcare steps in, offering a fast track to treatment. However, this speed comes at a price. A private hip replacement is a major financial commitment. This is where private medical insurance (PMI) becomes invaluable, acting as a financial bridge that allows you to access the speed and choice of the private sector without facing a daunting bill.
At WeCovr, we specialise in demystifying the world of private health cover, helping you find a policy that fits your needs and budget, ensuring that when you need treatment, the focus is on your recovery, not the cost.
Understanding Hip Replacement Surgery
Before we delve into the costs, let's briefly cover what a hip replacement entails.
A hip replacement, or hip arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure where a painful hip joint, damaged by arthritis, fracture, or other conditions, is replaced with an artificial implant (a prosthesis). The goal is to relieve pain and improve function.
Who typically needs a hip replacement?
- Osteoarthritis: The most common reason. This is 'wear-and-tear' arthritis where the cartilage in the hip joint wears away over time.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disease where the body's own immune system attacks the joints, causing inflammation and damage.
- Hip Fracture: Often resulting from a fall, a severe fracture may require a partial or total hip replacement.
- Avascular Necrosis: A condition where the blood supply to the head of thethighbone is disrupted, causing the bone to die and the joint to collapse.
There are two main types of surgery:
- Total Hip Replacement (THR): The most common type, where both the 'ball' (the head of the femur) and the 'socket' (the acetabulum in the pelvis) are replaced.
- Partial Hip Replacement (Hemiarthroplasty): Only the 'ball' part of the joint is replaced. This is more common for certain types of hip fractures.
Recovery involves a hospital stay of a few days, followed by a period of rehabilitation and physiotherapy to regain strength and mobility. Most people are back to their normal light activities within six weeks.
How Much Does a Private Hip Replacement Cost in the UK?
The cost of a self-funded private hip replacement in the UK is not a single figure; it varies significantly based on several factors. As of early 2025, you can expect the total cost to range from £11,000 to over £20,000.
Many private hospitals offer "package prices," which provide a fixed cost for the entire treatment journey. This offers peace of mind by preventing unexpected bills. However, it's crucial to check what is and isn't included.
Breakdown of Typical Private Hip Surgery Costs
Here’s a table illustrating the individual components that make up the total cost of a private hip replacement.
| Service / Component | Estimated Cost Range | What it Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Consultation | £200 – £350 | Your first meeting with the consultant orthopaedic surgeon. |
| Diagnostic Imaging | £300 – £1,000+ | Includes X-rays and potentially an MRI scan for a detailed view. |
| Surgeon & Anaesthetist Fees | £4,000 – £8,000 | The fees for the highly skilled medical professionals performing the surgery. |
| Hospital Fees | £5,000 – £10,000 | The cost of the operating theatre, private room, nursing care, and medication. |
| Prosthesis (Implant) | £1,500 – £3,000 | The cost of the artificial hip joint itself. Different materials have different prices. |
| Post-Operative Care | £500 – £1,500 | Includes initial physiotherapy sessions, follow-up consultations, and take-home meds. |
| Total Estimated Cost | £11,500 – £23,850 | A comprehensive estimate for the entire procedure. |
Factors That Influence the Final Price
- Location: Hospitals in London and the South East are generally more expensive than those in the North of England, Scotland, or Wales.
- Choice of Hospital: A premium hospital group like HCA Healthcare will typically cost more than a Nuffield Health or Spire Healthcare hospital, though all provide excellent standards of care.
- Surgeon's Reputation: A highly experienced surgeon with a leading reputation may command higher fees.
- Type of Prosthesis: The materials used for the implant (e.g., ceramic-on-polyethylene, ceramic-on-ceramic) can affect the cost and longevity of the joint.
- Surgical Complexity: A straightforward primary hip replacement will cost less than a complex revision surgery (where a previous replacement is being replaced).
- Length of Stay: While package deals often include a set number of nights, any complications requiring a longer stay could increase costs if not covered.
The NHS vs. Private Hip Replacement: A Comparison
Choosing between the NHS and private care involves a trade-off between cost, speed, and choice. A good private medical insurance policy aims to give you the best of both worlds: the affordability of the NHS with the benefits of the private sector.
| Feature | NHS | Private (Self-Funded) | Private (with PMI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waiting Time | Can be 9-18+ months from GP referral to surgery. | A few weeks. | A few weeks. |
| Cost | Free at the point of use. | £11,000 – £20,000+. | Your monthly premium + any policy excess (£0-£1,000). |
| Choice of Surgeon | You are assigned a surgeon from the hospital's team. | You can research and choose your preferred consultant. | You can choose any consultant on your insurer's approved list. |
| Choice of Hospital | You are treated at a local NHS hospital. | You can choose any private hospital in the UK. | You can choose from a list of approved private hospitals. |
| Hospital Environment | Shared ward, visiting hours can be restrictive. | Private en-suite room, flexible visiting, better food menus. | Private en-suite room, flexible visiting, better food menus. |
| Post-operative Care | Physiotherapy is provided but may involve group sessions and waiting lists. | Immediate access to one-on-one physiotherapy sessions. | Comprehensive cover for physiotherapy is usually included. |
How Private Medical Insurance Covers Hip Replacement Surgery
This is the most important section for anyone considering their options. Private medical insurance is designed to cover the costs of treatment for acute conditions – diseases, illnesses, or injuries that are likely to respond quickly to treatment and return you to your previous state of health. A condition requiring a hip replacement often falls into this category.
The Critical Rule: Pre-Existing Conditions
It is vital to understand that standard UK private medical insurance does not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions.
- A pre-existing condition is any illness or injury you had symptoms of, received advice for, or were treated for before your policy start date. If you already have diagnosed osteoarthritis in your hip and are on a waiting list, a new PMI policy will not cover a replacement for that hip.
- A chronic condition is one that requires long-term management and cannot be cured, such as diabetes or some forms of arthritis. While PMI won't cover the long-term management of a chronic condition, it may cover acute flare-ups.
PMI is for new, eligible medical problems that arise after you take out the cover. For example, if you take out a policy today and develop severe hip pain leading to a diagnosis two years from now, your PMI policy would likely cover the subsequent treatment.
The Patient Journey with PMI
- Symptoms & GP Visit: You develop hip pain and visit your GP. The NHS is always the first port of call.
- Open Referral: Your GP determines you need to see a specialist and provides you with an 'open referral' letter.
- Contact Your Insurer: You call your PMI provider's claims line, explain the situation, and provide your referral letter.
- Authorisation: The insurer checks your policy and confirms that the required consultations, scans, and potential surgery are covered. They give you an authorisation number.
- Choice of Specialist: The insurer provides a list of approved orthopaedic surgeons and hospitals in your area. You choose who and where you want to be treated.
- Treatment: You proceed with your private consultations, diagnostics, and surgery. The bills are sent directly from the hospital and surgeon to your insurance company.
- Payment: The insurer settles the bills in full, minus any excess you have on your policy.
Key PMI Terms Explained
Understanding your policy is key. An expert broker like WeCovr can walk you through this at no cost.
- Excess: This is the amount you agree to pay towards any claim. For example, with a £250 excess, you pay the first £250 of a claim, and the insurer pays the rest. A higher excess typically means a lower monthly premium.
- Underwriting: This is how insurers assess risk and decide what to cover.
- Moratorium (Mori): The most common type. Any condition you've had in the 5 years before joining is excluded for the first 2 years of the policy. If you remain symptom-free and treatment-free for that condition for a continuous 2-year period after your policy starts, it may then become eligible for cover.
- Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You declare your full medical history upfront. The insurer will then state precisely what is and isn't covered from the outset. This provides certainty but may have more permanent exclusions.
- Hospital Lists: Insurers have different tiers of hospitals. A policy with a limited local hospital list will be cheaper than one that includes premium central London clinics.
- Outpatient Cover: This covers consultations and diagnostic tests that don't require a hospital bed. Policies can offer full outpatient cover or have an annual financial limit (e.g., £1,000). For a hip issue, you will need consultations and scans, so having adequate outpatient cover is important.
Finding the Best PMI Policy for Orthopaedic Cover with WeCovr
Navigating the private medical insurance UK market can be complex. Dozens of policies exist, each with different benefits, limits, and exclusions. This is where using an independent, FCA-authorised broker like WeCovr is invaluable.
We provide impartial, expert advice to help you compare policies from leading UK providers like Axa Health, Bupa, Vitality, and The Exeter. Our service is completely free to you. We do the hard work of sifting through the options to find a policy that provides robust orthopaedic cover at a competitive price.
Hypothetical PMI Policy Comparison
To illustrate, here is a sample comparison for a 50-year-old, non-smoking individual seeking comprehensive cover. Note: These are illustrative prices and features.
| Provider | Est. Monthly Premium | Excess | Outpatient Cover | Key Orthopaedic Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Provider A | £75 | £250 | Full Cover | Extensive national hospital list, including specialist orthopaedic centres. |
| Provider B | £65 | £500 | £1,000 Limit | Strong focus on physiotherapy and rehabilitation, with fast access to care. |
| Provider C (Vitality) | £80 | £250 | Full Cover | Rewards for staying active, potentially lowering future premiums. Excellent cancer cover. |
WeCovr's experienced advisors can generate a personalised comparison just like this, tailored to your exact age, location, and coverage needs. Our high customer satisfaction ratings are a testament to our commitment to finding the right cover for our clients.
Furthermore, WeCovr customers get complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app, helping you maintain a healthy weight—a key factor in joint health. You may also be eligible for discounts on other insurance products, like life or income protection insurance, when you purchase a health policy.
Beyond Surgery: Wellness and Preparing for a Hip Replacement
A successful outcome is not just about the surgery itself; it's also about preparing your body and mind. Private medical insurance often provides access to resources that can help.
Pre-Surgery Preparation ("Prehab")
- Exercise: Gentle, targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles around the hip (glutes, quadriceps) can significantly speed up recovery. A physiotherapist can guide you.
- Weight Management: Losing excess weight reduces stress on both your old and new hip. Every pound of body weight lost equates to four pounds of pressure taken off your joints.
- Diet: Focus on an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. Reduce processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats.
- Home Prep: Prepare your home for your return. This might include installing grab rails in the bathroom, getting a raised toilet seat, and removing trip hazards like rugs.
Post-Surgery Recovery
- Follow Your Physio Plan: This is the single most important factor in your recovery. Diligently follow the exercises prescribed by your physiotherapist.
- Pain Management: Stay on top of your prescribed pain relief to enable you to do your exercises comfortably.
- Sleep and Nutrition: Your body heals when you rest. Prioritise 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night and continue with a nutrient-dense diet to support tissue repair.
- Travel: Most surgeons advise against flying for at least six weeks post-surgery due to the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). When you do travel, ensure you get up and move around regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will my private medical insurance cover a hip replacement for arthritis I already have?
Can I choose my own surgeon with a PMI policy?
What happens if there are complications during my private surgery?
Is it cheaper to pay for a hip replacement myself or get private medical insurance?
A painful hip shouldn't put your life on hold. While the cost of private surgery can seem prohibitive, a well-chosen private medical insurance policy can make it entirely affordable, giving you fast access to the best possible care.
Let WeCovr help you navigate your options. Our expert advisors are ready to provide a free, no-obligation quote and find the perfect health cover for your needs.
[Get Your Free PMI Quote from WeCovr Today and Secure Your Health's Future]
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.
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