The Price of Private Knee Surgery in the UK
As an FCA-authorised expert that has helped arrange over 800,000 policies, WeCovr understands the growing concern over healthcare access in the UK. This guide explores the costs of private knee surgery and how private medical insurance can help, providing clarity for those considering their options.
WeCovr breaks down the cost of knee replacements and whether insurance offsets the expense
Knee pain can be debilitating, affecting everything from your daily walk to your ability to work and enjoy life. With NHS waiting lists for orthopaedic surgery remaining stubbornly long, many people in the UK are turning to the private sector for faster treatment. But what is the true price of private knee surgery, and can private medical insurance (PMI) really help with the cost?
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know. We will cover the typical costs of procedures like total knee replacements, explain the crucial differences between paying yourself and using insurance, and demystify the rules around pre-existing conditions.
Why Are More People Considering Private Knee Surgery?
The simple answer is time. According to the latest NHS England data, the median waiting time for trauma and orthopaedic treatments, which includes knee replacements, can stretch for many months. The British Orthopaedic Association has highlighted that over 800,000 people are currently waiting for this type of surgery.
For someone living with chronic pain and limited mobility, this delay can lead to:
- A decline in quality of life: Simple tasks like climbing stairs or shopping for groceries become monumental challenges.
- Mental health impact: Constant pain and reduced independence can contribute to anxiety and depression.
- Difficulty working: Many find they must reduce their hours or stop working altogether, impacting their financial stability.
- Deterioration of the joint: A longer wait can sometimes lead to more complex surgery being required.
Going private offers a compelling alternative. The primary benefits are speed and choice. You can typically see a specialist within a week or two and have your surgery scheduled in a matter of weeks, not months or years. You also gain more control over your treatment, including the choice of hospital and surgeon.
Understanding the Cost of Private Knee Surgery: A Detailed Breakdown
One of the first questions people ask is, "How much does it actually cost?" The price of private knee surgery in the UK is not a single figure; it varies based on the procedure, the hospital, the surgeon's fees, and your location.
Most private hospitals offer a "package price" or "fixed-price" deal. This is highly beneficial as it provides certainty and protects you from unexpected costs if your hospital stay is longer than planned.
Here’s a look at the typical private costs for common knee procedures in 2025.
| Procedure Type | Description | Typical Self-Pay Price Range (UK) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Knee Replacement (TKR) | The entire knee joint is replaced with an artificial implant. This is the most common type of knee replacement. | £14,000 – £18,500 |
| Partial Knee Replacement (PKR) | Only the damaged part of the knee joint is replaced. It's a less invasive procedure with a quicker recovery time. | £12,000 – £16,000 |
| Knee Arthroscopy | A minimally invasive 'keyhole' procedure to diagnose and treat joint problems, such as a torn meniscus. | £4,000 – £7,000 |
| ACL Reconstruction | Surgery to rebuild the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the centre of your knee after a tear. | £7,500 – £10,000 |
Disclaimer: These are guide prices. Costs are typically higher in London and the South East.
What’s Included in a Fixed-Price Surgery Package?
A comprehensive package price will usually cover all the main elements of your treatment journey:
- Initial Consultation: The first meeting with your chosen consultant surgeon.
- Pre-operative Assessments: Any necessary tests like blood tests, ECGs, or X-rays before surgery.
- Hospital Fees: This includes your private room, nursing care, and use of the operating theatre.
- Surgeon & Anaesthetist Fees: The cost for the medical team performing the procedure.
- The Prosthesis: The price of the high-quality artificial knee joint itself.
- Medication & Dressings: All standard medications and supplies used during your stay.
- Post-operative Care: This often includes initial physiotherapy sessions and a follow-up appointment with your surgeon.
Always check the small print. Some packages may not include the initial consultation fee or might have limits on post-operative physiotherapy.
Paying for Surgery: Self-Pay vs. Private Medical Insurance
You have two main routes to pay for private treatment: paying for it yourself (self-pay) or using private medical insurance.
The Self-Pay Route
This is the most straightforward option. You research hospitals, get a quote, and pay for the treatment directly from your savings or with a medical loan.
- Pros: Immediate access, complete freedom of choice over hospital and surgeon.
- Cons: A very significant upfront cost. There's a small risk of extra charges if complications arise that aren't covered by the fixed-price package.
The Private Medical Insurance (PMI) Route
This is where you use an insurance policy to cover the costs. You pay a monthly or annual premium, and the insurer pays for the eligible treatment when you need it. However, this comes with a critical, non-negotiable rule.
Crucial Point on Pre-Existing Conditions: Standard private medical insurance in the UK is designed to cover acute conditions that arise after you take out your policy. It will not cover pre-existing or chronic conditions.
Let's break this down:
- Pre-existing Condition: Any illness, injury, or symptom you have sought advice, diagnosis, or treatment for in the years before your policy began (typically the last 5 years).
- Chronic Condition: A condition that is long-lasting and requires ongoing management, but cannot be cured. Osteoarthritis is a classic example.
If you already have a diagnosis of osteoarthritis in your knee and need a replacement, a new PMI policy will not pay for it. The insurance is there for unforeseen medical problems that occur in the future.
Example Scenario:
- Covered: You take out a PMI policy. A year later, you are playing tennis and suffer an acute tear of your anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). You have never had knee trouble before. Your PMI policy would likely cover the consultation, MRI scan, and subsequent ACL reconstruction surgery.
- Not Covered: You have been managing knee pain with your GP for three years due to osteoarthritis. You decide to get PMI to fund a knee replacement. The insurer will classify this as a pre-existing condition, and the treatment will be excluded from cover.
How Does PMI Work for a New Knee Problem?
If you develop a new, acute knee issue while you have an active PMI policy, the process is smooth and efficient:
- Visit Your GP: You see your NHS GP who provides a referral to a specialist. Some policies now offer a Digital GP service, which can speed this up.
- Contact Your Insurer: You call your insurer to open a claim, providing the referral details.
- Get Authorisation: The insurer checks your policy and confirms that the consultation and any initial diagnostics (like an MRI scan) are covered.
- See the Specialist: You book an appointment with a consultant from your insurer's approved list.
- Diagnosis and Treatment Plan: The consultant diagnoses the issue and recommends surgery.
- Final Authorisation: The consultant's team sends the treatment plan and costs to the insurer, who provides final authorisation for the surgery.
- Treatment: You have your surgery in a private hospital, with the bills sent directly to your insurer.
The entire process, from GP referral to surgery, can often be completed in just a few weeks.
Finding the Best Private Medical Insurance UK for You
The PMI market can seem complex, with different providers, cover levels, and underwriting options. This is where an independent broker like WeCovr provides invaluable assistance.
Understanding Underwriting
When you apply for PMI, the insurer will underwrite your application to determine what they will and won't cover.
- Moratorium Underwriting: This is the most common type. The policy automatically excludes any condition you've had in the 5 years before joining. However, if you go 2 full, continuous years on the policy without any symptoms, treatment, or advice for that condition, the insurer may add it to your cover.
- Full Medical Underwriting (FMU): You provide a full medical history questionnaire. The insurer assesses it and gives you a clear list of what is excluded from day one. This provides more certainty but can be more time-consuming.
An expert PMI broker can explain these options and help you decide which is best for your circumstances. At WeCovr, we compare policies from all the UK's leading insurers, including Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, and Vitality, to find cover that matches your needs and budget. Our service is completely free to you.
What Affects Your PMI Premium?
- Age: Premiums increase as you get older.
- Location: Costs are higher in major cities, especially London.
- Level of Cover: Comprehensive plans with high outpatient limits and extensive hospital lists cost more.
- Excess: Choosing a higher voluntary excess (the amount you pay towards a claim) will lower your premium.
- Lifestyle: Smokers will pay more than non-smokers.
Beyond Surgery: Proactive Knee Health and Wellness
While surgery is an effective solution for severe joint damage, prevention and proactive care are always the best medicine. Taking steps to protect your knees can delay or even prevent the need for an operation.
1. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Your knees bear the brunt of your body weight. The ONS estimates that over 60% of adults in England are overweight or obese. Losing even a small amount of excess weight can significantly reduce the strain on your knee joints. For every 1 pound you lose, you reduce the pressure on your knees by 4 pounds.
To support our clients' wellness journeys, WeCovr provides complimentary access to CalorieHero, our AI-powered calorie and nutrition tracking app. It's a simple, effective tool to help you manage your diet and achieve your weight management goals.
2. Eat a Joint-Friendly Diet
Certain foods have anti-inflammatory properties that can support joint health:
- Oily Fish: Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
- Nuts and Seeds: Walnuts, almonds, and flaxseeds are great sources of healthy fats.
- Berries and Dark Leafy Greens: Packed with antioxidants that fight inflammation.
- Turmeric and Ginger: Spices known for their anti-inflammatory effects.
3. Stay Active with Low-Impact Exercise
Movement is crucial for keeping joints lubricated and supporting muscles strong. If you have sore knees, focus on low-impact activities:
- Swimming and Water Aerobics: The water supports your body weight, taking all the pressure off your joints.
- Cycling: An excellent way to build strength in your quadriceps and hamstrings without high impact.
- Walking: A simple and effective weight-bearing exercise.
- Strength Training: Focus on exercises that strengthen the muscles around the knee (quads, hamstrings, glutes) to provide better support for the joint.
4. Prioritise Sleep and Recovery
Your body does most of its healing and repair work while you sleep. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to allow your muscles and tissues to recover, especially after exercise.
Your Partner in Health: How WeCovr Can Help
Navigating the world of private healthcare can be daunting. At WeCovr, we're here to make it simple. As an FCA-authorised broker with high customer satisfaction ratings, our mission is to provide clear, expert advice.
We don't just find you a policy; we find you the right policy. And our support doesn't end there. Clients who purchase PMI or life insurance through us also receive discounts on other types of cover, adding even more value.
Will private medical insurance cover a knee replacement for my osteoarthritis?
How quickly can I get knee surgery with private health cover?
Can I choose my own surgeon and hospital with a PMI policy?
Is it better to self-pay for knee surgery or get insurance?
Ready to explore your options for private health cover?
Get a free, no-obligation quote from WeCovr today. Our friendly experts will compare the market for you, answer all your questions, and help you find the perfect policy to protect your health and well-being.
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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