Guide

Hip replacement costs in the UK explained


Estimated reading time: 5 minutes


It is health that is real wealth. Not pieces of gold and silver.”

So said Indian lawyer and civil rights activist, Mahatma Gandhi. If, like us, you agree with Gandhi and prioritise your health, this article is for you. If you’re worried or confused about the cost of a private hip replacement, we’re here to help break it down for you.

Private healthcare gives you the opportunity to access treatment on your own terms, with two of the main benefits being more flexibility and reduced waiting lists. From comparing prices to navigating funding options, our comprehensive guide on hip surgery costs explains all.

Private hip replacement surgery at a glance

  • Waiting time: 4-6 weeks
  • Cost: £11,899 (plus £95 initial consultation fee)
  • Ways to pay: self-pay, insured, finance options
  • Hospital stay: same-day recovery or in-patient
  • Procedure time: 1-2 hours

How much does a hip replacement cost in the UK?

This may come as no surprise but the cost of a private hip replacement operation in the UK varies. This is down to a number of reasons, from the chosen healthcare provider and type of hip replacement needed to the hospital location in the UK. Prices typically start around the £12,000 mark and can rise above £18,000.

The average cost of hip replacement in the UK

The average price of a private hip replacement in the UK is £14,412 in the UK.1

The cost of hip surgery at Practice Plus Group

A hip replacement at Practice Plus Group starts from just £11,899. We offer this procedure at a fixed price across all our hospitals around the country. Aside from a £95 consultation fee, everything else is included within this price. For more information, you can view our national private surgery pricelist.

Compare hip replacement costs near you

We’ve put the following table together for you to help give you an idea of what you’re likely to pay for a hip replacement at different UK private health providers.

Healthcare providerConsultation feeHip replacement priceDiagnostics and scanAftercareMedicationsTotal cost
Practice Plus Group£95£11,899IncludedIncludedIncluded£11,994
Circle Health Groupfrom £200from £12,825 (this is a guide price)Not includedIncludedIncludedfrom £13,025
Nuffield Healthfrom £220£18,370 (this is a guide price)IncludedIncludedIncludedfrom £18,590
Spire Healthcare£220£14,590UnknownUnknownUnknown£14,810

*Prices representative of Nuffield Health Cheltenham Hospital
**Prices correct as of 28th January 2025

What’s included in our Wellsoon hip replacement cost?

Our private healthcare service is called Wellsoon and its aim is to get you back on your feet as soon as possible. With Wellsoon, your affordable self-pay hip surgery includes:

  • High-quality care
  • Pre-operative nurse review
  • Prescriptions, dressings, and equipment
  • Anaesthetic
  • Any overnight stay required
  • Post-operative physiotherapy sessions
  • Any post-operative appointments required
  • An experienced consultant orthopaedic surgeon from the beginning of your healthcare journey to the end.
Gyorgy consultant spotlight image. Watch video with surgeon talking all things orthopaedic surgery.
1 1

Breaking down private hip operation costs

Hip replacement surgery involves replacing a damaged hip joint with an artificial one. The aim is to alleviate hip pain and restore mobility and joint function. Hip replacement surgery costings can vary depending on the type of surgery, your location, and the availability of hip consultants.

Factors influencing the price of hip replacement in the UK:

  • Surgeon’s fees: These fees can vary significantly based on the surgeon’s experience, reputation, and the complexity of the procedure. Speaking to multiple hip consultants helps to ensure you’re comfortable with your choice.
  • Type of surgery: The type and complexity of your hip surgery may influence costs. For example, total hip replacement surgery may cost more than getting a single hip replaced.
  • Hospital charges: The cost of your treatment includes the use of private hospital facilities. This can include operating rooms, nursing care, accommodation, and meals.
  • Implant costs: You may find that high-quality hip implants with advanced materials and technologies may be more expensive. Your surgeon will discuss implant options with you, considering factors like longevity and suitability.
  • Anaesthetist fees: An anaesthetist administers general anaesthetic and monitors your condition throughout the procedure. Some hospitals charge extra for an anaesthetist’s services.
  • Pre and post-operative care: Joint replacement costs encompass pre-operative consultations, tests, and medical history assessments. Post-operative care such as follow-up appointments and physiotherapy are also included.
  • Medications and additional services: Medications, pain relief, medical supplies (such as crutches), and any additional services you might require are also included in costs. And guess what? You got it: these are all included in the cost of treatment with Practice Plus Group.
  • Complications and unforeseen expenses: While rare, we understand that complications can happen during or after surgery. These can require additional medical attention. Understanding how your chosen hospital addresses complications and any associated costs is crucial.

Meet our consultants

The following consultants are all experts in hip replacement surgery, boasting countless years of experience and knowledge.

How to finance your hip surgery

For those considering private hip replacement surgery, there are several ways to finance hip operation private costs:

Private health insurance

If you have private health insurance, check your policy to find out if hip replacement surgery is covered. Policies can vary in coverage, so it’s important to understand what expenses your insurance will reimburse.

Whether you have health insurance through an employer or your own private medical insurance, you can get referred for hip surgery at Practice Plus Group. Simply contact your insurance provider and ask them to pre-authorise your treatment.

Self-pay packages

Self-pay hip surgery offers a fixed-price package that includes all aspects of the procedure, from pre-operative assessments to post-operative care. These packages provide transparency and make financial planning more straightforward.

If you choose Wellsoon self-pay surgery from Practice Plus Group, you can book an initial appointment for just £95 by calling us or completing our self-pay enquiry form.

Flexible payment plans

You can also pay through a flexible payment plan that allows you to spread the cost of your surgery over several months. This can be particularly helpful if the upfront cost of the procedure is a concern. Through our partner Chrysalis Finance, finance is available over 12 months at 0%.


Hear from a past patient

“I would certainly recommend anyone currently experiencing a long wait for an NHS scan to claim on their health cover or pay for a private diagnostics appointment with Practice Plus Group for a speedier ultrasound and added peace of mind.”

Nathalie, ultrasound patient at Practice Plus Group MSK and Diagnostics, Buckinghamshire


How to access and pay for surgery

Once you’ve decided on a provider and how you’re going to fund your surgery, the next step is to book an initial consultation. If you choose to have your private healthcare with Practice Plus Group one of our expert hip surgeons will be more than happy to discuss your treatment options with you.

Book an appointment by calling us or completing our self-pay enquiry form. The initial appointment includes X-rays and blood tests, so you won’t find any hidden costs. You can have your consultation within 2-3 weeks of your enquiry while surgery will typically take place around 4-6 weeks later.

At the top of this article, we quoted Gandhi’s wise words on the value of your health. We hope the information provided helps you navigate the financial side of hip replacement surgery with confidence, allowing you to focus on regaining your mobility and improving your quality of life.


Sources and references

1 My Tribe Insurance: how much does a private hip replacement cost in the UK?

2 Public Health Wales


Nawar Abdulsattar consultant

Acknowledgements

After medical school in Al-Mustansirya University in Baghdad, Nawar moved to Sweden where he passed the medical exam at Karolinksa Institute in Stockholm (MD) and started training to become Swedish-Board certified specialist in trauma and orthopaedics. He researched in the area of developmental hip dysplasia and enrolled in PhD studies at Gothenburg University on ankle fractures epidemiology. Nawar moved to the UK in 2020 and is still a visiting surgeon in Sweden. As a high volume surgeon, he has performed over 1000 joint replacements.
View profile

FAQs about hip replacement prices

Got more questions? Here are some frequently asked questions about hip surgery prices.

How much does a hip replacement cost the NHS?

While it’s difficult to track down information about how much a hip replacement costs the NHS England, figures for NHS Wales are available. A hip replacement costs the NHS Wales between £7,300 and £11,300.2 Bear in mind, this cost is covered for eligible patients.

Can I pay for a hip replacement on the NHS?

No, the NHS does not allow patients to pay for hip replacement surgery. Private options are available if you do not qualify for NHS treatment.

What is the average cost of a total hip replacement?

The average private cost of a total hip replacement in the UK is around £14,412.1

Why is a hip replacement so expensive?

We know it’s a lot but this cost doesn’t just cover the surgery. Included are the skilled surgeons, high-quality implants, hospital fees, anaesthesia, and any aftercare needed – all critical to making a full and speedy recovery!

What is the cheapest hip replacement cost?

While we’re not ruling out cheaper alternatives, research does indicate the lowest cost for private hip replacement in the UK is actually with us! At Practice Plus Group, hip replacement surgery costs just £11,899.

How much should I pay for a hip replacement?

While the average cost of a private total hip replacement in the UK is around £14,412, you can expect to pay anything from £11,899 to £18,405 for the procedure.1

What if I can’t afford the price of private hip replacement?

If you’re struggling to cover the cost in a one-off payment, our finance options may provide some flexibility. These will allow you to spread the cost of the procedure over a set period of time.

Share