If you’re preparing for knee replacement surgery, covering the costs is the last thing you want to be worrying about. Thankfully, there are lots of ways to finance knee surgery if you’re keen to go down the private healthcare route.
Understanding the different ways to pay and how it all works can help you feel relaxed and ready for your surgery.
Join us as we explore the various avenues you can take to pay for your knee surgery. The aim of the article is to help make you feel better and more prepared for what’s to come.
How much does a knee replacement cost privately?
As a guide price, you can expect to pay anything from £5,000-£15,000 for your knee surgery.
At Practice Plus Group, our knee replacement surgery costs are among some of the lowest in the UK. They start from £12,449 plus £95 for your initial consultation. This is around £2,000 cheaper than some of our closest competitors.
NHS funding
Some knee surgeries are covered by the NHS. If your doctor recommends surgery as a necessary treatment, you can be referred to an NHS hospital. The NHS covers the cost of the knee surgery, and in most cases, there is no need for direct payment. However, waiting times can be long and specialist procedures may take even longer.
Private healthcare
If you are keen to avoid long waiting lists and have your surgery at a time that suits you, private knee surgery could be a better option.
Private knee surgery in the UK can be financed in various ways. These include private health insurance or paying out of your own pocket. Research different private healthcare providers and their financing options to find a plan that suits your needs and budget.
Health insurance for knee surgery
If you have private health insurance, check your policy to understand the coverage for knee surgery. Some policies cover the entire cost, while others may require you to pay a percentage yourself. Be sure to contact your insurance provider to confirm the details of your coverage so you’re aware of any potential out-of-pocket expenses.
At Practice Plus Group, we offer treatment to patients who have their own personal health insurance or are insured through their employers. Please note that we will only offer treatment to patients covered by specific approved insurance providers.
These approved insurers include:
- Aviva
- AXA Health
- The Exeter
- Freedom Health Insurance
- General & Medical Healthcare
- Healix Health Services
- VitalityHealth
- WPA
Once you have a GP referral, call your insurer to let them know the recommended treatment and your preferred hospital to ensure you’re covered. After that, we can arrange an initial consultation with a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at a time that suits you.
Self-pay knee surgery
Using your personal savings is a straightforward option if you have some funds set aside. If this is a viable option for you, this approach avoids incurring debt and interest payments.
Choosing to pay for yourself means that you can:
- access treatment quickly
- choose your hospital and consultant
- choose the date and time of your surgery.
At Practice Plus Group, our team of specialist consultants complete surgeries within 4 to 6 weeks, helping you to get back to your normal, pain-free life.
Our transparent prices include:
- pre-operative assessment
- the surgery
- any hospital stays required
- prescriptions
- equipment
- any follow-up appointments (including physiotherapy).
If you’re paying for private healthcare yourself, payment must be made seven days before the start of your treatment via credit, debit card or BACS.
Patient testimonial
“My GP told me I could be waiting two and a half years for knee surgery on the NHS…I made up my mind that private treatment was the best option for me to get back on with life.”
John Young, knee surgery patient with Practice Plus Group Hospital, Plymouth
Medical loans and financing for knee surgery
With the finance payment option, you can spread the cost of your knee surgery using our interest-free and low APR finance options. This can be arranged in advance.
At Practice Plus Group, our finance options are available through our finance partner, Chrysalis. Finance is available over 12 months at 0%. Longer-term options are also available from 36-60 months at 14.9% APR.
Charities and grants
Some charitable organisations and grants provide financial assistance for medical treatments. Research local and national charities that focus on healthcare funding and inquire about their eligibility criteria. While this might not cover the entire cost, it can provide valuable support.
Facing partial or total knee replacement surgery can be a challenging experience, but understanding the financial options available can alleviate some of the stress. Whether you opt for NHS treatment, private healthcare, or a combination of both, it’s crucial to weigh up the available options so you can make informed decisions about financing your knee surgery.
Talk to our team for more information about financing your knee surgery.
