Whether it be through age, injury or general wear and tear, damage to your hip joint can occur for several reasons, causing pain and restricting your mobility.
Although hip replacements are a common and necessary procedure, understanding the costs of them can sometimes be confusing. That’s why, in this blog post, we're going to look at some of the factors that influence the cost of hip replacement surgery, including the differences between going private or via the NHS.
Factors influencing hip replacement surgery costs
At The Horder Centre, our estimated hip replacement cost is £13,698, which is the same as the average UK cost. However, this cost can fluctuate depending on several different factors.
Some of the factors that can influence the cost of your hip replacement include:
- The complexity of your procedure – more complex types of operation can cost more as they require higher amounts of resources. For example, a partial hip replacement may be cheaper than a total hip replacement.
- The type of surgery performed – laparoscopic (minimally invasive hip replacement surgery) or robotic surgery can cost more than traditional methods. More modern techniques require modern technologies and tools which cost more money to not only purchase in the first place but also to train surgeons on how to use them effectively.
- Your choice of hospital or surgeon – hospitals can charge more or less than the national average. It's important to remember that if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Remember that you are not just paying for the surgery – you are also paying for the expertise of the surgeon and the cleanliness of the hospital. While a cheaper price may be beneficial from a financial perspective, it could be detrimental to the success of your hip replacement and overall health.
- The type of artificial implant – some types of implants can cost more depending on what they are made of. Artificial hip joints are usually made from metal, plastic, ceramic or a combination of materials.
Various other aspects can increase the overall cost of hip replacement surgery too. For example, you will need a consultation to proceed with the operation, and the price of this can vary depending on the hospital you choose.
Diagnostics also play a role in the cost of a hip replacement. Some people may need to undergo more testing than others, for example, to make sure surgery is safe for them. As such, the more tests that are carried out, the more you might need to pay.
An example breakdown of hip replacement surgery costs
At Horder Healthcare, we always make sure to provide you with a clear breakdown of the costs of your hip replacement surgery. We want to ensure you are informed and understand exactly what is involved in the cost of your operation.
Here is an example, which includes an estimated stay of up to five days in hospital:
- Initial consultation – from £220
- Diagnostics – from £85
- Treatment (hip replacement surgery) – from £13,393
Private vs NHS: benefits and drawbacks
Going private or via the NHS for your hip replacement surgery can have various benefits and drawbacks, so you will need to work out which best suits your needs to decide the right route for you.
Benefits of choosing private care
When choosing private care for your hip replacement, you can expect to experience a variety of different benefits. For example, you will be able to:
- Choose which hospital you want to carry out your hip replacement
- Plan your appointments around your schedule
- Avoid any long waiting lists
- Choose the right surgeon for you
Benefits of choosing NHS care
The main benefit of choosing NHS care for your hip replacement surgery is not having to pay for it. Another benefit can be the familiarity of a healthcare system you have always used.
Some people may also be intimidated by the amount of private healthcare options there are and prefer to be provided with one by the NHS instead.
In some cases, you can also choose a specific provider for your treatment as long as they are an accredited provider of NHS services. This will require your GP to send a referral though as you will not be able to book an NHS service with a provider without one.
Drawbacks of choosing private care
There are not many drawbacks to choosing private health care. However, the main one that can potentially push you towards choosing NHS care is the cost.
While you will have to pay for your surgery yourself, several options are available to spread the cost and make it easier to handle the finances involved. Private health insurance and payment plans, for example, are commonplace in private healthcare, helping take the burden off your finances and allowing you to receive the benefits of private healthcare.
Drawbacks of choosing NHS care
Although a hip replacement on the NHS may be free, some of its associated drawbacks can be a dealbreaker. These can include:
- Long waiting lists – this can be especially tough if you are in pain
- No ability to choose a local hospital
- Having to accept any appointment given to you due to long waiting lists
- Limited flexibility when it comes to rescheduling appointments
Navigating the expenses of hip replacement surgery
The cost of hip replacement surgery might not be something you can pay outright or immediately. However, many private healthcare providers now accept private medical insurance, meaning you will pay considerably less for your hip replacement.
If you do not have private insurance and still wish to self-fund, a payment plan can be an option.
At The Horder Centre, for example, we offer our patients interest-free loans that are repayable over 6, 10 and 12 months or interest-bearing loans that are available over 24, 36, 48 and 60 months. This allows you to budget the cost of your hip replacement surgery without needing to pay the whole amount upfront.
We want to help all our patients effectively manage the cost of their treatment, so do not hesitate to contact us for further advice or support. We'll be happy to help you manage the financial aspect of your hip replacement surgery and ensure you receive the treatment you need.
Book a consultation with The Horder Centre
At The Horder Centre, we provide transparent pricing for all of our services including hip replacements. We offer competitive pricing in line with the UK national average to ensure our expert services are accessible.
We also provide full consultations before you undergo any procedure. Our team of experts will provide you with all the information you need about hip replacement surgery and what options are available to you.
What makes Horder Healthcare unique
Horder Healthcare is committed to providing the very best quality of care for our patients and customers. We are continuously working on improving and reducing risks and this is reflected in our consistently high CQC results, patient satisfaction questionnaires and minimal levels of infection.
We are a charity
We reinvest our profit to benefit more people and help us achieve our aim of advancing health.
