The average cost of hip replacement surgery varies dramatically, but estimates often range in the $20,000 to $40,000 range. Bupa, for example, calculated an average surgery cost of $31,820.
The Medicare Benefits Scheme fee for hip replacement as of May 2021 is $1,359.00. Individual costs do differ, however. The below chart shows the different benefit amounts paid by insurers on average for a hip replacement doctor's fee.
There are a number of things you can do to work out your own estimate:
Below are some examples from Finder Partners that cover joint replacement surgery. All prices are based on a single individual with less than $90,000 income and living in Sydney.
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Hip replacement is usually recommended after other treatments like physical therapy, exercise and medication have failed to improve your condition. You may need a hip replacement if:
Medicare covers most medically necessary surgeries like hip replacements. Public patients should have no out-of-pocket expenses for surgery in a public hospital. Additionally, Medicare pays 75% of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) to private patients in public hospitals, meaning it will cover 75% of the public rate for the surgery, anaesthesia and diagnostic work.
While Medicare provides hip replacements with little or no out-of-pocket expenses for public patients in public hospitals, you may have to wait several months before receiving surgery. It's also worth remembering that you won't be able to choose your doctor if using the public system.
You can claim your Medicare benefit using your Medicare online account accessible through myGov or your doctor. Because hip replacements can be so expensive, with prices varying from $19,439 to $42,007 depending on the surgeon, it's essential that you do this in order to avoid a substantial bill.
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) Private health insurance use in Australian hospitals 2006–07 to 2016–17
If you go private, you'll have your choice of surgeon and hospital. There's a good chance you'll also have more say over when the surgery takes place.
To be covered, you'd need a private hospital policy, normally medium to high level. If you're getting joint replacement cover for the first time you'll also have to serve a waiting period of 12 months.
For the treatment, you're likely to receive out-of-pocket costs depending on things like your excess and what your doctor charges. That's why it's important to do your research beforehand.
There are two types of hip surgery: anterior, where an incision is made at the front of the hip and posterior, where the incision is on the side. Each surgery has a slightly different procedure:
Anterior:
Posterior:
Typically, patients return to normal life activities within one to six months. The most discomfort ordinarily comes after surgery where you'll probably feel some pain but will receive medication to ease the discomfort. 24 hours after surgery you'll be given exercises and a walking aid, such as a stick, to get you moving and begin strengthening the muscles around the hip.
Short-term recovery involves getting off painkillers and managing to sleep without discomfort. You'll find you're on the road to recovery when you no longer need any walking aid and can move about the house without pain. It usually takes around four to six weeks to get to this stage of recovery.
Long-term recovery is when you can return to work and do normal, daily activities. You should also find that surgical wounds and soft tissue have healed, generally feeling normal again.
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