How Much Does a Hip Replacement Cost in Australia? (2025)
Published by Oliver Khoo at Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Hip replacement surgery can dramatically improve quality of life for people living with chronic pain, stiffness, and mobility issues. But before moving forward with surgery, one of the most common questions people ask is: how much does a hip replacement cost in Australia?
The answer isn’t straightforward—it depends on whether you’re treated in the public or private system, whether you hold private health insurance, and the extent of your out-of-pocket costs. In this guide, we’ll break down every aspect of hip replacement pricing in Australia so you can make an informed decision.
Australia’s healthcare system offers two distinct pathways for hip replacement surgery: public hospitals under Medicare, or private hospitals, which may be funded by private health insurance or out-of-pocket payments.
If you are treated in a public hospital as a public patient, your hip replacement surgery is covered under Medicare. That means:
See specific hip replacement items in the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS)
According to recent data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, the median wait time for a total hip replacement in the public system is around 153 days, with some patients waiting more than 12 months, particularly in regional or rural areas.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
In the private healthcare system, you’ll have:
However, these benefits come at a financial cost.
The total cost of a hip replacement in a private hospital in Australia typically ranges from $20,000 to $35,000, depending on your location, surgeon, insurance coverage, and any complications.
This is usually the biggest component of your bill and includes:
Estimated cost: $18,000 – $25,000
The cost of the procedure also includes the orthopaedic surgeon’s fee for:
Estimated cost: $3,000 – $6,000
This depends on the length and complexity of the surgery.
Estimated cost: $1,000 – $2,500
You may also be billed for X-rays, MRIs, blood tests and post-surgery reviews.
Estimated cost: $500 – $1,000 (sometimes included in hospital package)
If you have private hospital cover, your insurer may cover a significant portion of your hip replacement cost. However, the out-of-pocket cost still varies depending on:
Compare private health insurance policies on PrivateHealth.gov.au
Gold-tier hospital cover typically includes joint replacements like hips and knees. Some policies offer no-gap joint replacement programs, where the insurer has pre-negotiated fees with surgeons and hospitals to cap or eliminate out-of-pocket costs.
More about gap cover and no-gap arrangements
Even with full insurance, you may still pay between $500 and $5,000 out-of-pocket. This can include:
Most insurers impose a 12-month waiting period for pre-existing conditions like osteoarthritis. If you’ve recently taken out or upgraded your policy, confirm this before booking surgery.
What If You Don’t Have Insurance?
If you don’t have private health insurance, you can still access private surgery by paying the full amount yourself. This is referred to as self-funding.
Total self-funded cost: $25,000 – $35,000
Some private hospitals offer bundled surgery packages or payment plans to help make this option more accessible.
Get a Hip Replacement estimate from St Vincents Hospital
Rehab is an essential part of recovery. Some private hospitals include rehab in your stay, but many patients also need ongoing outpatient physiotherapy.
Check if your health insurance includes extras cover for physiotherapy.
If you live in a regional area, such as Griffith NSW, and travel to Sydney for your surgery:
While public surgery is free, long delays can have a serious impact:
If you’re struggling with daily tasks, or in constant pain, the faster turnaround in the private system may be worth the investment.
Choosing between public and private hip replacement surgery in Australia comes down to balancing cost, wait time, personal preferences, and available resources.
If cost is your top priority and you can wait several months, the public system is a good option. If you need surgery sooner or want more control over your care, private surgery—especially with insurance—can be a more comfortable path.
Either way, it’s important to:
If you're looking for a specialist who consults in both metro and regional areas, or need help navigating the private system, make sure you choose a team that can guide you through every step—from paperwork to rehab.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or financial advice. Always consult your doctor or surgeon for personalised guidance