How Much Does Private Surgery Cost in Canada?
In this article, you’ll find:
Why Compare Private Surgical Costs in Canada and Abroad?
Public vs Private Surgery: Cost Comparison Chart
Final Thoughts: Is Private Surgery in Canada Worth It?
Is private surgery in Canada just for the wealthy? Or is it more accessible than you think?
With growing wait times in the public system, more Canadians are exploring private options. This article breaks down the real costs of private surgery in Canada, compares them to out-of-country options, and reveals the hidden costs of waiting.
Why Compare Private Surgical Costs in Canada?
Public waitlists for joint replacements, gynecologic procedures, and urologic surgeries can stretch into months or years. These delays are prompting more Canadians to look at:
Private surgery in Canada
Out-of-country procedures (U.S., Mexico, Costa Rica)
The hidden cost of waiting: lost income, reduced quality of life, and worsening health
Understanding all three can help patients make informed, cost-effective decisions. Read more about your options in our complete guide to getting surgery faster in Canada.
Average Private Surgery Prices in Canada (2025)
The following chart outlines estimated costs for common procedures performed in private Canadian surgical centres.
| Surgery Type | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hip Replacement | $20,000 – $34,000 | ¹ |
| Knee Replacement | $20,000 – $28,000 | ² |
| Hysterectomy | $14,000 – $20,000 | ³ |
| Urologic Procedures | $4,000 – $10,000 | ⁴ |
| Cosmetic Surgeries | $7,500 – $36,000+ | ⁵ |
Note: Prices vary by province, clinic, and surgical approach.
What Does Private Surgery Cost Outside Canada?
Many patients consider medical tourism to access more timely surgical care. Here’s how average prices compare for major procedures:
| Surgery Type | U.S. Price (CAD) | Mexico/Costa Rica (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Hip Replacement | $40,000 – $70,000 | $15,000 – $18,000 |
| Knee Replacement | $35,000 – $60,000 | $13,000 – $17,000 |
| Hysterectomy | $10,000 – $20,000 | $8,000 – $12,000 |
Note: Costs sourced from major international health travel networks and medical tourism facilitators.⁶
The Hidden Costs of Waiting for Surgery
Delaying necessary surgery in Canada’s public system isn’t just inconvenient—it can be financially and physically damaging.
Key Risks of Delaying Surgery:
Lost income from missed work during the wait
Chronic pain and reduced mobility, affecting daily life and mental health
Progression of disease, leading to more complex future interventions
Example: A self-employed mechanic waiting 14 months for knee replacement could lose over $60,000 in income—double the cost of private surgery.
Learn more about the potential harms and hidden costs of waiting for surgery.
Public vs Private Surgery: Cost Comparison Chart
This comparison summarizes the financial and logistical trade-offs between Canadian private care, U.S. and Mexican options, and public system delays.
| Factor | Private (Canada) | USA | Mexico | Public (Wait 12+ months) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost (e.g. Knee Replacement) | $20,000 | $50,000+ | $15,000 | $0 (12–24 mo wait) |
| Wait Time | 1–4 weeks | 1–2 weeks | 1–2 weeks | 12–24 months |
| International Travel Required? | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Continuity of Care | High | Moderate | Low | High |
| Risk of Complications | Low | Varies | Higher | Low |
| Cost of Waiting (Income) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $40,000 – $100,000+ |
Final Thoughts: Is Private Surgery in Canada Worth It?
Private surgery may seem like a luxury, but when weighed against lost wages, healthcare delays and declining quality of life, it often makes practical and financial sense.
Unlike out-of-country options, private care in Canada:
Keeps patients closer to home
Ensures regulated, high-quality follow-up
Provides continuity with local healthcare professionals
Removes concerns of foreign exchange fluctuations
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Surgency helps Canadians navigate private surgery with transparency and ease.
