Some 56-59% of Canadians are in favour of access to private surgical options in Canada. That doesn't mean replacing the public system, which I deeply cherish, or going the US route.
Private surgery in Canada refers to procedures performed outside the publicly funded hospital system, usually in accredited private clinics. Patients pay out‑of‑pocket for faster access, more flexibility in timing, and sometimes expanded options, while still receiving care from fully licensed Canadian surgeons operating within provincial regulations.
1. Why compare private surgical costs in Canada?
As a family physician in Canada's public healthcare system, I see three main reasons patients opt for private surgical care: shorter waits, more control, and clearer plans. Private surgery can speed up your consult and operation, reduce months of pain and uncertainty, and help you get back to daily life sooner—while potentially avoiding extra joint damage and more complex surgery later.
Public waitlists for knee replacements, hip replacements, gynecological procedures, and urological 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.
2. Average Private Surgery Prices in Canada (2025)
The following chart outlines estimated costs for common procedures performed in private Canadian surgical centres.
These are broad ranges, meant only to give you a general sense of potential costs. Actual prices can vary significantly based on the province, clinic, surgeon’s experience, anesthesia type, implants/devices used, and the complexity or length of your procedure (for example, revisions usually cost more).
Always request a written, itemized quote that separates surgeon, facility, anesthesia, implants, and any follow‑up visits, and ask which costs are fixed vs. which could change (and under what circumstances). This helps you compare clinics fairly and avoid surprises.
If you would like to talk to a private surgeon, but don't know how, read our comprehensive guide on How to Book a Private Surgeon in Canada.
3. What does private surgery cost outside Canada?
The Medical Tourism Association estimated some 432,000 Canadians sought treatment abroad in 2025. Many patients consider medical tourism to access more timely surgical care. Here’s how average prices compare for major procedures:
Note: Costs sourced from major international health travel networks and medical tourism facilitators.⁶
Travelling abroad for surgery can look appealing on paper—especially when headline prices seem lower. In reality, it often introduces extra risk and uncertainty, particularly for major procedures.
Key challenges to be aware of:
- Safety and standards: Accreditation, infection control, and quality standards may not match Canadian norms. It can be hard to verify the surgeon’s training, true complication rates, or how often they actually perform your specific procedure.
- Limited recourse if something goes wrong: If there is a complication, you may have fewer legal protections and less regulatory oversight than in Canada. Pursuing follow‑up care or accountability across borders is complex and expensive.
- Continuity of care and follow‑up: Most medical tourism packages focus on the surgery itself, not the months of healing that follow. Once you fly home, your original surgeon is often thousands of kilometres away, and your local providers may have limited access to your operative details, implants used, or imaging.
- Hidden and variable costs: Advertised prices rarely include:
- Exchange rate fluctuations (which can significantly change the final cost)
- Flights, accommodation, companion travel, and extra days abroad if you are not cleared to fly
- Possible re‑operations or treatment of complications once you return home
If you are considering medical tourism, it is essential to:
- Confirm the clinic’s accreditation and the surgeon’s credentials from independent sources.
- Ask in detail about complication management, local hospital backup, and who will handle your follow‑up care once you are back in Canada.
- Factor in exchange rates, travel costs, time off work, and continuity of care—not just the advertised surgical fee.
4. 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.
4.1. 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.
5. 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.
6. Financing and insurance options for private surgery
For most Canadians, paying for private surgery is a major decision, not a casual purchase. In practice, people usually combine several of these options:
- Personal savings: Some patients use savings or investments to avoid debt, especially if surgery will help them return to work or reduce long‑term health costs.
- Employer benefits and health spending accounts (HSAs/HSAs‑like plans): Certain extended health plans, health spending accounts, or wellness benefits may cover part of the cost (for example, diagnostics, some fees, or related medications and rehab). Coverage varies widely, so it’s worth checking your plan’s fine print and asking for a pre‑determination.
- Medical expense tax credit (METC): Many patients are able to reduce their total costs through the METC. Review our METC guide for more information.
- Medical or personal loans: Some patients use:
- Dedicated medical financing companies
- Lines of credit or personal loans from their bank or credit union
- Low‑interest options secured against home equity (for homeowners)
- Support from family or caregivers: In some cases, families choose to pool resources to help a loved one access earlier surgery, especially when delay is clearly affecting work, independence, or caregiving roles.
For a deeper breakdown of these options, including pros, cons, and example timelines, see our Financing Guide.
6. 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
- Keeps Canadian dollars in Canada
- 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. Explore our directory to browse vetted private surgical providers today.
7. Private surgery costs in Canada: frequently asked questions
7.1 Why do private surgery prices vary so much between clinics in Canada?
Prices reflect more than just the surgeon’s fee. They change with the province, clinic overhead, type of facility and accreditation, surgeon experience, anesthesia (local vs general), implants/devices used, and the complexity and length of the procedure. Urban centres and highly specialized surgeons or centres often charge more.
7.2 Are private surgery prices in Canada negotiable or standardized?
There is no national standard fee for private surgery. Each clinic sets its own prices based on costs and market demand. Some may have limited flexibility (for example, if you are paying in full up front or combining procedures), but many use fixed fee schedules. It is reasonable to ask what is included, not to haggle on price.
7.3 Do private surgery quotes usually include anesthesia, hospital fees, and post-op care?
Not always. Some centres offer a “global fee” that includes surgeon, facility, anesthesia, basic imaging, and a set number of follow‑up visits. Others bill parts separately. Always ask for a written, itemized quote that clearly lists:
- Surgeon fee
- Facility/operating room fee
- Anesthesia
- Implants/devices
- Imaging, labs, and post‑op visits
And ask what would cost extra if there is a complication or overnight stay.
7.4 How much more does a complex or revision surgery typically cost compared to a standard procedure?
Complex or revision surgery is often significantly more expensive—commonly 1.5 to 3 times the cost of a straightforward first‑time procedure. Reasons include longer operating time, more advanced implants, extra imaging, and higher facility and anesthesia costs. If you know your case is complex, ask for a “complexity range” up front, not just the base price.
7.5 Does getting surgery sooner through the private system actually save money overall?
It can, but it depends on your situation. Earlier surgery may reduce:
- Time off work or reduced hours
- Extra childcare or caregiving costs
- Ongoing physiotherapy, medications, and assistive devices
- The risk of your condition worsening and needing a more complex, expensive operation later
However, this is a case‑by‑case decision. It helps to compare the full private cost with what you stand to lose—financially and in quality of life—by waiting in the public system.
