Private knee replacement surgery in Canada is a major surgery with a substantial cost: $20,000 and $28,000 or more. But for many Canadians living with severe knee arthritis, the hardest part is not the surgery itself but the waiting.
Learn more about what private knee replacement costs, what those costs include, and what you can expect when you opt for a private knee replacement.
There are tens of thousands of knee replacement surgeries in Canada each year, with many patients experiencing waits of two years or more. During that time, pain worsens, mobility decreases, and independence is gradually lost.
In the public system, it’s fully covered under provincial health insurance, but long waits can create real suffering. For patients who can’t afford to wait, private knee replacement is a legal and regulated alternative. It’s not inexpensive, but it can provide access to surgery within weeks rather than months.
Timely care matters. Patients who wait more than six months for knee replacement tend to experience worse outcomes than those treated earlier. This decline happens for several reasons:
Some patients find themselves unable to work during this period. While public surgery is free, months spent off the job can mean lost wages, reduced independence, and mounting frustration. For some families, the financial strain of waiting eventually outweighs the cost of going private.
In the public system, knee replacement surgery is free at the point of care. The main limitation is time.
In the private system, the cost typically ranges between $20,000 and $28,000 or more, depending on the clinic, the surgeon, and the services included. But surgery is usually booked within weeks.
While surgery abroad can sometimes be less expensive, staying within the country decreases safety concerns, gives you access to Canadian-accredited surgeons, and makes it easier to continue care post-surgery.
A private knee replacement package generally covers:
There are, however, additional expenses to consider. Physiotherapy and rehabilitation are essential parts of recovery and are often billed separately. Patients travelling out of province may also need to budget for flights, accommodations, and time away from home. Mobility aids, such as walkers or raised toilet seats, can add to the cost as well.
Another key difference is time. Private clinics often schedule surgery within three to four weeks of an initial consultation, and in some cases even sooner. Compared with waits in the public system, this difference can be life-changing.
Browse knee replacement surgeons on our app
Not every knee replacement is the same, and costs reflect those differences. Fees vary by province and clinic, and more experienced surgeons may charge more. A partial knee replacement is usually less expensive than a total replacement, and some centres include physiotherapy, diagnostics, or extended follow-up in their packages.
If you’re considering private care, learn more about how to pay for private surgery in Canada.
Private knee replacement in Canada isn’t cheap, but it does cost less than our American neighbours south of the border, where procedures often range from $30,000 to $60,000 or more.
Surgery abroad, in countries such as Mexico or India, can be less expensive. Packages there may run from $13,000 to $17,000. The challenge for Canadian patients is the added complexity of travel, language barriers, and continuity of care once they return home.
Private knee replacement is legal in Canada, though most procedures occur outside a patient’s home province. The Canada Health Act doesn’t allow extra billing within provincial systems, which is why out-of-province private clinics are the main option.
When shopping for surgeons, look for proper accreditation before choosing a clinic. Accreditation Canada oversees the Integrated Community Health Services Centres Quality Assurance Program (ICHSC), which conducts rigorous inspections and ongoing monitoring. The Canadian Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (CAAASF) also lists certified facilities on its website.
If accreditation details are unclear, always request to see a copy of their Accreditation Canada certificate or CAAASF certificate.
The downsides to private care aren’t medical, but financial and logistical. Paying out of pocket or arranging financing can be stressful, and travelling out of province for surgery requires careful planning.
For many, however, the ability to receive timely surgery outweighs these challenges.
For patients considering private surgery, the biggest challenge is often knowing where to begin. Canada’s private surgical landscape is complex, and not all providers are easy to evaluate.
Surgency helps by curating a vetted network of accredited providers, making it simple to compare costs, timelines, and services. Browse options, book consultations, and take the next step toward healing with confidence.
Compare knee replacement surgeons
The choice between public and private knee replacement comes down to time and cost. Public surgery is free, but the wait is long. Private surgery is faster, but you’ll pay out of pocket.
Both pathways are valid. What matters is that you and your family have clear, trustworthy information when making this decision.
Surgency is here to provide that clarity and to connect Canadians like you with accredited providers who can deliver timely care.
Median wait times are typically 6–12 months, though in some provinces patients may wait longer than a year.
There is no single “best” country. Patients should weigh safety, accreditation, cost, and aftercare. Many Canadians prefer to receive care in Canada that is regulated and accredited.
In the United States, total knee replacement often costs between USD $30,000 and $60,000, depending on the hospital and insurance coverage.
Yes, in the public system, knee replacement surgery is fully covered under provincial health insurance, though patients may wait many months for access.