What’s the Cost of a Private Hip Replacement in Alberta?
Living with hip pain affects far more than mobility. Simple tasks like walking to the kitchen, sleeping through the night, or getting out of a chair can become daily challenges. For many Albertans, the hardest part is not knowing when relief will come, as wait times for a hip replacement surgery can stretch for months, and sometimes longer.
Most Albertans who decide on a private hip replacement can expect to pay between $20,000 and $ 34,000. The final number depends on the clinic, implant chosen, and whether services such as rehabilitation are bundled.
A private quote usually includes the orthopaedic surgeon’s fee, accredited surgical facility, anaesthesia and anaesthesiologist, and hip implant/prosthesis.
Extra costs may include pre-operative imaging or lab work, travel and accommodation (as you’ll need to go out of province), rehabilitation and physiotherapy, and companion or caregiver support.
For a broader look at how private surgery costs work across Canada, see our guide to private surgery costs in Canada.
Private vs. Public System Costs
In Alberta’s public system, patients don’t pay directly for hip replacement. But it’s helpful to understand the actual hospital-side costs. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), the average hospital cost for a primary hip replacement in Alberta ranges from approximately $10,737 to $18,137. Revision (repeat) hip replacements cost significantly more, averaging $21,849, depending on complexity.
This comparison highlights that while private surgery involves significant out-of-pocket fees, hip replacement is never “free.” The cost is simply borne by the public system in the hospital setting.
Factors That Move the Price
Several clinical and logistical factors can shift the cost of a private hip replacement:
- Implant type/brand: Premium implants or those designed for higher activity levels often cost more.
- Technology: Some centres use robotic-assisted systems (such as MAKO), which can increase fees.
- Surgeon experience: Highly experienced surgeons may charge higher professional fees.
Facility: Costs differ between day-surgery centres and private hospitals. - Rehabilitation: Some clinics bundle physiotherapy, while others leave it to patients to arrange.
- Patient complexity: Factors like higher body mass index (BMI), osteoporosis, or co-existing conditions can add to surgical time and cost.
