In Alberta, hip replacement in a public hospital is fully covered by Alberta Health Care. While there’s no direct cost to the patient, some people consider private surgery to reduce delays. Private hip replacement is available legally in accredited Canadian clinics, typically costing $20,000 to $34,000 or more.
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.
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.
Several clinical and logistical factors can shift the cost of a private hip replacement:
Yes, Albertans can access hip replacement privately, but it usually requires travelling to a private surgical centre in another province. The Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan doesn’t cover these procedures. Instead, patients pay directly or through private financing.
Private hip replacements are performed in accredited clinics overseen by national bodies such as Accreditation Canada or the Canadian Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (CAAASF). Accreditation ensures patient safety and compliance with Canadian standards.
One of the main appeals of private surgery is reduced wait time. Private patients are often booked for surgery within three to four weeks of their consultation (sometimes sooner if the patient can travel quickly); however, these timelines vary by clinic.
Private hip replacement may qualify under the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) medical expense tax credit. This can help offset some costs when filing income tax.
Some extended health benefits plans may also cover related services, such as post-operative physiotherapy or travel expenses.
For more on how to legally access private surgery, see our step-by-step overview of private hip replacement surgery.
Why Patients Consider Private Options
For many Albertans, the decision to look at private surgery comes down to time. Hip pain often worsens the longer surgery is delayed, making daily activities harder and diminishing their quality of life.
According to the CIHI in 2023, only about 66% of patients across Canada received hip replacement within the recommended 26-week benchmark—a decline from 75% in 2019. This means that many people are waiting longer than what specialists consider timely.
In Alberta, the Alberta Bone and Joint Health Institute (ABJHI) reports that patients wait an average of 25 weeks for hip replacement surgery. For some, that translates into months of living with pain, reduced mobility, and uncertainty about when life might return to normal.
If you’re considering a private hip replacement in Alberta, it's helpful to think beyond the basic surgical fee. The price you see in a quote usually covers the core procedure, but there are other expenses that can add up.
A realistic budget often includes:
Thinking about these line items ahead of time can help you plan with fewer surprises and make sure you’re financially ready for the full journey of surgery and recovery.
For many families, the cost of a private hip replacement can be daunting. The good news is that most clinics understand this and offer ways to make payment more manageable. Some provide payment plans or financing arrangements, allowing you to spread the cost over time rather than paying it all upfront. Others may offer staged payments tied to milestones in your care.
Before booking, it’s also wise to ask about the clinic’s cancellation and refund policies. Life circumstances and health conditions can change, and knowing where you stand financially if plans shift can give you peace of mind.
Hip replacement is a life-changing surgery. In Alberta though, the wait for public care can be long. Private options are not for everyone, but for some, they offer an alternative pathway — one with significant costs, but also the potential for shorter wait times and more control.
If you’re considering private hip replacement, focus on three things:
Through Surgency, you can browse vetted providers, see exactly what’s included in their quotes, and request consultations, all in one place. Every clinic on our platform is accredited and complies with Canadian regulations so that you can make an informed decision with confidence.
Ready to explore?
Compare Alberta’s private hip replacement surgery providers on Surgency.