Private Tommy John Surgery Cost Canada: What to Expect

Why Canadians look for private Tommy John surgery

Tommy John surgery (ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction) is common among throwing athletes and people with repetitive elbow strain. When public wait times stretch, the impact is real:

• Mobility and strength loss, jeopardizing sport, scholarships, or jobs
• Prolonged pain and instability that can worsen mechanics and tissue quality
• Rising stress, uncertainty, and setbacks in rehab timelines

How long is the wait for Tommy John surgery in Canada?

Public-system waits vary by province and surgical centre. In many regions, subspecialty sports elbow surgery slots are limited, so patients may face multi-month waits from consult to OR. If timing affects a season or employment, many patients explore private options to align surgery and rehab with personal timelines.

Ask your care team for current local estimates.

How much does private Tommy John surgery cost in Canada?

While every case is unique, private UCL reconstruction in Canada can cost between $10,000 to $25,000, which generally includes:

• Surgeon fee (and assistant if used) and anesthesia
• Facility fees (OR time, nursing, supplies, equipment)
• Immediate post‑op recovery care and routine early follow‑ups
• Basic sling and initial rehab instructions (varies by clinic)

In the U.S., you can expect to pay CA$13,500 to CA$34,000.

Factors That Influence the Cost

The cost of surgery varies significantly depending on several factors.

• Surgical approach and graft selection: Using your own tendon (autograft) vs donor graft (allograft) affects materials and operative steps.
• Complexity and associated issues: Concomitant procedures (e.g., ulnar nerve transposition) or poor tissue quality can add time and resources.
• Surgeon expertise: FRCSC certification, sports‑elbow fellowship training, and high annual case volume may influence pricing and availability.
• Location: Province and city, as well as hospital‑adjacent vs ambulatory surgical centre, change overheads.
• Add‑ons: Advanced imaging (MRI/CT), nerve studies, bracing, cold‑therapy devices, and structured physiotherapy packages.

If you decide to pursue private surgery in Canada or pay out of pocket in the US, you should confirm what is covered, and what's not covered in the all-in cost.

Is private surgery covered by insurance?

Public plans (OHIP, MSP, etc.) do not cover private‑pay Tommy John surgery performed outside the public system in Canada. That means if you go the private route in Canada or go out of country, it is not eligible for public coverage.

That said, some of the cost may be eligible for coverage under extended benefits, worker's compensation, and the Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC):

• Extended benefits and workers’ compensation: Some plans may support elements like diagnostics, bracing, or physiotherapy. Occupational or sport‑related coverage varies—confirm with your insurer or WCB/WSIB.
• Tax considerations: Many patients track eligible, unreimbursed costs for Canada’s METC. Keep itemized invoices, proof of payment, and travel logs. Read more on how to claim the METC here.

For more details on financing private surgery in Canada, see here.

Legal and regulatory considerations

Private surgery has always been legal in Canada, even after the Canada Health Act in 1984. However, there are several important considerations:

1. No private pay for covered procedures in your home province. If a surgery is covered in your province, then you must go out-of-province in order to get surgery. The one exception is if the surgeon has opted out of the public healthcare system.
2. You can pay privately for uninsured procedures. If your province does not cover a procedure, then it is considered elective, and you can get surgery in your home province (i.e. breast augmentation, liposuction, etc.).

Your surgeon must be licensed in the province where care is delivered. Facilities should be accredited, with qualified anesthesia and a hospital transfer plan. Reputable providers share clear information on scope, costs, and risks. You should never be pressured to bypass regulations or make rushed decisions.

For more information on the legality of private surgery in Canada, see here.

Weighing the benefits beyond cost

There are a number of reasons Canadians pursue private Tommy John surgery, but the three main ones are faster access, control, and clarity.

• Faster access can protect long‑term function. For athletes and manual workers, earlier stabilization may reduce secondary issues from altered mechanics.
• Private surgery offers you control because you choose your surgeon: choose based on experience, location, approach, and general connection.
• Clarity on timing helps you manage school, contracts, family schedules, and team commitments with less stress.

How to Explore Your Options with Surgency

We were founded by a Canadian physician who still practices in the public healthcare system, in order to help patients compare private surgical options safely and confidently.

• Browse providers: See accredited clinics and surgeon credentials across provinces.
• Compare transparently: Location, experience, and sometimes cost guidance in one place.
• Book consults online: Start virtually to confirm fit before you travel.

Visit our app today.

Step‑by‑step

1. Gather your records: Imaging reports, consult notes, medication list, and a brief history of your elbow injury.
2. Explore options: Compare providers and locations that match your timing and support network.
3. Request an itemized estimate: Surgeon, facility, anesthesia, graft/device, diagnostics, follow‑ups—plus what could change.
4. Confirm the plan: Surgical approach, rehab milestones, in‑city stay (often several days), and virtual follow‑ups after you return home.
5. Prepare logistics: Travel, accommodations near the clinic, and early‑phase help for daily living.
6. Keep documentation: Receipts and travel logs for potential METC claims.

Conclusion

Wait times for Tommy John surgery can be lengthy, and eligibility may vary by province. Private options in Canada provide choice and timing control.

Make an informed decision: understand the costs, verify credentials, and secure a clear rehab plan. When you’re ready, explore vetted options and schedule your first consult through Surgency so you can move from waiting to healing with confidence.