11 Jan 2025
10 min read

How Much Does Private Surgery Cost in Canada?

Is private surgery in Canada just for the wealthy? Or is it more accessible than you think?

With growing wait times in the public system, more Canadians are exploring private options. This article breaks down the real costs of private surgery in Canada, compares them to out-of-country options, and reveals the hidden costs of waiting.
The founder of Surgency, Dr Sean Haffey smiling
Dr. Sean Haffey
Family Physician & Founder
Header image

In this article, you’ll find:

  • Introduction
  • Why Compare Private Surgical Costs in Canada and Abroad?
  • Average Private Surgery Prices in Canada (2025)
  • What Does Surgery Cost Outside Canada?
  • The Hidden Costs of Waiting for Surgery
  • Public vs Private Surgery: Cost Comparison Chart
  • Final Thoughts: Is Private Surgery in Canada Worth It?
  • Sources Cited

Why Compare Private Surgical Costs in Canada?

Public waitlists for joint replacements, gynecologic procedures, and urologic 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.

Average Private Surgery Prices in Canada (2025)

The following chart outlines estimated costs for common procedures performed in private Canadian surgical centres.

Surgery Type

Estimated Cost (CAD)

Hip Replacement
$20,000 – $34,0001
Knee Replacement
$20,000 – $28,0002
Hysterectomy
$14,000 – $20,0003
Urologic Procedures
$4,000 – $10,0004
Cosmetic Surgeries
$7,500 – $36,000+5

Note: Prices vary by province, clinic, and surgical approach.

What Does Private Surgery Cost Outside Canada?

Many patients consider medical tourism to access more timely surgical care. Here’s how average prices compare for major procedures:

Surgery Type

U.S. Price (CAD)

Mexico/Costa Rica (CAD)

Hip Replacement
$40,000 – $70,000
$15,000 – $18,000
Knee Replacement
$35,000 – $60,000
$13,000 – $17,000
Hysterectomy
$10,000 – $20,000
$8,000 – $12,000

Note: Costs sourced from major international health travel networks and medical tourism facilitators.⁶

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.

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.

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.

Factor

Private (Canada)

USA

Mexico

Public (Wait 12+ months)

Cost (e.g. Knee Replacement)
$20,000
$50,000+
$15,000
$0 (12–24 mo wait)
Wait Time
1–4 weeks
1–2 weeks
1–2 weeks
12–24 months
International Travel Required?
No
Yes
Yes
No
Continuity of Care
High
Moderate
Low
High
Risk of Complications
Low
Varies
Higher
Low
Cost of Waiting (Income)
$0
$0
$0
$40,000 – $100,000+

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
  • Ensures regulated, high-quality follow-up
  • Provides continuity with local healthcare professionals
  • Removes concerns of foreign exchange fluctuations

Interest in paying privately for surgery, but want to know more about how to pay for it? Explore our guide on how Canadians can finance out-of-pocket medical expenses.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Surgency helps Canadians navigate private surgery with transparency and ease.

Footnotes

  1. How Much Does a Private Hip Replacement Cost in Canada? – Dr. John Antoniou
  2. How Much is Knee Replacement Surgery in Canada? – Acibadem Healthcare
  3. Private Hysterectomy in Canada vs USA – Health Vantis
  4. Urology Services – Surgical Solutions Network
  5. Plastic Surgery Costs in Canada – McRae Plastic Surgery
  6. Aggregated data from Healthbase.com, SatoriWorldMedical.com, and PlacidWay.com
The founder of Surgency, Dr Sean Haffey smiling
Dr. Sean Haffey
Family Physician & Founder