
Most health insurance plans do cover hip replacement surgery, but the extent of coverage can vary greatly depending on the plan and provider.
In the United States, Medicare covers hip replacement surgery, including hospital stays, doctor fees, and physical therapy.
Many private health insurance plans also cover hip replacement surgery, but may have higher deductibles and copays than Medicare.
The average cost of hip replacement surgery can range from $40,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the type of surgery and hospital.
Health Insurance Coverage
Health insurance coverage for hip replacement surgery varies depending on the policy and provider, but most plans cover the procedure. In India, for example, Orthopaedic Surgery is considered a common medical procedure and is usually covered under health insurance policies.
Most health insurance policies cover Orthopaedic procedures, including hip replacement surgery, and also cover pre and post-hospitalisation costs. However, the coverage limit is usually subject to the sum insured limit, so it's essential to review your policy to understand what's covered and what's not.
In the US, Medicare Part B covers medical expenses such as doctor's fees for the initial evaluation and post-op visits, surgery in an outpatient surgical facility, and outpatient physical therapy. You may be responsible for paying the Part B deductible and 20% of the Medicare-approved costs.
Medicare Part A, on the other hand, covers hospital insurance, including semi-private room, meals, and nursing care during your stay. It also covers the first 100 days of in-patient care, including physical therapy.
Here's a breakdown of the typical expenses covered by health insurance for hip replacement surgery:
- Inpatient care, including room rent, nurse charges, and OT charges
- Expenses related to medical supplies during hospitalisation
- Doctor's consultation fees
- Cost of prosthetics or implants
- Diagnostic tests and prescription medicines
- Pre and post-hospitalisation expenses
- Ambulance charges as specified in the policy
It's essential to review your policy to understand what's covered and what's not, and to consider factors such as co-payments and deductibles.
Cost and Payment
Health insurance can cover a significant portion of the costs associated with hip replacement surgery, but the specifics can vary greatly depending on the policy and provider. In most cases, health insurance policies cover Orthopaedic procedures, including hip replacement surgery, and also cover pre and post-hospitalisation costs.
The coverage limit of a health insurance policy is usually equivalent to the sum insured, which is why it's essential to select a plan with a reasonably high sum insured to avoid incurring additional expenses. A lower sum insured may not adequately cover the medical expenses you incur.
Medicare, on the other hand, covers 80% of hip replacement surgery costs if the procedure is deemed medically necessary by a doctor, with the patient responsible for the remaining 20%. Some Medicare Advantage plans may provide extra coverage, including coverage for post-operative durable medical equipment such as a cane or in-home grab bars.
Here are some common expenses covered by health insurance plans for hip replacement surgery:
- Inpatient care including room rent, nurse charges, OT charges, etc.
- Expenses related to medical supplies during hospitalisation
- Doctor’s consultation fees
- Cost of prosthetics or implants
- Diagnostic tests and prescription medicines
- Pre and post-hospitalisation expenses
- Ambulance charges as specified in the policy
Post Costs
Post Costs can be a significant concern after undergoing hip replacement surgery. Medicare Part B may cover medical expenses such as doctor's fees for the initial evaluation and post-op visits, surgery in an outpatient surgical facility, and outpatient physical therapy.

You may be responsible for paying the Part B deductible, which was $185 in 2019, and 20% of the Medicare-approved costs. Medicare Part B may also cover your post-operative durable medical equipment (DME) such as a cane or in-home grab bars.
The costs of post-hospitalisation expenses, including medical supplies, doctor's consultation fees, and diagnostic tests, may be covered under a mediclaim or health insurance plan. A mediclaim plan may cover expenses related to prosthetics or implants, as well as pre and post-hospitalisation expenses.
Medicare Advantage plans may provide extra coverage for post-hospitalisation expenses, and Medicare Supplement plans may cover your copayments for devices. Some Medicare Advantage plans may also have an OTC or over-the-counter benefit to help offset costs related to pain medication and other items needed for recovery.
The costs of physical therapy, which may be necessary after hip replacement surgery, may be covered under Medicare Part B, as long as it is deemed medically necessary. The scope of coverage may differ from insurer to insurer, with some plans covering all major surgical procedures, including hip replacement surgery.
Here is a list of common expenses covered by mediclaim for hip replacement surgery:
- Inpatient care including room rent, nurse charges, OT charges, etc.
- Expenses related to medical supplies during hospitalisation
- Doctor’s consultation fees
- Cost of prosthetics or implants
- Diagnostic tests and prescription medicines
- Pre and post-hospitalisation expenses
- Ambulance charges as specified in the policy
Cost in India

In India, orthopaedic surgery costs can be substantial due to the complexity of procedures involved.
A Knee Replacement Surgery can cost around Rs. 2 lakhs, as seen in the case of Raj, a 23-year-old footballer who underwent the procedure.
Hip Replacement Surgery, on the other hand, can cost even more, with Sivaraman, a 70-year-old, paying around Rs. 3 lakhs for the surgery.
These costs can be a significant burden, especially for those who may not have adequate medical insurance coverage.
Types of Surgeries and Approaches
Hip replacement surgery is a major operation that involves replacing the damaged or arthritic hip joint with an artificial one. Hip replacement surgery is a common treatment for hip fractures, which can occur due to osteoporosis or bone thinning.
Some of the approaches used in hip replacement surgery include anterior approach, posterior approach, and direct lateral approach. The choice of approach depends on the individual's condition and the surgeon's preference.
In addition to hip replacement surgery, other types of surgeries are performed on the hip joint, such as osteotomy, which involves cutting and realigning the bone to relieve pressure on the joint.
Types of Surgeries
Orthopaedic surgeries are a crucial part of musculoskeletal treatment, and they can be performed on various regions of the body, including the shoulder, hip, spine, ankle, wrist, knee, and elbow.
Shoulder replacement surgery is one such treatment, which involves replacing the damaged or arthritic joint with an artificial one. This can greatly improve mobility and reduce pain.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery is another common treatment for knee injuries, specifically for ACL tears. This surgery aims to restore knee stability and function.
Shoulder arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows surgeons to examine and repair damaged tissues within the shoulder joint. It's often used to treat shoulder impingement, rotator cuff tears, and other conditions.
Knee replacement surgery is a major procedure that involves replacing the damaged or arthritic knee joint with an artificial one. This can significantly improve knee function and reduce pain.
Spinal surgeries, such as osteotomy, are performed to correct spinal deformities or degenerative conditions. Osteotomy involves cutting and realigning the bone to improve spinal alignment and reduce pain.
Hip replacement surgery is a common treatment for hip arthritis and other conditions, involving the replacement of the damaged joint with an artificial one. This can greatly improve hip mobility and reduce pain.
Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows surgeons to examine and repair damaged tissues within the knee joint. It's often used to treat knee injuries, such as meniscal tears and ligament sprains.
Joint arthroscopy is a similar procedure to knee arthroscopy, but it can be performed on other joints, such as the shoulder, elbow, and ankle. This allows surgeons to diagnose and treat a range of joint conditions.
Ankle repair and debridement are other common treatments for ankle injuries and conditions, such as ankle sprains and fractures. Debridement involves removing damaged tissue and debris to promote healing and reduce pain.
Direct Anterior Approach Benefits
The Direct Anterior Approach offers several benefits that make it a popular choice for hip replacement surgery. Dr. Hicken is one of the few surgeons in Southern Utah who uses this approach, and patients travel from far and wide to take advantage of his expertise.
With the Direct Anterior Approach, you can heal faster and with a lower risk of infection. This is because the approach involves less surrounding tissue disruption, as the muscles are simply moved out of the way instead of being cut.
You can expect less pain and a quicker return to an active lifestyle with the Direct Anterior Approach. Some patients have even reported returning to activities like snowboarding just six weeks after surgery.
Golf, cycling, and hiking are also pretty quick to resume after a Direct Anterior Approach hip replacement. This is because the approach reduces the risk of dislocation after surgery, making it easier to get back to your favorite activities.
When and Why Surgery is Necessary
If you're experiencing persistent pain, loss of function, sleep disturbance, and limited mobility, it's time to consider hip replacement surgery. These symptoms are common indicators that surgery may be necessary.
Osteoarthritis, hip injuries, and other conditions can cause the hip to deteriorate, making surgery a viable option. OsteoarthritisRheumatoid ArthritisAvascular NecrosisBone TumorsHip Injuries are all conditions that can lead to hip replacement surgery.
The type of replacement you receive will depend on your doctor's recommendation and your overall health.
Hip replacement surgery can take anywhere from three to six months to fully recover from.
Understanding the Procedure
The hip replacement procedure, also known as total hip replacement, is a common orthopedic procedure.
During the surgery, damaged bones and some soft tissue are removed, and the hip joint is replaced with an implant, which can be ceramic, plastic, or metal.
A traditional replacement involves a 10-12 inch incision on the side of the hip, while less-invasive procedures may only require a three to six inch incision.
Your doctor will determine the best approach for your procedure, so be sure to ask about your options.
The hip joint is made up of a ball and a socket that enables free movement, and a hip replacement surgery involves the replacement of one or both of these parts.
In a traditional replacement, a significant incision is made, whereas less-invasive procedures have a smaller incision.
The type of implant used will depend on the individual's needs and the surgeon's preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would an insurance company deny a hip replacement?
An insurance company may deny a hip replacement claim if it's deemed medically unnecessary or if it doesn't meet the specific requirements outlined in your policy. Review your policy and contact your insurance provider to understand the specific reasons for denial and potential next steps.
Sources
- https://www.acko.com/health-insurance/does-health-insurance-cover-orthopaedic-surgery/
- https://www.careinsurance.com/blog/health-insurance-articles/does-health-insurance-cover-hip-replacement
- https://roi-ut.com/medicare-coverage-for-robotic-assisted-hip-replacement-surgery/
- https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/lcd.aspx
- https://www.medicareplanfinder.com/blog/cost-of-hip-replacement-surgery/
Featured Images: pexels.com