How Much Does Knee Surgery Cost Without Insurance?

Deciding to have a surgical procedure of any sort is a big deal. It’s not a decision to take lightly and often creates enormous stress for the patient in question.

If you’re at the stage of looking into knee replacement cost or insurance coverage for your own needs (regardless of whether the insurer will pay or not), then read on.

So how much does knee surgery cost without insurance?

Knowing the costs involved if the insurance won’t pay out is, of course, essential.

This does happen, sadly – and it’s a traumatic experience when it does. So it’s better to be prepared and have all your answers at the ready.

How much does knee surgery cost without insurance

Insurance company

As with any intelligent thinker, knowing your insurance coverage (or lack of it) before you commence surgery is the best way forward.

That’s not to say that circumstances don’t change; things happen, and life throws its curveballs.

Those medical bills can swallow you whole if you’re unprepared!

So – let’s say the insurance won’t pay for your treatment. It sucks, but life continues.

Depending on who you’re with, you can still get help from your insurance provider or Medicare coverage, and you’re entitled to ask for this.

You may think I’m naive in saying that, but an insurance provider can give advice even if they can’t provide monetary coverage for your healthcare costs.

Therefore, use them to your advantage. They will (at least) have some idea of what the costs will be.

Private health insurance providers can offer advice and recommendations, and they do!

They may answer many of your questions regarding additional fees and hospital costs associated with knee replacement surgeries.

This in turn could offer you peace of mind in the grand scheme of things.

Cost of knee replacement surgery

To give you a ballpark figure, the average price of total knee replacement surgery in the US is in the region of $50k-$70k.

It’s certainly not cheap.

Realistically, it’s a figure that some people don’t even earn in a year.

Plus, there may be further hospital charges on top of that.

The work doesn’t end once the knee replacement surgery costs are paid, either.

Prescription drugs and physical therapy are likely needed to get you walking again over a period of many months so total costs can be far higher in some circumstances.

Payment plan

Be sure to ask your healthcare providers about any assistance programs they offer. Most places offer monthly payments to help break down the costs for example.

Do this before you sign on the line for surgery to budget correctly.

Make sure you have everything in writing before you have the procedure done.

Price transparency is crucial for patients who cannot have their knee surgery costs covered by their insurer.

Healthcare providers are used to listing surgical costs and the overall hospital bill in advance and will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Of course, there may also be government programs that can help fund this with you, and hospitals often have discounts or payment help available.

Follow-up visits

Also, make yourself aware of the cost estimates for physical therapists post-procedure.

These will likely happen as outpatient services and can really ramp up the overall bill.

There are several factors to consider when it comes to having a joint replacement and post-op care is one of them.

The aim of any surgery is to improve the patient’s quality of life – but in the case of knee replacements – ongoing rehab is essential to gain as good a range of motion as possible.

So, in short, don’t ever skip the post-procedure rehab!

If you are an uninsured patient, then again, do your research and get a well-calculated summary of the entire cost of your procedure and recovery plan (before having it done.)

Best option

It may be difficult to accept the situation when your insurer won’t pay for your medical costs.

This is seriously disappointing – and it’s understandable to feel upset.

But do remember – the most important thing is your health. Whether you need to take out loans or work multiple jobs to cover the cost of a knee replacement procedure and the corresponding follow-up rehab, then so be it.

The potential risks of not having the surgery are somewhat more significant than your insurer not paying out.

Try to put it down to experience and move forward in the right direction with the right mindset.

Your overall health is number one. So, focus on that and keep going. And remember, ask any questions you have or share any concerns with your healthcare provider. They are there to help, after all.

I hope you found this post insightful.

Thanks for reading! Why not consider checking out some of my other posts on knees and knee health here.