What is the Average Cost of Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee Replacement Surgery Cost in India: What You Should Know

Knee replacement surgeries have become life-changing for people suffering from knee pain and reduced mobility due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or even some injuries. Rehabilitative knee surgery involves replacing a failing knee joint with an artificial joint (prosthesis) to relieve pain, enhance function, and improve quality of life.  
 
However, one common question that arises is, "How much does knee replacement surgery typically cost?" The average cost of knee replacement surgery keeps varying depending on several factors. Read ahead to understand the approximate cost of knee replacement surgery, along with the factors influencing it. 

The Typical Cost for Knee Replacement Surgery

The average total expenses associated with knee replacement surgery in India fluctuate frequently. However, typically, the cost per knee surgery is between ₹1.5 lakhs and ₹5 lakhs, or even higher for each knee.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Knee Replacement Surgery

The cost of knee surgery can vary for numerous reasons. Here are the reasons that affect the cost, explained in detail:

1. Type of Knee Replacement Surgery

Partial and total replacements vary significantly because the former is less expensive than the latter. That is why the cost of replacement surgery influences the different types of knee surgery.

2. Type of Implant

Some implants can also influence the price of the operation. For instance, a metal-on-metal prosthetic implant is more advanced compared to a metal-on-plastic one, so it would increase the price of knee replacement.

3. Patient's Health Condition

Chronic disease patients with hypertension or diabetes will incur a higher surgery cost due to the additional complexity involved with these conditions.

4. Surgical Procedure Type

Various surgical procedures vary in price. Open procedures versus robotic procedures are generally more expensive and would, therefore, be more costly than robotic knee procedures.

5. City Type

Relative to small towns, the operations are expensive in cities and are therefore more costly based on the type of city used. As much as the type of city alters the overall cost, it also makes a significant difference.

6. Surgical Costs

Surgical costs are attributed to the surgeon's skill; more skilled and specialised surgeons charge more than others.

7. Hospital Stay Duration

Costs increase with an extended period of hospital stay. Patients in a hospital usually have their hospital stay duration predetermined depending on their procedure, type of surgery, and recovery rate.

8. Knee Surgery Care

The cost of knee replacement surgery also includes the expenses of post-operative care. 

Does Health Insurance Cover the Cost of a Knee Replacement?

Standard health insurance plans in India typically cover surgical procedures such as knee replacements. These provisions typically include the hospital room, images and other tests, physician fees, consumables, and medication, among others. Most policies also cover expenses incurred before and after hospitalisation.

However, it is essential to note that most health insurance policies have a waiting period of 2 to 4 years before knee replacement surgery is covered. This means that reimbursement for the surgery can only be claimed after the requisite duration has been served.
At Star Health, we also offer coverage for knee replacement surgery under our Star Comprehensive Insurance Policy. This plan offers coverage for all family members under a single sum insured amount, allowing the whole family to use it together. 
It can be purchased by individuals aged 18 to 65 and provides coverage to their dependent children aged 3 months to 25 years. The plan covers additional services, such as inpatient hospitalisation, AYUSH treatment, delivery and newborn expenses, and domiciliary hospitalisation.

In India, the approximate cost of knee replacement surgery is uniform across the country. Still, it may differ regionally based on the hospital, the type of implant used, the surgeon's fees, and the anticipated duration of hospitalisation. Note that this surgery is relatively costly; however, health insurance policies tend to alleviate this burden.