Hip Replacement Surgery: Should You Stick With the NHS, or go Private?

NHS waiting lists for hip replacement surgery remain stubbornly long. As of early 2026, the average patient in England waits 27.4 weeks from GP referral to treatment – and for many, the wait is considerably longer. Meanwhile, just 61.6% of patients are being seen within the NHS Constitution’s 18-week target.

If you are living with hip pain that is affecting your sleep, your ability to move freely, or your quality of life, that wait can feel unbearable. More and more people over 50 are exploring whether private surgery is a realistic option.

This guide explains what private hip replacement surgery involves, what it costs in 2026, and how to decide whether sticking with the NHS or going private makes sense for you.

Compare the Cost of Hip Replacement Surgery in the UK

The cost of private hip replacement surgery in the UK currently ranges from around £12,500 to £18,500, depending on where you live, the hospital you choose, your surgeon’s fee, and the type of implant used. London and the South East tend to be at the higher end; the Midlands and North West often offer more competitive pricing.

Here is a summary of typical 2025/26 self-pay prices by region, based on data from the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN):

These figures are for a standard total hip replacement package and typically include the surgeon’s fee, anaesthetist, hospital accommodation (including a private room), the implant, nursing care, in-patient physiotherapy, and a follow-up outpatient appointment. Always ask for a written all-inclusive quote before you commit. Our guide to why choose private hip replacement explains exactly what is included in a private package, how to compare providers, and when going private makes financial sense.

NHS vs Private Hip Replacement: The Key Comparison

The table below sets out the key differences between NHS and private treatment as of 2026.

NHS waiting time sources: NHS England RTT data, January 2026. Private cost sources: PHIN 2025/26;

How Can I Fund Private Hip Replacement Surgery?

Private hip surgery can be paid for in a number of ways. The major private hospital groups – Spire Healthcare, Circle Health Group, Nuffield Health, HCA Healthcare, and Ramsay Health Care – all offer all-inclusive self-pay packages with flexible payment plans. Many include interest-free instalment options spread over one to five years, with no deposit required.

Please note: ‘BMI Healthcare’ rebranded as Circle Health Group. Practice Plus Group offers the lowest fixed national price at £12,549 (January 2025); verify current pricing directly with the provider. Always confirm current pricing directly with your chosen provider, as costs vary by hospital location and consultant.

Private medical insurance (PMI) is another option if you hold a policy, though most insurers require the condition to have developed after the policy start date and will not cover pre-existing conditions.

When Does Going Private Make Sense? A Guide for the Over-50s

Going private is not the right choice for everyone. Here are the key questions to ask yourself:

• Are you in significant pain that is disrupting your daily life, sleep, or mental wellbeing?
• Is your NHS wait estimated at more than 6 months?
• Can you access the funds – either savings, a payment plan, or insurance?
• Have you exhausted conservative treatments such as physiotherapy, weight management, and anti-inflammatory medication?

If the answer to all four is yes, private treatment is worth serious consideration. Many surgeons work in both NHS and private settings, so you may be able to choose the same consultant you would see on the NHS – simply sooner.

What Are the Benefits of Going Private for a Hip Replacement?

Beyond the shorter wait, private hip replacement offers a number of additional advantages:

• Choice of consultant – you select your surgeon rather than being assigned one
• Choice of hospital – you can compare facilities, ratings, and outcomes data
• A private room with en-suite facilities for your entire stay
• Greater continuity of care – you see the same consultant throughout
• One-to-one physiotherapy rather than group sessions
• Access to the latest implants and robotic-assisted surgical techniques
• Flexible appointment times, including evenings and weekends

The Latest Innovations in Hip Replacement Surgery

Private hospitals in particular have been quick to adopt new techniques that can improve precision and speed up recovery:

• Mako robotic-assisted surgery – uses 3D CT scanning and a robotic arm to achieve greater implant accuracy
• Computer-assisted navigation systems – guides the surgeon for more precise implant positioning
• Minimally invasive approaches – smaller incisions, less disruption to surrounding muscle, and often faster recovery
• Dual mobility hip replacement – a specialised design for patients at higher dislocation risk
• Personalised implants – 3D CT modelling can produce custom-fit components for complex cases

What Does the Hip Replacement Operation Involve?

A hip replacement involves removing the damaged portions of the pelvis and femur (thigh bone) and replacing them with prosthetic components made from metal, ceramic, or plastic. The operation typically takes 60-90 minutes under general or spinal anaesthetic, and most patients stay in hospital for two to five days afterwards.

NICE guideline NG157 (last reviewed December 2024) recommends either a posterior or anterolateral approach for primary elective hip replacement, performed in an ultraclean air theatre. Your consultant will advise on the most appropriate technique for your anatomy and lifestyle.

How Long Does Recovery Take After Hip Replacement?

Most patients regain independence and resume light activities within approximately six weeks of surgery. Key recovery milestones:

• Weeks 1-2: Walking with crutches, basic self-care
• Weeks 3-6: Reducing reliance on crutches, gentle walking outdoors
• Months 2-3: Driving again (check with your surgeon), light exercise
• Months 3-6: Return to swimming, cycling, golf
• 1 year+: Full return to most activities

Our detailed guide to physiotherapy after hip replacement covers what to expect at each stage of recovery, including NHS versus private physio options and how to find the right physiotherapist.

Questions to Ask Your GP and Your Private Provider

Questions to ask your GP

• How long is the current NHS waiting time at my local trust for hip replacement?
• Am I on the active waiting list, or still at the assessment stage?
• Would a GP referral letter help me access private care quickly?
• Are there any funding schemes (such as NHS Right to Choose) that could allow me to move to a faster trust?

Questions to ask a private provider

• Is the quoted price fully all-inclusive – surgeon, anaesthetist, implant, physio, and follow-up?
• What complication cover is included, and for how long?
• Which consultant would perform my surgery, and what is their NJR (National Joint Registry) outcomes record?
• What implant will be used, and what is its proven longevity?
• Is robotic-assisted or computer-navigated surgery available, and what is the additional cost?
• What 0% finance options are available, and over what term?

NHS or Private – The Bottom Line

The NHS remains a remarkable institution and, for many, the right choice for hip replacement surgery. If your wait is manageable and your pain is controlled, there is no reason not to wait. But the NHS Constitution’s promise of treatment within 18 weeks is not currently being met for most patients, and a 27-week average wait is a long time when you are in significant pain.

Private surgery is not about ‘jumping the queue’. By choosing private care, you may actually free up an NHS slot for someone who has no other option. The private and NHS systems complement each other, and many of the same surgeons work in both.

Use our hospital and surgeon directory to compare costs, ratings, and outcomes data in your area. compare hip replacement hospitals and surgeons

Ready to explore your options? Use The Best of Health’s hospital and surgeon finder to compare hip replacement providers in your area, or join our Facebook community where thousands of over-50s share their experiences of NHS and private healthcare.

This article is for information only. Always consult your GP or a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.