Hip replacement costs in NZ and how insurance can help

What is hip replacement surgery?

Your hip joint comprises the pelvic socket (acetabulum) and the ball at the top of your thigh bone (femur). 

Hip replacement surgery (hip arthroplasty) removes damaged sections of your hip joint and replaces them with artificial parts made from metal, ceramic, or plastic, with the objective of reducing pain and improving mobility. 

A hip replacement may be recommended if hip pain and stiffness affect your sleep and daily life, and other non-surgical solutions have not worked. Some medical conditions that may cause hip damage include:

• Osteoarthritis (most common): Often called wear-and-tear arthritis, it damages the cartilage that covers the ends of bones, leading to painful, stiff joints as bones rub against each other.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the tissue lining the joints. The resulting inflammation can erode the cartilage and sometimes even the underlying bone.
• Osteonecrosis (avascular necrosis): Occurs when blood supply to the ball of the hip joint is reduced or cut off, possibly due to a dislocation, fracture, or a medical condition.
• Injury-related damage: A fall, accident, or trauma can damage the cartilage or bone, causing long-term pain and stiffness.

Recovery times vary from person to person. You’ll usually stay in hospital for about 3-5 days. Most people can resume light, everyday activities within 3-6 weeks, with a return to sedentary work around 6-8 weeks. More physical jobs or hobbies may require a longer recovery period. Sticking to your post-surgery exercise plan is key to regaining strength and mobility.

Hip replacement cost in New Zealand: Private vs public

If you choose to have a hip replacement done privately in New Zealand, expect to pay around $22,000-$40,000 based on multiple insurers’ claims figures. The exact cost will depend on where you have the surgery, the surgeon you choose, and the complexity of your case. Even though it’s a significant cost, going private means you can avoid the long waits and strict threshold criteria in the public health system.

Factors affecting the cost of private hip replacement surgery

• Hospital or facility fees, e.g., the operating theatre, recovery room, and hospital stay
• Surgeon and assistant fees
• Anaesthesia and anaesthetist’s fee
• Implant costs
• Therapy and equipment, such as in-hospital physiotherapy, walking aids, or other devices
• Patient-specific factors: previous surgeries, abnormal anatomy, or other complications that may make the operation more challenging.

In addition, you’ll pay for post-surgery care, including follow-up appointments and physiotherapy. You also need to factor in the income you’d lose while you can’t work for several weeks or possibly months.

Getting hip replacement surgery through the public health system

Hip replacement surgery may be covered by the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) but only for specific situations, such as accidents. ACC won’t cover conditions related to ageing and illnesses. 

Kiwis can also have their hip replacement done for free in the public health system. Unfortunately, waiting times for elective surgery in public hospitals are long. Added to this is the need to meet a high score in the prioritisation tool (suggesting a worse condition and thus a greater need for treatment) to get on the waiting list. 

Based on data published by RNZ, as of the end of January 2025, 4,600 patients were on public hospitals’ waiting lists for hip replacement. The average wait time for hip replacement in public hospitals ranged from 128 days to 444 days, longer than the 4-month target to provide treatment. 

Long waits can have serious consequences. Some patients are unable to work or enjoy their hobbies and suffer worsening joint damage, meaning they have to rely on painkillers to get by. Others who can’t be accepted for surgery are forced to pay privately, even if it means dipping into their savings or retirement funds. Those whose insurance can cover their operation or condition may opt to have private surgery to get their life back sooner without worrying about the costs.

How insurance can help cover hip replacement costs

A hip replacement is a major operation. For patients with comprehensive health insurance, these costs can be significantly reduced or even fully covered, depending on their policy. Cover can include the surgery itself, hospital stay, surgeon and anaesthetist fees, diagnostic scans, physiotherapy, and treatment for complications. 

Just as importantly, health insurance provides patients faster access to care, letting you plan your surgery and recovery around your work and family life rather than suffer while waiting.

Everyday health plans don’t usually cover major surgery. And if you already have hip problems when you apply for cover, these may be excluded as pre-existing conditions, so it’s crucial to get cover before issues arise. If you’re looking to get insurance for yourself or your loved ones, a knowledgeable broker like Policywise can help you compare policies that cover major surgeries as well as explain other benefits and exclusions.

Depending on your condition, you might already have other types of insurance that can help. 

• Trauma insurance: Pays a tax-free lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a covered condition, such as severe rheumatoid arthritis. You can use it for surgery and other medical costs, household bills, or to contribute towards replacing lost income due to your condition.
• Disablement insurance: Provides a lump sum if you’re permanently disabled and unable to work due to illness or injury. Helps with ongoing living and medical expenses.
• Income cover or mortgage protection insurance: Pays a monthly benefit while you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. This amount may not be sufficient to pay for a private hip replacement, but it helps fund your medical and living costs while you can’t work.

RECOMMENDED READINGS

Long waiting lists in NZ's public health system: Causes and impacts on patients

How much does a private surgery cost in New Zealand?

What insurance do I need? Types of insurance

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