Knee replacement cost in NZ: Prices, wait times, and insurance

What is knee replacement surgery?

Knee replacement surgery (knee arthroplasty) involves replacing damaged areas of your knee joint with artificial parts made from metal and plastic. The goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and help you return to everyday life.

There are two main types of surgery:

• Partial knee replacement – only the damaged part of the knee joint is replaced
• Total knee replacement – the entire knee joint is replaced.

Surgeons usually recommend knee arthroplasty when other non-surgical options, like physiotherapy, medications, or injections, no longer work and the patient continues to experience severe pain, reduced mobility, and diminished quality of life.

Common medical reasons for knee surgery include:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis 
• Traumatic arthritis (arthritis caused by a previous injury).

After surgery, you’ll typically stay in hospital for 2 to 4 nights, depending on your general health and progress. Recovery from knee replacement surgery takes time. Many people can return to sedentary jobs after 6 to 8 weeks; however, if your work requires walking, travelling, bending, and lifting, it can take a few months before you’re ready to go back.

Cost of private knee replacement in New Zealand

According to claims figures from nib and Southern Cross, a knee replacement can cost $25,000 - $33,300. 

The exact price will depend on factors including: 

• Charges for the surgical theatre, nursing care, and hospital stay
• Surgeon’s fee
• Anaesthetist’s fee
• Implant cost
• Extent and complexity of the surgery
• Patient’s health and physical attributes.

Other costs to consider

Beyond the surgery itself, there are additional expenses and financial implications you should plan for:

• Rehabilitation and physiotherapy
• Medications and follow-up appointments
• Time off work. Depending on your job, you may need several weeks or months away from work. This could mean a temporary loss of income.

If you have health insurance, check with your insurer or broker if some or all costs are covered. If you have income or mortgage protection insurance, ask whether your recovery period qualifies for benefits. This could help replace lost income and ease financial pressure while you focus on healing.

Getting knee replacement surgery through the public health system

If you choose the public health system, you won’t pay for knee replacement surgery. The downside is often a lengthy wait, and for many patients, this means living with ongoing pain and disruption to everyday life.

Does ACC cover knee replacement surgery?

Yes, but only if it is due to an injury covered by ACC, such as an accident at work or in daily life. Illnesses and age-related conditions, such as osteoarthritis, are not covered.

What is the average waiting time for a knee replacement?

Based on data published by RNZ, as of the end of January 2025, 3,300 patients were on public hospitals’ waiting lists for knee replacement surgery. 

Average wait times varied widely depending on location. Christchurch was the only hospital meeting the target to treat patients within 4 months, where the average wait was 107 days. Grey Base Hospital and Southland Hospital patients faced the longest average waiting times: 443 days and 721 days, respectively. 

In some areas, the Clinical Priority Assessment Criteria (CPAC) score needed to get on the waiting list for elective surgery is very high. This means you may need to be in worse condition before qualifying. 

The impact of long wait times on quality of life is huge. Patients are in pain, have difficulty sleeping, and are unable to work, enjoy hobbies, or maintain an active lifestyle. Some rely on strong pain medication for long periods, which can bring side effects of its own. For others, the uncertainty of when or if they’ll get treatment leaves them feeling frustrated and isolated.

Can insurance help with knee replacement costs?

Knee replacement is a big operation, and the costs of private care can be significant. The best comprehensive health insurance plans can cover many expenses, including surgery, hospital care, surgeon and anaesthetist fees, scans, physiotherapy, and even treatments for complications. Insurance also spares you months or years of painful waiting and allows you to plan your treatment and recovery around your life, work, and family.

Everyday health plans usually exclude major procedures like knee replacement, so for this level of protection, you’ll need a comprehensive health plan. It’s best to take out cover before health issues arise, as long-term knee problems may be treated as pre-existing conditions and subject to cover exclusions or restrictions. If you’re weighing up your options, a Policywise adviser can explain the fine print and compare suitable policies for you or your family.

Other types of insurance may also help, depending on your situation:

• Trauma insurance – pays a lump sum if you’re diagnosed with a covered condition, such as severe rheumatoid arthritis, which you can use towards surgery or living costs
• Disablement insurance – provides a lump sum if you become permanently disabled and unable to work due to illness or injury. You can use it to fund your surgery and ongoing living expenses
• Income protection cover or mortgage protection insurance – pays a monthly benefit if you can’t work due to illness or injury. This may not fully cover surgery, but it can help with ongoing bills and recovery costs.

RECOMMENDED READINGS

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

Cost of private surgery in New Zealand

What type of insurance do I need?

How to keep your knees healthy

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