Published UK private hospital prices, September 2026.
NHS orthopaedic waits were around 14 weeks median in mid-2026.
What's usually included
Packages usually cover surgery, anaesthetist, hospital stay, implant, discharge medicines, follow-ups and physiotherapy. The initial consultation and diagnostic scans are often extra.
Example published prices
- Practice Plus Group: £13,799 (source)
- Nuffield Health Leeds: £17,445 guide price including consultation (source)
- Circle Reading: from £18,400 (source)
- PHIN average package prices: £14,341 (Glasgow) to £18,236 (Cambridge) (source)
Prices are published "from" or guide prices and can change. Your consultant, the hospital, London location and medical complexity can all raise the final cost — always ask for a written, all-inclusive quote.
Self-pay or health insurance?
Paying yourself makes sense if you need one known procedure now — health insurance won't cover a condition you already have. Insurance is designed for what might happen in future: it spreads the cost of unexpected diagnosis and treatment into a monthly premium. See our guide to self-pay vs health insurance, or estimate what cover would cost you.
Read more about knee osteoarthritis: symptoms, waiting times and treatment.
Questions and answers
How much does a private knee replacement cost in the UK?
A private knee replacement typically costs £13,500–£20,000 in the UK, depending on the hospital, the surgeon and whether robotic-assisted surgery is used. Prices vary by hospital, consultant and location, so always ask for a written, all-inclusive quote.
What's included in the price of a private knee replacement?
Packages usually cover surgery, anaesthetist, hospital stay, implant, discharge medicines, follow-ups and physiotherapy. The initial consultation and diagnostic scans are often extra.
Will health insurance pay for a knee replacement?
If you have private health insurance and the condition started after your policy began, your insurer will usually cover it, subject to your policy terms, limits and excess. Conditions you had before taking out cover are normally excluded, so insurance won't help with treatment you already need.
Can I get a knee replacement on the NHS instead?
NHS orthopaedic waits were around 14 weeks median in mid-2026. Ask your GP about your NHS options, including choosing where you're treated.
Can I spread the cost of private treatment?
Many private hospitals offer finance or payment plans for self-pay patients. Check the interest rate and terms carefully before agreeing.
Other treatment costs
- Hip replacement
- Cataract surgery
- Inguinal hernia repair
- MRI scan
- Colonoscopy
- Gastroscopy (upper endoscopy)
- Gallbladder removal
- Carpal tunnel release
- Knee arthroscopy
- Varicose vein treatment
- Adult tonsillectomy
- Private GP appointment
- Private consultant appointment