Hip replacement surgery

Learn about the surgical procedure, costs and recovery for hip replacement.

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What is hip replacement?1

Hip replacement is a type of surgery to replace damaged parts of the hip with man-made parts. The most common reason for a hip replacement is to treat osteoarthritis of the hip.

Hip replacement is usually recommended to treat severe pain or disability and when other treatments have not helped. A hip replacement can reduce pain, improve mobility and improve quality of life.

There are two types of hip replacement – partial and total.

  1. A partial hip replacement only replaces the ball on the end of the thigh bone.
  2. A total hip replacement means the ball of the thigh bone and the hip joint socket are both replaced.

The medical term for hip replacement is hip arthroplasty.

Man holds back with hip joint pain

Signs you might need hip replacement1

Hip replacements are usually only considered if lifestyle changes, medicines and other treatments like physiotherapy are not helping.

Here are some signs that your hip may need some kind of treatment:

  • Severe joint damage from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
  • Hip pain that has lasted a long time and makes moving difficult
  • Hip pain that makes it difficult for you to look after yourself and is affecting your daily activities
  • Hip pain that doesn’t improve with rest, physiotherapy or medications

Alternatives to hip replacement2

Depending on your individual circumstances you may be recommended to try a combination of the following before considering a hip replacement;

  • Non-impact or low-impact exercise
  • Weight loss
  • Physiotherapy
  • Pain medications

Related: Stand up to Joint Pain Take more control of your osteoarthritis symptoms with a personalised online and telehealth physiotherapy program. Eligible HBF members get access at no cost. Explore the program

Man riding exercise bike as a hip replacement alternative
Man with hip replacement walking

How long does a hip replacement last?1

Hip replacements usually last 15 years or more.

All joint replacements eventually need to be replaced. The younger you are when you have the hip replacement, the more likely you are to need revision surgery.

Ensuring you follow exercise recommendations and maintain a healthy weight will help increase the lifespan of the new hip.

Related: The GLA:D Program®Reduce hip osteoarthritis symptoms and move more confidently with this evidence-based1 program that uses in clinic group exercise and education sessions delivered by a trained physiotherapist. Eligible HBF members get access at no cost. Call 1300 886 513

Hip replacement recovery1

Most patients leave hospital a few days after hip replacement surgery. For a few weeks following surgery, crutches, a cane or a walking frame are usually needed.

After about 3 months you should be able to do most of your normal activities. Typically, joint strength and flexibility gradually recovers over a 12-month period. Seeing a physiotherapist and doing the recommended rehabilitation exercises can help speed up recovery.

Private health insurance can help with physiotherapy costs too, if you get extras cover that includes physiotherapy.

Related: Osteoarthritis Healthy Weight for LifeGet help managing knee and hip osteoarthritis symptoms with a guided 18‑week program which supports weight loss, increased mobility and better pain management. Eligible HBF members get access with no cost. Explore the program

Man on crutches recovering from hip replacement

Getting a hip replacement at a public vs private hospital

It’s important to understand how getting your procedure in a public or private hospital differs.

Question
Public system (Without health insurance)
Private system (With health insurance)

Will I avoid public hospital waiting lists?

  • No.
  • Yes.

Will I be able to choose my hospital?

  • No.
  • Yes.

Will I be able to choose my doctor or surgeon?

  • No.
  • Yes.

Will I have out-of-pocket costs?

  • No.
  • Yes.

What is the cost of hip replacement surgery?

In a public hospital

In a public hospital, hip replacement surgery is covered by Medicare for eligible residents.

Once you are discharged from hospital, you may still need to pay out-of-pocket for things like medicines and physiotherapy.

In a private hospital

In a private hospital, private health insurance can cover some costs of hip replacement surgery.

You may have an out-of-pocket cost if you use private hospital cover when you get treatment. You can minimise some of these costs by choosing a hospital and specialist that have agreements with your health insurer.

If you have an excess on your cover, you will have to pay for that out of pocket.

What is hospital excess?

What is an out-of-pocket cost?

How to find health cover for hip replacement surgery

Minimise your costs

Ask your GP for an open referral

Your GP is the one who’ll most likely refer you to a specialist – but they may not recommend the specialist you’d want to perform your surgery. Asking for an open referral can let you:

  • Choose your own specialist.
  • Find a specialist with good availability who can perform treatment at the hospital you prefer.
  • Find a specialist that you trust to perform your surgery.
  • Find a specialist with minimum out-of-pocket expenses for you.

Find an orthopaedic surgeon with minimum out-of-pocket costs

To find orthopaedic surgeons who work with HBF, just search for ‘orthopaedic surgeon’ in our find a provider tool.

  • Look for the “Full Cover” tick mark or “Access Gap Cover” tick mark.
  • These specialists will help minimise your out-of-pocket cost.

Find a provider

If you’ve already started working with a specialist

If you’ve already got a specialist, ask them these questions:

  • Do you have a Full Cover or No Gap agreement with HBF?
    If they don’t, you may need to consider if their fees work with your budget.
  • What hospital(s) do you operate in?
    You can then check if the hospital has a Full Cover or No Gap agreement with HBF.
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