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ACL reconstruction surgery

Get an overview of the out-of-pocket costs associated with your procedure so you know what to expect.

What is an ACL reconstruction?1

An ACL reconstruction is a surgery which replaces a torn ACL – or anterior cruciate ligament – with new ACL graft tissue — either taken from the patient's own body (tissue from the main patellar tendon or the hamstring) or donated from someone else (called an allograft).

The ACL is important in stabilising your knee during movement. When torn, your knee can collapse when making twisting or turning movements. Torn ACLs are often caused by contact sport or skiing injuries.

An ACL reconstruction is usually performed by an orthopaedic surgeon.

How much does an ACL reconstruction cost?

Our out-of-pocket calculator will provide you with a clear understanding of the typical costs associated with this common hospital procedure.

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

QuestionPublic 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.

In a public hospital, ACL reconstruction 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 health services (like physiotherapy or occupational therapy).

In a private hospital, private health insurance can cover some costs of ACL reconstruction 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.

Hospital excess is the amount of money you contribute upfront (out of your own pocket) before you can claim a benefit on hospital treatment. With HBF hospital cover, you choose an excess option when you first get hospital cover, but you can change your excess at any time.

With HBF, you only pay hospital excess once per person, per calendar year (to a maximum of twice on a family policy) when you’re admitted to hospital.

Are you an HBF member? You can check your excess in myHBF or the HBF App. This is the set amount you’ll pay when you’re admitted.

A hospital out-of-pocket cost is the portion of a hospital bill that you pay from your own pocket for which you won’t be reimbursed – by either health insurance or Medicare.

If you want private health insurance cover for ACL reconstruction surgery, look for HBF hospital cover (not extras cover) that includes a category called ‘Joint reconstructions’.

You need to hold hospital cover that includes Joint reconstructions for two months before you can claim for an ACL reconstruction (or 12 months if you need an ACL reconstruction due to a pre-existing condition).

Find hospital cover for ACL reconstructions

Ask your GP for an open referral

Your GP is the one who’ll most likely refer you to a specialist – but you may want the option to choose your own specialist.

Asking for an open referral can let you:

Young woman holding knee

Signs you might need an ACL reconstruction2

Surgery is just one option for treating a torn ACL. Physiotherapy, wearing a knee brace, and other methods can also be very effective.

Reconstruction may be recommended for:

Physiotherapist stretching patient leg

Alternatives to an
ACL reconstruction1

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ACL reconstruction recovery1

Most patients leave hospital one day after an ACL reconstruction.

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

Looking for health insurance? Get a quote in minutes

Compare our hospital and extras cover options now. Or use our recommendation tool to select your needs and find our most affordable cover to suit.

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Further reading

Doctor with notebook
Understand your hospital cover and reduce stress during your stay with our simple hospital guide.
Learn more
Woman having a cup of tea with laptop
Already an HBF member? See what you’re covered for and manage your cover by logging into myHBF.
Learn more
Man looking at xray
Learn about other common hospital procedures, their costs and what recovery might look like.
Learn more

1 Health Direct - ACL reconstruction (2023)

2 OrthoInfo - ACL Injury (2023)