If you need Hip Replacement Surgery, waiting for diagnosis and treatment can be stressful. This guide explains the conditions that commonly lead to it and how private medical insurance can help you get seen and treated sooner.
What conditions lead to Hip Replacement Surgery?
Osteoarthritis, Avascular Necrosis & Hip Dysplasia
Hip osteoarthritis accounts for the vast majority of hip replacements in the UK: wear of the ball-and-socket joint causes groin pain, limping, and eventually an inability to put on shoes or climb stairs. Avascular necrosis – where the blood supply to the femoral head is disrupted (often by steroid use, trauma, or alcohol) – causes bone to collapse within months. Hip dysplasia, where the socket is shallow or misaligned from birth, accelerates cartilage wear and often requires replacement in middle age. Total hip arthroplasty replaces the joint with a metal stem, ceramic head, and plastic cup.
How private health insurance can help with Hip Replacement Surgery
Cover funds your orthopaedic consultant appointment, pre-operative CT or MRI, the surgery and hospital stay, anaesthetist fees, and post-operative physiotherapy and walking rehabilitation – getting you from diagnosis to confident mobility in weeks rather than waiting nearly two years on the NHS.
Depending on your policy, cover can include:
- Faster access to a specialist consultant
- Diagnostic scans such as MRI, CT, ultrasound and X-ray
- A choice of consultant and private hospital from your insurer's list
- Surgery, hospital stay and, where included, post-treatment physiotherapy or rehabilitation
Cover, limits and exclusions vary between insurers and plans. Most policies don't cover pre-existing or chronic conditions, and you'll usually need a GP referral before claiming. Always check what your policy covers before starting treatment.
How it works
- Get a quote – tell us about yourself and what you want covered, using the form on this page.
- Compare policies – an adviser compares plans from leading UK insurers and recommends suitable options.
- Get covered – choose your plan and start cover once your insurer confirms it. Claims are then made through your insurer.
Want to know more? Read our guides to individual health insurance and family health insurance.
