Total hip replacement in the United States typically has a billed cost of $30,000 to $70,000. What you actually pay depends on insurance: Medicare beneficiaries often owe a few hundred to a few thousand dollars out of pocket, privately insured patients with a moderate deductible typically pay $2,000 to $5,000, and uninsured cash-pay patients can find bundled rates of $18,000 to $30,000 at ambulatory surgical centers.
| Cost item | Typical 2026 US range | Insurance coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Total hip replacement, billed | $30,000 to $70,000 | Covered by Medicare and most private plans when medically necessary |
| Medicare beneficiary out-of-pocket | A few hundred to a few thousand dollars | Part A deductible (about $1,676 in 2026) plus 20% Part B coinsurance; Medigap covers most or all |
| Private insurance out-of-pocket, moderate deductible | $2,000 to $5,000 | After the deductible and coinsurance are met |
| High-deductible plan out-of-pocket | Up to $8,000 to $9,450 | Full 2026 individual out-of-pocket maximum |
| Uninsured cash-pay bundled (ASC) | $18,000 to $30,000 | Not covered; bundled self-pay rate |
| Robotic-assisted add-on | Adds $1,000 to $3,000 | Coverage varies by plan |
Total hip replacement (also called total hip arthroplasty, or THA) is one of the most successful and commonly performed orthopedic surgeries in the United States. Over 500,000 are done each year. The financial side matters as much as the medical side for many patients. Cost varies based on the surgical approach, whether the surgery is inpatient or outpatient, the implant, the hospital, and how insurance covers each piece of care. This 2026 US guide walks through what total hip replacement typically costs, what Medicare and private insurance cover, what patients pay out of pocket, and how to get a personal estimate.
The Short Answer on Total Hip Replacement Cost
In 2026 US dollars, a total hip replacement typically has a billed cost between $30,000 and $70,000. What you actually pay depends on your insurance:
- Medicare beneficiaries: Often pay a few hundred to a few thousand dollars out of pocket after Medicare Part A and Part B cover the bulk. Medigap or Medicare Advantage plans further reduce this.
- Private insurance with a moderate deductible: Out-of-pocket costs typically run in the $2,000 to $5,000 range after deductible and coinsurance.
- High-deductible plans: Patients often pay closer to their full annual out-of-pocket maximum ($8,000-$9,450 for 2026 individual plans).
- Uninsured cash-pay: Some ambulatory surgical centers offer bundled cash-pay rates for total hip replacement in the $18,000-$30,000 range.
What the Total Cost Includes
- Pre-operative evaluation (consultations, X-rays, sometimes MRI or CT, medical clearance, blood work)
- Surgeon’s fee
- Anesthesia (general or spinal)
- Facility fee (the largest single component)
- Implant (varies significantly by material and design)
- Hospital stay (typically 1-2 nights inpatient; same-day for outpatient)
- Post-op imaging
- Physical therapy (typically 6-12 weeks of outpatient PT)
- Pain management prescriptions
Total Cost by Setting
Inpatient (Traditional Hospital)
Most total hip replacements have historically been done inpatient with a 1-2 night hospital stay. Facility fees are higher; total cost typically at the upper end of the range.
Outpatient (Same-Day)
Outpatient total hip replacement is increasingly common for healthy patients. The patient goes home the same day. Costs are typically 20-40 percent lower than inpatient.
Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC)
ASCs offer bundled rates that are often the lowest option for cash-pay patients and often for high-deductible plan patients. Best suited for lower-risk patients under 70 without significant medical conditions.
Cost by Surgical Approach
- Posterior approach: Most common historically. Well-understood, effective, covered by all insurers at standard rates.
- Direct anterior approach: Increasingly popular, often marketed as offering faster recovery. Facility and surgeon fees may be slightly higher. Coverage is comparable.
- Anterolateral or lateral approach: Standard approach in some centers; similar cost profile to posterior.
- Robotic-assisted total hip replacement: Adds $1,000-$3,000 to the facility fee. Coverage varies by plan.
Cost by Implant Type
- Standard implant (metal on polyethylene): Most common, well-covered by insurance. Excellent long-term results.
- Ceramic on polyethylene: Slightly more expensive; may offer lower wear rates for younger patients.
- Ceramic on ceramic: Highest implant cost. Coverage varies; typically requires medical justification.
- Metal on metal: Rarely used now due to concerns about metal ion release. Not typically offered.
Medicare Coverage for Total Hip Replacement
Medicare covers medically necessary total hip replacement for eligible beneficiaries. Structure:
- Part A: Covers inpatient hospital stays. Part A deductible ($1,676 in 2026) per benefit period. After the deductible, Part A generally covers days 1-60 in full.
- Part B: Covers surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, outpatient physical therapy, follow-up visits, and outpatient portions of the surgery. 20 percent coinsurance after the Part B deductible.
- Medigap: Supplemental plans can cover most or all Part A and Part B out-of-pocket costs.
- Medicare Advantage: Coverage varies; some plans have lower out-of-pocket exposure than Original Medicare plus Medigap.
Most Medicare beneficiaries with Medigap pay very little beyond the Part A deductible for a routine total hip replacement.
Private Insurance Coverage
Most commercial insurance plans cover medically necessary total hip replacement. Patient out-of-pocket depends on:
- Whether the annual deductible has been met
- Coinsurance percentage (often 10-30 percent)
- Your plan’s out-of-pocket maximum
- Whether the surgeon, hospital, and anesthesiologist are all in-network
Timing matters. Early-year surgery may hit your full deductible and coinsurance. Late-year surgery may cost less if you have already met your out-of-pocket max.
If You Don’t Have Insurance
- Ambulatory Surgical Centers: Cash-pay bundled rates range from $18,000-$30,000 for a straightforward case.
- Hospital Financial Assistance: Nonprofit hospitals must offer financial assistance under certain income thresholds.
- Medical Tourism: Some patients travel abroad for lower-cost surgery. Research surgeon credentials and hospital accreditation carefully. Post-op care coordination in the US matters for complications.
- Payment Plans: Most hospitals offer no-interest payment plans over 12-36 months.
Other Factors Affecting Total Hip Replacement Cost
- Geography: Costs are higher in major metropolitan areas and coastal states.
- Surgeon volume: High-volume surgeons may charge higher fees but tend to have shorter operative times and lower complication rates.
- Complications: Infection, blood clots, dislocation, or leg length discrepancy issues can significantly increase cost.
- Rehabilitation setting: Home PT vs outpatient PT vs a short-term inpatient rehab facility affect cost differently.
- Bilateral hip replacement: Simultaneous bilateral is rare; most patients space the surgeries at least several months apart.
How to Get a Personal Estimate
- Ask the surgeon’s office for CPT codes (27130 for total hip replacement is standard)
- Call your insurance for estimated allowed amount, remaining deductible, and out-of-pocket max
- Request the facility’s “good faith estimate” (required under No Surprises Act)
- Verify in-network status for surgeon, hospital, anesthesiologist
- If considering an ASC, request the bundled quote in writing
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare pay for hip replacement?
Yes. Medicare covers medically necessary total hip replacement for eligible beneficiaries. Coverage is split between Part A (hospital) and Part B (surgeon and outpatient). Most beneficiaries with Medigap pay very little out of pocket.
Is anterior hip replacement more expensive than posterior?
Sometimes marginally. Some surgeons and centers charge slightly more for the anterior approach because of specialized equipment. Coverage is comparable for both. Ask for a written estimate if you are comparing.
Can I negotiate the cost of hip replacement?
ASC cash-pay bundled prices are often negotiable. Insured bills are generally not, but hospitals offer prompt-pay discounts, financial assistance, or payment plans.
Related Reading on Know Your Surgery
- Total Hip Replacement: Overview, Types, and What to Expect
- Total Hip Replacement: Causes, Diagnosis, and When to Consider Surgery
- Total Hip Replacement: Procedure, Recovery, and Rehabilitation
- Total Hip Replacement: FAQs, Statistics, and Patient Stories
- How Much Does Total Knee Replacement Cost in the US?
Sources
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS): Total hip arthroplasty coverage and 2026 Part A/B deductibles
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS): Total hip replacement patient guides
- American Joint Replacement Registry (AJRR): 2024 annual report
- Healthcare Bluebook and FAIR Health cost transparency
- US No Surprises Act: patient rights to good faith estimates
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Cost figures are general 2026 ranges and vary by hospital, insurer, region, and case complexity. Verify all cost information with your specific insurance plan and surgical facility before scheduling.
