Around the world, an estimated 40% of people over 55 of age suffer from knee pain triggered by various diseases and injuries. As a result, about 2.6 million people proceed with knee replacement surgery every year to avoid this discomfort and regain mobility. According to the calculations, by the year 2024, this number will increase by 5%. Considering that it is a much-preferred surgery opted by so many people, healthcare companies and governments of different countries worldwide are coming up with innovative methods of knee replacement surgeries that are affordable and effective. However, it remains a costly surgery around the globe, as a knee replacement is a complex process.
Some key factors can influence the total knee replacement cost, like:
1. What kind of knee replacement do you need.?
2. Where do you want your knee replacement surgery to be done?
3. What is your recovery plan after the surgery?
4. What are your hospital admission and stay preferences?
5. How much does your health insurance cover?
What is knee replacement surgery?
Knee replacement or knee joint replacement is a type of orthopedic surgery. The surgeon removes bones and cartilage affected by the disease or injury and replaces them with a plastic, metal, or polymer prosthesis. This operation is commonly performed on patients aged over 50 years who usually suffer from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, joint injuries, etc. The main symptoms include knee pain of moderate to high severity that the patient suffers while walking, running, standing, or resting. After considering these symptoms, a doctor will usually prescribe an X-ray, some blood tests, and medications. However, doctors can prescribe a knee CT scan and MRI to examine the condition deeply if it is severe. If the knee’s condition is beyond treatment, the doctor can suggest knee replacement.
Knee replacement surgery in foreign healthcare clinics usually costs depending on the material of the knee and the expertise of the doctor.
Some countries provide excellent and safe knee replacement facilities within the following expenses.
1. South Korea: This country in Asia provides knee replacement treatment at 15% to 20% cheaper cost when compared to the Western European countries, yet the surgical quality they provide is considered one of the best in the world. The level of medical education and training is very high there, and orthopedic surgeons are highly skilled. The clinics work closely with Western universities, and many South Korean doctors undergo training at the best medical centers in Europe and the USA. Another reason is the latest medical technologies used in South Korean clinics. Generally, knee joint replacements in Korean clinics are executed with the help of robots. The cost of knee replacement surgery in South Korea is around INR 1125000.
2. France: A study by the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that France delivers the best overall healthcare service globally. According to a new healthcare system established by France in 2016, any foreigner who resides in the country for more than a period of 3 months and legally lives there for at least 6 months a year can avail the public health care services. The average knee replacement cost in France is around INR 1050000 to INR 1575000. Eligible patients can avail this service in France.
3. Germany: Germany is widely famous for its medical services, and it is a popular destination for patients who want their knees to be replaced. This popularity is no surprise, as Germany provides impeccable medical services all over the country with no compromise in quality. Germany spends more funds on the medical sector than any other European country. Due to these efforts, Germany can perform 1.4 times more knee replacement surgeries than the USA. Here the cost of replacement starts from INR 1450000.
4. Italy: Similar to France, Italy is also ranked as one of the best healthcare systems worldwide by WHO. Although some public hospitals are overcrowded and not appropriately funded, one can get excellent medical facilities in mid-sized cities. Expenses in Italian healthcare depend on several factors like location and whether you have private insurance. Knee replacement in Italy costs an average of INR 1650000.
5. Spain: Healthcare clinics in Spain are recognized worldwide for their expertise in the field of orthopedics. Among the most recognized clinics in Spain are the University Clinic Teknon and the network of Quironsalud clinics. These clinics have collaborated with many international organizations for years and established optimum-quality service for overseas patients. The average total knee replacement cost in Spain starts from INR 1435000.
6. India: India has emerged as a preferred destination for patients from across the globe to undergo knee replacement surgery. The availability of highly-qualified and experienced surgeons, medical facilities at par with the best in the world, and reasonable costs have contributed to this. The cost of knee replacement surgery in India ranges between upto 4 Lacs, Book your appointment now.
