Private surgery isn’t cheap. Procedures like joint replacements, hernia repairs, or even diagnostic imaging can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000+ depending on what you need and where you're getting it done. Learn more about how much private surgery costs in Canada compared to options abroad.
So let’s break down the most common ways Canadians cover the cost of private surgery, as well as the pros and cons of each option.
Understanding the cost of private surgery in Canada
Private surgery costs vary significantly by procedure and province. For example, you can expect to pay between $20,000 and $34,000 for a hip replacement, $8,000 to $18,000 for an ACL reconstruction, and $7,000 to $12,000 for general surgeries like hernia repairs or gallbladder removal.
For a detailed breakdown by procedure and province, check out our comprehensive private surgery cost guide.
Why does the price cost and vary so much?
As a Family Physician and Founder of Surgency, I am frequently asked about the costs involved with private surgery in Canada.
Prices reflect more than just the surgeon’s fee (i.e. income for the surgeon). They are impacted by:
- province
- clinic overhead: costs to pay staff, rent, equipment fees, etc
- surgeon expertise: more experienced surgeons can generally charge more
- type of facility: level of accreditation, hospital grade vs smaller ambulatory clinic
- implants used
- anesthesia
A procedure performed under general anesthesia in a hospital-grade facility will naturally cost more than one performed in a smaller ambulatory clinic, but understanding these factors is key to comparing quotes in a meaningful way.
If you are ready to explore your options, read our guide on how to get surgery faster to understand the logistics of traveling for care.
Option 1: pay in cash
If you’ve got the savings, paying for your procedure in one lump sum is the simplest option. No loans, no paperwork, no interest—just a one-and-done transaction.
Pros
- No interest or fees
- Immediate payment and confirmation
- You avoid taking on any debt
Cons
- Requires a large amount of liquid savings
- Most Canadians don’t have $10–$20K sitting in a bank account
If you're fortunate enough to afford this route without incurring financial strain, it’s usually the cleanest option. But let’s be honest—most people don’t have that kind of cash on hand.
Option 2: friends and family ("love money"
This is sometimes called "love money"—borrowing from people you trust who may lend you funds at low interest or even gift it outright.
Pros
- Low or no interest
- Flexible repayment terms
- Often faster and less bureaucratic than bank loans
Cons
- Not everyone has financially comfortable relatives
- Can create tension or awkwardness
- May strain personal relationships
If you go this route, it’s best to put everything in writing so expectations are clear. Even a simple IOU or promissory note can go a long way.
Option 3: bank loans or lines of credit
Your local bank might offer a personal loan or you may already have a line of credit you can use. This option is more formal, but it keeps things inside your own financial circle.
Pros
- Predictable repayment terms
- You stay with your usual financial institution
- Can access funds relatively quickly if approved
Cons
- Interest rates vary—often between 8–14% for personal loans
- You’ll need decent credit to qualify
- Monthly payments begin immediately
If you already have a line of credit, that might be cheaper than a new loan. Some lines of credit (especially secured ones) offer lower interest rates—sometimes around 7–10% depending on the lender and your credit profile.
Option 4: medical financing companies
There are several Canadian companies that specialize in financing elective medical procedures. These include Credit Medical, Medicard, and Beautifi. They work directly with clinics and surgical providers to offer loans tailored for health expenses.
Pros
- Designed specifically for medical needs
- Greater chance of approval for people with less-than-perfect credit
- Flexible repayment options and terms
Cons
- Interest rates vary—often between 9.95% and 19.95%
- May involve admin fees or insurance add-ons
- Not always the cheapest long-term option
Quick note on interest: While medical loan companies may accept more patients, their interest rates can be higher than bank loans or lines of credit—especially if you don’t qualify for their best rates.
Option 5: alternative lenders & fintech platforms
Not a fan of the big banks? Alternative lenders like Borrowell, Fig Financial, LendCare, or easyfinancial offer consumer loans and lines of credit outside the traditional system. These companies often focus on credit-building or flexible access to funds. Some platforms also report payments to credit bureaus, which can improve your credit profile.
Pros
- Easier approval process
- More tech-forward than traditional banks
- Wider variety of loan sizes and flexible terms
Cons
- Interest rates can be steep—anywhere from 18% to 29.99% depending on credit
- Loan amounts may be capped depending on your credit profile
- Can lead to long-term debt if not repaid quickly
In short: these lenders offer more accessibility, but sometimes at a higher cost.
Option 6: crowdfunding
More and more Canadians are turning to crowdfunding platforms like GoFundMe, FundRazr, or Kickstarter to raise money for out-of-pocket medical expenses. If you’ve seen a campaign for someone raising money for surgery, you know this option is becoming more common. One third of crowdfunding campaigns in Canada, the UK, and the US are related to medical costs.
Pros
- No repayment or interest
- Can be emotionally meaningful if your story resonates
- Platforms are easy to use and share
Cons
- Success isn’t guaranteed—you’ll need to promote your campaign
- Takes time and energy to maintain
- You’re sharing personal details online
- Vulnerability can be emotionally taxing
Still, for patients without financing options or large savings, crowdfunding can help bridge the gap and make private-pay services more attainable.
Option 7: mix and match: the hybrid approach
Of course, the above options are not mutually exclusive. Many patients fund their surgery using a combination of methods.
You might use savings for part of the cost, raise some money from friends and family, get a medical loan for the rest, or start a crowdfunding campaign to lighten the load.
Tax credits, employer benefits
If you’re paying out of pocket, it’s worth checking whether you can reduce your net cost through tax credits and/or employer benefits.
CRA Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC) & provincial equivalents
In Canada, the Medical Expense Tax Credit is a non-refundable credit that can reduce the tax you owe when you’ve paid eligible medical expenses that weren’t reimbursed. In many cases, you can claim eligible expenses paid in any 12‑month period ending in the tax year, and you can often claim amounts paid outside Canada as well (as long as they meet CRA criteria).
For the CRA Medical Expense Tax Credit, the expenses that typically qualify are the amounts you paid out of pocket for eligible medical services (including many professional fees) and, when you have to travel to access medically necessary care not available locally, certain travel costs like transportation—and sometimes meals and accommodation depending on distance and documentation.
The key is that the expense must be eligible under CRA rules and not reimbursed by insurance.
Most provinces have an equivalent tax credit available that can further reduce your cost.
For a comprehensive overview of the METC, please see Medical Expense Tax Credit for Private Surgeries in Canada.
Employer benefits (HSA/HCSA, PHSP, and extended health)
Check your workplace plan. Some Canadians have access to:
- Health Care Spending Accounts (HCSA/HSA) that reimburse CRA-eligible expenses (often tax-free to the employee, depending on plan design).
- Private Health Services Plans (PHSPs) through an employer, which may cover some medical expenses or related costs under the plan’s rules.
- Coordination of benefits if you and a spouse/partner both have coverage (you might be able to reduce the remaining out-of-pocket portion).
Important legal and provincial considerations
Before you book (or finance) private surgery, it’s important to understand what is legal to pay for privately in Canada depends on (1) whether the service is “insured” under your provincial plan, and (2) the province you live in.
Covered vs. not covered: why it matters
In Canada, provinces and territories define which hospital and physician services are “medically necessary” and therefore publicly insured under their health plans. As a general rule, you usually cannot be charged out of pocket for an insured service, and clinics/providers are typically not allowed to sell “priority access” (i.e., faster access) to something that is already covered publicly. Federal rules under the Canada Health Act discourage patient charges (including “extra-billing” and “user charges”) for insured services.
On the other hand, uninsured / non-covered services—often described as elective, non-medically necessary, or otherwise outside your provincial plan’s insured benefits—may be offered on a private-pay basis. These can include certain procedures, upgrades, administrative services, and categories of care that provinces do not insure (the exact list varies).
Provincial rules differ across Canada
Health care is regulated provincially, and the rules around private payment, billing, and clinic fees vary by province. Some provinces have stricter limits on what can be sold privately; others allow more flexibility depending on how a provider is enrolled in the public plan and how billing is structured.
Practical takeaway: In many provinces, patients generally can’t pay privately for procedures already covered under the public plan, while elective or non-insured surgeries may be eligible for private payment. If you’re unsure whether your procedure is “insured” in your province—or whether a clinic is allowed to charge you—ask for:
- the procedure name and billing code (if applicable),
- a written quote specifying what’s included (surgeon fee, facility fee, anesthesia, implant, follow-ups),
- confirmation of whether it’s considered insured or uninsured in your province.
Final Tthoughts
Paying for private surgery in Canada isn’t always straightforward—but it is doable. Whether you go the traditional route with your bank, explore alternative or medical lenders, or take your story online with a crowdfunding campaign, there are more financing options than you might think.
At the end of the day, the right option for you depends on your financial situation, your credit score, and your comfort level with borrowing or fundraising. Take your time, weigh your options, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Want to dive deeper into Canada’s private surgical landscape? Check out our comprehensive guide to accessing surgery faster in Canada.
If you’re exploring your options, Surgency is here to help you connect with surgeons, explore transparent pricing, and learn how to pay for the care you need. We’re building a more accessible and patient-centred future for Canadian healthcare.
