How Much Does Private Surgery Cost in Canada?

Why Compare Private Surgical Costs in Canada?

Public waitlists for knee replacements, hip replacements, gynecologic procedures, and urological surgeries can stretch into months or years. These delays are prompting more Canadians to look at:

Private surgery in Canada
Out-of-country procedures (U.S., Mexico, Costa Rica)
The hidden cost of waiting: lost income, reduced quality of life, and worsening health

Understanding all three can help patients make informed, cost-effective decisions. Read more about your options in our complete guide to getting surgery faster in Canada.

Average Private Surgery Prices in Canada (2025)

The following chart outlines estimated costs for common procedures performed in private Canadian surgical centres.

Estimated Cost (CA)	Surgery Type
Hip Replacement	$20,000 – $34,000
Knee Replacement	$20,000 – $28,000
Hysterectomy	$14,000 – $20,000
Urologic Procedures	$4,000 – $10,000
Cosmetic Surgeries	$7,500 – $36,000+

_{Note: Prices vary by province, clinic, and surgical approach.}

What Does Private Surgery Cost Outside Canada?

Many patients consider medical tourism to access more timely surgical care. Here’s how average prices compare for major procedures:

Surgery Type	Canada	U.S. (CA)	Mexico/ Costa Rica (CA)
Hip Replacement	$20,000 – $34,000	$40,000 – $70,000	$15,000 – $18,000
Knee Replacement	$20,000 – $28,000	$35,000 – $60,000	$13,000 – $17,000
Hysterectomy	$14,000 – $20,000	$10,000 – $20,000	$8,000 – $12,000

_‍_{Note: Costs sourced from major international health travel networks and medical tourism facilitators.⁶}

The Hidden Costs of Waiting for Surgery

Delaying necessary surgery in Canada’s public system isn’t just inconvenient—it can be financially and physically damaging.

Key Risks of Delaying Surgery:

Lost income from missed work during the wait
Chronic pain and reduced mobility, affecting daily life and mental health
Progression of disease, leading to more complex future interventions

Example: A self-employed mechanic waiting 14 months for knee replacement could lose over $60,000 in income—double the cost of private surgery.

Learn more about the potential harms and hidden costs of waiting for surgery.

Public vs Private Surgery: Cost Comparison Chart

This comparison summarizes the financial and logistical trade-offs between Canadian private care, U.S. and Mexican options, and public system delays.

Consideration	Public (CA)	Private (CA)	USA	Mexico
Cost (eg. Knee Replacement)	$0	$20,000 - $28,000	$35,000 - $60,000	$13,000 - $17,000
Wait Time	6–24 months	1–4 weeks	1–4 weeks	1–4 weeks
International Travel Required?	No	No	Yes	Yes
Continuity of Care	High	High	Moderate	Low
Risk of Complications (Relative)	Low	Low	Varies	Higher

Final Thoughts: Is Private Surgery in Canada Worth It?

Private surgery may seem like a luxury, but when weighed against lost wages, healthcare delays and declining quality of life, it often makes practical and financial sense.

Unlike out-of-country options, private care in Canada:

Keeps patients closer to home
Ensures regulated, high-quality follow-up
Provides continuity with local healthcare professionals
Removes concerns of foreign exchange fluctuations

Interest in paying privately for surgery, but want to know more about how to pay for it? Explore our guide on how Canadians can finance out-of-pocket medical expenses.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Surgency helps Canadians navigate private surgery with transparency and ease.