Does insurance cover hip replacement surgery?

Medicare and private health insurance both cover hip replacement surgery because it is a medically necessary procedure. The doctor must provide the insurer(s) with proof that conservative treatments have not been effective, making hip replacement surgery the only available option.

Before having surgery, a patient should check with his health insurance company to obtain an estimate of his deductible, copay and coinsurance. Out-of-pocket costs can be several thousand dollars.

In addition to the medical costs of hip replacement surgery, a patient must often invest in aids and equipment to ease his recovery at home. Crutches or walkers, bath and shower handrails and a gadget to assist with reaching are some items that a hip replacement patient may find useful.