How Much Does Knee Replacement Cost in 2026?With & Without Insurance
Knee replacement costs range from $15,000-$50,000 without insurance. Compare prices at ambulatory surgery centers vs hospitals and learn strategies to reduce your out-of-pocket costs for this life-changing procedure.
Quick Price Summary
Cash-Pay Price Range
$15,000 – $50,000
Typical: $35,000
With Insurance
$3,000 – $10,000
After deductible
Based on CMS Medicare fee schedules, hospital price-transparency disclosures, and cash-pay benchmark data. Last updated July 2026.
Real prices from our database
Not an estimate. These figures come from actual hospital-disclosed cash prices and insurer-negotiated rates for CPT 27447 (Total knee replacement) in FairVisitHealth's price-transparency corpus.
Typical cash price
$17,500
Most fall between $15,323 and $20,752 (25th–75th percentile)
Based on 1,503 hospital-disclosed cash prices
Your negotiation target
$1,822
Median rate insurers actually pay for the same code
Across 11,161 insurer-negotiated rates — ask providers to match it
Surgeon/facility component. Anesthesia, implants, and inpatient stay may be billed separately.
Source: FairVisitHealth analysis of 1,503 hospital-disclosed cash prices and 11,161 insurer-negotiated rates for CPT 27447, from CMS hospital price-transparency machine-readable files and insurer Transparency-in-Coverage files. Data as of July 2026.
What is Knee Replacement?
A total knee replacement (total knee arthroplasty or TKA) is a surgical procedure in which a damaged knee joint is resurfaced with metal and plastic implant components. The surgeon removes damaged cartilage and bone from the femur (thighbone), tibia (shinbone), and patella (kneecap), then positions precisely fitted implants to restore the joint surface. Knee replacement is most commonly performed to relieve severe pain and disability caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis. Over 790,000 knee replacements are performed annually in the United States, and modern implants are designed to last 20-25 years.
What Affects Knee Replacement Cost?
- Facility type: Ambulatory surgery centers charge $15,000-$25,000, while hospital inpatient stays cost $30,000-$50,000+ including room and board.
- Implant type: Standard implants cost $3,000-$6,000, while advanced designs (custom-fit, high-flex, robotic-guided) cost $6,000-$12,000.
- Hospital stay length: Same-day outpatient vs. 1-night vs. 2-3 night stays significantly impact facility fees.
- Surgeon experience and technique: Robotic-assisted surgery (MAKO, ROSA) adds $2,000-$5,000 but may improve precision and outcomes.
- Geographic location: Knee replacement in the Northeast and West Coast costs 30-50% more than in the Midwest or South.
- Physical therapy: Post-surgical PT (6-12 weeks) costs $1,000-$5,000 and is usually billed separately from the surgery.
How to Save on Knee Replacement
Ask about outpatient or same-day knee replacement at an ambulatory surgery center, which can save $10,000-$20,000 over a hospital stay.
Request a bundled price quote that includes surgeon, anesthesia, implant, facility, and post-op follow-ups in one transparent figure.
Compare prices at specialty orthopedic hospitals, which often have lower complication rates AND lower prices than general hospitals.
If paying cash, negotiate directly with the surgeon's office and the facility separately - cash-pay discounts of 20-40% are common.
Consider medical tourism within the US: facilities in the Midwest and South offer the same quality implants at significantly lower prices.
Use FairVisitHealth to compare knee replacement prices from orthopedic surgeons and surgery centers near you.
Get Your Personalized Price Estimate
Compare knee replacement prices from providers in your area. FairVisitHealth members compare prices from multiple providers to find the best cash-pay rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a knee replacement cost without insurance?
A total knee replacement without insurance costs $15,000-$50,000 depending on the facility, implant type, and geographic location. Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) and specialty orthopedic hospitals charge $15,000-$25,000, while large hospital systems charge $30,000-$50,000+. These prices include the surgeon's fee, implant, anesthesia, facility fee, and initial physical therapy.
What is included in the total knee replacement cost?
The total cost includes: surgeon's fee ($3,000-$8,000), hospital or facility fee ($8,000-$25,000), anesthesia ($1,500-$3,000), implant/prosthesis ($3,000-$12,000), pre-surgical testing ($500-$1,500), post-operative physical therapy ($1,000-$5,000), and follow-up visits ($200-$600). Some facilities offer bundled pricing that includes all of these in one quote.
Is knee replacement covered by insurance?
Most health insurance plans cover knee replacement when deemed medically necessary, typically after conservative treatments (physical therapy, injections, medication) have failed. With insurance, your out-of-pocket cost is usually $3,000-$10,000 depending on your deductible, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum. Medicare covers knee replacement at 80% after the Part B deductible.
How long is recovery after knee replacement?
Most patients walk with a walker or cane within 1-2 days of surgery. Physical therapy begins the day after surgery and continues for 6-12 weeks. Most people return to desk work in 4-6 weeks, driving in 4-6 weeks, and full activity in 3-6 months. Full recovery with maximum benefit takes 6-12 months.
Is outpatient knee replacement cheaper?
Yes, outpatient knee replacement at an ambulatory surgery center can cost 30-50% less than an inpatient hospital stay. Many patients now go home the same day or after one night. Outpatient procedures are increasingly common for healthy patients under 75 and can save $10,000-$20,000 compared to a 2-3 day hospital admission.
What are alternatives to knee replacement?
Alternatives include physical therapy ($1,000-$5,000 for a full course), corticosteroid injections ($100-$400 per injection), hyaluronic acid injections ($500-$2,000 per series), PRP therapy ($500-$2,000 per injection), partial knee replacement ($12,000-$35,000), and knee arthroscopy ($5,000-$15,000). These options may delay or avoid the need for a total replacement.
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Medical Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Pricing information is based on publicly reported data and may not reflect your actual costs.
Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for medical decisions. Prices shown are estimates for self-pay patients and may vary by provider, location, and individual circumstances.