Hip Replacement Surgery Abroad

Price Comparison: EU vs UK

If you're considering surgery abroad or privately in the UK, understanding the financial implications is key. To make an informed decision, it's important to learn more about hip replacement cost and how it varies across countries.

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‍What Recovery Looks Like After Hip Replacement Abroad

Week 1–4:

• Main priorities are managing pain and swelling with ice, elevation, and medication.
  Mobility begins early-most patients are encouraged to stand and walk (with support) on the day after surgery.
  Walking aids such as a frame or crutches are typically used, with gradual reduction based on progress.
  Physiotherapy focuses on gentle range-of-motion exercises and safe movement techniques (e.g., getting in/out of bed, using stairs).
  Return to sedentary or desk-based work may be possible by Week 4, depending on individual progress and surgeon advice.

Week 4–8:

• Physiotherapy becomes more targeted, with an emphasis on walking unaided, improving hip strength, and refining gait.
  Exercises may include seated leg lifts, standing hip abductions, and supported squats.
  Low-impact activities like stationary cycling (upright, not recumbent) or aqua therapy may begin.
  Mild discomfort and stiffness are common but should be improving.

Week 8–12:

• Most patients resume low-impact fitness routines such as walking longer distances, swimming (without breaststroke), or gentle elliptical training.
• Focus is on restoring balance, coordination, and muscle endurance around the hip and core.
• Return to light physical work or prolonged standing may be feasible by Week 10–12 with surgeon approval.

Month 3 onwards:

• Full daily function is expected for most, with ongoing improvement in strength and flexibility.
• Return to higher-impact or rotational activities (e.g., hiking, golf, dancing) may be allowed after assessment.
• Continued home-based strengthening and mobility exercises are recommended to maintain joint health.

Additional Notes:

• Walking aids are usually needed for 2–4 weeks, depending on baseline fitness and surgery type.
• Patients staying abroad for recovery can opt for daily rehab sessions or structured outpatient physiotherapy.
• Strict adherence to physiotherapy and movement precautions (e.g., avoiding hip flexion beyond 90° early on) is key to successful long-term outcomes. Most clinics offer detailed post-discharge exercise plans.

Your aftercare pack will include physiotherapy plans, medical records, and flight clearance letters if needed.

You can read more about our hip replacement exercises to ensure the best recovery.

Where Will I Go?

Some of the most popular clinics with our patients include:

Allmedica Clinic – Nowy Targ, Poland
Located near Kraków, Allmedica offers convenient access from major UK airports, with direct flights and short transfer times. The clinic is well-regarded for its patient-focused approach and comprehensive orthopaedic services. Hip replacement packages typically include:

• Up to 14 nights in hospital, allowing ample time for monitored recovery
• Private, ensuite rooms with in-room meals and 24/7 nursing care
• On-site English-speaking staff and dedicated coordinators
• Daily physiotherapy sessions beginning immediately after surgery
• The clinic maintains ISO-certified standards and uses modern surgical techniques and prosthetic materials sourced from established European manufacturers.
  
  

ORTO Klīnika – Riga, Latvia
A leading centre for orthopaedic surgery in the Baltic region, ORTO Klīnika is known for treating both local and international patients, including professional athletes. It specialises in advanced joint replacements and post-surgical rehabilitation. Patients benefit from:

• Access to senior orthopaedic consultants and personalised treatment plans
• In-hospital physiotherapy tailored to mobility and recovery goals
• Spacious private rooms with ensuite bathrooms and quiet recovery areas
• Full English-language support, from admission through to discharge
• Located in central Riga, the clinic is easily reached via direct flights from the UK. It adheres to EU medical regulations and is known for its strong surgical outcomes and attentive patient care.
  
  

KCM Clinic – Jelenia Góra, Poland
Set in a historic spa town near the Czech border, KCM Clinic combines orthopaedic expertise with a comfortable, therapeutic setting. The clinic focuses on minimally invasive hip replacements, using advanced surgical techniques to reduce tissue damage and speed up recovery. Key features include:

• Customised surgical planning with pre-operative imaging and diagnostics
• Post-operative care packages that include private rooms, meals, and physiotherapy
• English-speaking medical teams, many with international training backgrounds
• Coordination of travel, airport pickup, and follow-up support Patients often choose KCM for its calm environment, evidence-based protocols, and strong emphasis on rehabilitation from day one.

Is Hip Replacement Surgery Abroad Safe?

Hip replacement surgery performed abroad can be just as safe, and in some cases safer, than the equivalent procedure done privately in the UK. Clinics in Poland, Lithuania, and the Czech Republic are regulated under EU healthcare directives and operate to strict hygiene, sterilisation, and patient safety protocols.

• Many clinics have ISO 9001 or JCI certifications, ensuring rigorous quality control.
• Surgeons at major centres often carry UK General Medical Council (GMC) or similar international certifications.
• Some of these surgeons perform over 400 arthroscopies annually, with published complication rates under 1%, according to clinic data.

One patient, Robert L. from Gloucester, wrote: “I was nervous about travelling to Riga, but the care was better than any I’d experienced in the UK. The hospital was spotless, the staff were kind, and I was home in five days walking without pain."

Why patients feel confident:

• English-speaking surgical and nursing teams: ensures clear communication throughout
• Private ensuite rooms, 24/7 nurse availability, and daily cleaning protocols
• Transparent, fixed-fee packages: all costs agreed in advance, with no unexpected extras

Clinics abroad also offer better post-op monitoring than many UK NHS settings due to smaller patient loads, allowing more time per patient. The majority of international patients report high satisfaction and say they would recommend the experience.

How to Book Your Hip Replacement Surgery Abroad

Booking your surgery abroad is straightforward and fully supported by us from day one. Here’s how it works:

Step-by-step:

1. Speak to a patient care coordinator – Your first step is to have a friendly chat with one of our dedicated coordinators. They’ll listen to your needs, answer questions about the procedure, and walk you through the options that best suit your case. No pressure, just honest guidance.
2. Receive a personalised treatment plan – Based on your medical history and requirements, you’ll be given a full quote with treatment details, travel timings, and recovery expectations. You’ll know exactly what’s included and what to expect.
3. Schedule your treatment – Once you're happy with the proposal, you can book a surgery date. Most procedures are scheduled within 2–4 weeks, depending on availability.
4. Travel and receive treatment – Our team will help arrange everything from airport transfers to hotel recommendations. You’ll have local support from English-speaking coordinators at every stage, from check-in to discharge.
5. Post-surgery follow-up – After you return home, you’ll receive written recovery instructions, remote check-in appointments if needed, and a copy of your treatment records to share with your GP or physiotherapist.

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