Knee Replacement Cost in Australia (2026): Public Hospital Prices
The national efficient price for a public hospital admission (Knee replacement), 2026–27: A$7,418 per weighted unit × the official price weight.
≈ $16,586 – $21,679Total knee replacement (total knee arthroplasty) removes the damaged surfaces of the knee joint and replaces them with metal and plastic implant parts.
Knee Replacement price in Australia: price by complexity
Australia's Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority (IHACPA) sets a national efficient price (NEP) for public hospital care. For 2026–27 one unit is A$7,418. Each type of admission (an AR-DRG) has a price weight, so the price is the weight × the NEP.
| AR-DRG | Admission type | Price weight | Price | In USD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I04B | Knee replacement, minor complexity | 3.1840 | A$23,619 | $16,586 |
| I04A | Knee replacement, major complexity | 4.1616 | A$30,871 | $21,679 |
Prices are the inlier price weight × A$7,418, rounded. States add adjustments (for example for remote patients, intensive care or very long or short stays), so actual payments vary.
Who pays this price in Australia
Public patients in Australian public hospitals pay nothing: the national efficient price is what governments use to fund the hospital. Patients treated privately (in a private hospital, or as a private patient) pay the hospital and doctors' own fees, partly covered by Medicare benefits and private health insurance.
Knee Replacement cost in other countries
Reference prices converted to US dollars. Each country publishes a different kind of price (government package rate, insurer payment, national hospital price or actual bills), so treat the comparison as a guide.
| Country | Price type | Reference (local) | Reference in USD | vs Australia | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | National efficient price, public hospital (minor complexity) | A$23,619 | $16,586 | ||
| India | CGHS Tier I NABH package + NPPA implant ceiling price | ₹2,19,389 | $2,311 | -86% | Compare |
| United States | Medicare hospital outpatient average | $14,275 | $14,275 | -14% | Compare |
| United Kingdom | NHS national unit price (fewest other health problems) | £7,396 | $9,887 | -40% | Compare |
| Singapore | Typical total bill: public hospital, unsubsidised (Ward A) | SGD 25,995 | $20,333 | +23% | Compare |
About knee replacement
Surgeons usually recommend a knee replacement when severe arthritis or injury causes pain and stiffness that no longer respond to other treatment. The operation typically takes one to two hours. Depending on the country and hospital, patients stay between zero nights (same-day surgery) and several days, followed by weeks of physiotherapy. The total bill is driven by the implant, the hospital stay, the surgeon and anaesthetist fees, and rehabilitation.
What people check next
Knee Replacement: Australia vs India→How much cheaper is it in the United States?
Knee Replacement: Australia vs United States→How much cheaper is it in the United Kingdom?
Knee Replacement: Australia vs United Kingdom→How much cheaper is it in Australia?
Knee Replacement: Australia vs Singapore→
Frequently asked questions
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Sources
- Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority (IHACPA). National Efficient Price Determination 2026–27 and price weight tables (NEP26 = A$7,418 per NWAU). www.ihacpa.gov.au/resources/national-efficient-price-determination-202. Retrieved 25 October 2026.
- European Central Bank. Euro foreign exchange reference rates (2026-10-23). www.ecb.europa.eu/stats/eurofxref/eurofxref-daily.xml. Retrieved 25 October 2026.
Important: These are published reference prices and estimates, not a quote, and not medical advice. Actual costs depend on the hospital, your health, the exact treatment and your insurance. Always confirm the price with the provider before treatment. Read our disclaimer · Report an error
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