Cost Comparison for Total Knee Arthroplasty Surgery: Thailand vs USA, Australia & New Zealand
- DocDocDash
- Apr 29
- 2 min read
Thinking About Knee Replacement Surgery? Here’s Why More Patients Are Flying to Thailand for Total Knee Arthroplasty
If knee pain is limiting your mobility and quality of life, Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA), also known as total knee replacement surgery, may be the solution. But with rising healthcare costs around the world, more and more patients are looking beyond their home country — and Thailand is becoming a go-to destination for high-quality, affordable care. So, how does the cost of TKA in Thailand compare to places like the USA, Australia, and New Zealand?
Let’s take a closer look.
Cost of Total Knee Arthroplasty in Thailand
In Thailand, the average cost of a Total Knee Arthroplasty ranges between USD $8,000 to $14,000, depending on the hospital and the type of implant used (standard vs. premium). This often includes pre-op evaluation, surgeon fees, anesthesia, the hospital stay, and post-op care. Leading hospitals like Bumrungrad, Bangkok Hospital, and Samitivej offer internationally accredited care at a fraction of Western prices. Many packages also include physiotherapy and support for traveling patients, making the whole process seamless.
Cost in the United States
In the U.S., the average cost of Total Knee Arthroplasty can range from USD $35,000 to $60,000, depending on the facility, surgeon, and whether you’re covered by insurance. For uninsured patients or those with high deductibles, this can be a major financial burden. Even with insurance, out-of-pocket costs can still be substantial, especially when factoring in rehab and follow-up visits.
Cost in Australia
In Australia, the procedure typically costs between AUD $25,000 to $35,000 (approximately USD $16,000 to $23,000) for private patients without Medicare or full private health insurance coverage. While public hospital systems do offer TKA, the waitlists can be long — often several months to over a year, depending on urgency and region.
Cost in New Zealand
Similar to Australia, New Zealand’s public healthcare system offers TKA for eligible patients, but long wait times (up to 12–18 months) are common. In the private system, the cost ranges between NZD $20,000 to $30,000 (around USD $12,000 to $18,000), with additional charges for hospital stays and post-op physiotherapy. Not all patients qualify for timely treatment in the public system, prompting many to look abroad.
Why Thailand Is an Attractive Option
Beyond affordability, Thailand offers short waiting times, advanced surgical technology, and English-speaking specialists trained in top global institutions. Recovery is also made easier thanks to modern facilities and holistic wellness options. Patients often combine treatment with rest in Thailand’s peaceful resorts or wellness retreats — making recovery more enjoyable.
Other Countries to Consider
While Thailand leads in cost and care balance, other destinations such as India, Malaysia, and Mexico are also worth exploring for quality orthopedic procedures. These countries are building strong reputations in medical tourism with skilled surgeons and internationally accredited hospitals.
Need Help Planning Your Knee Surgery Abroad?
If you’re considering Total Knee Arthroplasty overseas and don’t know where to start, our team at DocDocDash can guide you. From hospital selection to free appointment booking, we help make your medical journey safe, easy, and stress-free.
#MedicalTourism #TotalKneeReplacement #TKAThailand #OrthopedicSurgery #ThailandHealthcare #AffordableSurgeryAbroad #DocDocDash
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