More than 700,000 total knee replacements are performed in the US every year. Total knee replacement costs $6,000–$10,300 at Bookimed partner clinics in Turkey. That is roughly 70%–90% less than in the United States, where the same operation costs $35,000–$55,000, based on Bookimed data.
The other destinations compared for knee replacement are Poland, Thailand, South Korea, and Germany. Germany is the only Western European option, and prices there start at $14,000. Bookimed's partner hospitals in Turkey and Thailand hold Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation and ISO certification.
Key Takeaways
- Total knee replacement. Prices start at $6,000 in Turkey, roughly 70%–90% less than $35,000–$55,000 in the US.
- Lowest price in the EU. Poland charges $7,800–$9,100, roughly 55%–80% less than UK private prices.
- Partial knee replacement. Prices start at $7,100 in Poland, against $30,000–$45,000 in the US.
- Revision surgery. Prices start at $7,600 in Thailand, against $75,000–$105,000 in the US.
Table of Contents
- What Is Knee Replacement?
- Why Get Knee Replacement Surgery Abroad?
- How Much Does Knee Replacement Cost Abroad?
- What's Included in Knee Replacement Packages
- Best Countries for Knee Replacement Surgery
- How to Choose a Knee Replacement Clinic and Surgeon
- Is Knee Replacement Surgery Overseas Safe?
- Does Insurance Cover Knee Replacement Abroad?
- What to Know Before Traveling for Knee Replacement
- The Bottom Line on Knee Replacement Abroad
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Knee Replacement?
Knee replacement (knee arthroplasty) is a surgery that replaces the worn surfaces of the knee joint with metal and plastic parts. A partial knee replacement is the smaller operation: it replaces only one worn part instead of the whole joint surface.
Imagine a knee like a hinge on a door. Moving the door smoothly is hard when the hinge gets rusty or damaged. In knee replacement surgery, worn-out parts of the knee are replaced – just like fixing the hinge – so the knee moves smoothly again, with much less pain.
A surgeon may recommend the operation when advanced arthritis, long-lasting pain, cartilage damage, or a serious knee injury limits walking and daily life.
Mood can improve along with the knee. A study of 1,852 people followed patients after a total knee replacement. The share reporting no anxiety or depression rose from 62.2% before surgery to 77.1% three months later.
The type of operation depends on how much of the joint is damaged and whether you have had knee surgery before.
| Type of procedure | What the surgeon does | When it may be suitable |
|---|---|---|
| Total knee replacement | Replaces the worn surfaces of the whole knee joint with metal and plastic parts. | Arthritis or damage across most of the knee. |
| Partial (unicompartmental) knee replacement | Replaces only one of the three areas of the knee. Unicompartmental means one area. | Damage limited to one side of the knee. |
| Revision knee replacement | A second operation that fixes or replaces an earlier knee implant. | An earlier implant that has worn or loosened. |
| Stem cell therapy | A non-surgical treatment that injects cells taken from your own fat or bone marrow into the knee. | Clinics may offer it for early to moderate arthritis. |
Your surgeon chooses between these options after examining the knee and reviewing your X-rays.
Why Get Knee Replacement Surgery Abroad?
Turkey alone receives more than 1.5 million international patients a year, according to its state health tourism company USHAŞ, and knee replacement is one of the operations they travel for.
Patients travel for a knee replacement because of the price, the shorter wait, and access to accredited hospitals with orthopedic surgeons who specialize in joints.
- Lower cost. Prices start at $6,000 in Turkey and $7,800 in Poland, and at $14,000 in Germany.
- Shorter waits. In the UK, planned operations such as knee replacement go on an NHS waiting list, and NHS England publishes the waiting times every month. Bookimed's partner clinics abroad schedule the operation once they have reviewed your X-rays and medical history.
- Specialist surgeons. Bookimed's partner knee surgeons include members of ISAKOS, the International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine.
- Accredited hospitals. Bookimed's partner hospitals can hold Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, which audits patient safety and care. Others hold certification from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which sets standards for how a hospital manages quality.
- Modern tools. In Thailand and South Korea, robot-assisted surgery helps the surgeon place the implant according to a plan made from your scans. With 3D planning, the surgeon chooses the implant size and position before the operation.
For you, these points mean a lower bill, a surgery date set by your own schedule, and a hospital whose standards you can check.
How Much Does Knee Replacement Cost Abroad?
Among Turkey, Poland, Thailand, South Korea, and Germany, total knee replacement has the lowest starting price in Turkey, at $6,000. In Europe, the same operation costs $7,800–$9,100 in Poland and $14,000–$21,800 in Germany. UK private prices are $22,000–$38,000.
For partial knee replacement, prices start lowest in Poland, at $7,100, and highest in South Korea, at $15,000. The table shows both operations in each destination, with US, UK, and Australian prices for comparison.
| Country | Total knee replacement cost (USD) | Partial knee replacement cost (USD) | Total knee replacement: how much less than in the US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkey | $6,000–$10,300 | from $9,000 | Roughly 70%–90% less |
| Poland | $7,800–$9,100 | from $7,100 | Roughly 70%–85% less |
| Thailand | $7,000–$10,100 | from $9,000 | Roughly 70%–85% less |
| South Korea | from $16,000 | from $15,000 | Roughly 50%–70% less |
| Germany | $14,000–$21,800 | from $11,400 | Roughly 35%–75% less |
| United States | $35,000–$55,000 | $30,000–$45,000 | – |
| United Kingdom | $22,000–$38,000 | $15,000–$22,000 | – |
| Australia | $19,200–$31,000 | $13,400–$19,500 | – |
Even at the top price in Turkey, the operation costs at least $24,700 less than the lowest US price. That difference leaves room for flights and a hotel.
Revision Knee Replacement Cost
Revision surgery is a second operation that fixes or replaces an earlier knee implant. At partner clinics abroad, it costs:
The same operation costs $75,000–$105,000 in the United States. In the United Kingdom it costs $30,000–$50,000, and in Australia $26,500–$43,200.
Why Is Knee Replacement Cheaper Abroad?
Knee replacement costs less abroad because each part of the bill costs less there – the operation follows the same steps. In the US, the knee implant alone usually costs $3,000–$10,000, according to the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS), and hospital prices also include rent, malpractice insurance, and the cost of meeting regulations. Hospitals in Turkey, Poland, and Thailand pay lower staff wages and rent, and Bookimed's partner clinics quote one package price that covers the operation, the implant, the hospital stay, and standard tests. In the US, rehabilitation is billed on top: a stay in a rehabilitation facility can add more than $20,000, the AAHKS notes.
What's Included in Knee Replacement Packages
Knee replacement packages abroad may cover the surgery, the implant, a few nights in the hospital, standard tests before surgery, and the surgeon's consultations. For example, a knee replacement package at Central Hospital in Istanbul includes 4 days in the hospital, a Zimmer Biomet implant, meals, 24-hour nursing, and airport transfers. What else comes with the package depends on the country:
- Turkey. Packages may add a hotel stay and airport transfers.
- Poland. Rehabilitation sessions and hotel stays may be part of the package.
- Thailand. Packages cover surgery and the hospital stay, while transport and rehabilitation may be paid separately.
- South Korea. Packages focus on medical care, so you arrange travel and rehabilitation separately.
- Germany. Hospital care may be priced separately from travel, so ask whether the quote covers a hotel and transfers.
Compare your quote with this list of what may be included and what to confirm with the clinic.
| Often included | May require confirmation |
|---|---|
| Knee replacement surgery. | The implant brand (for example, Zimmer Biomet) and whether the implant is priced separately. |
| Standard tests before surgery: blood tests, an electrocardiogram (ECG), which checks the heart rhythm, and X-rays. | Advanced imaging such as MRI, stress tests, and lung function tests (spirometry). |
| Consultation with an orthopedic surgeon. | Additional consultations, for example with a cardiologist or a nutritionist. |
| General anesthesia. | Special anesthetic techniques or sedation requests. |
| A hospital stay of a few nights. | Extra nights or early discharge. |
| Nursing care and medicines during the stay. | Take-home medicines or long-term pain relief. |
| Meals in the hospital. | Special diets. |
| Translation services. | A full-time interpreter or additional languages. |
| 24/7 assistance and medical coordination. | Emergency medical insurance abroad. |
| Airport – clinic transfers. | Hotel transfers or city transport. |
| Hotel accommodation in some countries, such as Poland and Turkey. | Accommodation in Thailand or South Korea. |
| Rehabilitation after surgery, often included in Poland. | Physiotherapy sessions after discharge. |
| Basic surgical supplies and operating room fees. | Robot-assisted surgery. |
| Travel support, such as help with booking flights. | Airfare. |
Rehabilitation after discharge is priced per day at Bookimed's partner clinics:
- Turkey: from $200;
- Poland: from $150;
- Thailand: from $900;
- South Korea: $500–$900;
- Germany: $400–$700.
Ask how many rehabilitation days your quote covers. Physiotherapy after you return home is usually not part of a package abroad, so arrange sessions with a physiotherapist where you live.
Best Countries for Knee Replacement Surgery
The best country for knee replacement surgery depends on your priorities, from price to rehabilitation and flight time:
- Turkey. Prices in Turkey are the lowest of the destinations compared here.
- Poland. European patients can have rehabilitation close to home.
- Thailand. Flights are shorter for patients from Australia and Asia.
- South Korea. Partner hospitals offer robot-assisted surgery.
- Germany. Joint replacement centers follow strict national certification rules.
Knee Replacement in Turkey from $6,000
Istanbul and Antalya have international airports with direct flights from Europe, and Bookimed's partner hospitals in both cities have departments for international patients.
Pros of Knee Replacement in Turkey
In Turkey, the advantages are the price and the hospitals' international accreditation.
- Price. Total knee replacement in Turkey costs roughly 50%–85% less than UK private prices of $22,000–$38,000.
- Accredited hospitals. In Turkey, Memorial Şişli Hospital, Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital, and Memorial Antalya Hospital hold JCI accreditation.
What to Plan for in Turkey
A Turkish quote may leave out some costs, so check each item.
- Aftercare. Rehabilitation and physiotherapy are usually paid separately.
- Implant brand. The quote may not name the implant, so ask for the brand and its certification, such as Zimmer Biomet or Smith & Nephew.
Knee Replacement in Poland from $7,800
Poland is in the European Union and the Schengen area, with short flights from the UK, Ireland, Germany, and Scandinavia.
Pros of Knee Replacement in Poland
Bookimed's partner clinics in Poland can start physiotherapy soon after surgery.
- Price. Total knee replacement in Poland costs roughly 55%–80% less than UK private prices.
- Early physiotherapy. Sessions can begin during the hospital stay and continue after discharge, and the package may include them.
- EU patient rights. Poland follows EU regulations on cross-border healthcare, which apply to patients from other EU countries.
- Certified hospitals. In Poland, Carolina Hospital in Warsaw and KCM Clinic in Jelenia Góra hold ISO certification.
What to Plan for in Poland
Before you book in Poland, plan for these points:
- Trip length. Staying for rehabilitation adds several days to the trip.
- Location. KCM Clinic is in Jelenia Góra, away from the big cities, so plan a transfer from the airport.
- Extras. Meals and take-home medicines may cost extra, so ask for a full breakdown.
Knee Replacement in Thailand from $7,000
For patients from Australia and the Middle East, the flight to Bangkok is shorter than the flight to Europe.
Pros of Knee Replacement in Thailand
Bookimed's partner hospitals in Bangkok offer these advantages:
- Price. For patients from Australia, total knee replacement in Thailand costs roughly 45%–75% less than Australian prices of $19,200–$31,000.
- English-speaking care. International departments at Bangkok hospitals work in English.
- Hotel-style rooms. Ask whether your hospital has hotel-style rooms – this helps if you recover alone or travel with family.
- Accredited hospitals. In Bangkok, Bumrungrad International Hospital, Sikarin Hospital, and kdms Orthopedic Hospital hold JCI accreditation.
What to Plan for in Thailand
Thai packages include less of the trip, so budget for extras.
- Travel costs. Packages may leave out transfers, the hotel, and rehabilitation.
- Rehabilitation price. A day of rehabilitation costs from $900 at partner clinics in Thailand.
Knee Replacement in South Korea from $16,000
Bookimed's partner hospitals in Seoul can be reached by public transport from the airport, which makes short stays easier to plan.
Pros of Knee Replacement in South Korea
In South Korea, the advantages are robot-assisted surgery and an early start to walking.
- Robot-assisted surgery. These hospitals offer robot-assisted knee replacement with systems such as MAKO and ROSA. The robot helps the surgeon position the implant according to a plan made from your scans.
- Early walking. Walking with a therapist usually starts within a day of surgery.
- Accredited hospitals. In Seoul, Severance Hospital holds JCI accreditation and KOIHA accreditation, which the Korea Institute for Healthcare Accreditation issues to Korean hospitals. Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (SNUBH) holds Global Healthcare Accreditation for the care of international patients.
What to Plan for in South Korea
Korean packages focus on medical care, so plan the rest of the trip yourself.
- Travel costs. Rehabilitation and the hotel are usually not included.
- Paperwork. Ask the hospital which documents and health screening it needs before you travel.
- Language. English support can be partial, so ask the hospital for an interpreter.
Knee Replacement in Germany from $14,000
Germany is the only Western European destination compared here. Its joint replacement centers can hold EndoCert, the German certification for hospitals that perform joint replacements.
Pros of Knee Replacement in Germany
German certification rules set a minimum yearly number of operations for each surgeon.
- Surgeon experience. In EndoCert-certified centers, only registered surgeons may perform hip and knee replacements. Each must perform at least 50 joint replacements a year, or 100 for a senior surgeon.
- Revision surgery. A second operation on an earlier knee implant starts at $11,400 in Germany.
- Price. Total knee replacement in Germany costs up to 60% less than UK private prices.
- Partner hospitals. Bookimed's partner hospitals in Germany include Nordwest Clinic (Krankenhaus) in Frankfurt and the Medical Center in Solingen.
What to Plan for in Germany
Plan for a higher price and for travel arranged separately.
- Higher price. Prices of $14,000–$21,800 are above those in Turkey, Poland, and Thailand.
- Fewer travel packages. Quotes may not include travel and a hotel, so ask what the price covers.
How to Choose a Knee Replacement Clinic and Surgeon
Choose an accredited hospital and a surgeon who performs knee replacements every week. The checks below help you confirm the hospital, the surgeon, and the services for international patients.
Check the Hospital's Accreditation
Accreditation means an outside body has audited the hospital against published standards. Look for one of these:
- JCI. Joint Commission International audits patient safety and care.
- ISO certification. The ISO quality standard covers how a hospital manages quality.
- KAHF. The Korea Accreditation Program for Hospitals Serving Foreign Patients checks the care of international patients in South Korea.
Ask the coordinator or the clinic for a copy of the hospital's accreditation certificate. If the clinic cannot show a current certificate, choose another hospital.
Check the Knee Surgeon's Experience
Ask how many knee replacements the surgeon performs each year, and how many revision operations if you have had knee surgery before. Also ask whether the surgeon is a member of a professional body such as:
- the European Federation of National Associations of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (EFORT);
- the European Knee Society (EKS);
- the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).
Ask for a detailed surgeon CV if the clinic's profile does not list this information. Also confirm that the clinic performs partial, total, and revision knee replacement, so the surgeon can choose among them after the examination.
Check the Services for International Patients
Ask whether the clinic offers:
- an English-speaking coordinator;
- help with flights, visas, and hotel booking;
- translated records and video follow-up after you go home.
These services make it easier to share your records with your own doctor after you return.
Knee Replacement Hospitals at a Glance
These Bookimed partner hospitals perform knee replacement, listed with their current rating.
Bookimed ranks clinics on patient satisfaction, success rates, surgeon expertise, and technology. The Clinic Ranking Policy explains the method.
| Clinic | Location | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Memorial Şişli Hospital | Istanbul, Turkey | 4.6 out of 5 |
| Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital | Istanbul, Turkey | 4.7 out of 5 |
| KCM Clinic | Jelenia Góra, Poland | 4.2 out of 5 |
| Carolina Hospital | Warsaw, Poland | 4.7 out of 5 |
| Bumrungrad International Hospital | Bangkok, Thailand | 4.6 out of 5 |
| Sikarin Hospital | Bangkok, Thailand | 4.1 out of 5 |
| Severance Hospital | Seoul, South Korea | 4.5 out of 5 |
| Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (SNUBH) | Seongnam, near Seoul, South Korea | 4.9 out of 5 |
| Nordwest Clinic (Krankenhaus) | Frankfurt, Germany | 4.5 out of 5 |
| Medical Center in Solingen | Solingen, Germany | 4.7 out of 5 |
Patient reviews describe the hospital stay, the surgeon, and recovery, so read them for the hospitals on your shortlist.
Is Knee Replacement Surgery Overseas Safe?
Knee replacement abroad can be as safe as at home when the hospital is accredited and the surgeon performs the operation often. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), more than 98% of patients have no serious complication such as a joint infection. In a study of 560 operations, 97.8% of implants were still working after about five years.
Side Effects of Knee Replacement Surgery
Surgeons plan for a few known side effects and take steps against each one:
- Blood clots. A clot can form in a leg vein after surgery. Surgeons may prescribe support stockings, compression boots, or blood-thinning medicine, and you move your feet and ankles soon after the operation.
- Infection. An infection can develop in the wound or around the implant, sometimes years later. An infection anywhere in the body can spread to the new joint, so see a doctor promptly about any infection.
- Stiffness. Scar tissue can limit how far the knee bends. This usually improves with physiotherapy. If it does not, the surgeon may gently bend the knee while you are under anesthesia.
If you notice any of these changes after you fly home, see a doctor promptly and mention your knee replacement.
When the Operation May Need to Wait
A surgeon decides whether knee replacement is suitable after a full health check several weeks before surgery. Long-term illnesses can increase the risk of complications after surgery. If you have heart or kidney disease, talk to your doctor before you plan the trip, because a heart or kidney specialist may need to examine you first.
Dental Work Before Knee Replacement
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) advises finishing any tooth extraction or oral surgery at least three weeks before the operation. The mouth can take up to three weeks to heal after these procedures. Dental check-ups and cleanings are fine until the day before surgery.
After surgery, the AAOS guideline advises delaying most dental procedures for up to three months. Tell your dentist that you are planning a knee replacement, or have had one.
Health Checks Before You Travel
Send the clinic recent knee X-rays, your medical history, and a list of your medicines. The surgeon uses them to confirm that you are ready for the operation and may ask for more tests first.
Flying Home After Knee Replacement
Sitting still on a long flight can increase the risk of a blood clot in the leg. To lower it:
- Book an aisle seat so you can stretch the leg.
- Wear compression stockings.
- Walk the aisle during the flight.
- Take any blood-thinning medicine the surgeon prescribes.
Stay abroad until the surgeon clears you to fly, often 1–2 weeks after surgery. A hospital where you live would ask for the same steps.
Does Insurance Cover Knee Replacement Abroad?
Public health systems and standard private insurance plans generally do not pay for planned knee surgery abroad. What your insurance pays depends on where you live and on your policy:
- Medicare (US). Medicare generally does not pay for planned surgery outside the US.
- NHS (UK). The NHS usually does not pay for planned surgery abroad.
- Private insurance. A plan that pays for care outside its own list of hospitals (out-of-network coverage) may pay part of the cost. The insurer usually has to approve the surgery in advance, so check your own policy.
Ways to Pay for Knee Replacement Abroad
Payment options for knee replacement abroad include:
| Way to pay | What it covers for you |
|---|---|
| Package price | Partner clinics may quote one price for surgery, the hospital stay, and transfers. |
| Paying yourself | You pay the clinic directly from your own savings. |
| Complication insurance | You may budget for a short-term medical travel or complication policy. |
| Medical loans or installment plans | Some clinics and lenders offer monthly payments, so ask about interest and terms. |
| Travel medical insurance | Covers emergencies during the trip. Planned surgery is excluded. |
| International health insurance | May cover unexpected complications. Planned surgery is usually excluded. |
| Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) in the US | May cover some related costs, so check with your plan. |
Even when you pay yourself, total knee replacement starts below $10,000 in Turkey and Poland.
- Kayhan Turan is a member of the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the International Congress for Joint Reconstruction.
- Turan Turan Health Group specializes in robotic orthopedic surgery and uses innovative treatments for joint procedures.
- Included Services: 24-hour nurse services, three meals per day prepared by a nutritionist, consultations, ECG, chest X-ray, preoperative tests, post-operative care, and VIP transfers.
- Stay Info: 5 days hospital stay and 10 days hotel stay; hotel accommodation is not included in the price.
- Technique: Robotic bilateral total knee replacement using Smith & Nephew Anthem prostheses.
- Gursel Saka is recognized for developing innovative surgical techniques in knee replacement and orthopedics.
- Hisar Hospital Intercontinental treats 250,000 patients annually and is JCI-accredited for high clinical standards.
- Included Services: Orthopedist and anesthesiologist consultations, blood tests, 24-hour nurse services, VIP airport-hotel-clinic transfers.
- Stay Info: 3 days hospital room stay included; hotel accommodation is not included in the price.
- Implant Type: Smith & Nephew prosthesis for unilateral total knee replacement.
- Halil Can Gemalmaz has pioneered robotic-assisted, 3D patient-specific knee replacements using personalized surgical guides.
- Professor Gemalmaz - 3D Patient-Specific Orthopedics is the only clinic in Turkey using CAD-assisted, 3D-printed surgical guides for knee replacement.
- Included Services: Follow-up visit, consultation with an orthopedist.
- Stay Info: 3 days hospital stay, 7 days hotel stay (accommodation not included in the price).
- Technique: Robotic-assisted knee replacement with CAD-assisted 3D planning and Stryker implant.
What to Know Before Traveling for Knee Replacement
Visa rules, language, payment, weather, and emergency numbers differ across Turkey, Poland, Thailand, South Korea, and Germany. The table compares them for each country.
| Category | Thailand | Turkey | South Korea | Poland | Germany |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa | Visa-free entry or an e-visa for up to 90 days, depending on your passport; a medical visa for longer stays. | Visa-free for up to 90 days for most Western countries. | Visa-free for up to 90 days for most Western countries. | Visa-free for up to 90 days for EU and US travelers. | Schengen rules apply: visa-free for up to 90 days for EU, US, and UK travelers. |
| Language | English is widely spoken in private clinics. | English and Arabic support is common. | English in larger clinics; translation may be needed. | English in private hospitals. | English in international patient departments. |
| Costs | Itemized pricing; some extras may apply. | Mostly fixed packages. | Itemized billing. | Clear prices with optional add-ons. | Hospital care and travel are priced separately. |
| Payment | Thai baht. Cards and bank transfers accepted. | Turkish lira. Cards and transfers accepted. | South Korean won. Cards widely accepted. | Polish zloty. Cards and bank transfers accepted. | Euro. Cards widely accepted. |
| Best time to go | Nov – Feb: dry and cool. | Apr – Jun or Sep – Oct: mild weather. | Mar – May or Sep – Nov: pleasant, low humidity. | May – Sep: warm and sunny. | May – Sep: mild and warm. |
| Emergency care | 24/7 private hospitals in major cities. | Emergency departments in hospitals. | Emergency rooms and ambulance services. | Emergency services in private and public hospitals. | Emergency departments in private and public hospitals. |
| Emergency number | 1669 (ambulance) | 112 (all emergencies) | 119 (fire and ambulance) | 112 (all emergencies) | 112 (all emergencies) |
Documents to Prepare for Knee Replacement Abroad
The clinic reviews your documents to confirm the operation and plan the dates. Prepare:
- a passport valid for your whole stay;
- recent knee X-rays and any MRI scans;
- your medical history and reports from earlier operations;
- a list of your medicines and allergies;
- recent blood test results, if your doctor has them.
You can send documents in your own language, and the Bookimed coordinator arranges the translation.
The Bottom Line on Knee Replacement Abroad
Prices differ by destination and by type of operation, while the checks before surgery are the same everywhere:
- Partial knee replacement. Prices for this operation start at $7,100 in Poland.
- Revision surgery. Prices start at $7,600 in Thailand.
- Checks. Confirm the hospital's accreditation, ask how many knee replacements the surgeon performs each year, and finish dental work at least three weeks before surgery.
These checks take a few weeks to arrange, so start them when you request quotes from clinics.
Frequently Asked Questions
These answers cover price, safety, documents, flying home, and recovery after knee replacement abroad.
What is the cheapest country for knee replacement?
Among Turkey, Poland, Thailand, South Korea, and Germany, total knee replacement costs least in Turkey, at $6,000–$10,300 – roughly 70%–90% less than in the United States, based on Bookimed data.
In the European Union, Poland is the lowest-priced option at $7,800–$9,100. Ask whether rehabilitation is included, because partner clinics charge for it by the day, from $150 in Poland to $900 in Thailand.
Is it safe to have knee replacement surgery overseas?
Knee replacement overseas can be as safe as at home when the hospital is accredited and the surgeon performs the operation often. According to the AAOS, more than 98% of patients have no serious complication such as a joint infection.
Look for Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation, and ask how many knee replacements the surgeon performs each year. Finish any tooth extraction at least three weeks before surgery, as the AAOS advises.
What documents do I need to book knee surgery abroad?
You need a valid passport, recent knee X-rays or an MRI, your medical history, reports from earlier knee operations, and a list of your medicines and allergies.
You can send documents in your own language, and the coordinator arranges the translation. Make sure the passport is valid for your whole stay, including the 1–2 weeks after surgery before you fly home.
Should I get a knee evaluation at home before going abroad?
Yes. Have your own doctor examine the knee and send the results, including X-rays and any MRI scans, to the clinic abroad. The surgeon uses them to confirm which operation you need and to plan the implant size.
A recent exam also shows whether a condition such as high blood pressure needs treatment first. If your doctor finds a problem, you can change the dates before paying for flights.
How soon can I fly after knee surgery?
Patients often fly home 1–2 weeks after knee replacement, once the wound is healing and the knee bends to about 90 degrees, so that you can sit in an airplane seat.
To lower the risk of a blood clot, book an aisle seat, wear compression stockings, and walk the aisle during the flight. If your leg becomes swollen, painful, or warm after landing, see a doctor the same day.
Can I walk normally a month after knee replacement?
About a month after knee replacement, you can usually return to most everyday activities. The AAOS gives 3–6 weeks for this, and 4–6 weeks for driving.
In the first weeks, you walk with a walker or crutches and then move to a cane. Physiotherapy strengthens the thigh muscles, so arrange sessions with a physiotherapist where you live before you leave the clinic.
Does the new knee ever feel strange?
Yes, a new knee can feel different for some months while the tissues around the joint heal. The AAOS notes that most people feel some numbness around the scar, and some hear a click from the implant when they walk.
These changes often become less noticeable as physiotherapy strengthens the muscles. If the knee becomes hot, swollen, or suddenly more painful, see your doctor the same day.
All medical content on this page is prepared by authors with specialized medical education and reviewed by certified physicians in the relevant field. Medical review by Kayhan Turan , Orthopedic surgeon .
Last updated: October, 2026.
- Statistics: Figures are based on Bookimed’s internal database October 2026, which includes analysis of 12,450 patient requests across accredited clinics in .
- Pricing: Cost information is provided directly by Bookimed’s partner clinics and updated regularly to reflect current 2026 market conditions. Actual expenses may differ depending on case complexity, surgeon expertise, and clinic location.
- Clinical Data: Treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction figures are collected from Bookimed’s verified clinic database and supported by data from peer-reviewed medical sources such as PubMed, The Lancet, JAMA, and NEJM (2023–2026).
All data is provided for general informational purposes and may not represent individual results or experiences.
- Functional and radiological outcomes of total knee arthroplasty using posterior-stabilized U2 knee system: A retrospective study in 560 cases at five years of follow-up / G. Garabano et al. European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology. 2024. URL: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-024-04082-7 (date of access: 25.06.2025).
- Is There a Change in Anxiety and Depression Following Total Knee Arthroplasty? / K. R. Tripuraneni et al. The Journal of Arthroplasty. 2024. URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arth.2024.02.009 (date of access: 25.06.2025).
- Rankings. CEOWORLD magazine. URL: https://ceoworld.biz/best/ (date of access: 25.06.2025).
- Turkey Medical Tourism Market Size and Trends 2025-2032. Coherent Market Insights. URL: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/industry-reports/turkey-medical-tourism-market (date of access: 25.06.2025).