Over 1 million people travel abroad for orthopedic surgery yearly to escape pain without the hefty price tag. A hip replacement in Turkey or Poland costs $7,500 while the same procedure in the US is over $30,000—a game changer. But lower prices don't mean lower quality. Orthopedic surgery clinics overseas have JCI and AAOS accreditation. If long wait times, high costs, or insurance roadblocks are holding you back from getting the treatment you need, Bookimed has prepared this guide to help you find a trusted clinic for orthopedic surgery and traumatology abroad—so you can move freely without financial stress.
Key Takeaways: Affordable Orthopedic Surgery
💰 Save up to 75%
🏥 Top-rated clinics – Many orthopedic surgery clinics hold JCI, ISO 9001, and AAOS certifications.
📉 Cost comparison:
Hip Replacement: $7,500+ (Turkey) vs. $30,000+ (USA)
Knee Replacement: $8,500+ (Poland) vs. $22,000+ (USA)
Spinal Surgery: $8,500+ (Czech Republic) vs. $22,000+ (USA)
🌍 All-inclusive packages. Many clinics include transfers, accommodation, and 24/7 support.
🔍 Some clinics work with international insurers, while others offer flexible payment plans.
Table of Contents:
- Is Orthopedic Surgery Travel Worth It?
- What Is The Orthopedic Treatment Cost?
- All-Inclusive Orthopedic Surgery Packages Abroad
- Orthopedic Surgery Center of Excellence: Locations
- How to Choose the Best Orthopedic Surgery Clinic?
- Insurance & Payment Options for Orthopedic Surgery Abroad
- How to Begin Your Medical Journey with Bookimed?
Is Orthopedic Surgery Travel Worth It?
Orthopedic surgery is a medical procedure that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and repairing conditions related to the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
👉A study on unicompartmental knee arthroplasty found that preoperative pain catastrophizing, anxiety, and depression lead to worse physical function, quality of life, and pain levels 24 months after surgery.
Patients can get top-notch treatment abroad at home for a fraction of the cost. Here’s why it’s worth considering:
- ✅ Up to 75% off – Orthopedic treatment in Turkey, Poland and the Czech Republic is cheaper than in the US or Western Europe even without insurance.
- ✅ Top-notch care – Orthopedic surgery clinics are JCI, ISO 9001, and AAOS certified for high standards.
- ✅ All-inclusive – Orthopaedic surgery clinics offer full packages, including hospital stay, rehab, and post-op care.
- ✅ Expert surgeons –Leading orthopedic surgeon private clinics not only hire experienced doctors but encourage them to participate in orthopedic surgery conferences, such as the AAOS Annual Meeting and the Orthopaedic Summit: Evolving Techniques (OSET).
💡 Looking for an "orthopedic surgeon clinic near me"? A clinic for orthopedic surgery abroad could be the best combination of quality and price. With Bookimed, you can find an easy option to get to from your current location.
What Is The Orthopedic Treatment Cost?
The cost of orthopaedic surgery varies around the world. Orthopedic clinics abroad offer all-inclusive packages for top care at lower prices.
In Turkey or Poland, hip replacements start at $7,500, while in the US, they are over $30,000. Knee replacements in Poland ($8,500+) are half those in Germany or the UK.
💚Book a deal with Bookimed at any orthopedic private clinic abroad for affordable, world-class treatment.
| Country | Hip replacement | Knee replacement | Spinal surgery |
|---|---|---|---|
*The prices are approximate, based on Bookimed’s research and global trends. They may vary by clinic and change over time.
All-Inclusive Orthopedic Surgery Packages Abroad
Booking an all-inclusive orthopedic package saves money by bundling surgery, hospital stay, and travel services at a lower cost.
💚Clinics offer special deals for Bookimed patients, making treatment even more affordable.
Medical services
Surgery (e.g., knee replacement, ankle arthrodesis).
Anesthesia, pain management & medications.
Follow-up visits & recovery care.
Comfort & recovery
Hospital stay (2–5 days).
Hotel for recovery (6–14 nights).
Professional nursing care & rehab recommendations.
Travel & support
Airport-clinic-hotel transfers.
Medical coordinators & 24/7 patient support.
Interpreter services & translated post-op care instructions.
💡 Each package may vary depending on the country and the specific clinic. Check with the clinic for exact details.
Turkey typically offers the most comprehensive packages, but it is always best to confirm what is included. Please note that airfare is not included in the packages.
- Dr. Mario Bertoli heads the Orthopedics Department and performs complex joint arthroscopic surgeries.
- St. Zdislava Hospital is the largest center of robotic surgery in the Czech Republic.
- Included Services: Individual patient room, transfer airport-clinic-airport.
- Stay Info: 7 days stay in the hospital, no hotel stay included.
- Dr. Jacek Laskowski has performed over 900 hip resurfacing operations using the BHR method.
- Carolina Medical Center is a FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence and serves patients from across Europe.
- Included Services: Consultation with a surgeon, consultation with an anesthesiologist, preoperative tests, panoramic X-ray, medications, consumable materials, individual patient room.
- Stay Info: 7-10 days (4 days of hospital stay included), no hotel stay included in the price.
- Method: BHR method, the least invasive hip replacement method.
- Dr. Zafer Gulbas, founder of the Bone Marrow Transplantation Center at Anadolu, is Turkey's top hematologist-oncologist.
- Anadolu Medical Center, affiliated with Johns Hopkins Hospital, ranks among the top 10 hospitals worldwide by MTQUA.
- Included Services: Language assistance, transfer airport-clinic-airport.
- Stay Info: 30 days stay in the hospital, 80 days stay in the hotel, accommodation not included in the price.
- Technique: Allogeneic bone marrow transplant.
- Dr. Olcay Guler has been an orthopedics and traumatology specialist at Memorial Şişli Hospital since 2020.
- Memorial Şişli Hospital is the 1st in Turkey and 21st globally accredited by JCI.
- Included Services: Consultation with a doctor, preoperative tests, follow-up examination, VIP transfer.
- Stay Info: 3 days stay in the hospital, 7 days stay in the hotel (accommodation not included in the price).
- Technique: Bilateral Knee Replacement (Both Knees Replacement).
- Dr. Erden Erturer has published papers in renowned medical journals on orthopedic traumatology.
- Liv Hospital Ulus features innovative technologies like the da Vinci robot-assisted system for surgeries.
- Included Services: Preoperative tests, Consultation with an orthopedist traumatologist, Follow-up examination, Hospitalization, Transfer airport-hotel-clinic-airport.
- Stay Info: 3 days in the hospital, 6 days in the hotel, included in the price.
- Method: Open Intramedullary Nailing (IMN) for small bone fractures.
Orthopedic Surgery Center of Excellence: Locations
These countries excel in orthopedic care with top certifications.
Turkey
Pros
Affordable. Hip replacements are $7,500 - $14,000, way cheaper than in Western countries.
Comprehensive packages. Clinics offer all-inclusive services, accommodation, and transfer.
Cons
Variable quality. The medical tourism boom led to the emergence of fewer good clinics. Bookimed works only with thoroughly verified ones.
Regulatory differences. Patients may encounter treatments or practices not common in their home country.
For example, Turkey allows stem cell therapies for various conditions (orthopedic injuries, neurological diseases) that are under clinical trials or banned in the EU or US.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is gaining its reputation for medical services, especially in orthopedics.
Pros
Modern Infrastructure. The country has a well-developed healthcare system with modern facilities.
Cost-effective. Hip replacement cost between $6,500 to $8,500.
Cons
Language barrier. While many medical professionals speak English, communication can be tricky.
Limited international reputation. The Czech Republic has limited hospitals with international certifications compared to other European countries.
However, SAK (Czech Accreditation Commission) certifies hospitals. The government enforces strict quality control.
Italy
Italy offers advanced medical treatments and the chance to relax in a culturally rich country.
Pros
High standards. Italian hospitals follow strict medical protocols and quality care. Italian Healthcare Outcomes Program (PNE) monitors hospital performance using various indicators.
Cultural experience. Patients can combine treatment with the chance to experience Italy's heritage.
Cons
Higher costs. Knee replacement costs between $19,000 to $23,000, which is higher than in Turkey but still cheaper than in Western countries.
Bureaucracy. Navigating the healthcare system can be complicated for foreigners.
Poland
Poland is a hot spot for medical tourists, especially from neighboring European countries. The National Centre for Quality Assessment (CMJ) provides hospital accreditation.
Pros
Affordable. Hip replacements are between $5,500 and $7,500
High standards. The country has advanced health infrastructure and great medical care.
Cons
Doctor shortages in some fields due to emigration.
Seasonal. Harsh winters are not ideal for recovery periods.
Thailand
Thailand is a top medical tourism destination, with over 2.5 million medical tourists annually.
Pros
Cheap. Procedures like hip replacements are between $12,500 and $14,500.
Tourist opportunities. Patients can enjoy ThailanThailand's hospitality and scenery during recovery.
Cons
Travel. For Western patients, a long journey can be tough . The trip to Thailand takes 12 to 24 hours.
Climate. High temperatures and humidity can affect recovery comfort.
Germany
Germany is known for its medical technology and specialists.
Pros
State of the art. German hospitals are equipped with the latest medical technologies. Germany is also renowned for its expertise in sports medicine, providing specialized care for sports-related injuries.
Excellence. The country has a long history of medical innovation.
Cons
Expensive. Spinal surgeries can cost $11,000 to $16,500.
Bureaucracy. Patients may need to fill out extensive paperwork and comply with regulations.
South Korea
South Korea has become a leader in medical tourism, especially in cosmetic and specialized surgeries.
Pros
Advanced. The country offers the latest medical procedures.
Fast. Patients can have waiting times of just a few days to a few weeks, much shorter than in many Western countries.
Cons
Cultural differences. Language barriers and cultural nuances can be challenging.
Variable costs. Some procedures are affordable, like spinal surgeries, which can be $12,000 to $20,000.
Lithuania
Lithuania is becoming a cost-effective destination for medical tourists looking for quality care.
Pros* Cheap procedures. Hip replacements are between $6,500 and $9,000.
New facilities. The country has invested in health infrastructure.
Cons
New industry. Medical tourism is still growing, with fewer internationally accredited hospitals.
Limited direct flights. Traveling to Lithuania may require multiple connections.
Israel
Israel is famous for its medical research and great healthcare.
Pros
Innovative treatments. The country offers new medical procedures. For example, minimally invasive joint replacements.
Super specialist. Israeli doctors are trained in top international institutions like Tel Aviv University’s Sackler Faculty of Medicine.
Cons
Expensive. Hip replacements are around $34,000-$36,000, more than other destinations.
Geopolitical issues. Regional instability may concern some patients.
How to Choose the Best Orthopedic Surgery Clinic?
Bookimed connects patients with top orthopedic surgery clinics worldwide, with detailed surgeon profiles and full support for those seeking medical treatment abroad.
Choosing the right facility for orthopedic surgery is not an easy task. It is best to pay attention to:
Reputation and expertise
Prioritize clinics renowned for joint replacements, spinal surgeries, and other musculoskeletal procedures. Make sure the clinic has verified reviews from past patients.
Range of treatments & patient experiences
Look for facilities that offer various orthopedic procedures, including knee and hip replacements, arthroscopic surgery, and spinal fusion.
Accreditations
Choose orthopedic surgery clinics accredited by organizations like the Joint Commission International, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, or regionally recognized medical boards. These certifications mean the clinic meets strict healthcare standards.
Specialist expertise
Ensure the clinic has board-certified orthopedic surgeons with extensive experience in joint reconstruction, ligament repair, and minimally invasive techniques. A well-qualified team equals better treatment results.
💚Bookimed ranks orthopedic clinics based on transparent criteria, including patient satisfaction, surgical success rates, the expertise of board-certified orthopedic surgeons, and cutting-edge medical technology. This helps patients make informed choices with confidence. You can find out more by reading The Clinic Ranking Policy.
👉A study reported a 94.8% survival rate at 20 years for high-flexion total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and a 96.8% survival rate for standard TKA, demonstrating the long-term durability of both procedures.
Here is a list of top orthopedic surgery clinics, according to Bookimed data:
| Clinic | Location | Rating⭐ |
|---|---|---|
| Liv Hospital Ulus | Istanbul, Turkey | 4.5/5 |
| Robotic Surgery Center in St. Zdislava Hospital | Velke Mezirici, Czech Republic | 4.5/5 |
| IRCCS OSPEDALE GALEAZZI - SANT'AMBROGIO | Milan, Italy | 5/5 |
| Carolina Hospital | Warsaw, Poland | 4.7/5 |
| Bumrungrad International Hospital | Bangkok, Thailand | 4.5/5 |
| ID Clinic Bangkok | Bangkok, Thailand | 4.5/5 |
| Helios Vogelsang | Berlin, Germany | 5/5 |
| Kang Dong Hospital | Busan, Republic of Korea | 5/5 |
| Kardiolita Hospital | Vilnius, Lithuania | 4.6/5 |
| Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) | Tel Aviv, Israel | 4.4/5 |
Insurance & Payment Options for Orthopedic Surgery Abroad
Not all insurance plans cover elective orthopedic procedures abroad, so make sure to check with your provider before booking surgery. Some insurers offer direct billing, where the clinic handles payments, and others require reimbursement after treatment.
How to check your insurance coverage?
Contact your provider to see if they cover orthopedic procedures abroad.
Ask if the clinic can bill your insurance directly or if you pay upfront and get reimbursed.
Make sure the policy includes pre-authorization for the surgery.
How to secure financing?
Ask the clinic if they offer 0% interest financing or in-house payment plans.
Compare medical loan options to find low interest rates.
Make sure the repayment schedule fits your budget.
💚 Orthopedic clinics offer all-inclusive packages covering surgery, hospital stay, post-op care, and accommodation. So it's up to 75% cheaper than in Western countries, even without insurance. Thanks to special deals orthopedic surgery cost without insurance is still more lower abroad.
For personalized recommendations, Bookimed connects you with top orthopedic clinics that match your budget, insurance, and financing.
How to Begin Your Medical Journey with Bookimed?
Bookimed simplifies access to affordable orthopedic surgery abroad. Here’s how to start:
💚 Browse plans – Check orthopedic surgery packages and prices.
💚 Inquiry – Fill in the form and describe your medical condition.
💚 Get expert advice – Our medical coordinator will help you choose the best clinic for your condition and budget.
💚 Confirm & book – Select the option and we will arrange your procedure details.
💚 Travel arrangements – We will help with flights, accommodation, and local transfers for a seamless experience.
💚 Full support – Arrive at the clinic with 24/7 support from your Bookimed coordinator during your stay.
Start your orthopedic surgery abroad today with Bookimed.
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- Kim Y.-H., Park J.-W., Jang Y.-S. 20-Year Minimum Outcomes and Survival Rate of High-Flexion Versus Standard Total Knee Arthroplasty. The Journal of Arthroplasty. 2020. URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arth.2020.07.084 (date of access: 05.03.2025).
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