Knee Replacement Surgery Abroad
See what your knee replacement would cost, which method fits your knee, and who would operate on you.
Planning knee surgery abroad? You will not be sold a fixed package here, and you will not be handed to a call center. Share your MRI and X-ray reports, and the hospital's orthopedic team goes through them with you on a video call in your own language: total or partial, what it costs, how recovery works. Surgery takes place at our verified partner hospitals in Turkey, usually scheduled within a few weeks rather than after months on a waiting list.
Fill in a short form. The Rehealth team replies on WhatsApp, usually within a few hours during office hours, with your options, prices and next steps.
Prefer to move at your own pace? Book a planning session from the Rehealth app →
Knee replacement surgery abroad at a glance
Starting price: Total knee replacement from €9,000 (both knees €14,000, partial from €7,500)
Methods: Total, partial (unicompartmental), bilateral, robotic-assisted, revision
Surgery time: Usually 1 to 2 hours, under general or spinal anesthesia
Hospital stay: 3 to 5 days for a total knee replacement
Total time abroad: Around 10 to 14 days
Waiting time: Usually scheduled within a few weeks, instead of months on a list at home
Walking without a cane: 4 to 6 weeks for most patients
Implant lifespan: More than 90% of modern knee implants are still working 15 years after surgery (AAOS)
Where: Verified partner hospitals in Turkey
Before you commit: Free video consultation with the hospital's orthopedic team
No package. No agency. You meet the hospital directly.
Most platforms sell a fixed all-inclusive package, and you never get to speak directly with the hospital's or clinic's medical team. We work differently. The quote comes from the hospital and is built around your knee, and you meet the orthopedic team on video before you decide anything.
💬 Talk to us and meet the orthopedic team by video
Free · 30 seconds to startFor patients researching knee replacement surgery abroad who want to know whether they need a total or a partial knee, what it would cost, and which hospital fits their case.
What you do
Fill in a 30-second form with a few details about your knee. Add your MRI and X-ray reports if you have them. That is enough to get the conversation started with the orthopedic team.
What happens next
The Rehealth team reaches you on WhatsApp and helps you organize the treatment and travel plan. After a first review you can book an appointment in the app and meet the hospital's orthopedic team face to face by video, or keep working through the quote and the details on WhatsApp. Getting your quote from the hospital itself, and meeting the team that would operate on you before you decide, is something no other platform offers.
Start Free — Talk to Us →Prefer to go step by step yourself? Book a planning session in the Rehealth app →
🩺 Get a second opinion
Paid consultationFor patients who want a licensed orthopedic surgeon to read their X-ray and diagnosis, say whether surgery is really necessary, and explain what the alternatives are.
Who you speak with
A licensed orthopedic and trauma surgeon who speaks your language
What you get
A structured medical second opinion written for your case
Get a second opinion →How much does knee replacement surgery cost abroad, and what is included?
The price of total knee replacement surgery depends on the type of implant, whether one or both knees are treated, and the condition of your joint. The figures below are the starting prices in our network. They cover the consultation, the surgery, the implant, anesthesia, your hospital stay and the first phase of rehabilitation. Once you share the details of your case with us, the hospital prepares a quote for you personally, and that quote can come out above or below the starting prices below.
Total Knee Replacement (Total Knee Arthroplasty)
from €9,000
The whole damaged joint surface is replaced with a metal and polyethylene implant. This is the most common knee operation in the world, and it aims to reduce pain and restore movement in advanced osteoarthritis.
Partial Knee Replacement (Unicompartmental Arthroplasty)
from €7,500
Used when the wear is limited to one compartment of the knee. Healthy cartilage and ligaments stay in place, the incision is smaller, and recovery is generally quicker than after a total knee replacement.
Bilateral Knee Replacement (Both Knees)
from €14,000
Both knees replaced in one operation or a few days apart. For patients with arthritis in both knees, it means one trip and one recovery period instead of two.
Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement
from €11,000
A robotic arm helps position the implant to millimeter accuracy. It is mainly chosen for knees with a difficult alignment, and it aims to improve implant positioning and range of motion.
Revision Knee Replacement
from €12,000
Replacement of an older implant that has worn or loosened. This is the option when pain comes back years later, or when the first prosthesis has reached the end of its life.
ACL Reconstruction (Cruciate Ligament Surgery)
from €7,000
Keyhole repair of a torn anterior cruciate ligament. The standard treatment for athletes and active patients whose knee gives way. See other orthopedic treatments →
Meniscus Repair / Knee Arthroscopy
from €5,000
Keyhole surgery to repair a torn meniscus, clean up damaged cartilage and treat problems inside the joint. It leaves almost no scar, and most patients go home the same day.
Orthopedic Consultation
from €40
Go through your knee X-ray with a licensed orthopedic surgeon and find out whether surgery is really needed. Read about second opinions →
💡 These are starting prices in our network. Your final figure depends on the state of your knee, the implant brand, the hospital and any other conditions you have. Flights and hotel are usually separate, and the coordinator only adds them to the quote if you ask. For a quote built on your actual records, start a free consultation.
Which knee surgery is right for you? Comparing the methods
There is no single technique. What suits you depends on how far the arthritis has spread, your age and how active you are. The orthopedic team makes that call after reading your MRI and X-ray, and they walk you through the reasoning during the planning consultation.
Total knee replacement (all three compartments worn)
Partial or unicompartmental knee replacement (one compartment worn)
Robotic-assisted knee replacement (when alignment is difficult)
Bilateral knee replacement (both knees worn)
Minimally invasive knee replacement (smaller incision)
Which method suits you only becomes clear once a recent knee MRI and X-ray have been reviewed by the orthopedic team. You go through that directly with the team that would treat you.
💬 Wondering whether you need a total or a partial knee replacement?
Share your knee MRI and hear it from the orthopedic team.
Start Free — Talk to Us →Do you need a knee replacement? Signs you may be a candidate
Knee replacement usually comes into the picture once the other treatments have stopped working. If several of the points below sound familiar, it is probably time to talk to an orthopedic surgeon.
Pain that stays even at rest
Your knee wakes you at night, or it keeps aching while you sit or lie down. That often means the arthritis has reached an advanced stage.
Painkillers and physiotherapy no longer help
You have tried anti-inflammatories, cortisone or hyaluronic injections and physiotherapy, and the pain keeps coming back.
You cannot walk as far as you used to
Distances you managed easily a year ago are now hard work, and stairs have become a problem.
Advanced wear on the X-ray
Your knee X-ray shows a clearly narrowed joint space, or bone touching bone.
Your leg has started to bend
The arthritis has pulled your leg inward or outward, into a bow-legged or knock-kneed shape.
Daily life has narrowed
The pain is getting in the way of your work, your hobbies or the things you used to do without thinking.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Only an orthopedic surgeon who has looked at your current imaging can tell you whether you need a knee replacement. If you are unsure, a paid second opinion is a sensible first step before you plan anything.
Why is knee replacement surgery cheaper in Turkey? Same implant, about half the price
A knee replacement in our network usually costs considerably less than the same operation in the UK, the Netherlands or Germany. The clinical standards and the implant brands (Zimmer, DePuy, Stryker) are the same. The difference comes from lower operating costs and the exchange rate, not from a cheaper implant or a less experienced surgical team.
| Procedure | 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 🇩🇪 Germany | 🇬🇧 UK | Our network | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total knee replacement (total knee arthroplasty) | €12,000-18,000 | €14,000-20,000 | £10,000-15,000 | Up to 50% less | |
| Bilateral knee replacement (both knees) | €22,000-32,000 | €26,000-36,000 | - | Up to 50% less | |
| Partial knee replacement (unicompartmental arthroplasty) | €10,000-15,000 | €11,000-16,000 | - | Up to 45% less |
These comparison figures are rough averages for adult patients paying privately, without insurance reimbursement. The quote you would get at home may look different.
Why Rehealth for knee replacement abroad, not a medical tourism agency
You talk to the clinic's orthopedic team
No middleman. You speak directly with the orthopedic team that would actually perform your surgery.
A free planning consultation before you travel
Meet the hospital's orthopedic team, see your plan, hear the price. None of it commits you to anything.
Verified by our advisory board
Every hospital, clinic and orthopedic surgeon in the network is reviewed by our medical advisory board before joining. We do not send patients anywhere we would not go ourselves.
Aftercare continues once you are home
Stay in touch with your orthopedic team through the app. Questions after surgery, physiotherapy guidance, a second opinion, all in one place.
EU data protection (GDPR)
Your knee MRIs and medical records stay confidential, encrypted and handled under European health data rules.
A local team in Leiden, the Netherlands
We are not an offshore call center. Reach us by phone, WhatsApp or email and get a real person.
No months on a waiting list
Where a knee replacement at home can mean waiting for months, surgery at our verified partner hospitals is usually scheduled within a few weeks.
A quote from the hospital, not a package
We do not sell fixed all-inclusive packages. The hospital prices your case, and extras such as a hotel or transfer are added only if you want them.
The partner hospitals where your knee replacement takes place
We work with leading orthopedic hospitals, and your knee replacement is performed at one of them. Our network currently covers Turkey. We are in talks with partners in other countries so that patients can choose where they are treated. Every partner is selected on clinical quality, on the joint replacement experience of its orthopedic teams, and on how openly it communicates with patients.
Hisar Hospital
📍 Istanbul, Turkey
A long-established orthopedic department performing total and partial knee replacement, robotic joint surgery and arthroscopic procedures.
Gazi Hospital
📍 Izmir, Turkey
Known for complex joint replacement work, including total and bilateral knee replacement, and for its broad approach to sports injuries and trauma.
Central Hospital
📍 Izmir, Turkey
A multidisciplinary hospital whose orthopedic unit covers knee and hip replacement, arthroscopic surgery and rehabilitation.
Ankara International Hospital
📍 Ankara, Turkey
A recent addition to the network in the capital, offering orthopedics and joint surgery with renovated patient rooms and a growing clinical team.
More hospitals from several countries are joining the network soon.
Your knee replacement, step by step
From signing up to the follow-up once you are back home, this is the whole process.
Sign up for free
Create your account on the web, on iOS or on Android. Three routes, one account. It takes about two minutes and no payment is involved.
Choose your hospital
Browse the orthopedic hospitals in our network. Filter by location, by the languages spoken and by joint replacement experience.
Book your online consultation
Pick a time that works for you. The platform handles the appointment and the reminders.
Talk it through on video
Share your knee MRI and X-ray results, the treatments you have already had and your medical history. Ask whatever you want: total or partial, the cost, the recovery, the risks.
Travel and have your surgery
When you are ready, the hospital coordinator helps you plan the trip. You arrive knowing what happens on which day.
Follow-up after you return
Stay connected to your orthopedic team through the app. Post-operative questions, physiotherapy guidance and check-ups, all in one place.
🚀 Ready to start?
Fill in the short form and we will get back to you on WhatsApp shortly.
Start Free — Talk to Us →Knee replacement surgery recovery time: what to expect, day by day and week by week
For a total knee replacement, plan on roughly 10 to 14 days abroad, including the hospital stay. The recovery time for knee replacement is shorter after a partial replacement, and shorter again after knee arthroscopy. Here is what the timeline usually looks like.
Days 1-2: arrival and pre-operative assessment
You meet the orthopedic team and go through the pre-operative work-up: a review of your knee MRI and X-ray, blood tests, an ECG and a physical examination. You then confirm the final plan with the team, including the type of implant.
Day 3: the day of surgery
The operation is performed under general or spinal anesthesia and usually takes one to two hours. A few hours later, with a physiotherapist beside you, you take your first steps.
Days 4-7: early rehabilitation in hospital
Physiotherapy, pain management, walking with a frame or crutches and exercises to get your range of motion back. A total knee replacement normally means 3 to 5 days in hospital.
Days 8-14: discharge and the final check before you fly
Your wound and stitches are checked, you get clearance to fly and your blood-thinning medication is arranged. You travel home with detailed aftercare instructions and contact details.
Weeks 2-6: recovering at home
Most patients are walking without a cane within 4 to 6 weeks. Your physiotherapist at home works from the plan set out by the treating hospital.
Week 6 to month 3 and beyond: remote follow-up
Regular video check-ups with the orthopedic team track your progress. A knee replacement rarely requires a second trip, since follow-up can be done remotely. Most patients are back to their everyday activities by around the third month.
Case examples from knee replacement patients in our network will appear here as we collect their consent. Until then, the orthopedic team can talk you through comparable cases from their own practice during your planning consultation.
Risks of knee replacement surgery, and the questions worth asking first
Knee replacement is a common and well-studied operation, but it is still major surgery, and it is worth knowing what can go wrong before you commit to it. A hospital that answers these questions clearly is usually a good sign.
The known risks
Questions to ask before a knee replacement
What makes surgery abroad riskier, and what does not
Whether the benefit outweighs the risk in your case is a medical judgment. Only an orthopedic surgeon who has reviewed your imaging and your medical history can make it with you.
What European knee replacement patients say
I was nervous about having a knee replacement abroad, but the planning call put everything in place. The orthopedic team went through my X-ray, explained why I needed a total replacement, and gave me the price up front. I knew exactly what I was walking into before I decided anything.
Both my knees were worn out and at home I was told it would mean two separate operations. Here they were done in one trip, and the difference in price was hard to believe. The orthopedic team kept me informed at every stage.
The wear was only on one side of my knee, so a partial replacement was suggested. I had a video call with the orthopedic team first, saw the plan in writing, and never felt pushed at any point. Recovery moved along faster than I expected.
🎁 Find out what your knee replacement would cost
A free WhatsApp reply within a few hours, in your own language.
Start Free — Talk to Us →Knee replacement surgery abroad: frequently asked questions
How long does a knee replacement last?
According to AAOS data, more than 90% of modern knee implants are still working 15 years after surgery. With premium implant brands (Zimmer, DePuy, Stryker) and accurate alignment, the prosthesis can last longer still. Your weight, your activity level and how precisely the implant is positioned all affect that figure. If the implant does wear out later, revision surgery is possible.
Do I need a total or a partial knee replacement?
It depends on how much of the knee the arthritis has affected. If all three compartments are worn, a total replacement is the usual answer. If only one compartment is damaged and your cruciate ligaments are intact, a partial (unicompartmental) replacement may be an option. Partial surgery means a smaller incision and quicker recovery, but not everyone qualifies. The orthopedic team decides that with you after reviewing a recent knee MRI and X-ray.
How long does knee replacement surgery take?
The operation itself usually takes one to two hours, under general or spinal anesthesia. A bilateral procedure, where both knees are replaced under one anesthetic, takes longer. You are normally up on your feet with a physiotherapist within a few hours of leaving theatre.
How long do I need to stay abroad for a knee replacement?
Plan on 10 to 14 days for a total or bilateral knee replacement, including the hospital stay and the first physiotherapy sessions. A partial replacement needs 7 to 10 days, and arthroscopic procedures such as meniscus or ACL surgery 5 to 7 days. Most knee replacements do not require a second trip: follow-up is done remotely and physiotherapy continues in your own city.
Is it safe to have a knee replacement in Turkey?
When you choose a verified hospital, yes. Every orthopedic hospital and surgeon in our network is reviewed by our medical advisory board before joining. Our partners work to international clinical standards and use the same knee implants used in EU hospitals (Zimmer, DePuy, Stryker), and their surgeons are board certified and experienced in joint replacement. The risk in going abroad comes from booking through unverified channels, not from the country itself.
What are the risks of knee replacement surgery?
The recognized complications are infection, blood clots, stiffness, persistent pain, nerve or blood vessel injury and loosening of the implant over the years. They are uncommon, and hospitals work to reduce them with antibiotics, blood-thinning medication and getting you walking early, but no surgical team can eliminate them. Ask the hospital what happens if a problem appears after you fly home, and make sure you have that answer in writing before you travel.
When can I walk after knee replacement surgery?
Most patients take their first steps within a few hours of surgery, with a physiotherapist beside them. For the first days you walk with a frame or crutches, and most people are walking without a cane within 4 to 6 weeks. Stairs, driving and everyday activities usually come back over 6 to 12 weeks. The exact timeline depends on your age, your fitness and the type of surgery.
What happens if there is a problem once I am back home?
You keep access to your orthopedic surgeon and care team through the Rehealth app, and they can advise remotely on routine matters. If something more serious comes up, the hospital that treated you takes responsibility for the follow-up, and Rehealth helps you manage the process through the app. Implant warranties remain valid after you return.
What is included in the knee replacement price?
Starting prices in our network generally cover the consultation, the surgery, the prosthetic implant, anesthesia, your hospital stay and the first phase of rehabilitation. Flights and accommodation are usually separate, and the coordinator helps you arrange them if you want. Because what is included varies between hospitals, you receive the full quote for your case in writing during the planning consultation.
Will my insurance cover part of a knee replacement abroad?
Coverage varies a great deal by country and by policy. The clearest answer comes from your insurer directly, so confirm what they do and do not cover for a knee replacement abroad before you travel. The hospital can also explain how the invoices are issued and which documents insurers usually ask for.
How do I pay?
Payment goes directly to the hospital, usually by card or bank transfer around the time of treatment. Some partners take part of the amount up front and the rest afterwards. The payment options are set out in detail during your planning consultation, before you commit to anything.
Do I have to have surgery, or can I get a second opinion first?
You can absolutely get a second opinion first. If you are not sure you need a knee replacement, a paid second opinion lets a licensed orthopedic surgeon review your X-ray and talk through the non-surgical alternatives such as injections and physiotherapy. Many patients find the decision easier after that step.
Can I get a knee replacement quote with no commitment?
Yes. That is the point of the planning consultation: you get a clear cost estimate and a treatment plan, and nothing is expected in return. Once you have seen your options, whether to go ahead is entirely your decision.
Medical sources
The general medical information on this page follows international orthopedic guidance. Total knee replacement is considered one of the most successful operations in medicine, with more than 700,000 performed each year in the United States alone, and more than 90% of modern implants still working 15 years after surgery (AAOS).
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), Total Knee Replacement (OrthoInfo)
- MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), Knee replacement
This content has been reviewed by the Rehealth Medical Advisory Board. Last reviewed: 28 July 2026.
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