- Hip replacement is generally classified as elective surgery: a planned procedure scheduled after specialist assessment, rather than an emergency.
- Since COVID-related surgery shutdowns, the public health sector has not fully recovered, with typical waits of around 2–3 years from GP referral.
- Public patients are placed on a waiting list and categorised by clinical urgency, with actual waits often longer than published targets.
- With appropriate private health insurance or self-funding, hip replacement surgery can usually be scheduled within weeks.
- Superannuation can generally be accessed to fund private treatment sooner, where public waiting times would otherwise be prolonged.
One of the most common questions after being told you may need a hip replacement is how long you will have to wait for surgery. The answer depends heavily on whether you are treated through the public or private healthcare system, as the two operate very differently when it comes to waiting times.
How Long Is the Wait for a Hip Replacement?
Hip replacement is generally classified as elective surgery: a planned procedure scheduled after a specialist assessment, rather than an emergency. Because it is elective, waiting times vary considerably depending on the system you choose and how your case is prioritised.
In broad terms, the public system typically involves longer waits due to high demand, while the private system usually allows surgery to be scheduled more quickly, based on your surgeon’s availability.
After COVID-related surgery shutdowns, the public health sector has not fully recovered, and typical waiting times can be between 2–3 years from the date of referral from your GP.
Elective vs Emergency Surgery
Elective surgery is a planned procedure that can be scheduled in advance following a clinical evaluation by a specialist. Hip replacement and knee replacements are among the most common elective orthopaedic procedures.
Emergency surgery, by contrast, requires immediate intervention that cannot safely be delayed. Elective procedures, while important, can be scheduled for a later date once a specialist has confirmed the need.
How Public Waiting Lists Are Prioritised
In the public system, once a specialist confirms the need for elective surgery, patients are placed on a waiting list and categorised according to clinical urgency. Public elective surgery is commonly grouped into urgency categories that set target timeframes for treatment, with more urgent cases prioritised ahead of less urgent ones.
The specific categories and target timeframes are set by the relevant public health system, and actual waits are frequently longer than the targets due to demand, as tracked in national elective surgery waiting time data. Prolonged waits can mean extended periods of pain and reduced mobility while waiting. Typically for hip and knee replacement, the waiting time is 2–3 years.
Public vs Private: The Practical Difference
| Aspect | Public System | Private System |
|---|---|---|
| Typical wait | Often around 2–3 years from GP referral, frequently longer than published targets. | Usually within weeks, based on your surgeon’s availability. |
| Choice of surgeon | Limited — assigned within the public hospital system. | You choose your specialist, timing and hospital. |
| Best suited to | Patients whose pain is manageable and who are able to wait. | Patients who want to avoid a long wait or need more control over timing. |
In most cases Dr Slattery can see you and, if you require surgery, can schedule this within weeks. Which path suits you depends on your circumstances: the severity of your symptoms, how much the wait would affect your life, your insurance, and your preferences. It is worth discussing these options as part of your assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a hip replacement classed as elective surgery?
Yes. Although it can be life-changing, hip replacement is a planned procedure scheduled after specialist assessment, so it is classified as elective rather than emergency surgery. This is why it is subject to waiting lists in the public system.
Can I have my surgery sooner privately?
Generally, yes. In the private system, surgery is scheduled around your surgeon’s availability rather than a public waiting list, so it can usually be arranged more quickly, in most cases within a few weeks. Appropriate private health insurance, or self-funding, is required, so it is worth confirming the details of your cover.
Should I wait in the public system or go private?
This depends on your circumstances. If your pain is manageable and you can wait, the public system may suit you. If a long wait would significantly affect your quality of life, or you want to choose your specialist and timing, the private system may be preferable. Dr Slattery can help you weigh this up at a consultation.
Can I use my superannuation to access hip or knee replacement?
Yes, due to the waiting time involved in getting access to healthcare in the public sector, you can generally use your superannuation to access this treatment sooner. Dr Slattery can assist you with facilitating this.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is intended as general patient education and does not constitute medical advice. Waiting times, public-system urgency categories, and the details of private cover vary by health system, insurer, and individual circumstances, and change over time. Please confirm current specifics with the relevant hospital, your health fund, and your treating specialist.
