Hip and knee replacement abroad: a guide for UK patients

Why people consider joint replacement abroad

Hip and knee replacements are among the most common planned operations. When pain limits walking and sleep and other treatments no longer help, waiting can be hard. Going abroad can shorten the wait, but it needs careful planning, especially around travel after surgery and rehabilitation at home.

How the surgeon decides if you are suitable

Before a place is confirmed, the orthopaedic surgeon reviews your X-ray or MRI images, a referral or letter from your GP or consultant, and a medical questionnaire. They consider your general health, weight, heart and lung conditions, blood thinners and any previous joint surgery. If anything needs to be checked first, it is better to know before you travel.

Surgeons may ask for blood tests done in the UK before you fly; see the list on our orthopaedics page.

What a joint replacement package usually includes

At our partner KCM Clinic, joint replacement packages include the pre-operative tests, the specialist consultations, the operation, the hospital stay and the first physiotherapy sessions. Ask any clinic for the same breakdown in writing, and check what is not included, such as extra nights, crutches, medicines to take home or additional physiotherapy.

Ask which implant will be used and keep its details. Established implants with long-term registry data are a sensible choice, and your UK doctors will need the details later.

How long you stay in Poland

Plan for about a week. A typical knee replacement schedule at KCM Clinic is: arrival for tests and consultations, surgery the next day, a hospital stay of about three days with daily rehabilitation, discharge with written instructions, then a check-up, a dressing change and more physiotherapy a few days later before travelling home. Hip replacement follows a similar pattern. Packages can include several nights in a hotel near the clinic.

Flying home after a hip or knee replacement

The main concern is blood clots (deep vein thrombosis). Your surgeon tells you when you are fit to fly and how to reduce the risk: blood-thinning medicine, compression stockings, fluids and moving regularly during the journey. Book an aisle seat with legroom, ask the airline for assistance at the airport, and do not drive for several weeks after surgery.

Physiotherapy and recovery in the UK

Arrange physiotherapy at home before you travel, privately or through your GP, so it can start soon after you return.
Follow the exercises and movement precautions you are given; they protect the new joint.
Most people walk with crutches or a frame at first and progress over several weeks. Full recovery takes months.
Give your GP the operation summary and implant details, and know which warning signs need urgent help: increasing pain, redness or discharge from the wound, fever, calf pain or swelling, or breathlessness.

Preparing your home before you travel

Move everyday items to waist height so you do not need to bend or reach.
Remove loose rugs and trailing cables, and add night lights between the bedroom and bathroom.
Consider a raised toilet seat, a shower stool and a long-handled grabber; your occupational therapist or GP can advise.
Stock up on easy meals, and arrange help with shopping, pets and driving for the first weeks.
If you live alone, plan who can stay with you or check on you after you return.

Questions to ask the surgeon before you book

How many hip or knee replacements do you perform each year?
Which implant will you use, and why is it suitable for me?
How long will I stay in hospital, and how many physiotherapy sessions are included?
When will I be fit to fly, and what do you recommend to prevent blood clots?
What written information will I take home for my GP and physiotherapist?
What happens if I have a problem after I return to the UK?

How MED Travel Connect helps

We collect your images and records, pass them to the surgeon for review, arrange dates and accommodation options, and stay your UK-based contact before, during and after your stay. Only the treating surgeon can decide whether surgery is right for you. Read about orthopaedic treatment in Poland or book a free call.

Frequently asked questions

How long after a knee or hip replacement can I fly?

Your surgeon decides, based on your recovery and clot risk. Patients at our partner clinic usually travel home about a week after arrival, with advice on blood-thinning medicine, compression stockings and moving during the flight.

What do I need to send before surgery abroad?

Recent X-ray or MRI images of the joint, a letter from your GP or consultant, a list of your medicines and conditions, and the clinic's medical questionnaire. Blood tests can usually be done in the UK before you travel.

Who does my physiotherapy when I get home?

You arrange it in the UK, privately or through your GP. Book it before you travel so it starts soon after you return, and bring your written exercise plan from the clinic.

Is a joint replacement abroad cheaper than private treatment in the UK?

Often, but compare the full cost: the package, extra nights, travel for you and a companion, physiotherapy at home and insurance. Ask for a written quote that lists what is and is not included.

This guide is general information, not medical advice. MED Travel Connect provides travel coordination and patient support. Only the treating clinician can assess suitability, recommend treatment and explain the risks for you.