Hip Replacement

Hip Replacement

Hip Replacement

hip surgery

Hip Replacement Surgical Services

Fast access to consultant-led hip replacement surgery in Spain under the EU Cross-Border Healthcare Directive

Hip replacement surgery can help relieve long-standing hip pain, restore mobility, and improve quality of life. Through the Cross Border Directive, Medinet Ireland supports Republic and Northern Irish patients in accessing hip replacement surgery in trusted partner hospitals in Spain, with shorter waiting times and full guidance throughout the process.

Our team supports you from initial eligibility screening through to surgery and discharge, ensuring a smooth and structured treatment journey.

Why Choose Medinet Ireland?

  • 20 years of clinical excellence
    Medinet Ireland has over 20 years of experience supporting patients to access high-quality surgical treatment through trusted partner hospitals.

  • Faster access to surgery with Cross Border Directive support
    We help patients access faster surgical treatment abroad while guiding them through the Cross Border Directive process. Reimbursement decisions are made by the HSE, and our team supports patients with the required documentation.

  • Clinically audited partner hospitals
    Medinet Ireland works with trusted partner hospitals in Spain that are clinically audited by consultant leads and clinical governance teams. This ensures high standards of patient care, safety, and clinical quality throughout your treatment journey.

  • Over 2 million patients treated safely
    Medinet Group has supported more than 2 million patients across a wide range of procedures, delivering a structured and patient-focused treatment pathway.

  • Expert consultant-led care
    Hip replacement surgery is performed by experienced orthopaedic specialists, ensuring consultant-led care and a personalised treatment plan.

  • Access to 28 clinical specialties
    Medinet Ireland offers treatment across 28 clinical specialties, providing patients with access to comprehensive care and coordinated support if additional treatment is required.

Hip

Your questions answered

You will find answers to common questions regarding our hip surgery below.

What is hip replacement surgery?

Hip replacement surgery involves removing a damaged or worn hip joint and replacing it with an artificial implant designed to restore movement and reduce pain. The procedure is commonly recommended when conservative treatments such as medication, injections, or physiotherapy have not provided sufficient relief.

The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and typically involves a short hospital stay followed by a structured physiotherapy plan.

Hip replacement surgery aims to:

  • Reduce chronic hip pain
  • Improve mobility and flexibility
  • Restore independence in daily activities
  • Improve overall quality of life

Who is hip replacement surgery suitable for?

Hip replacement surgery may be suitable for patients experiencing:

  • Severe hip arthritis
  • Long-standing hip pain not responding to medication or injections
  • Difficulty walking, standing, or climbing stairs
  • Pain affecting sleep or daily activities
  • Reduced independence due to hip mobility limitations
  • Failed conservative treatments such as physiotherapy
Conditions treated typically include:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Hip joint degeneration
  • Avascular necrosis
  • Post-traumatic arthritis
  • Hip dysplasia (in selected cases)

Suitability is confirmed following review of your referral, imaging, and medical history.

What’s covered in surgery?

Your hip replacement package through Medinet Ireland typically includes:

  • Imaging review (X-ray / MRI if required)
  • Surgery
  • Hospital stay
  • Medication during admission
  • Physiotherapy plan
  • Discharge assessment
  • Post operative review
  • Cross Border Directive administrative support

Additional costs such as travel, accommodation, or extended physiotherapy may apply depending on your individual case. Your care coordinator will outline everything clearly before proceeding.

How to prepare for surgery?

Once your eligibility for hip replacement surgery is confirmed, Medinet Ireland will guide you through the preparation process to ensure everything is in place for a safe and smooth procedure in Spain.

Before surgery, you will complete a pre-operative assessment, including a review of your medical history from your GP or public consultant. This ensures that you are fit for surgery and that your individual needs are considered.

Some routine tests, such as blood work or imaging, may be required prior to surgery. Your Medinet coordinator will provide clear instructions on what is needed and can help advise where to have imaging or tests carried out, through your GP.

Patients are also advised to plan travel and recovery support at home. Medinet Ireland provides guidance on travelling to the hospital, admission procedures, and what to expect during your stay in Spain.

Finally, your coordinator will provide all personalised instructions before surgery, including any fasting or medication guidance, so you can feel confident and prepared for your procedure.

Patients have the option to proceed either through the Cross Border Directive reimbursement route or as a self-funded patient, giving you flexibility and faster access to treatment.

Prefer to self-fund your surgery?

Some patients choose to proceed privately without claiming through the Cross Border Directive. Medinet Ireland can support both options, allowing you to access treatment without waiting for reimbursement decisions.

Step-by-Step Medinet Ireland Patient Pathway

Step 1

stages

Contact Medinet Ireland

Submit your enquiry here and complete an initial eligibility screening with our team.

Step 2

Patient Enquiry & Pre-qualification

Provide Referral

Provide a GP referral or public listed consultant letter outlining your condition and treatment recommendation.

Step 3

costs

Cost Estimate & Cross Border Directive Paperwork

You will receive a cost estimate and support completing Cross Border Directive documentation.

Step 4

info

Preoperative Assessment

Your case is reviewed remotely, or you may undergo assessment in Spain if required.

Step 5

travel

Travel to Partner Hospital in Spain

You travel to the hospital for admission. Your coordinator will provide guidance beforehand. You will be met at the hospital by an English-speaking patient liaison.

Step 6

Hip

Surgery Performed

Hip replacement surgery is performed by the orthopaedic team. Hospital stay typically follows.

Step 7

plan

Discharge with Physiotherapy Plan

You are discharged with mobility guidance, medication, and a physiotherapy recovery plan.

Step 8

plan

Follow-Up

Follow-up is provided virtually, depending on your needs, with admin support for HSE reimbursement provided.

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What is the EU Cross Border Directive?

The Cross-Border Healthcare Directive is an EU law that allows EU citizens the right to receive medical treatment in any other EU country, accompanied by a friend or family member, and be reimbursed for care abroad by their home healthcare system.

This means that if you are facing long waiting lists for your knee or hip operation, you can choose to have your procedure in another EU member state, like Spain. The treatment will be paid for upfront, and Medinet Ireland will guide you through the reimbursement process to claim back the cost of the procedure. Reimbursement is subject to HSE eligibility and approval.

Why Spain?

Hospital Ochoa

Medinet Ireland partners with trusted hospitals in Spain to provide patients with faster access to high-quality surgical care. Spain has one of the top-ranked healthcare systems in Europe, with well-regulated hospitals and experienced consultant-led clinical teams.

Patients benefit from advanced surgical techniques and modern facilities, delivered by leading orthopaedic consultants and multidisciplinary clinical teams. English is widely spoken across partner hospitals, ensuring clear communication and a comfortable experience throughout your treatment journey.

All partner hospitals are clinically audited by Medinet Ireland’s consultant leads and clinical governance teams, helping to ensure high standards of patient care, safety, and clinical quality.

Let’s Get You Moving Again

We’re ready to help you or your hospital team access timely hip replacement surgery in Spain.

Republic of Ireland:  015134299
Northern Ireland:  07539133922
Email us at:  contact@iemedinet.com

Patient Enquiry Form

You can fill out the form below or click the link to download a PDF version

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Patient Details

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GP Information

Residency

(Applicable to RoI residents only)

Surgery Enquiry

Referral Awareness

Contact Preferences

Who is eligible from ROI?

You can apply if you:

  • Are ordinarily resident in Ireland
  • Are entitled to public healthcare
  • Have a GP or consultant referral 
  • Require a treatment that is publicly available in Ireland (e.g., hip or knee replacement)
  • Have a G-HIC/E-HIC and an in date valid passport.

Who is eligible from NI?

You can apply if you:

  • Are an ordinary resident of NI and entitled to the full range of HSC services.
  • Have been diagnosed by an HSC Trust consultant.
  • Have been on the HSCNI surgery waiting list for ≥1years.
  • Your surgery is one commissioned by DoH for their diagnosis and would have received within HSC under the same clinical circumstances.
  • Will pay for the surgery themselves THEN reclaim costs from DoH.
  • Have NOT sought any other source of reimbursement.
Spain

 Contact us to find out more

Phone
Republic of Ireland
01 5134299
Northern Ireland
07539 133922
Email