How Much the HSE Repays for Orthopaedic Surgery Abroad: Cross-Border Directive Prices 2026

Source: HSE Healthcare Pricing Office, ABF 2026 Admitted Patient Price List, in force from 1 September 2026. Inpatient prices are the "inlier" price for a normal length of stay (for a knee replacement, 2 to 9 days). The codes shown are for cases without major complications ("minor complications" versions where both exist).

• The lower of two amounts. If your treatment abroad cost less than the Irish price, you can claim what you paid. If it cost more, you can claim the Irish price and pay the difference yourself.
• One DRG code per stay. It covers your diagnosis, the procedures and all care during the admission. The HSE's guide lists the code it expects for common operations; for a planned hip replacement that is I33B.
• Inpatient or day case. The HSE pays the price for the setting that is standard in Ireland for that procedure. A joint replacement is inpatient care.
• Checked after treatment. The hospital abroad can choose a different code only after treatment, supported by your medical notes. The HSE can send a claim to the Healthcare Pricing Office for an independent review.
• Outpatient appointments on their own are repaid up to €194 per day.

Prices are reviewed every year. Claims are paid at the price list in force on the date of treatment.

For a knee replacement at our partner hospital in Poland (from €8,620 including 3 nights on the ward and up to 7 physiotherapy sessions) the hospital price is about half of the HSE price of €16,196, so you can claim up to the full hospital price. The same is true for a hip (from €6,940 against €15,523) and for ACL reconstruction (€4,630 against a day case price of €7,958).

You still pay for flights and accommodation outside the hospital; the HSE does not repay those. And you pay the hospital first, then wait for the HSE. See the step-by-step guide.

OrthoVoyage is a medical travel concierge, not a hospital, and does not give medical advice. The HSE decides every claim.