Orthopedic Surgery Cost. Mexico vs. U.S. & Canada (Full Breakdown)

Why Are Patients Looking Abroad for Orthopedic Surgery?

Let’s be honest: even with insurance, orthopedic surgery in the U.S. is prohibitively expensive. And in Canada, where healthcare is public, patients are often stuck on waitlists that stretch 6–18 months.

Here are just a few common frustrations:

Out-of-pocket deductibles in the U.S. averaging $5,000–$15,000
Limited coverage for procedures like shoulder arthroscopy or bunion correction
High costs for implants and hospital stays
Delayed surgeries in Canada due to backlogs and staffing shortages
Lack of personalized post-op care

This has given rise to a global trend: medical tourism for orthopedic procedures — and Mexico is at the top of the list.

Real Cost Comparison: Mexico vs. U.S. vs. Canada

Here’s a detailed breakdown of what patients are paying for some of the most common orthopedic surgeries — and how much they can save by choosing Mexico:

Procedure	U.S. Average Cost	Canada (Private or Waitlisted)	Mexico (Cabo)
Total Knee Replacement	$45,000–$70,000	Free (but 12–18 mo wait)	$10,000–$14,000
Hip Replacement	$40,000–$60,000	Free (10–12 mo wait)	$9,500–$13,500
ACL Reconstruction	$20,000–$25,000	$7,000+ (private)	$4,000–$6,000
Rotator Cuff Repair	$18,000–$25,000	$6,000+ (private)	$3,500–$5,500
Shoulder Arthroscopy	$15,000–$20,000	Waitlists or self-pay	$3,000–$4,500
Bunion Correction Surgery	$7,000–$9,000	$5,000+ (private)	$2,200–$3,200
Meniscus Repair (Knee Scope)	$10,000–$18,000	Waitlists or private	$2,500–$3,800

💡 Note: Prices in Mexico typically include surgeon fees, anesthesia, hospital stay, imaging, pre-op labs, and post-op care.

What’s Included in the Cost of Surgery in Mexico?

Many patients are surprised to learn that orthopedic surgery costs in Mexico aren’t just lower — they’re also more transparent and all-inclusive.

Here’s what’s typically included when you book with a reputable specialist like Dr. Enrique Vélez in Cabo San Lucas:

✅ Pre-op virtual consultation
✅ On-site diagnostics and bloodwork
✅ Surgeon + anesthesiologist fees
✅ Surgical implants (e.g. titanium knee or hip)
✅ Private hospital suite
✅ Post-op medication and nursing care
✅ Recovery planning + follow-up support
✅ Assistance with transportation and lodging

🏖️ Bonus: Many patients stay in a partnered recovery resort, combining expert care with a relaxing vacation atmosphere.

Case Study: Total Knee Replacement — Real Savings

Let’s break it down.

In the U.S.:

Hospital Bill: $52,000
Anesthesia: $3,000
Imaging + Labs: $2,500
Physical Therapy: $3,000+
Total: ~$60,000
Insurance Pays: $45,000
You Pay: ~$15,000+

In Cabo with Dr. Vélez:

Surgery Package: $12,500 all-inclusive
Hotel Stay (10 days): $900
Flights (round trip): $600
Meds + PT: Included
Total: ~$14,000

Savings: $46,000 — even without insurance.

🇨🇦 For Canadian Patients: Beat the Waitlists

Many Canadians travel to Mexico because the cost isn’t the problem — time is. Waitlists for orthopedic surgery in Canada can stretch over a year, leading to:

Worsened mobility
Chronic pain
Higher risk of falls and complications
Missed work or travel opportunities

By flying to Cabo, patients can book their surgery within 2–3 weeks, recover in peace, and avoid losing a year of their life.

✈️ Did you know? Canadian patients can bring their own imaging and bloodwork to save time and costs when booking surgery in Cabo.

Why Is It So Much Cheaper in Mexico?

It’s natural to wonder: How can prices be this low without cutting corners?

Here’s why orthopedic surgery in Mexico is more affordable — and still safe:

1. Lower Hospital Overhead

Mexican private clinics don’t carry the massive insurance billing infrastructure or inflated administrative costs that plague U.S. hospitals.

2. Surgeon-Owned Facilities

Doctors like Dr. Vélez operate in private surgical suites, meaning there’s no middleman jacking up the price.

3. Transparent Pricing

With no insurance negotiations, there’s one price, one package — and patients know exactly what they’re paying for.

4. Currency Exchange

The USD and CAD exchange rate goes further in Mexico, reducing costs without compromising equipment or materials.

Meet the Expert: Dr. Enrique Vélez, Cabo San Lucas

If you’re considering orthopedic surgery in Mexico, Dr. Vélez is a name to know. As a U.S.-trained, board-certified orthopedic surgeon, he’s performed thousands of successful procedures and specializes in:

✅ Total joint replacements
✅ Sports injury repairs
✅ Minimally invasive arthroscopy
✅ Trauma reconstruction
✅ Outpatient orthopedic procedures

With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Vélez has built a reputation for transparency, compassion, and surgical excellence.

📍 Based in Cabo San Lucas, his clinic serves patients from the U.S., Canada, and across Latin America — offering English-speaking care, world-class outcomes, and vacation-worthy recovery options.

What to Ask When Comparing Orthopedic Costs

Not all clinics are the same — and not all prices include the same things.

Before you book, ask these key questions:

What’s included in the quoted price?
Are hospital and anesthesia fees separate?
Are implants U.S.-approved (e.g. titanium)?
Who is performing the surgery?
Is post-op care included?
Are there any hidden fees?
What happens if I need follow-up care?
Are transportation and lodging arranged?

At DocVelez, we believe in 100% clarity upfront — no surprise fees, no upselling.

Healing in Cabo: More Than Just Affordable

Beyond cost, one of the biggest advantages of having surgery in Cabo is the healing environment. Unlike noisy hospitals and crowded urban centers, Cabo offers serenity, sun, and space to breathe.

What recovery looks like in Cabo:

✅ Ocean-view recovery suites
✅ Private physiotherapy services
✅ Short walks on the beach after surgery
✅ Less stress = faster healing
✅ Full concierge support for international travelers

Patient Story: Kevin M., Arizona

“I had been quoted $62,000 for my hip replacement in the States. I started researching alternatives and found Dr. Vélez. Within 3 weeks, I was flying to Cabo. The surgery went perfectly, and I saved over $45,000. I brought my wife and made it a healing vacation. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”

Tips for Planning Your Orthopedic Surgery in Mexico

✅ Schedule a virtual consultation first
✅ Send over your medical history + imaging in advance
✅ Get a detailed breakdown of costs
✅ Choose dates that allow for recovery + flight clearance
✅ Pack essentials: medical records, loose clothing, passport, etc.
✅ Book your flight and hotel — or use clinic-recommended partners
✅ Plan to stay 7–14 days post-surgery depending on the procedure
✅ Stay in contact with your care team post-return

Final Thoughts: The Numbers Don’t Lie

Orthopedic surgery in Mexico isn’t just cheaper — it’s smarter, faster, and often more personalized than what patients experience in North America.

With savings between $20,000 and $50,000+, the ability to skip long waitlists, and the chance to recover in peace under expert care, the question isn’t “Why Mexico?” — it’s “Why not?”

Ready to Save and Heal?

Book your virtual consultation with Dr. Enrique Vélez today and get a personalized cost estimate, surgery plan, and travel assistance. Whether it’s your knee, hip, or shoulder — the road to recovery may just start in Cabo.

🌐 www.docvelez.com
📍 Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
📞 Bilingual Support Available | 💬 WhatsApp & Video Consults