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Osteoarthritis Cost in Australia

Lifetime risk: 1 in 5 Australians over age 45 Australians will be diagnosed with Osteoarthritis

Cost Breakdown

Annual Cost
$1,397/year
Treatment Costs
  • Bilateral hip replacement$500-$8,000
  • Hip replacement$150-$4,000
  • Knee replacement$150-$3,900
  • Knee arthroscopy$120-$1,900

Source: Zurich Cost of Care Volume 2. Costs are averages and may vary based on individual circumstances.

Risk Statistics

Lifetime Risk
1 in 5 Australians over age 45
Current Cases in Australia
2.1M
Key Statistics
  • Hip Replacements: 12317
  • Knee Replacements: 17868
  • Main Joints Affected: KneesHipsHands
  • Carers Out Of Workforce: 19000
  • Under 65 Joint Replacements: 1 in 3 total knee and hip replacements

Source: Zurich Cost of Care Volume 2. Statistics represent Australian population averages.

Financial Impact

OA is the main condition leading to hip and knee replacement surgery. The financial consequences can be detrimental due to high treatment costs and loss of income from reduced capacity to work. An estimated 19,000 primary carers (aged 15-64) are out of the workforce due to caring responsibilities.

Recovery Period
Chronic progressive condition
Average Days Off Work
72 days/year

Insurance Coverage Considerations

Income Protection

Standard Priority

People with Osteoarthritis take an average of 72 days off work per year. Income Protection provides 70% income replacement during recovery and treatment periods.

Important: The information above is based on average costs and factual data. It does not take into account your individual circumstances, needs, or financial situation.

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This is general advice only and does not take into account your individual circumstances, needs, or financial situation. You should consider the appropriateness of this general advice before acting on it. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before making a decision. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed financial adviser. AR: 1244847 | AFSL: 246623

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Related Musculoskeletal Conditions

Back Pain and Problems

Annual cost: $9k/year

Risk: 4 in 5 people will have low back pain at some time

Osteoporosis

Annual cost: $1k/year

Risk: 1 in 20 males under 44, 1 in 5 females 50+

Important Information

Cost estimates are from Zurich Cost of Care Volume 2 research and represent averages. Your actual costs may vary.

Insurance coverage recommendations are general in nature. This is general advice only and does not take into account your individual circumstances. Speak with a licensed adviser to determine appropriate coverage for your situation.

AR: 1244847 | AFSL: 246623

Source: Zurich Cost of Care Volume 2 (Released June 2024)