Hip Replacement in Tijuana, Mexico

Are you considering hip replacement surgery in Tijuana, Mexico, because treatment in the USA looks expensive?

You’ll be happy to know that many uninsured patients have found an alternative. Go for affordable self-pay surgery across the border!

Traveling to Mexico doesn’t cost you much time or money, as it’s right across the US border. Also, once you get there, you can save thousands of dollars on the treatment cost!

Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement. Video Courtesy: OACM orthopedics

In this post, we’ll cover all that you need to know for planning a smooth medical vacation in Tijuana.

Why Get Hip Replacement Surgery in Tijuana, Mexico?

We’ve listed the top five reasons that invite thousands of medical tourists to Tijuana each year. These can help you decide on your hip surgery across the border:

1. Close to the USA and Canada

The most significant benefit of hip replacement surgery in Tijuana is that it’s literally — driving distance from San Diego!

It means you won’t have to spend much money on a plane ticket.

Even if you want to fly, a ticket to Mexico barely costs $100 from the USA, which isn’t much even if you’re on a budget.

Compared to other popular medical tourist destinations like Turkey and Spain, traveling to Mexico is far cheaper since you won’t have to travel halfway across the world.

2. An Affordable Alternative

The cost of living in Mexico is 65% less than in the USA.^[1]LivingCost.org
Mexico vs. the United States – Cost of Living Comparison
“The average cost of living in Mexico ($678) is 65% less expensive than in the United States ($1951).”
View in Article

So a hospital in Mexico will pay less in rent, transportation, food, salaries, and machinery, which reduces your out-of-pocket expenses.

Also, once you land in Mexico, you won’t have to pay as much in accommodation compared to the USA.

The average price for a one-bedroom apartment in Mexico is $250.^[2]InterNations
Living in Mexico
“One of your most significant living expenses while living in Mexico will be your rent. It can range from 5,500 MXN (250 USD) for a furnished studio apartment.”
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You’ll need to pay $1,345 for a similar apartment in California.^[3]Zeusliving.com
How Much Does an Apartment in Los Angeles Cost?
“A one-bedroom apartment rents at about $1,346 per month, which is over $400 higher than the national average rent.”
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Even with food bills, you’ll pay 2.2 times more in the USA than in Mexico.

3. No Compromise on Quality Healthcare

Mexico has some of the best healthcare universities in the world. They receive millions of dollars in investment each year, allowing them to buy the best machinery and produce the best doctors.

Some prestigious universities in Mexico include:

• Autonomous University of Guadalajara
• National Autonomous University of Mexico
• Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon

With this level of expertise, you’ll receive treatment from some of the best surgeons in the world.

4. Save Time with Quick Treatments

It’s often quicker and easier to do hip replacement surgery in foreign countries.

Many countries like Canada don’t have immediate access to surgical procedures since the waiting list is long. In the US also, one may have to wait over four weeks before seeing a specialist.^[4]World Population Review
Health Care Wait Times by Country 2021
“The US was towards the lower end for the share of people waiting one month or more for a specialist appointment.”
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Fortunately, in Mexico, you can even get put on a priority list for immediate surgery.

5. Plan a Complimentary Vacation

Tijuana, Mexico, is a beautiful place. Taking a short vacation before your hip replacement surgery could be a great idea.

When exploring sites, you could rely on public transportation there. Mexico offers cheap yet effective buses that allow you to get around without much hassle. These buses, also called “camiones,” go to famous beaches, landmarks, and museums.

Even Uber is super cheap and readily available.

We would suggest visiting beaches and experiencing traditional Mexican food when exploring Mexico.

Now that we’ve covered the benefits of surgery in Tijuana let’s see how much hip replacement surgery costs.

Cost of Hip Arthroplasty in Tijuana, Mexico

When doing total hip replacement surgery in Tijuana, you can expect to pay $10,750 on average. For the same procedure in the USA, you’ll pay around $31,000 to $44,000.^[5]CostHelper
Hip Replacement Cost
“For patients without health insurance, a total hip replacement usually will cost between $31,839 and $44,816.”
View in Article

Americans may save around 73% having their hip replacement done in Tijuana.

Hip replacement Surgery Cost Comparison – US vs. Tijuana, Mexico

Prices are subject to change. Fill our online quote form for the latest prices and specials.

Other orthopedic procedures are also more affordable in Tijuana, Mexico. For example, The price of hip resurfacing in Tijuana, Mexico, is $11,500.

Moreover, this is all-inclusive! Meaning it covers everything from ground-transfers* to medical and surgical costs. In the USA, hip resurfacing costs over $34,000.^[6]Costhelper
Hip Resurfacing Cost
“Hip resurfacing typically costs about $11,000-$34,000 or more, depending on the implants used, whether the procedure is total or partial, and the hospital in which the procedure is performed.”
View in Article

*Ground Transfers – Free travel between Airport, Hotel, and Hospital

Best Clinics for THA in Tijuana, Mexico

Hospital del Carmen

Hospital del Carmen is an orthopedic clinic that specializes in procedures like hip, knee, hand, and back surgery.

The head orthopedic surgeon is Dr. Ruiz.

He has been performing orthopedic procedures since 2014 and currently heads his team that plans to make high-quality surgery affordable for those living in the USA or Canada.

Consultations are quick, affordable, and easy to book.

During these consultations, a professional will assess your joints and bones and determine if the pain is caused by joint wear, fractures, or sprains.

Oasis of Hope

Oasis of Hope is one of the most popular hospitals for medical tourists.

Here, one can access to top-quality healthcare at an affordable price.

Also, many doctors who work here either studied or once worked in the USA. They are also fluent in English, a factor helpful for those who can’t speak Spanish.

Best Surgeon for Hip Arthroplasty in Tijuana

Dr. Hans Ruiz Serna

Dr. Serna specializes in orthopedic and trauma surgery.

With 7+ years of medical experience, Dr. Serna has performed around 2,000 surgeries.

He’s also certified as an orthopedic and trauma specialist by the Mexican Council of Orthopedics and Traumatology.

Hip Replacement in Tijuana – Patient Reviews

How Long Does Total Hip Arthroplasty Surgery Take in Tijuana, Mexico?

The actual process of hip replacement surgery in Tijuana, Mexico, only takes around 1-2 hours. You’ll have to spend another 2-3 days in the hospital under the doctor’s supervision. After which, you could expect to return home.

Is It Safe to Go to Mexico for Hip Replacement Surgery?

Although Mexico has a bad name for cartels and homicides, many areas are quite safe.^[8]The Broke Backpacker
Is Mexico Safe? (UPDATED FOR 2021)
“Some places in Mexico are simply safer than others.”
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Tijuana, for example, is among one of the safe border cities in Mexico. This is why thousands of patients continue to cross the border for healthcare each year.

With a bit of common travel sense, you’ll be able to move around town without any fuss.

Avoid expensive and flashy jewelry or clothes since they attract unwanted attention. Also, learn a little Spanish so you can safely navigate the town.

How to Get Around Tijuana, Mexico

You can’t drive after hip replacement surgery, so renting a car isn’t a practical option. Instead, consider using Uber. The drivers can also help you get in and out of the vehicle.

However, you must know that your medical provider is also likely to assist in ground transfers between Airport-Hospital-Hotel!

Conclusion

Hip replacement surgery in Tijuana, Mexico, is an excellent decision since the treatment price is less than half of the US cost. With a bit of research, you’ll also get access to the best Mexican surgeons for orthopedics.

Have more questions about your surgery? Send us an email, and we’ll be happy to help.

References

1. LivingCost.org: Mexico vs. the United States – Cost of Living Comparison
2. InterNations: Living in Mexico
3. Zeus Living: How Much Does an Apartment in Los Angeles Cost?
4. World Population Review: Health Care Wait Times by Country 2021
5. Cost Helper: Hip Replacement Cost
6. Cost Helper: Hip Resurfacing Cost
7. Cost Helper: Knee Replacement Cost
8. The Broke Backpacker: Is Mexico Safe? (Updated For 2021)