You should be able to resume your routine activities after hip or knee replacement surgery.
This encompasses everything you’d normally do in your day-to-day life, from walking, climbing stairs, and driving to more sophisticated and interesting activities.
Traveling and booking vacations should not be hampered by a hip or knee replacement. However, regardless of what you plan to do after surgery, you should always consult with your doctor and follow their advise before returning to your previous active routine.
You may need to make some adjustments to your everyday routine at times. Because a knee or hip replacement is a complicated procedure, you should allow enough time for your body to recuperate.
Does knee replacement affect travel insurance?
A joint replacement is a reasonably common and routine procedure, so it shouldn’t prevent you from getting the coverage you require. However, it is critical that you declare it on your travel insurance policy. After all, going on vacation after having a hip or knee replacement may seem like a terrific way to unwind.
Having the correct travel insurance in place can provide you peace of mind, allowing you to relax and enjoy your vacation knowing that if the worst happens, you’ll be covered.
We prefer to do things the correct way, assisting clients in customizing an insurance that meets their specific requirements. Perhaps that’s why we’re the Most Trusted Travel Insurance Provider*.
Learn more about how our travel insurance can help you travel safely following a joint replacement.
When you’re ready, you may get a quote online or phone our helpful staff at 0800 033 4902.
Is a knee replacement considered a pre-existing condition?
There are a number of additional prevalent health issues that would have been considered pre-existing. Pregnancy is classified as a pre-existing condition. Eating disorders, arthritis, and even having undergone a knee replacement are all pre-existing problems. HPV, which can cause cancer in some strains if left untreated, could be regarded as a pre-existing disease by insurance providers. If you’ve experienced a back injury as a result of an accident, that might be considered a pre-existing condition.
Can I fly after knee replacement?
Traveling by airline comes with a slew of additional complexities, especially for long journeys. Many doctors advise that you avoid flying for at least six weeks following surgery. DVT is more likely to occur after a lengthy travel. Consult your surgeon before taking any flights.
Book the Seat Next to the Aisle
If you really must travel, purchase a seat in business or premium economy. Alternatively, when business class has ended, book a seat next to the aisle or in the front of the plane. This will allow you to stretch and stick your leg out as needed. During the flight, make sure to stretch and walk up and down the aisle to improve blood circulation.
Use Compression Socks
By gently applying pressure to your legs and ankles, compression socks can assist increase blood flow. Wearing compression socks throughout the flight can lower your chances of developing DVT, in addition to providing adequate legroom and opportunity to move and stretch.
Do I need to declare osteoarthritis on travel insurance?
Is it necessary to report that you suffer from arthritis? Yes, comprehensive travel insurance for arthritis is necessary to cover you if you become unwell and require care while traveling. It’s particularly critical if your arthritis forces you to postpone your trip.
What can you not do after knee replacement?
Knee replacement surgery is designed to allow you to resume normal activities without pain. Even though it may be tempting to get back to your regular routine as soon as possible, there are specific activities and movements that you should avoid while recovering.
Activities with a high risk of falling
The loss of strength, range of motion, and balance that occurs after a complete knee replacement increases the chance of falling. A fall may cause harm to the prosthesis or cause the healing process to be hampered.
According to a 2018 study, 17.2 percent of 134 persons who had knee replacements fell at least once within six months of their surgery. Approximately two-thirds of the falls happened while walking.
- removing stray toys, slick rugs, and other anything that could cause a tripping hazard from the floor
Prolonged sitting
Sitting for long periods of time following knee replacement surgery can raise the risk of blood clots, especially in the first two weeks after surgery. Sitting for long periods of time might obstruct fluid drainage in the lower leg, causing edema to worsen.
It’s best not to sit for more than 45 to 60 minutes at a time in the first 7 to 10 days after a knee replacement. If you must sit for an extended period of time, elevate your leg up on a chair or something similar to reduce swelling.
Too much weight-bearing shortly after surgery
Most patients who have a knee replacement utilize a walker, crutches, or other support devices.
Most doctors advise getting out of bed and moving as soon as possible after surgery. This will necessitate the assistance of a nurse or physical therapist for the first few days.
You should avoid taking stairs until your surgeon or physical therapist says it’s okay. When ascending the stairs, take the first step with the leg that has not had surgery, and when descending, take the first step with the leg that has had surgery. “The good goes up, the bad goes down,” is a simple way to remember this.
Running and jumping
When running, the amount of stress applied on a knee joint is roughly three times greater than when walking. Jumping puts the knee under considerably more stress.
Running and jumping while recovering after a knee replacement may cause the prosthesis to break down or cause injury. Even once fully recovered, surgeons often advise against partaking in high-impact activities.
Sports with high impact or quickly changing directions
Avoid contact sports and sports that cause an abrupt twisting or jerking of the knee when recovering following knee replacement surgery. Here are a few examples:
Cycling, golf, and swimming are all low-impact sports that can help you keep active following knee replacement surgery.
Kneeling
After a total knee replacement, 60 to 80 percent of people report difficulty or inability to kneel.
Although there is no scientific proof that kneeling shortens the life of a prosthesis, if you are uncomfortable, you should avoid it.
How much is a total knee replacement out of pocket?
To begin, be sure it’s the greatest therapy option for you and your knee discomfort, as well as that you’re timing your knee replacement surgery perfectly. However, you must also examine non-surgical alternatives to knee surgery, the risks of knee replacement surgery, who will assist you during your rehabilitation and recovery, and much more. One of your most important factors may be the expense of your knee replacement.
According to studies, the overall average cost of a knee replacement in 2020 in the United States will be between $30,000 and $50,000. However, determining what is included in that price tag might be difficult.
Some insurers, such as HealthPartners, can bundle your surgery and post-op rehab fees in many circumstances. Even if you’ve reached your deductible for the year, you’ll probably have some out-of-pocket expenses for care before and after your surgery.
There are five crucial elements to consider if you want to know how much a knee replacement will cost.
How much will Medicare pay for total knee replacement?
If the procedure is performed in a hospital, Medicare will cover the majority of the costs. The Part A deductible, as well as any cost-sharing in the form of coinsurance, will be your responsibility. If the surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure, Medicare will cover 80% of the cost. The Part B deductible and 20% of the cost will be your responsibility.
Are pre-existing conditions covered in 2021?
Yes. Health insurance providers can’t refuse to cover you or charge you more because you have a “pre-existing condition” a health problem you had before the start date of your new health coverage under the Affordable Care Act. They are also unable to charge women a higher rate than men.
Only grandfathered individual health insurance plans, which you buy yourself rather than via an employer, are exempt from the pre-existing coverage provision. Pre-existing conditions are not required to be covered.
Can you exclude a medical condition from travel insurance?
A ‘pre-existing medical condition,’ sometimes known as a ‘pre-existing medical condition,’ is a broad word that encompasses everything from allergies to shattered bones.
Various insurance firms have their own definitions. Any of the following, however, is likely to be considered a pre-existing medical condition by your insurer:
- each condition you’ve seen a doctor about in the last year, even if it’s minor
- whatever significant illness you’ve ever had, such as cancer, heart disease, or respiratory difficulties
When purchasing travel insurance, you must disclose any existing medical issues.
If you’re unsure whether or not to declare something, don’t assume it’s covered. Always check with your insurance carrier before filing a claim; otherwise, you risk having your claim denied.
Your medical condition may be excluded from coverage by some policies or insurers. Others, on the other hand, will provide coverage but exclude or charge extra for your specific illness.