Retirement Life
26 November 2025
Operating expenses: how much could your body cost you?
When you think about “operating expenses,” you probably picture power bills, groceries, or the price of petrol. But what about the costs of keeping your body running smoothly? For many Kiwis in retirement, the real “operating expenses” are the surgical kind. The procedures that restore vision, fix joints, or repair the inevitable wear and tear of a life well lived.
Thanks to New Zealand’s public health system, most elective surgeries are technically free. The downside is you could be waiting months, or even years, to go under the knife.
Why wait times matter
On paper, New Zealand’s public system provides excellent value: world-class surgery at no cost. But in reality, thousands of people are waiting longer than the four-month target for both specialist appointments and treatment. As of early 2025, more than 74,000 Kiwis were waiting longer than four months just to see a specialist.
The government has launched its Elective Boost programme, contracting private hospitals to tackle the backlog. Progress is being made, but waitlists remain long, especially for hips, knees, and cataracts, the very operations most retirees need.
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So, what are your options?
If you’ve got health insurance that covers elective surgery, great. You’ll likely pay little or nothing beyond your premiums. If not, you face a choice: join the public queue, or (if you can) self-fund and swallow the cost.
Here’s a look at some of the most common procedures for older New Zealanders and what they could cost if you end up footing the bill yourself.
Cataracts: the price of seeing clearly
Cataracts (the clouding of the eye’s natural lens) are the most common cause of vision loss in older people. The good news is that surgery is quick (about 20 minutes per eye), highly effective, and life-changing. Left untreated, cataracts can mean giving up driving, struggling with reading, or losing confidence in everyday activities.
In the public system, cataract surgery is free if you meet the clinical criteria. But that’s where many people get stuck. Wait times are long and the threshold for “serious enough” vision loss can feel high.
Going private, cataract surgery in New Zealand costs between $4,000 and $7,500 per eye. Prices vary depending on the surgeon, hospital, and whether you opt for upgraded intraocular lenses. If you need both eyes done, the bill doubles.
Hip replacement: easing the pain
Deteriorating hip joints can make walking, standing, and even sleeping painful. A hip replacement, where the damaged joint is swapped out for an artificial one, is often the only solution.
In the public system, you may face a wait of 12 months or more from your first specialist appointment to surgery. That’s a long time to live with constant pain and restricted mobility.
Privately, the cost ranges from $22,000 to $40,000, depending on the type of implant and the complexity of the surgery. Recovery involves two to three nights in hospital and weeks of rehab, but the long-term benefits can be immense: greater independence, less pain, and a return to activities you enjoy.
Knee replacement: getting back on your feet
Like hips, knees don’t last forever. Osteoarthritis can grind down cartilage, leaving bone rubbing on bone. A knee replacement can restore function and relieve pain, but it’s not a quick fix. Recovery takes at least six to eight weeks before you’re driving or back at a desk, and longer if you’re very active.
In the public system, waits are long: up to 35 weeks for a first specialist appointment, and then another six to twelve months for the surgery itself.
In the private system, expect to pay $26,300 to $32,000. It’s a big investment, but for many, the chance to move without pain is worth it.
Hernia repair: fixing the bulge
Hernias, where an organ or tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle wall, are common as we age. They can cause pain, discomfort, and in some cases, serious complications if left untreated.
The good news is that most hernia repairs are straightforward, often done as a day procedure. The less good news: if you’re paying privately, costs start around $3,950 and climb depending on the hernia’s size, type, and complexity.
Forewarned is forearmed
The choice between waiting a year or more to have a painful condition treated, or paying for it yourself isn’t an enviable one. However, being informed makes a difference. Knowing that a new knee could cost as much as a new car, or that fixing your cataracts could be the price of an overseas holiday, helps you plan.
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Written by:
Vanessa Glennie
Vanessa is Head of Communications at Lifetime Retirement Income. She’s an experienced investment writer, having spent more than a decade writing about financial markets in the global fund management industry.
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