Worn Hip or Knee? Skip Ireland's Waiting List

Get Your Hip or Knee Replacement in The Netherlands — Within Weeks, Not Years

Facing a 2 to 4-year wait for hip or knee replacement surgery in Ireland? You don’t have to wait. If your hip or knee is worn down by osteoarthritis or injury, the Dutch Hip and Knee Clinic in Amsterdam can treat you within weeks — and the costs are covered by the HSE via the European Cross Border Directive (CBD).

Our Irish liaison team handles everything: from your GP referral and HSE paperwork to flights, accommodation, and aftercare. Hundreds of Irish patients have already chosen us — pain-free and back home within days.

As an Irish resident, your treatment costs are covered by the HSE. No private insurance needed.

Is Your Hip or Knee Worn Down?

Many Irish patients come to us after years of living with joint pain. Common signs that you may need a hip or knee replacement include:

  • Persistent pain in your hip or knee, even at rest or at night
  • Morning stiffness or stiffness after sitting
  • Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or getting out of a chair
  • Grinding, clicking, or locking of the joint
  • Reduced mobility that is affecting your daily life or independence

If you recognise these symptoms, you may have osteoarthritis or a worn joint — and surgery could give you your life back. Don’t wait years on an Irish public waiting list. Ask your GP about a referral to DHKC today.

The Cross Border Directive (CBD)

The Cross Border Directive (CBD) allows Irish residents to access planned healthcare in another EU country — including the Netherlands — with costs reimbursed by the HSE. Through this scheme, you can have your hip or knee replacement surgery at our state-of-the-art hospital in Amsterdam, without years of delay.

To qualify, you must:

  • Be a resident of Ireland and intend to remain there for at least one year
  • Be eligible for public healthcare in Ireland (medical card or public patient status)

We guide you through every step of the CBD process — from your first GP visit to your return home.

Am I Eligible? How to Get a GP Referral

Yes — if you need a hip or knee replacement and are on a public waiting list (or facing one), you are likely eligible. Here is how the process works:

Step 1 — Talk to your GP
Tell your GP you are interested in treatment abroad under the Cross Border Directive. Show them our website or ask them to call our Irish liaison officer directly.

Step 2 — Your GP contacts our Irish Liaison Officer
Our liaison officer Sarah Hyde works with GPs across Ireland. She handles all the paperwork and HSE forms so neither you nor your GP has to figure it out alone.

Step 3 — Surgery in Amsterdam within weeks
Once approved, we arrange your travel, hotel, hospital appointment, and aftercare. You come to Amsterdam, have your surgery, and are back home within days — pain-free.

📞 Call our Irish team: 087 002 9686

It was a very good experience and all went well. I am very great full to have had the Hip replacement done from the Anterior approach, ...
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Joyce
It was a very good experience and all went well. I am very great full to have had the Hip replacement done from the Anterior approach, in such a professional manner. It is very difficult to have that in Ireland and it was my preferred option. I am delighted it is behind me now with my recovery going very well.
I found the experience absolutely wonderful and i must mention Helen and Sarah they went above and beyond nothing was to much for them, the care ...
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Mary
I found the experience absolutely wonderful and i must mention Helen and Sarah they went above and beyond nothing was to much for them, the care in the hospital was unbelievable from the nurses to the physiotherapists and my surgeon was fantastic and a wonderful gentleman and when I got home the after care was also amazing I can't thank everyone enough I'm now pain free and have got my life back yours thankfull.
Following a consultation in Cork in October 2025, I was advised that I would be waiting for approximately four years to get my hip replaced, as I ...
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John
Following a consultation in Cork in October 2025, I was advised that I would be waiting for approximately four years to get my hip replaced, as I did not have health insurance. I visited my own GP on Tuesday Nov 11, and on hearing my predicament he told me about the Cross Border Directive that is in operation. My GP gave me a very positive report about DHKC ( Dutch Hip and Knee Clinic) and that evening I had a lengthy phone conversation with their representative here in Ireland , Sarah Hyde. On December 3rd I had my hip replaced in Amsterdam and on Dec. 6th I was back home . Sarah advised me and organized all the paperwork involved in the lead up. Myself and my wife purchased the airline tickets ourselves, to arrive in Amsterdam the day prior to the scheduled procedure. Upon arrival at schipol airport we were met by Helen Falkner (DHKC organizer in The Netherlands) and from that point onwards, we had nothing to do only follow Helen's directions . Organized transport took us directly to our Hotel and following our evening meal, I was visited by the surgeon carrying out the operation. He went through the entire procedure, before and after and answered any queries I had. We were collected the following morning at 7 am and transported to the clinic for the operation. The following morning we were collected, and transported to a convalecent hotel/hospital where we stayed until being collected again to go to the airport, for the return home. It was all as simple as that !! Everything had been organized for me by DHKC (except booking and paying for the flights) In Ireland, Sarah orchestrated everything and Helen took over once I arrived at Schipol airport. The pre and post operation contact from the surgeon and post op.help and guidance from the physiotherapist was something I have never experienced in Ireland. From start to finish, and even at this stage, weeks later, there had been constant contact from Michiel (Chief orthopedic surgeon). He visited me in the hospital post operation, and on the evening prior to our departure home he paid a visit to myself, and three other patients who also had a procedures done. The health care and professionalism shown by the entire DHKC team, before, during my four day stay in Amsterdam and after,-------well, I probably would not believe, had i not experienced it myself. My only advice, to anyone who has a hip or knee issue requiring surgery, is to enquire at your own GP or look into DHKC NETHERLANDS. To fund the costs of all involved, I took out a personal loan from my local Credit Union. Note--- all Credit Union branches are familiar with the Cross Border Directive which makes explaining the purpose of the loan much easier. Any documents requires by the HSE, for the purpose of reimbursement, were supplied by DHKC and for clarification on filling out the HSE forms--- Sarah was always on hand.
From start to finish my experience with a hip replacement with the Dutch Hip and Knee Clinic in Amsterdam was a very positive experience. The level ...
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Margaret
From start to finish my experience with a hip replacement with the Dutch Hip and Knee Clinic in Amsterdam was a very positive experience. The level of care, professionalism and genuine compassion shown by everyone from the surgeon, nurses and physiotherapist exceeded every expectation the surgical team was world class .They took the time to explain every step of the procedure with my husband and I the operation went seamlessly the expertise of the surgeon was was truly impressive. The nursing staff were absolute angels, nothing was too much trouble. Equally remarkable was the physiotherapy team, their care had me up and moving faster than l ever anticipated. Amsterdams health care system really shines. I felt truly cared for as a person not just a patient. I'm now walking pain free. Highly recommended to anyone considering Hip replacement surgery you will be in the best hands with the Dutch Hip and Knee Clinic .And the team in Ireland are so helpful and lovely they do most of the paperwork it's great!
I had a full hip replacement with DHKC in September 2025. Both the surgeon ...
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I had a full hip replacement with DHKC in September 2025. Both the surgeon and the clinic in which this took place were excellent. The additional 3 days care provided afterwards by the Kim Zorghotel, a fantastic facility at a beautiful location, was extremely helpful to get started with the essential rehabilitation process. Onsite nursing care and physiotherapy were included, as well as tasty and very healthy food in a friendly hotel environment, where guests are also welcome and made to feel at home. It is very important to ensure the right aftercare package is in place before you get back to Ireland, you will need support at home for a while, plus, essentially, a good physiotherapist, and the willingness to commit to the recommended exercises. DHKC can help you with ensuring all this is in place before you travel to the Netherlands for this treatment, ideally bringing a partner or friend with you. They will also provide you with information you need about the rehabilitation requirements. With waiting lists in Ireland being the way they are for this kind of surgery, making use of this HSE 'Treatment Abroad' option is worthy of your consideration

Who We Are

We are a specialised and highly experienced team of Dutch orthopaedic surgeons, dedicated to transforming lives with new hips and knees. Every day, we help Irish patients — and patients from across Europe — regain their mobility and get back to living the life they love.

With years of expertise in hip and knee replacement surgery, we take pride in delivering the highest quality care and the best outcomes for our patients. At the Dutch Hip and Knee Clinic, your journey back to an active, pain-free life is in the hands of trusted specialists committed to your well-being.