How Much Does Bunion Surgery Cost in 2026?
Bunion surgery (bunionectomy) costs between $3,500 and $12,000 in the United States in 2026, with the national average falling around $5,800. Patients with insurance typically pay $1,000 to $3,500 out of pocket after deductibles and copays. According to data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) and Fair Health consumer cost databases, bunion correction remains one of the most common elective foot surgeries, with over 200,000 procedures performed annually in the U.S.
The total cost varies significantly based on the type of procedure, your geographic location, whether the surgery is performed at a hospital or ambulatory surgery center, and your insurance coverage. More advanced techniques like Lapiplasty 3D correction cost substantially more than traditional bunionectomy methods.
Understanding the full cost picture — including surgeon fees, anesthesia, facility charges, and post-operative care — is essential for budgeting and making informed decisions about your treatment.
Cost by Bunion Surgery Type
| Procedure Type | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Exostectomy (Bump Removal Only) | $3,800 | $2,500 – $5,500 |
| Chevron/Austin Osteotomy | $5,500 | $3,500 – $8,000 |
| Scarf Osteotomy | $6,200 | $4,000 – $9,000 |
| Lapidus Bunionectomy (Fusion) | $7,500 | $5,000 – $11,000 |
| Lapiplasty 3D Bunion Correction | $10,500 | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Minimally Invasive Bunionectomy | $6,800 | $4,500 – $10,000 |
The chevron osteotomy is the most commonly performed bunion surgery and offers a good balance of cost and effectiveness for mild to moderate bunions. Lapiplasty, a newer 3D correction technique, commands premium pricing due to specialized instrumentation and titanium plating hardware but offers potentially lower recurrence rates.
Bunion Surgery Cost by State
| State | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| California | $8,200 | $5,500 – $12,000 |
| New York | $8,500 | $5,800 – $12,500 |
| Texas | $5,800 | $3,800 – $9,000 |
| Florida | $6,200 | $4,000 – $9,500 |
| Illinois | $6,500 | $4,200 – $10,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $5,900 | $3,800 – $9,200 |
| Ohio | $4,800 | $3,200 – $7,500 |
| Georgia | $5,200 | $3,500 – $8,000 |
| North Carolina | $5,000 | $3,300 – $7,800 |
| Arizona | $5,600 | $3,600 – $8,500 |
| Colorado | $6,000 | $4,000 – $9,000 |
| Alabama | $4,200 | $2,800 – $6,500 |
Cost differences between states reflect variations in cost of living, facility overhead, and regional market dynamics. Patients in New York and California can expect to pay 40-60% more than those in Ohio, Alabama, or North Carolina.
Insurance vs. No Insurance Costs
| Coverage Type | Typical Out-of-Pocket Cost | What's Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Private Insurance | $1,000 – $3,500 | Surgery, anesthesia, and facility fees after deductible; must meet medical necessity criteria |
| Medicare | $1,200 – $2,800 | 80% of approved amount under Part B; patient pays 20% coinsurance plus deductible |
| Medicaid | $0 – $500 | Full coverage in most states when medically necessary; minimal or no copay |
| Without Insurance | $5,500 – $12,000 | Patient responsible for all costs; many facilities offer cash-pay discounts of 20-40% |
For insurance to cover bunion surgery, most plans require documentation of medical necessity. This typically means you must demonstrate that the bunion causes chronic pain, limits mobility, has been present for at least 6-12 months, and that conservative treatments (orthotics, wider shoes, anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections) have failed. Purely cosmetic bunion correction is almost never covered.
Complete Cost Breakdown
The total price of bunion surgery includes several distinct components. Understanding each line item helps you compare quotes accurately and identify potential savings.
| Cost Component | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Surgeon's Fee | $1,500 – $4,500 |
| Anesthesia (local with sedation or general) | $500 – $1,500 |
| Facility/Operating Room Fee | $1,200 – $4,000 |
| Pre-Operative Imaging (X-rays/MRI) | $200 – $800 |
| Hardware (screws, plates, pins) | $300 – $2,500 |
| Surgical Boot/Cast | $100 – $300 |
| Post-Op Follow-Up Visits (2-4 visits) | $300 – $800 |
| Physical Therapy (if needed, 4-8 sessions) | $600 – $2,400 |
| Prescription Medications | $50 – $200 |
Important: When comparing quotes, always ask whether the price includes hardware costs. Lapiplasty procedures use specialized titanium plates that can add $1,500 to $2,500 to the total bill.
Factors That Affect Bunion Surgery Cost
Geographic Location
Healthcare costs vary dramatically by region. Metropolitan areas like New York City, San Francisco, and Boston have some of the highest surgical costs in the country, while rural areas and Southern states tend to be significantly more affordable. The same procedure can cost twice as much depending on your ZIP code.
Procedure Complexity and Type
A simple exostectomy (bump shaving) costs far less than a complex Lapidus fusion or Lapiplasty correction. Severe bunions with significant joint misalignment require more surgical time, specialized hardware, and advanced techniques — all of which increase the total cost.
Facility Type
Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) typically charge 40-60% less than hospital outpatient departments for the same procedure. Most bunion surgeries can safely be performed at ASCs, making this one of the easiest ways to reduce costs.
Surgeon Experience and Specialization
Board-certified podiatric surgeons and orthopedic foot and ankle specialists with high procedure volumes may charge higher surgeon fees. However, experienced surgeons often have fewer complications and better outcomes, which can save money in the long run by avoiding revision surgery.
Anesthesia Type
Local anesthesia with IV sedation costs less than general anesthesia. Many bunion surgeries can be performed under an ankle block with light sedation, saving $500 to $1,000 compared to general anesthesia.
Bilateral vs. Unilateral Surgery
Having both feet corrected in a single session can reduce total costs by 25-35% since you only pay for one anesthesia session and one facility fee. However, recovery is more challenging when both feet are operated on simultaneously.
How to Save Money on Bunion Surgery
- Get Multiple Quotes: Contact at least 3-4 surgeons and request all-inclusive pricing. Costs can vary by thousands of dollars within the same city. Ask for itemized quotes so you can compare apples to apples.
- Choose an Ambulatory Surgery Center: ASCs offer the same quality of care as hospitals for outpatient procedures at significantly lower facility fees. Ask your surgeon if they operate at an ASC.
- Ask About Cash-Pay Discounts: Many providers offer discounts of 20-40% for patients who pay in full before the procedure. Even if you have insurance, compare your out-of-pocket cost with the cash price — sometimes the cash price is lower.
- Consider Traveling for Surgery: If you live in a high-cost area, traveling to a nearby state or city with lower healthcare costs can save thousands. Factor in travel and lodging costs, but the savings often still add up.
- Negotiate Your Bill: Hospital bills are often negotiable, especially for self-pay patients. Ask the billing department about financial hardship programs, prompt-pay discounts, or reduced rates based on your income.
- Use HSA/FSA Funds: Bunion surgery qualifies as a medical expense under both Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts. Using pre-tax dollars effectively saves you 20-35% based on your tax bracket.
- Time Your Surgery Strategically: If you've already met your insurance deductible for the year, scheduling surgery before December 31st means your insurance covers a larger portion. Alternatively, schedule early in the year if you want to apply the cost toward your new deductible.
Financing Options for Bunion Surgery
| Financing Option | Details | Typical Terms |
|---|---|---|
| Provider Payment Plans | Many surgical practices offer in-house financing with monthly payments | 0% interest for 6-12 months; longer terms may carry 8-15% APR |
| CareCredit | Medical credit card accepted by most podiatric and orthopedic practices | 0% APR for 6, 12, 18, or 24 months; 26.99% deferred interest if not paid in full |
| Prosper Healthcare Lending | Fixed-rate medical loans with predictable monthly payments | Loans from $2,000-$100,000; rates from 5.99% APR; terms up to 84 months |
| HSA/FSA | Pre-tax healthcare funds for qualified medical expenses | HSA: no spending deadline; FSA: must use within plan year (some grace periods) |
| Personal Loan | Unsecured loan from bank or online lender | Rates from 6-20% APR depending on credit; terms of 2-7 years |
Pro Tips from Surgical Cost Experts
Always request a "global surgical fee" quote. This should include the surgeon's fee, all follow-up visits for 90 days post-surgery, and hardware costs. If a surgeon quotes only their professional fee, the total bill will be significantly higher once facility and anesthesia charges are added.
Check your insurance plan's "allowed amount" before choosing a surgeon. Call your insurer and ask what they reimburse for CPT codes 28296 (bunionectomy with osteotomy) or 28297 (Lapidus procedure). This tells you the maximum your plan will pay and helps you estimate your true out-of-pocket cost.
Don't skip physical therapy to save money. Post-operative rehabilitation reduces the risk of stiffness, improves surgical outcomes, and can prevent costly complications or revision surgery. Budget for at least 4-6 PT sessions as part of your total cost.
Ask about revision rates before choosing a procedure. A cheaper procedure with a 15-20% recurrence rate may cost more long-term than a pricier technique with a 2-5% recurrence rate. Factor in the potential cost of a second surgery when making your decision.