Treatment Options AbroadCarpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common hand and wrist conditions in the United States, causing numbness, tingling, and weakness due to pressure on the median nerve. For uninsured Americans, Canadians, expats, and retirees, the cost of carpal tunnel surgery can be unexpectedly high—often putting essential treatment out of reach. Because of these rising prices, many patients are now turning to medical tourism to receive the same surgery abroad at a significantly lower cost.
This guide breaks down how much carpal tunnel surgery costs without insurance, compares U.S. vs. overseas pricing, and highlights the most affordable destinations for safe, high-quality care.
Carpal tunnel surgery without insurance generally ranges from $1,700 to $8,400 depending on the facility, geographic location, and complexity of the procedure.
Carpal Tunnel Surgery Cost Without Insurance in the U.S.
Carpal tunnel release surgery is a relatively short and straightforward procedure, but without insurance, prices vary widely depending on the hospital, surgeon fees, anesthesia type, and whether the procedure is open or endoscopic.
Average U.S. Self-Pay Costs
| Type of Surgery | U.S. Cost (Without Insurance) |
|---|---|
| Open Carpal Tunnel Release | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release | $4,000 – $12,000 |
| Bilateral Surgery (both hands) | $6,000 – $16,000+ |
These costs may or may not include anesthesia fees, facility charges, surgeon fees, tests, and postoperative visits. Many patients receive separate bills for:
- Nerve conduction studies
- Preoperative labs
- Post-surgery follow-up
- Wrist splints or therapy
For someone without insurance, the total can easily reach $10,000 or more.
Carpal Tunnel Surgery Cost Abroad (Affordable Options)
Medical tourism has become a highly reliable and cost-effective solution. Many international hospitals offer all-inclusive packages, making it easier for uninsured patients to receive affordable and safe care.
Average Prices by Country
| Country | Carpal Tunnel Surgery (One Hand) |
|---|---|
| Mexico | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Costa Rica | $1,200 – $2,800 |
| Turkey | $1,300 – $3,000 |
| Thailand | $1,500 – $3,200 |
| South Korea | $2,000 – $4,000 |
Many packages include:
- Consultation
- Surgeon & hospital fees
- Local anesthesia or light sedation
- Postoperative checkups
- Airport pickup & patient coordinator services
Compared to U.S. prices, patients can save 50–80% while receiving surgery from internationally trained hand specialists.
Best Destinations for Carpal Tunnel Surgery Abroad
🇲🇽 Mexico
Mexico is the top choice for U.S. patients due to proximity and high-quality orthopedic and hand surgery centers. Cities like Tijuana, Cancun, Monterrey, and Mexico City offer modern facilities with English-speaking surgeons.
Why choose Mexico:
- Extremely affordable prices
- Fast scheduling
- Ideal for a short medical trip
- Minimally invasive options available
🇹🇷 Turkey
Turkey is known for advanced orthopedic centers, experienced hand surgeons, and high-quality patient care. Hospitals use modern techniques including endoscopic carpal tunnel release.
Why choose Turkey:
- Accredited hospitals
- Advanced imaging and minimally invasive surgery
- Highly trained microsurgeons
- Great value for money
🇨🇷 Costa Rica
Costa Rica continues to be a leading destination for medical travel with excellent standards of care.
Why choose Costa Rica:
- Safe destination
- Accredited private hospitals
- Western-trained specialists
- Affordable, transparent pricing
🇹🇭 Thailand
Thailand offers world-class hospitals with international patient departments and modern surgical technology.
Why choose Thailand:
- Exceptional hospital infrastructure
- High-quality endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery
- Great for combining surgery with a comfortable recovery environment
🇰🇷 South Korea
A world leader in nerve and hand microsurgery with precise techniques and advanced equipment.
Why choose South Korea:
- Global reputation for nerve surgery
- Highly specialized hand surgeons
- Excellent post-surgical rehabilitation options
Benefits of Getting Carpal Tunnel Surgery Overseas
- 50–80% cost reduction compared to U.S. pricing
- Modern, internationally accredited hospitals
- Fast appointment availability
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Minimally invasive and endoscopic options
- English-speaking staff and coordinators
- Comfortable recovery environments
Medical tourism makes quality care affordable for people who delay treatment because of high U.S. costs.
Tips for Planning Your Medical Trip
- Ask for a full package breakdown (surgery, anesthesia, medications).
- Bring your nerve conduction study results if already done.
- Verify the surgeon’s credentials and years of hand surgery experience.
- Check pre- and post-op instructions before traveling.
- Plan a few days for recovery before flying home.
FAQs
1. How much is carpal tunnel surgery without insurance?
Carpal tunnel surgery without insurance typically costs $3,000–$12,000 in the U.S., depending on whether the procedure is open or endoscopic and whether one or both hands are treated.
2. What is the cheapest country for carpal tunnel surgery?
Mexico, Turkey, and Costa Rica offer surgery from $1,000–$3,000, making them the most affordable options for uninsured patients.
3. Does endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery cost more than open surgery?
Yes. Endoscopic surgery usually costs $1,000–$4,000 more because it requires specialized equipment and technical skill, but it offers faster recovery and less scarring.
4. Why is U.S. carpal tunnel surgery so expensive without insurance?
High surgeon fees, hospital facility charges, anesthesia costs, and diagnostic testing contribute to the overall expense. Without insurance, patients pay all costs upfront.
5. Is carpal tunnel surgery safe abroad?
Yes—if performed in accredited hospitals with experienced hand surgeons. Countries like Mexico, Turkey, Thailand, and Costa Rica have strong reputations for orthopedic and nerve surgery.
6. How long does recovery take?
Most patients return to light activities in 7–14 days. Full recovery, including grip strength, may take 4–6 weeks, depending on the technique used.
7. Does medical tourism really save money for carpal tunnel surgery?
Absolutely. Patients typically save 50–80% compared to U.S. prices, especially when choosing all-inclusive packages.
8. Do I need a nerve conduction study before surgery abroad?
Most surgeons prefer recent diagnostic tests. You can bring results from the U.S. or have the test done abroad for a lower cost.
9. Can bilateral carpal tunnel surgery be done in one trip?
Yes. Many patients treat both hands during the same trip, especially in affordable destinations. Discuss suitability with your surgeon.
10. Is carpal tunnel surgery painful?
Most procedures are done under local anesthesia or light sedation. Mild soreness and swelling are common, but pain is usually manageable with medication.
Carpal tunnel surgery without insurance in the U.S. can cost $3,000 to $12,000, and even more if both hands need treatment. For uninsured patients, the financial burden can be significant. By choosing medical tourism destinations such as Mexico, Turkey, Costa Rica, Thailand, or South Korea, you can receive safe and effective carpal tunnel surgery for as low as $1,000–$3,000, with high-quality care and modern medical facilities.
At MyMediTour, we help patients access affordable, world-class hospitals and trusted hand surgeons abroad. Contact MyMediTour to explore safe, transparent, and affordable options for your carpal tunnel surgery.
