Funding, Insurance
& NHS Coverage –
Important Information
Arthrosamid® (a registered trademark of Contura A/S.).
Is Arthrosamid® Covered by the NHS or Insurance?
Arthrosamid injections are not funded by the NHS and are not covered by private medical insurance.
This is because Arthrosamid®:
- Is classified as a specialist symptomatic treatment
- Is not part of standard NHS knee osteoarthritis pathways
- Falls outside most insurance reimbursement frameworks
As a result, Arthrosamid® treatment is offered on a self-funded basis only.
What Does “Self-Funded” Mean?
Self-funded means:
- The consultation, injection, and associated care are paid for privately
- Costs are discussed clearly and upfront
- There are no hidden charges
- You are not reliant on insurer approval or NHS eligibility criteria
We believe it is important that patients understand this before committing to assessment or treatment.
Experience Matters With
Self-Funded Treatments
Arthrosamid® is not a routine injection, and it should not be offered casually simply because it is self-funded.
5+ Years Practice
Arthrosamid® has been used in clinical practice for over 5 years at our clinic.
Expert-Led Treatment
Led by Professor Paul Y.F. Lee, ensuring international standards of care.
Decisions are based on:
- Independent clinical study data
- Large-volume real-world experience
- Conservative safety protocols
Self-funded does not mean experimental or unstructured — it means the treatment sits outside NHS and insurance funding models, not outside clinical judgement.
Why We Are Explicit About Funding
We are open about funding status because:
- Arthrosamid® is not suitable for everyone
- Some patients prefer treatments supported by NHS pathways
- Others value access to specialist, experience-led options not available publicly
“If Arthrosamid® is unlikely to help you, we will say so — regardless of funding.”
Summary
Arthrosamid® is not covered by the NHS
Arthrosamid® is not covered by private insurance
Treatment is offered on a self-funded basis only
Our clinic has over 5 years’ experience using Arthrosamid®
Care is delivered using a specialist, safety-led protocol
“Self-funded should never mean unsupported.”
Understanding Cost & Value
What You Are Paying For
Arthrosamid is a specialist, long-acting knee injection, delivered using a protocol that is very different from routine joint injections.
When Arthrosamid® is offered on a self-funded basis, the cost reflects:
- Consultant-led assessment by Professor Paul Y.F. Lee
- Careful patient selection using the PAAG-8+ framework
- Ultrasound-guided intra-articular injection
- Mandatory intravenous (IV) antibiotics
- Enhanced sterile technique
- A bespoke injection protocol refined over thousands of cases
- Structured follow-up and access to specialist advice
This is not simply the cost of the injection material.
It reflects the expertise, safety infrastructure, and experience required to deliver it responsibly.
Value Is About Appropriateness, Not Promises
Arthrosamid® is not positioned as a cheaper alternative to surgery, nor as a guaranteed solution.
Its value lies in:
- Providing meaningful symptom improvement in selected patients
- Reducing reliance on repeated short-term injections
- Helping some patients delay knee replacement at the right time
Equally important, if Arthrosamid® is unlikely to help, it should not be offered — regardless of cost.
Why Some Treatments Aren’t NHS-Funded
A Simple Explanation
The NHS focuses on treatments that:
- Are suitable for very large populations
- Fit established care pathways
- Can be delivered at scale with uniform protocols
Some specialist treatments — including Arthrosamid® — sit outside these pathways, even when there is growing clinical experience and supportive data.
This does not mean a treatment is unsafe or unproven.
It often means it does not yet fit:
- NHS commissioning structures
- Cost-effectiveness thresholds at population level
- Standardised care models
Where Arthrosamid® Fits
Arthrosamid® is:
- A specialist symptomatic treatment
- Highly dependent on patient selection and technique
- Best delivered in experienced, high-volume centres
For these reasons, it is currently offered outside NHS funding, on a self-funded basis, in specialist settings such as Harley Street, London.
Why That Can Be Appropriate
Some patients value:
- Access to specialist expertise
- Treatments not limited by standard NHS pathways
- Individualised decision-making rather than protocol-driven care
Self-funded does not mean experimental.
It means the treatment sits outside public funding structures, not outside clinical responsibility.
Pre-Consultation Checklist for Self-Funded Patients
Before booking an Arthrosamid® assessment, it may help to consider the following:
Your Knee & Symptoms
- I have been diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis
- My symptoms are ongoing despite conservative care
- I understand this is not a cartilage regeneration treatment
Your Goals
- I am aiming for improvement, not a guaranteed cure
- I understand knee replacement may still be needed in the future
- I am open to discussion of alternatives if Arthrosamid® is not suitable
Safety & Protocol
- I understand Arthrosamid® is non-biodegradable
- I understand infection, although uncommon, can be serious
- I am comfortable with IV antibiotics as part of the protocol
- I understand some protocol details are intentionally not shared
Funding
- I understand Arthrosamid® is not covered by the NHS
- I understand Arthrosamid® is not covered by private insurance
- I am prepared for treatment to be self-funded
If several of these points feel uncertain, a consultation is still appropriate — the aim is to clarify, not persuade.
Arthrosamid® is a specialist option, not a routine injection.
At our Harley Street clinic, it is offered:
- Selectively
- Transparently
- Independently
- With safety as the priority
“The right treatment is the one that fits your knee, your goals, and your values.”
Learn More about Arthrosamid
Deep dive into our clinical resources and patient guides.
Clinical Evidence
Evidence from Real Clinical Practice
Infection Safety
Infection Is a Serious Consideration With PAAG
Safety & Context
Arthrosamid Safety, Complications & Important Context
Full FAQ
Arthrosamid® (PAAG) Injection – Full Patient FAQ
Funding & Insurance
Funding, Insurance & NHS Coverage – Important Information
Patient Assessment
PAAG-8+ Questionnaire
Arthrosamid® (PAAG) Injection
Comprehensive Overview
Arthrosamid® is a registered trademark of Contura A/S. London Cartilage Clinic is not affiliated with or endorsed by Contura A/S.