Is Arthrosamid®
Available on the NHS
or Private Insurance?
Arthrosamid® (a registered trademark of Contura A/S.).
Reviewed byProf Paul Lee MBBch, FRCS (Tr & Orth), PhDLast reviewed 1 May 2026Quick Answer
At London Cartilage Clinic, Arthrosamid is accessed privately on a self-funded basis. It is not provided through the NHS or routinely covered by major UK private medical insurers, including Bupa and AXA. Patients access treatment by self-funding the consultation, the ultrasound-guided injection itself and the six-week clinical follow-up at our Harley Street clinic.
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 our Arthrosamid® suitability 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.”
Am I Suitable?
Take the Arthrosamid® Suitability Assessment
Eight quick questions to support a shared decision-making conversation about Arthrosamid®. Your answers stay with you across visits, so you can pick up where you left off.
Will Arthrosamid work for me?
Arthrosamid® suitability questionnaire
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Question 1 of 8
How old are you?
Older age associated with higher odds of benefit in your cohort.
Please select an option before moving to the next question.
NHS, Insurance & Self-Funded
Arthrosamid® Funding — Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arthrosamid available on the NHS?
No. Arthrosamid is not routinely funded by the NHS. The treatment is not part of standard NHS knee osteoarthritis care pathways, so patients who want Arthrosamid access it privately on a self-funded basis. London Cartilage Clinic delivers Arthrosamid privately at our Harley Street clinic.
Does Bupa cover Arthrosamid?
Bupa does not currently cover Arthrosamid as a standard insured treatment. London Cartilage Clinic is a private-pay practice and does not work with UK insurance panels. We can provide an itemised invoice for you to submit a claim independently, but the agreement is between you and your insurer and is unlikely to be reimbursed.
Does AXA cover Arthrosamid?
AXA does not currently cover Arthrosamid as a standard insured treatment in the UK. As with Bupa, we can supply an itemised invoice for an independent claim, but Arthrosamid sits outside most UK insurance reimbursement frameworks. Patients access treatment by self-funding the consultation, the injection and the follow-up.
Can I self-fund Arthrosamid?
Yes. Self-funded private treatment is the standard route at London Cartilage Clinic. Pricing is fixed and inclusive of consultation, ultrasound, the Arthrosamid product, the published fifteen-step injection protocol and the six-week follow-up. See the Arthrosamid cost guide for current prices.
Why is Arthrosamid not routinely NHS-funded?
Arthrosamid is a relatively new treatment for knee osteoarthritis and is currently classified as a specialist symptomatic option rather than part of routine NHS pathways. NHS commissioning bodies prioritise treatments with long-running national outcome data, broad eligibility, and integration with existing care pathways. Arthrosamid is still being adopted in private specialist practice and is not yet part of standard NHS provision.
Can I pay monthly for Arthrosamid?
Most patients settle by bank transfer or card before the procedure. We can discuss finance options on request rather than promoting a specific finance partner. Ask our team during your free discovery call if monthly payment is a consideration for you.
Book an Arthrosamid® Assessment – London
Long-lasting relief starts with the right decision — not just an injection.
Learn More about Arthrosamid
Deep dive into our clinical resources and patient guides.
Cost in the UK
Arthrosamid® cost in the UK from £3,000, what is included and why prices vary.
NHS & Insurance
Is Arthrosamid® available on the NHS or private insurance?
Suitability
Who is suitable for Arthrosamid® — and who may need caution.
Clinical Evidence
Real-world outcome data and what the evidence means for patients.
Side Effects & Safety
Arthrosamid® side effects, risks, complications and clinical context.
Infection Risk
Arthrosamid® infection risk, prevention protocol and IV antibiotic policy.
In London
Private Arthrosamid® treatment at our Harley Street clinic.
Self-Assessment
Eight-question Arthrosamid® suitability self-assessment tool.
Full FAQ
Arthrosamid® patient FAQ across cost, suitability, safety and comparisons.
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vs Knee Replacement
Where Arthrosamid® may help delay surgery — and where it cannot.
Arthrosamid® 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.