How much does a prosthetic hand cost in the UK?

If you've been searching for information on prosthetic hand costs, you've probably noticed the answers vary enormously, from a few hundred pounds to tens of thousands. That range can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to make the right decision for yourself or your child.

We want to cut through the confusion. This page explains what drives prosthetic hand costs in the UK, what you can expect from the NHS, and how the ExpHand offers a genuinely affordable alternative without compromising on quality.

The real cost of prosthetic hands in the UK

Prosthetic hands vary in price depending on technology, materials, and where they come from. Here's a realistic overview:

Can I get a prosthetic hand on the NHS for free?

Yes! The NHS provides prosthetic limbs, including prosthetic hands, at no direct cost to patients. The key steps are:

• Speak to your GP about a referral to a limb centre or rehabilitation service

• You'll be assessed by a prosthetist who will recommend the most appropriate device for your needs

• The NHS may offer a passive, body-powered or myoelectric prosthetics depending on clinical need

Waiting times vary significantly by region. In some areas, patients could wait several months for their first appointment.

Why are prosthetics for children more expensive to manage?

Children present a unique challenge that many people don't realise until they're in the middle of it: they grow. A prosthetic fitted at age 5 may no longer fit at age 7, which means replacements may be more regularly needed.

Traditional prosthetics for children can cost between £2,000 and £10,000 depending on the type, and families often face that cost every two to three years as their child grows. Over a childhood, that could add up to tens of thousands of pounds.

How much does the ExpHand cost?

The ExpHand is a 3D-printed functional prosthetic arm designed specifically for children with below-elbow limb differences. Because we manufacture everything in-house and keep our supply chain simple, we're able to offer the ExpHand at a fraction of the cost of traditional devices.

Visit our shop to see current pricing. We believe no child who could benefit from a prosthetic should be priced out of having one — so if cost is a concern, please get in touch. We'll always do our best to help find a route forward.

Did you know the ExpHand is also available on the NHS? Speak to your clinician at your local limb centre to get access to the ExpHand through the NHS.

If you're a clinician or a limb centre looking to provide the ExpHand, find more details on our clinicians page or reach out to us at hello@exphandprosthetics.com

Are there any grants or funding options available?

Yes! In the UK the NHS typically provides necessary prosthetics limbs based on individual medical need and evidence of their benefits that are free at point of care (no cost to the individual).

There are also several charities and organisations in the UK offer grants, support and advice for aids, adaptations and medical devices. Some worth exploring include:

• Limbless Association — offers support and guidance for amputees

• Reach — a charity supporting children and young people with upper limb differences and their families

• Tree of Hope - offer a fundraising service for families to support their child's healthcare journey.

• Your local authority or social services department may be able to assist

• Some private health insurance policies cover prosthetics, check your policy documents to see if this is an option for you

We also work with NHS clinicians and are open to discussing collaborative provision. If you're a clinician looking at the ExpHand for a patient, visit our NHS & Clinicians page.

Still have questions?

Costs can feel daunting, but we promise there are more options than it might seem right now. Get in touch with us at hello@exphandprosthetics.com and we'll help point you in the right direction, even if that direction isn't the ExpHand.