travel on dialysis

Foreign Travel Tips For Dialysis Patients

May 09, 2017, 12:25pm EDT

• For domestic travel, start making arrangements with a dialysis center in the city you are planning to visit at least 30 days before departure. For foreign travel, getting started even earlier is a good idea. Generally, dialysis centers are welcoming to travelers, within the context of their capacities. Patients know how hard it is to secure favored chair times in their local centers. Patients travelling abroad should plan on encountering some less desirable times.  
• Travelling with a cycler is possible but always keep a Plan B in mind in case a problem develops. Repair services are few in foreign markets and non-existent aboard a cruise liner in the middle of the ocean.  
• If you’re planning to visit relatives abroad, start the search for a dialysis center by asking friends and family for recommendations. If not, try the good old Google search or ask your dialysis center for help.  
• Make sure you ask your dialysis center for a packet of information containing your dialysis order and recent lab work. This gives the foreign dialysis center a place to start in providing care.  
• Keep in mind that if you plan on being gone for more than 30 days, many dialysis centers will not hold your chair. You will have to go through the re-admission process once you return, including a review of finances plus new lab work and a visit with a doctor.  
• Check with all your other doctors before you travel and carry telephone numbers for all their medical providers in case of emergency.  
• Make sure you have an ample supply of all medications. Travelling with medications in the original pharmacy bottle with the prescribing doctor’s name on the label should cut down on any confusion at the border.  
• International travel takes planning for supplies to be shipped. These arrangements usually take months of planning. Some companies don’t ship to other countries. Others require the signature of a doctor in the country you are visiting.

How to Travel While on Dialysis

When most people think about dialysis, they imagine a person hooked up to a machine in a hospital setting.

When most people think about dialysis , they imagine a person hooked up to a machine in a hospital setting. However, being on dialysis doesn’t mean you have to stay close to your dialysis. Those who need dialysis can still enjoy traveling and seeing loved ones. While traveling on dialysis may be tricky, it’s not impossible. There are many ways to make sure your travels go smoothly. So don’t let your kidney function get in the way of exploring all the world has to offer – there are ways to travel while on dialysis.

Is it Safe to Travel While on Dialysis?

If you receive dialysis, you should always consult with your physician before planning to travel. However, according to the National Kidney Foundation , “most patients who receive dialysis or have had a kidney transplant can travel safely and continue their treatment while away from home.” 

Options for Traveling on Dialysis

One option for traveling on dialysis is to use a home dialysis unit . A home dialysis unit is a small, portable dialysis machine that can be used in a hotel room or even on an airplane . Home dialysis units allow you to have more control over your dialysis treatments and may make traveling easier.

If you choose to travel with your dialysis unit, you should still be aware of the closest dialysis center on your tip in case you need assistance. 

Another option for traveling on dialysis is to use a dialysis center in the area you’re visiting. This may require some research ahead of time but can save you from having to lug a dialysis machine with you on your trip. Many dialysis centers have staff who are familiar with travelers and will assist you in ensuring your dialysis treatments go smoothly. In order to receive treatments at a dialysis center while you’re traveling, the center will likely need the following information:

• Your dialysis access type
• Recent dialysis treatment records
• Your dialysis prescription
• The dates and times you’ll need dialysis treatments
• Your insurance information
• A list of any medications you take during dialysis
• Recent lab results

How to Prepare for Traveling on Dialysis

Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, there are a few things you should do to prepare for your trip. First, you should check with your dialysis center or home dialysis unit supplier to confirm you have all the supplies you need for your trip.

If you are traveling with your dialysis machine, make sure it is in good working order. Most dialysis equipment will have toll-free numbers you can call for 24/7 assistance. Keep these numbers with you at all times. 

Remember to pack a copy of your medical records and have your doctor’s contact information readily available. Maintaining an appropriate diet is also important when traveling on dialysis. Therefore, you may want to pack healthy snacks and meals for your travel.

Lastly, if you choose to use a dialysis center in your destination city, be sure to call in advance and let them know when you will be arriving. 

Things to Consider When Traveling on Dialysis

While traveling can be fun, it may be quite demanding. As a result, it’s important to remember to take care of yourself. This is especially true if you are traveling on dialysis. Be sure to get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. Moreover, it is imperative to stick to a strict dialysis schedule while on the road. That means dialyzing as often as you normally would and following your usual diet. Missing dialysis treatments can be dangerous and even life-threatening. That being said, including time for treatments in your travel plans is essential. If you have any questions or concerns about traveling on dialysis, talk to your doctor. They can help you make a plan to ensure your travels go as seamlessly as possible.

What to Do if You Have an Emergency While Traveling

With the right equipment and guidance, traveling on dialysis is possible and can even be enjoyable. However, it’s crucial to be prepared for anything. That means knowing what to do in an emergency . If you are using a home dialysis machine, it is vital to pack all the supplies you need. 

Having the contact information of a nearby dialysis center is also necessary. Sometimes things happen unexpectedly. A dialysis center can assist you in getting the supplies and treatments you need. As mentioned before, it’s also a good idea to have your doctor’s contact information and other emergency contacts with you while you travel. That way, if you have any questions or problems, you can easily get in touch with someone who can help.

Traveling with Peritoneal Dialysis

Patients on peritoneal dialysis may have an easier time traveling because they are not dependent on dialysis units. However, it is still important that you plan ahead before your trip. Make sure you contact your doctor and a dialysis center in your destination city and make sure they can accommodate you in case a problem arises. 

Visit The Kidney and Hypertension Center Before You Travel

The best way to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip is to plan ahead. At the Kidney and Hypertension Center, we can help you make a plan for your dialysis treatments during your travels. Start planning your next trip and book an appointment with the Kidney and Hypertension Center today.

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Plan Your Dialysis Travel With Us

We know planning for dialysis while traveling takes additional coordination—let us help. We are here to support you so you can live life to its fullest. The Fresenius Kidney Care Patient Travel Services team can help you find Fresenius Medical Care dialysis centers and will schedule appointments to make traveling easier.

Treatment coordination services are provided free of charge for those currently using Fresenius Medical Care centers and those who would like to use our services while traveling.

To start planning for your travel needs, call 1-866-434-2597 (option 2) , Monday – Friday, or fill out the form below and one of our team members will contact you.

Please provide at least 2 weeks’-notice for domestic travel and 8 weeks for International travel.   Advance notice necessary for proper planning and coordination pending in-center availability at your travel destination.

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Traveling on Dialysis

When you’ve been diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), it can make things you used to enjoy, such as travelling, much more difficult. You may have dreamed of traveling during retirement, or you have a family event away from home you really want to go to. You may even have a work conference, or a family emergency, such as illness or even death, that requires you travel. Contrary to what you may think, it is possible to travel while receiving dialysis treatment, and this article goes over some guidance on how to do that.

What to know before you travel

Before planning a trip, it’s important to talk to your doctor and other members of your care team to make sure they believe you are okay to travel. While many doctors encourage it whenever possible, they want to make sure your health is stable first. Once you’ve been given the okay to go on a trip, you will likely be able to talk to someone at your dialysis center about helping you arrange dialysis treatment when you’re away from home. This is known as transient dialysis. Talk to your nurse or social worker to find out if there is someone who can help you in making arrangements.

Whenever possible, you want to start trying to plan your trip at least six to eight weeks in advance, and being flexible about your dates can be helpful in peak seasons. You and/or your coordinator may also need to contact more than one center to find one that can accommodate with you. Once you’ve found a center that can take care of you on your trip, take some time to ask them any questions you may have such as:

• What are the hours the dialysis center are open?
• Does the center reuse dialyzers or bloodlines?
• Can they use the same kind of dialyzer you use at your home center?
• Can you eat and drink while on dialysis?
• How many patients are assigned to each nurse or patient care technician?

In the event of trip that needs to be made quickly due to a family illness or death, most centers do everything they can to accommodate patients in this situation. Dialysis records can be faxed ahead or you can bring them with you.

What information does my transient dialysis center need?

Most dialysis centers will need the following information to safely provide dialysis to you while you’re traveling:

• The dates you need treatment
• You name, address, and other key personal information
• Your medical history and recent physical exam reports
• Recent lab results
• Recent chest X-ray
• Your dialysis prescription and 3-5 recent treatment records
• Dialysis access type
• Special needs or dialysis requirements
• Information about your general health
• Insurance information
• Where you will be staying the area
• A list of the medications you take during treatment and at home

Will my insurance cover the dialysis I need while traveling?

A big and important question you may have when thinking about traveling on dialysis is likely insurance and if they’ll cover the treatment you need while out of town. If you have Medicare as your primary insurance, Medicare will pay for 80 percent of your treatment costs within the US and US territories. The 20 percent not covered will be your responsibility, but if you have a secondary insurance, it may help to cover some or all of that 20 percent not covered by Medicare.

If you have a commercial form of insurance, the best way to find out what they will and won’t cover is to talk to them and find out what they will cover. Requesting a letter stating they will pay for your treatment at a transient dialysis center can help to make sure you have exactly what they will cover in writing. Some commercial insurances will not pay for treatment outside of the US, and planning ahead in this situation really is crucial.

Taking care of yourself while traveling

In addition to arranging dialysis care, it’s important to remember not to overdo it while you’re away. You are still struggling with a chronic condition and need to keep that in mind. In case you do get sick:

• Make contact with the doctor at your transient center as soon as you can.
• Make sure your family knows your travel plans.
• Keep important phone numbers with names like your regular doctor, dialysis center, etc.
• Keep a copy of your medical records with you when you’re traveling.
• Inform anyone travelling with you on where you keep your records and what your medical needs are.
• Bring enough of the medications you need to take to last the entire trip. Make sure to account for emergencies such as losing your luggage or a spill. You can also carry written prescriptions as a safeguard too.

Health Systems Management, a dialysis management company, is based in Tifton, Georgia. Our company provides turnkey dialysis management services to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist dialysis clinics in North Carolina and Emory Healthcare dialysis clinics in the Atlanta, Georgia area. For more information about Health Systems Management, our locations and job openings for RNs, LPNs, PCTs and CCHTs please visit: healthsystemsinc.com

Source: Kidney.org

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• Traveling While on Dialysis

Many patients enjoy traveling during the summer and fall. If you are planning on taking a trip in the next few months, remember to speak with your Patient Service Representative or Social Worker. Please have the following information ready so that your trip can be planned in a timely manner:

• the dates you would like to be out of town
• the address of where you will be staying
• an out of town contact phone number so that the out of town dialysis center can reach you ( a cell phone you take with you is OK)
• your insurance information

Once this information is received we will contact dialysis centers closest to where you plan to stay to see if they have an opening during the dates that you will be traveling. Sometimes we can not get you into the closest center, especially during holiday weeks. Once a center informs us that they have an opening, we send them your dialysis orders and medical information so that your dialysis can be completed just as your physician has prescribed. Some centers request information that we do not routinely require. You may need to get a chest x-ray, EKG, HIV test, or TB test prior to going to a specific center. Since we don’t know which centers require extra tests until they are contacted, it is important that you begin your travel planning about 4 weeks in advance.

Medicare will pay for dialysis anywhere in the USA. They do not pay for dialysis on a Dialysis Cruise Ship. If you would like to travel to Canada or Mexico, some patients have found it cheaper to stay in a US city on the border and take day trips into Canada and Mexico.

If your employer group coverage or private insurance will be paying for the trip it is important to contact your carrier to see if there are specific centers that they want you to use. Following the regulations of your insurance carrier will minimize any out of pocket costs that they may charge you.

If you have Ohio Medicaid, it will only pay for routine dialysis in OH. If you travel out of OH you will need to pay the out of town dialysis center any amount that Medicaid would normally have been charged. They usually want this payment prior to your dialysis appointment.

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American Association of Kidney Patients

International Travel While on Dialysis

By Barbara Wallace, Renal Dialysis Nurse, and Deborah Pelaez, AAKP Marketing and Communications Manager

At AAKP, we know how important quality of life is for kidney patients, including those on dialysis. Planning a vacation away from home can seem like a daunting task. This article was written to help those who are considering not just a vacation, but an International vacation while on dialysis. AAKP interviewed international dialysis nurse, Barbara Wallace, co-owner of Irish Holiday Dialysis, to learn about important things to consider when planning a trip abroad including a Top 10 List, which you will find highlighted below.

Choosing a Vacation Destination

So, you have decided to plan an International vacation while on dialysis. How will you decide where to go? Maybe you’ve always dreamed about traveling somewhere like Paris or Ireland, but before you book that trip there are many things to consider.

First, Barbara suggests choosing a vacation destination in a country with a reputation for high quality healthcare and with clinics that have similar high standards to your own center. This will ease your mind and make many of the other travel decisions easier.

Additionally, she encourages patients to talk to their clinic’s social worker or patient concierge to ask for help when planning as well. You don’t have to plan alone, there are many people and resources to help you. Your social worker may have additional resources and services for you, but Barbara recommends these websites when investigating International travel destinations with dialysis clinics:

Travel Resources

https://www.booknowmed.com/ – An online booking engine for international travel dialysis, allowing users to check availability, cost and book dialysis in real time. It is non-promotional and free of charge for the patient.

https://traveldialysisreview.com/ – This website is run by a group of dialysis patients who like to travel internationally. It is a very honest website that shares good and bad reviews. This website also offers a travel blog.

http://www.globaldialysis.com/ – A long established website for dialysis and travel with a database of thousands of international clinics and lots of practical travel advise.

If this is your first international vacation while on dialysis, you may also want to choose a country where there is no language barrier. Furthermore, Barbara suggests choosing a country with established tourism links with the U.S. She says that this makes planning much easier, such as finding direct flights, travel reviews and more.

Planning for your Trip – Important Information

Allow time for the clinic you choose internationally to receive all your medical information. This could take about one month. Your physician will need to deem you fit to travel. Most international clinics will require a letter of consent, as well as all medical records in advance. All records should be sent electronically and securely between your home clinic and holiday clinic well in advance. You will not usually need to bring any medical records with you when travelling – care should be taken with your personal data. Diabetics should bring blood sugar records.

Dialysis Treatment Internationally – What to Expect

Dialysis patients get to see a side of a country that few people get to see – the medical side. The aim at any clinic is to give you the exact same treatment as you would at home. The dialysis machine may be a different model, but it can be programmed to your specific prescription. Any slight difference there may be will be identified in the planning stage. You should travel in confidence, with no worries about safety, and trusting you will get the same type of treatment.

After planning your trip in confidence using these tips and pointers, we wish you safe travels and remember to enjoy what a holiday is all about – enjoy the culture, the people, the country you are going to and enjoy the ones you are with.

This article was originally published in aakpRENALIFE, May 2019.

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Back to Dialysis

Increased Flexibility

One of the greatest advantages of peritoneal dialysis (PD) is the increased ability to travel. Since you are in more control of your treatments and schedule, you have increased flexibility to take a vacation.

Talk to Your Healthcare Team

The first step to planning a trip is talking to your healthcare team. They can help you determine what supplies you need, how much you will need, connect you with resources at your destination and better understand how to help should you run into trouble.

Travel Decisions

The next step is determining if you are going to travel with your dialysate solution or have it shipped to your destination. If you choose to have it shipped to your destination you will need to give at least 2 weeks’ notice to your supplier and notify your hotel to expect your packages and ensure you have a room that will hold your supplies.

Packing Supplies

Next, it is important to grab all of your necessary supplies including all of the tools needed to do an exchange including items such as masks and disinfectant. If you are flying, you are allowed to bring your supplies on the plane. It is recommended that you bring enough equipment for at least two days’ worth of essentials. This will cover you in case your bags are misplaced.

Automated Cycling Machine and Doctor’s Letter

If you are using a cycler to do Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD), talk to your doctor about giving you a letter showing that it is an essential medical device. Additionally, don’t check this as baggage as they are expensive machines to replace. You should also connect with your doctor to write a similar note to cover any other materials that are essential to do an exchange.

Enjoy Yourself

Last but not least, enjoy yourself and have a great vacation. The planning that you do early will make all the difference.

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The primary treatment for ESRD, you can do dialysis at home or at a dialysis center.

Hemodialysis can be performed in a dialysis center or in your home.

Peritoneal dialysis is performed in your home.

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Peritoneal Dialysis Travel Tips

It’s summer time! In some places, like Houston where I live it’s been like summer since early May! This is the time to plan ahead for peritoneal dialysis travel. Think about visiting other places, taking time off from work, school, having fun at the beach, camping and swimming in the pool (for peritoneal dialysis patients– private pools only please).

Peritoneal Dialysis and Travel

Of course you can travel, by car, by plane, by train, by an RV, go ahead and take a trip, we all need a break from the routine. You still need to help your body clean the toxins by continuing your peritoneal dialysis (PD) treatments. You can take your peritoneal dialysis machine or you can do the manual exchanges that your PD nurse trained you to do. Always keep in mind safety. Carefully follow the same steps to do your PD exchanges as you were trained. Avoid infections at all cost, especially when you are traveling.

Here are some travel tips that may help you enjoy your travels:

• Always let your PD team know your plans. For example, your social worker can help you find a back-up dialysis center in your final destination. Back-up units are important because you never know if you may need to see a nurse or to get an important item that you forgot. Know the location of the nearest dialysis center in case you need help while on the road.
• Call your supplier to make sure they will deliver your PD dialysate bags on time and in the right place. Check with your PD nurse about any possible changes in your PD prescription.
• Check with your dietitian about best picks from fast food places and restaurants. When you are not home you are most likely going to eat out often. However, if you have a kitchenette in your hotel room, or are in an RV, or are visiting relatives or friends in a home, you may be able to prepare simple, delicious meals. Make them a part of spending time together.

Check DaVita.com for kidney-friendly recipes such as salads, entrees, soups and desserts.

For more kidney diet tips to help make traveling easier read these previous Kidney Diet Tips blog posts:

Nutrition on the Go: Top Travel Tips

7 Vacation Tips for Travelers on a Kidney Diet

10 Cruise Dining Tips for a Great Vacation

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Consult your physician and dietitian regarding your specific diagnosis, treatment, diet and health questions.

Matilde Ladnier RD, LD

Matilde is an adventurer who loves to cook, try new foods, travel (especially to her home country Peru) and play tennis. She has over twenty years of experience working with CKD patients and enjoys educating anyone who is willing to learn.

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Work and Travel on Dialysis

Will i have to quit work when i start dialysis.

Many people are able to continue working while on  dialysis . Keeping your job can help provide benefits including income, health insurance and may also help maintain your self-esteem and friendships. Working on dialysis tends to pose two related challenges. The first challenge is scheduling your job, dialysis and the rest of your life so they don’t conflict. The second challenge can be figuring out which dialysis modality is best when you want to work but must be on dialysis.

If you choose in-center hemodialysis , talk with your nurse or social worker about scheduling your treatments so you miss as little work as possible. If you want more freedom in your dialysis schedule, you may ask if home dialysis is available in your area. You will need to consult with your doctor to determine if a home modality is right for you.

Choosing peritoneal dialysis or home hemodialysis , which are both types of home dialysis, may make it easier to work regular hours and perform dialysis. If you perform peritoneal dialysis and use an automated cycler at night while you sleep, you will be free of dialysis during the day. If you choose to do manual exchanges, you might need a half-hour break and a clean room to do an exchange during the work day.

Many people successfully work and get dialysis treatments. Upon starting dialysis, you may need a few weeks or months to adjust to dialysis, and then a period of working part-time before you get back up to speed. When you are ready, you should be able to return to work full-time.

Vacation planning on dialysis

Get away for awhile, visit friends and relatives or discover exciting destinations across the U.S. DaVita Guest Services Contact Center (GSCC) can help you locate a dialysis facility where you'll be staying. Call 1-800-244-0680 to arrange for dialysis while you travel. Your social worker can also help you arrange for dialysis treatment at a facility in the areas you will be staying.

It’s best to make travel arrangements early in advance, at least two months ahead of your travel, if possible, even earlier for popular destinations such as Florida and Las Vegas or at heavy travel times such as the holidays. Special trips, including cruises with a dialysis medical team onboard, are also an option for many people on dialysis.

Your dialysis center can forward a copy of your dialysis prescription and other records to the center you will visit. It is also a good idea to carry a copy of your medical information with you and to call ahead to be sure the center you will be visiting has all the information they need. Call to confirm your appointment when you arrive at your destination.

If you have Medicare and travel in the United States, Medicare will pay its usual portion of your hemodialysis costs. Private insurance will also generally pay for dialysis treatments you receive away from home, but you should contact your insurance provider in advance of your travel to confirm your coverage benefits. Some plans will even provide coverage for overseas treatments. The exception is managed care, which may not pay for treatments outside of your home area. However, if you have managed care and Medicare, Medicare will typically cover 80% of the treatment cost, leaving you with a much smaller bill. Check with your insurance provider to find out details of what is covered when you travel.

If you do peritoneal dialysis (PD) , you can take your supplies with you, or have them shipped to your destination. If you are on Medicare and are traveling outside the United States, Medicare may not cover the cost of the dialysis solution. Check with your PD nurse . Call before you leave home to be sure that your supplies have arrived. Your PD nurse can help you learn safe ways to do your exchanges while camping or taking a driving trip.

With resourcefulness and determination, you may be able to travel on dialysis.

Just because you are on dialysis does not mean you have to cut out important activities such as work and travel. To many people, whether on dialysis or not, work is a great outlet to feel like an important provider and contributor to society. Travel is also an excellent way to get out and break up a weekend, visit friends and relatives far away or experience new adventures. Both work and travel do not have to be hindered if you are on dialysis. Talk to your doctor about your lifestyle and choose a dialysis modality that helps you live your life to the fullest.

Take a Deeper Look at Treatment & Services

Dialysis Treatments

Get an overview about different dialysis treatments and how they help people continue a productive life.

Understand the benefits of home dialysis, whether it’s peritoneal dialysis (PD) or home hemodialysis (HHD).

Insurance Coverage for Dialysis

When you are diagnosed with kidney disease and need dialysis or a transplant, you’ll want to understand your insurance options, how to receive financial assistance and more.

Understand how to keep track of your prescribed medications.

From tips to helping set up treatments when you travel, DaVita has resources to keep you on the move.

When you need emergency support or dialysis placement, look no further than DaVita ®  Guest Services.

Quality Programs

See how the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recognized many DaVita centers with top marks in its Five-Star Quality Rating program.

Better Care with DaVita

With a kidney disease diagnosis, what do you do next? Find your way to better care in 3 steps.