People on dialysis can travel and maintain their treatment schedules. With careful planning, travel is feasible for family events, work, or leisure. Consult your healthcare team first to align travel plans with individual health needs.
Planning Your Trip
Before any journey, obtain medical clearance from your nephrologist and dialysis care team, discussing health stability and travel requirements. Dialysis centers often have staff, like social workers or travel coordinators, who assist in arranging treatments. Begin planning at least six to eight weeks in advance, allowing more time for popular destinations or holiday travel, as space in dialysis units can be limited.
Coordinate dialysis care by finding a suitable clinic or arranging supply delivery, based on your dialysis type. Provide medical history, recent lab results, and your dialysis prescription to the visiting clinic. If using home dialysis, confirm if your equipment can travel or if in-center treatments will be arranged.
Gather all relevant documentation: medical records, current medications, and contact information for your home and destination medical teams. Carry extra medications and written prescriptions for continuity of care in case of delays or lost luggage. Pack essential dialysis-related items and emergency supplies.
Dialysis Care While Traveling
Manage hemodialysis by carefully scheduling with the destination clinic. Confirm appointment times and understand any cultural differences in care delivery. Be prepared for each session with necessary personal items and medical documentation. Some home hemodialysis patients may arrange in-center treatments while traveling, though portable machines can sometimes be transported with prior airline approval.
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) offers flexibility, as treatments can often be performed in a clean, dry space. The primary logistical consideration is arranging for fluid and supply delivery. Confirm supplies have arrived before departure and ensure proper storage. Maintain sterile technique to prevent complications.
Have an emergency plan, including contacts for the transient dialysis center or nearby medical facilities. If a treatment is missed or supplies are delayed, immediately communicate with your healthcare team to determine next steps.
Staying Healthy On Your Journey
Maintaining a renal diet while traveling requires conscious effort due to varying food options. Research restaurants for kidney-friendly choices or select accommodations with kitchen facilities. Focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, mindful of sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. Pack kidney-friendly snacks for long travel segments.
Adhere to all prescribed medications, ensuring enough supply for the entire trip plus extra days for unforeseen circumstances. Carry medications in carry-on luggage when flying to prevent issues if checked bags are delayed or lost.
Recognize potential complications and know when to seek medical attention. Be aware of symptoms indicating a health issue and have medical assistance contact information readily available. Prioritize adequate rest and manage stress for a safer travel experience.
Financial and Insurance Considerations
Understand your insurance coverage for dialysis services while traveling. Contact your primary insurance provider about coverage for treatments in different locations, especially internationally. Medicare generally covers dialysis within the U.S. and its territories, but coverage outside the U.S. is very limited, usually only for emergencies.
Specialized travel insurance is recommended for dialysis patients, as standard policies may not cover pre-existing conditions. This insurance can cover medical emergencies, including dialysis, and other travel-related issues like trip cancellation or repatriation. Declare all medical conditions when purchasing travel insurance to ensure full coverage.
Inquire about potential out-of-pocket costs at the destination dialysis center, especially for international travel where insurance coverage may be limited. Plan for these expenses in advance.