Travelling on Dialysis

Dialysis does not have to prevent you from travelling. Here you can learn more about the arrangements you will need to make in order to undergo dialysis safely while you’re away from home.

For many chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, remaining mobile and being able to travel is an important part of maintaining independence. You may need to travel for work or family commitments or want to travel simply because you enjoy it - and while travelling on dialysis may require special arrangements, you can still fulfil your travel wishes.

Couple holding a camera while travelling on dialysis

Can Dialysis Patients Travel?

Yes, it's possible for most dialysis patients to travel and to continue their treatment while being away from home. Your clinician may even encourage you to travel, if you're able, because of the emotional boost it can give you. Talk to your clinician before you make any specific travel plans so they can advise you on how to travel safely and help you make arrangements for staying on your treatment schedule while you’re away.

Technological advances have made travelling by car or plane while you're on home haemodialysis (Home HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD) simpler than before. An essential thing to remember is to pack enough of your medication to last you for your entire trip, plus a few days extra just in case.

You also need to either bring everything you’ll need to perform your home haemodialysis (Home HD) treatments while you’re away, or arrange to have the necessary equipment and supplies delivered at your destination in advance of your arrival. It may also be possible to make arrangements with a clinic or hospital at your destination to perform your in-centre haemodialysis (In-Centre HD) at their facilities. Make sure to check with your insurance company about whether your treatments at this new centre will be covered.

Your healthcare team will be able to tell you about the practicalities and airline guidelines for travelling with medical equipment and dialysis solutions. You may also want to double-check with the airline you're flying on. Also remember to bring any personal and medication information you will need – including your insurance card, your medication and allergy list, and all your treatment instructions. Making a full list of what you will need to take with you is a great way to make sure you do not forget anything important.

If you're a home haemodialysis (Home HD) patient, it's important to plan well in advance, so any deliveries or changes can be made. Most dialysis companies recommend planning with at least 60 days’ notice.

Elderly couple pulling luggage while travelling on dialysis

Can Transplant Waiting Patients Travel?

Yes, it's also possible to travel while you're active on a transplant waitlist. However, you do need to inform your transplant coordinator about your travel plans. They will be able to advise you about whether you will be able to return home from your trip quickly enough to accept a kidney, if one becomes available while you’re away. Otherwise, you can also choose to be “on hold” during the time that you’re travelling. It's important to get accurate information about how this process works for the specific waitlist that you're on, so be proactive about seeking the answers to these questions before you make any plans to leave home

Man in sunglasses and fedora hat travelling while on peritoneal dialysis

Travelling While on Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)

Because peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients can frequently have their supplies delivered to their travel destination, they often only need to bring their cycler, if they are on Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD). This means that it's typically easier to travel on peritoneal dialysis (PD) than other types of dialysis. However, you still need to plan ahead of time on how you will pack and transport everything you need for treatment, or plan for the delivery of treatment products.

Coordinate your travel with your clinical care team, to make sure that you have all the supplies and information you need. Keep in mind that solution configurations, cycler sets, and power sources vary from country to country, so you will need to plan for that as well if you're travelling outside of your own country.

Be sure to pack enough dialysis supplies to last you a few days more than the length of your trip, in case you experience an unexpected delay getting home. It might be possible for you to arrange to have your supplies delivered to your destination so that you do not have to carry them with you. If you choose to do this, make sure the supplies will arrive before you do. You also need to arrange to have access to a clean and well-lit space at your destination that you can use for your treatment.

If you're on automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) and you're planning to be away longer than a week, you will need to bring your own cycler with you. Any other supplies you need can be delivered in advance.

Elderly woman packing luggage to travel with dialysis

Traveling While on Home Haemodialysis (Home HD)

Most home haemodialysis (Home HD) patients will need to arrange in advance to get in-centre treatment at a centre close to their travel destination. Your hospital should have a travel coordinator that can help you make these plans, so speak to your healthcare team about getting the support you need. Also make sure you carry any medical information you will need to receive treatment on your trip.

Elderly enjoying their time on the beach

Traveling While on In-Centre Haemodialysis (In-Centre HD)

If you're receiving in-centre haemodialysis (In-Centre HD) treatments, you need to arrange in advance to be treated at a centre close to your destination. Most centres are experienced in coordinating treatments for travelling patients, so be sure to ask your healthcare team whether there is someone at your centre who can help you.

If you're planning to receive in-centre HD while you're away, you need to start planning for it at least 8 weeks in advance of your trip. Keep in mind that you will need to arrange your travel dates around the availability of treatment centres in that area. If you have specific date and time preferences, let the centre know as early in the process of arranging your treatments as possible. The centre may need a copy of your medical records in advance, so be sure to have these handy, and bring an extra copy when you leave for your trip.

Your first-choice centre might not have enough space to accommodate you during your trip. Be prepared to contact more than one centre in order to increase your chances of receiving treatment on the dates that are right for you.

If you have the chance, you should visit the centre you will be treating at as soon as you arrive at your destination. Speaking with a nurse or administrator there may make you feel more at ease about treating away from home.

Your dialysis clinic will usually be able to provide assistance with creating a plan that is right for you and help contacting the appropriate clinics near your destination.

Are You a Caregiver or Does Someone You Love Need to Go on Dialysis?

Being a caregiver or a loved one to a dialysis patient means that your life will change in one way or another. Knowing what to expect will help prepare you for the journey ahead. Read more about what to expect when caring for dialysis patients: how you can support your loved one, and why it's important to care for yourself.

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