Traveling on Dialysis
If you are receiving dialysis treatment, discuss your travel plans with your doctor and ask for guidance.
“In general, people on dialysis should maintain their prescribed treatment schedule as closely as possible when traveling,” Ratliff says. “For some, receiving dialysis shortly before departure may be appropriate, particularly for longer trips or international travel, but the best timing depends on the person’s treatment plan, itinerary, and overall health.”
Plan early if you typically receive dialysis at a treatment center. Coordinate your care at least six to eight weeks before your trip. This involves locating a center close to your destination and making dialysis appointments. While dialysis centers are located all over the world, this type of care may be unavailable or limited in remote locations.
“We encourage patients on dialysis to work with their care team several weeks before traveling to arrange treatments at their destination, confirm insurance coverage, and prepare for unexpected interruptions,” Ratliff says. “Stretching the time between treatments or delaying a scheduled treatment could pose serious health risks.”
Have your most recent lab results and medical records on hand in case the treatment center at your destination requires them.
Another important factor is cost. Before you travel, check with your insurance provider to find out what medical care your plan covers while you are away, especially if you are traveling internationally. If you need dialysis, ask specifically whether dialysis is covered; kidney-related care may not be included in standard travel or international coverage. Medicare generally does not cover healthcare outside the United States, and it does not cover dialysis abroad except in limited inpatient-hospital situations.
You may need special travel insurance, but read the policy carefully and verify coverage with the carrier. Some travel insurance policies focus on emergency medical care and may not cover ongoing care such as dialysis.
If you do hemodialysis at home, you will need to bring your equipment with you. If you are flying, notify TSA that you will be bringing that equipment through security. Make sure to put together a list of dialysis centers at your destination in case you need assistance or any equipment is lost.
If your treatment is peritoneal home dialysis, it is good to know where you can receive care if problems arise. Make sure to bring enough supplies to last you through the trip. If you plan on a lengthy trip, you can arrange to have supplies delivered to your destination.
“People on home dialysis, including peritoneal dialysis and home hemodialysis, should coordinate closely with their care teams and often have more flexibility to travel with proper planning, as they can receive treatment wherever they can safely bring and use their equipment and supplies,” Ratliff says.
Read the full article here
