Dialysis Patients: Exploring Travel Options

For dialysis patients, travelling abroad can be a daunting prospect, but it is not an impossible one. It is important to maintain your quality of life and achieve your travel goals, even while on dialysis. With careful planning and preparation, you can make your travel dreams a reality. It is recommended to start planning at least six to eight weeks in advance, and even earlier for international travel. You will need to find a dialysis centre at your destination and make arrangements for appointments. You may also need to consider the costs of dialysis abroad, as government insurance plans typically do not cover healthcare costs outside of your home country. However, private insurance may cover these expenses, so it is important to check with your provider. Travelling with medications and medical equipment can be challenging, but with proper planning and guidance from your healthcare team, you can navigate these hurdles. So, if you are on dialysis, don't let it hold you back from exploring the world. Start planning, and your dream vacation could become a reality!

Planning: Allow at least 6-10 weeks to plan travel, and be flexible with dates

Planning is a crucial aspect of travelling abroad as a dialysis patient. It is recommended that you allow at least 6-10 weeks to plan your travel and be flexible with your dates. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the planning process:

Start Early:

Give yourself plenty of time, at least 10 weeks in advance, to make the necessary travel arrangements. This buffer period is essential to address any unforeseen issues, such as language barriers, that may arise when coordinating your dialysis treatment abroad. Remember that for international travel, dialysis centres may require more time to receive your medical information and records.

Research Your Destination:

Before booking your trip, thoroughly research your chosen destination. The internet is a valuable resource for learning about the country and identifying reliable treatment centres. Consider using resources like Dialysis and Transplant magazine, which provides a list of dialysis centres in the US and abroad, or websites such as booknowmed.com, traveldialysisreview.com, and globaldialysis.com, which offer practical advice and reviews for dialysis patients travelling internationally.

Choose a Country with Established Healthcare:

When deciding on a destination, consider choosing a country with a reputation for high-quality healthcare and clinics that maintain high standards similar to those of your own dialysis centre. This will provide peace of mind and simplify many of your travel decisions.

Seek Social Worker Assistance:

Don't hesitate to seek help from your clinic's social worker or patient concierge during the planning process. They can provide additional resources and services to support your travel plans. If you dialyse with DaVita, their Guest Services group can assist with paperwork and coordinate with the overseas dialysis centre.

Coordinate Medical Information:

Contact your chosen international clinic and allow time for them to receive all your medical information. Your physician will need to deem you fit to travel, and most clinics will require a letter of consent along with all your medical records in advance. Securely send your records electronically, and remember to include essential information such as recent physical exam results, lab and dialysis treatment reports, type of dialysis access, special medical needs, and a list of medications you take.

Understand the Costs:

Dialysis treatment abroad can be expensive, and government insurance plans like Medicare and Medicaid typically do not cover healthcare costs outside the US. Contact your private insurance provider to inquire about any foreign travel benefits. Understand the costs involved with your chosen dialysis provider in the foreign country, and be prepared to cover these expenses.

By following these steps and allowing ample time for planning, you can ensure a smoother travel experience and focus on enjoying your trip abroad while managing your dialysis treatment.

Costs: Dialysis costs abroad may not be covered by insurance

Dialysis patients should be mindful that their health insurance may not cover their treatment costs abroad. Generally, government insurance plans like Medicare and Medicaid do not cover any healthcare costs outside of the United States. If you are a US citizen with Medicare as your primary insurance, it will cover 80% of your treatment costs within the US and its territories, but you will be responsible for the remaining 20% not covered. Most state Medicaid programs will not pay for treatment outside of your home state.

If you have private insurance, check with your insurer directly about any foreign travel benefits. Foreign travel insurance policies are typically designed for medical emergencies, not ongoing care like dialysis. If you have to pay for treatments yourself, ask the centre where you will be receiving treatment how much they charge. If you are a citizen of the country you are visiting, ask if you can receive any benefits or subsidies.

Supplies: Plan for medication and dialysis supplies to be shipped

If you're a dialysis patient, you can still travel abroad, but you'll need to plan carefully, especially when it comes to your medication and dialysis supplies. Here are some detailed instructions to help you prepare:

Firstly, research and identify a reputable shipping company that has experience in transporting medical supplies. Ask for recommendations from your dialysis centre or healthcare provider. They may have partnerships or preferred vendors who can assist you. It is crucial to choose a reliable company to ensure the safe and timely delivery of your essential supplies.

Next, make a comprehensive list of all the medication and dialysis supplies you will need for your trip. Include everything from your regular prescriptions to any over-the-counter medications you typically use. Don't forget to account for enough supplies to cover your entire trip, plus some extra in case of unforeseen delays or emergencies.

Once you've finalised your list, contact your chosen shipping company and discuss your specific requirements. Provide them with a detailed inventory of the items you need to ship, including quantities and any special handling or storage instructions. Inquire about their packaging guidelines to ensure your supplies are packed appropriately for transport. Ask about tracking options and insurance coverage in case of loss or damage during transit.

It is advisable to start this process well in advance of your travel date to account for any potential delays. Aim to have your supplies shipped several days before your departure, giving yourself a buffer to address any last-minute issues. If possible, have a backup plan, such as an alternative supplier or extra reserves, in case there are unforeseen complications with the shipment.

Finally, upon arrival at your destination, thoroughly inspect your shipment for any damage or missing items. Ensure that your medication and supplies have been stored and transported according to the manufacturer's guidelines and that nothing has expired or been compromised. If everything is in order, safely store your supplies until needed. By following these careful planning steps, you can ensure a smoother travel experience and have peace of mind during your trip.

Diet: Research local foods to understand salt, phosphorus and potassium content

Dialysis patients need to be mindful of their diet, as their kidneys cannot get rid of enough waste products and fluids from their blood. It is important to limit fluids and change your intake of certain foods.

When researching local foods, it is important to understand the salt, phosphorus, and potassium content of the dishes. Salt, or sodium, is found in many canned, packaged, frozen, and fast foods. It is also found in many condiments, seasonings, and meats. Too much sodium will make you thirsty, which will cause you to drink more liquids. It is recommended to eat fresh, naturally low-sodium foods and look for products labelled "low sodium".

Phosphorus is an essential mineral that your body uses to build healthy bones, create energy, and make new cells. While it is beneficial for most people, it can be harmful if consumed in excess. Phosphorus is found in almost all foods, but high-protein foods, dairy products, nuts, seeds, dried beans and peas, chocolate, colas, and whole-grain foods contain the highest amounts. It is recommended to limit phosphorus intake by avoiding processed and packaged foods, as well as limiting dairy products to 1/2 cup of milk or yogurt, or 1 ounce of cheese per day.

Potassium is a mineral found in most of the foods we eat and is necessary for muscle movement, a healthy nervous system, and balancing the amount of water in the body. Potassium is found mostly in fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. Certain fruits and vegetables are high in potassium, while others are lower. However, eating a large amount of a low-potassium food can still cause potassium levels to rise to dangerous levels. It is recommended to limit potassium-rich foods, especially if you are on hemodialysis, as potassium can build up between treatments and cause problems such as weakness, muscle cramps, tiredness, irregular heartbeat, and even heart attack.

When travelling abroad, dialysis patients should research local foods and their salt, phosphorus, and potassium content. This will help them make informed choices about their diet and maintain their health while away from home.

Backup: Have a backup plan for medical care and emergencies

Dialysis patients can safely travel abroad and continue their treatment, but it requires careful planning. Having a backup plan for medical care and emergencies is essential. Here are some detailed instructions to help you prepare for your trip:

Research Dialysis Centres

Before embarking on your journey, it is crucial to identify dialysis centres at your destination. You can start by searching the internet for reliable treatment centres in the country you plan to visit. Additionally, seek out resources like "The List" from Dialysis and Transplant magazine, which provides a comprehensive list of international dialysis centres accepting transient patients. Your social worker or the patient travel coordinator at your centre may also be able to assist in finding suitable options. It is recommended to have more than one backup option in case your preferred clinic is unable to accommodate you.

Contact the Dialysis Centre in Advance

Once you have identified potential dialysis centres, contact them well in advance of your trip. Provide them with the necessary information, including your dialysis order, recent lab work, medical history, and any special needs or requirements. Ask about their availability and confirm your appointments before you leave. Remember that popular vacation spots or holiday travel may require even more advance notice.

Understand the Costs

Dialysis costs can vary internationally, and it's essential to understand the financial implications. Government insurance plans like Medicare and Medicaid typically do not cover healthcare costs outside the United States. Contact your private insurance provider to clarify their foreign travel benefits. Understand the costs associated with the dialysis provider you choose and be prepared to pay out of pocket if necessary.

Medications and Supplies

Ensure you have an ample supply of all your medications for the entire duration of your trip, plus some extra in case of emergencies. Carry your medications in their original pharmacy bottles with the prescribing doctor's name clearly labelled to avoid confusion during travel. Additionally, bring written prescriptions in case you need to obtain more medication while abroad.

If you are on peritoneal dialysis, carefully plan for the shipment of your supplies to your destination. These arrangements can take months, and some companies may require the signature of a doctor in the country you are visiting. Always have a backup plan for your medical supplies in case of unexpected delays or problems.

Emergency Contacts and Information

Always carry essential emergency contact information with you, including phone numbers and email addresses for your doctors, social workers, and other medical providers. Keep a copy of your medical records, dialysis treatment instructions, and any other relevant medical information. It is also beneficial to inform your travel companions about your medical needs and how they can assist you in case of an emergency.

Dietary Restrictions and Exercise Regimens

Before embarking on your trip, review your dietary restrictions and exercise regimens with your healthcare team. Maintaining a normal routine, as much as possible, is essential for your well-being. Research the foods you are likely to encounter at your destination and discuss them with your renal dietitian to ensure you know which foods are safe to eat.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing foreign travel insurance to protect yourself financially in case of unexpected medical emergencies. However, keep in mind that these policies typically do not cover ongoing care, like dialysis.

By following these instructions and having a comprehensive backup plan, dialysis patients can confidently travel abroad and manage their medical care effectively.

Frequently asked questions