Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling on Dialysis

Checklist • Helpful Links To Plan Your Trip • Tips • FAQs

What should I do to schedule dialysis before I set out?

Talk with your doctor and support staff for help finding a dialysis center in the area you are visiting. Schedule your appointment well in advance of arriving at your destination. Contact your insurance company to see if preauthorization is required for out-of-the area services, and find out what percentage they will pay.

Since some facilities charge very high rates, and many insurance companies pay claims at a lower rate when you are out of your main service area, you could be
left with a large bill.

Planning your appointments in advance will help you get into the center most convenient for you, in terms of location and appointment times.

The dialysis facility you are visiting may require that you send along (or travel with) updated medical records. These might include a history and physical report from your doctor, an EKG, chest x-ray, PPD (TB test), or Hepatitis C test.

Some of these tests take a few days to get results; so be sure not to wait until the last minute to get them done.

Who can I contact about scheduling dialysis on the road?

Nephron.com provides a list of dialysis facilities in the United States. You will also find out how many dialysis chairs there are at each facility.

Globaldialysis.com has listing for dialysis units around the world. Their Web site is useful if you will be traveling internationally.

Is there anything special I should pack?

Be sure to keep a copy of all your relevant medical records and your physician’s contact information on your person while traveling.

Bringing your own healthy and appropriate snacks will keep you satisfied while you travel. Airport restaurants and shops do not always offer the healthiest choices, and having your own food with you will be helpful if you are delayed in any way.

Pack all medications on your person so they don’t get lost in luggage.

I usually receive dialysis at home. How can I go on a trip?

Home hemodialysis patients usually receive dialysis in a center while traveling, as bringing along a home dialysis machine would be nearly impossible.

I am a peritoneal dialysis patient. Do I need to do anything special before I travel?

If you are a peritoneal dialysis (PD) patient, you are not limited to a dialysis center schedule. Be sure to discuss your travel plans with your medical provider before leaving.


Do I need to make special arrangements with my airline or hotel?

When making flight reservations, ask for a meal that fits your doctors recommendations for healthy eating. Most airlines offer low salt or low fat options.

If you will need to eat as soon as you check-in, make sure your hotel offers a restaurant with healthy choices. Pack enough food with you to cover your needs until you arrive at your destination.

I use a wheelchair. Can I still travel?

If you are traveling with a wheelchair or scooter, let your airline know that you will need assistance before arriving at the airport. Ask the ticket desk attendant to "gate check" your wheelchair and obtain a luggage claim receipt for it.

Checking your wheelchair in you to will allow you to roll your wheelchair directly to the plane. When it is time to board, you can choose to walk to your seat or transfer into an "aisle chair" for assistance to your seat.

Be sure to notify the hotel you plan to stay at that you will be traveling with a wheelchair, so they can offer you with a handicapped-accessible room.



If you are a Northwest Kidney Centers patient who has Medicare coverage, contact Visitor Dialysis Coordinator, Cheryl Lake, for information on insurance coverage before leaving on your vacation.