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Lifestyle & Wellness
Traveling with Kidney Disease: A Dialysis Patient Guide
Plan your trips with confidence using our guide to traveling safely while on dialysis treatment.
Last reviewed August 2025
Key Takeaways
- Plan at least 4-6 weeks ahead to arrange guest dialysis at your destination
- Always carry a medical summary, medication list, and emergency contacts
- Our social workers can help coordinate with dialysis centers at your destination
- Travel insurance that covers dialysis patients is available and highly recommended
Yes, You Can Travel on Dialysis
A dialysis diagnosis does not mean giving up travel. Many of our patients at Avitus travel regularly for family events, vacations, business, and even overseas trips. The key is careful planning and coordination with your care team.
Planning Your Trip
Step 1: Tell Your Care Team Early
Inform your nephrologist and social worker at least 4-6 weeks before your trip. They can assess whether you are medically stable enough to travel and help make arrangements.
Step 2: Arrange Guest Dialysis
Our social workers will help find and contact dialysis centers at your destination. They will share your medical records, current prescription, and latest lab results. Most guest centers require advance notice and confirmation before accepting transient patients.
Step 3: Pack Smart
- All medications in their original labeled containers (enough for the trip plus extras)
- A medical summary letter from your nephrologist
- Updated list of all medications with doses
- PhilHealth ID and insurance documents
- Contact numbers for Avitus, your nephrologist, and the guest dialysis center
- Kidney-friendly snacks for the journey
Tips for a Safe Trip
- Follow your fluid and diet restrictions carefully, even while on vacation
- Keep medications in your carry-on, not checked luggage
- Avoid excessive walking or heat exposure — pace yourself
- Know the location of the nearest hospital at your destination
- Get travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions and dialysis
- Schedule a post-travel appointment at Avitus to check your labs
Patient Voices
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“The articles on this site helped me understand my diagnosis. I felt much more prepared for my first dialysis session.”
— Anna L.
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“As a caregiver, the resources here gave me practical tips on how to support my husband through his treatment.”
— Carmen D.
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