Travelling on Dialysis

Technological advances have made travelling by car or plane while you're on peritoneal dialysis (PD) simpler than before. An essential thing to remember is to pack enough of your dialysis supplies and medication to last you for your entire trip, plus a few days extra just in case. For haemodialysis (HD) patients, you need to plan your trip around the availability of treatment centres and timings of therapy.

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.

Bringing your dialysis supplies overseas

In order to bring your dialysis supplies with you on airplanes, you will need to:

1. Discuss travel plans with your doctor in advance.
2. Obtain a travel letter and prescription from your doctor.
3. Check with your airline for guidelines to bring dialysis supplies onboard.
4. Pack enough dialysis supplies to last a few days more than the length of your trip, in case of an unexpected delay getting home.

Things to Note:

• 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 cycler with you. Any other supplies you need can be delivered in advance.
• Solution configurations, cycler sets, and power sources vary from country to country.

Delivering dialysis supplies to your holiday destination

If you are going for a longer holiday, you may prefer having your dialysis supplies delivered to your holiday destination. In order to do so, you will need to:

1. Discuss travel plans with your doctor in advance
2. Receive CAPD training if needed
3. Obtain Travel Letter and Prescription from your clinician
4. Inform your PD provider of all confirmed details at least 45 days in advance*:
   • Name of patient
   • Confirmed travel dates
   • Confirmed travel prescription from hospital
   • Hotel address and contact number
   • Hotel booking number and reservation name 
5. Upon confirmation, solutions will be delivered to the accommodation on arrival.

*For Baxter PD patients, please inform the provider at least 45 days in advance. For non-Baxter PD patients, do reach out to your provider to check for requirements.

Travelling by air on peritoneal dialysis

Travelling with peritoneal dialysis fluid can be challenging due to the altered pressure in an aircraft. It's best to discuss your treatment plan with your healthcare team and consider flying "dry".

In case of flight delays or delivery delays, it is recommended to pack a one-day supply of fluid to bring onboard the flight. Do check with your airline about their medical equipment restrictions.

As each country and airline has different regulations, it is essential to carry a letter from your doctor explaining your condition and medication list.

Finding a haemodialysis centre overseas

If you're planning to receive haemodialysis (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.

Travelling with your dialysis machine

If you have a portable dialysis machine, you bring the machine with you for haemodialysis at your holiday destination.

In order to bring your dialysis supplies with you on airplanes, you will need to:

1. Discuss travel plans with your doctor in advance.
2. Obtain a travel letter and prescription from your doctor.
3. Check with your airline for guidelines to bring dialysis supplies onboard.
4. Pack enough dialysis supplies to last a few days more than the length of your trip, in case of an unexpected delay getting home.

Things to Note:

• Power sources vary from country to country.