The following tips apply to all dialysis patients who are planning a trip away.
Talk to your renal unit
Before you plan anything, talk to your renal unit. You will need a letter from your renal unit confirming that you are fit to travel in order to obtain travel insurance. Ask for advice regarding immunisation. If you are on dialysis you will need help from your renal unit in planning your treatment while away from home.
Choosing your destination and accommodation
Whether you are on haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, be sure you are within reach of medical support in case of emergencies.
Can the accommodation you are considering meet your special requirements? Is tap water safe to drink? If you're on peritoneal dialysis will you need an adaptor to plug in your machine? Can the hotel or cruise ship cater for your special dietary needs?
Travel insurance
Don't book your trip until you have travel insurance that covers you for a pre-existing medical condition. Standard policies do not offer this coverage.
Vaccinations
Find out whether you need any vaccinations for your destination. Check with your renal unit before having any vaccinations. Some may not be recommended for kidney patients. Transplant patients have to be especially careful of vaccines.
Medication
Always divide your supply of pills in two. Keep half with you in your hand luggage. Pack the other half in the luggage you check or give it to a traveling companion to carry.
Take a letter from your doctor stating that the drugs you are carrying are prescription drugs.
Copy the names from the labels of all medication you are on. This way, if your supply is lost, you can let doctors know and get them replaced.
If you travel with medication that must be kept cool, pack it in a bag such as those sold for keeping school lunches or picnics cool, or in a plastic bag with ice packs. A wide-necked thermos bottle that has been chilled in advance also works.
Some drugs can be left unrefrigerated for a while. EPO, for instance, does not need refrigeration for up to 6 hours. Make sure, however, that you allow time for transfers and delays when calculating the length of a trip during which a medication will be left unrefrigerated.
On your return trip, make sure you declare to customs any drugs you were given or prescribed.
First aid kit
Take an emergency supply of bandages, painkillers, insect-bite ointment and anti-diarrhea pills. As always, check with your renal unit regarding any over-the-counter drugs you are taking.
Organise assistance at airports, etc
If you tire easily or have problems with mobility, use one of the wheelchairs available at airports, many ferry ports, railway stations, and special attractions to whisk you through check-in, departure procedures, and passport control. You will need to book this service in advance. Your travel agent should be able to help you. If you're making your own reservations, ask the companies you deal with, such as the airline, cruise ship, or resort, if they offer special assistance.
Food and drink
Watch what you eat and drink. Talk to your dietitian before you go about local foods to avoid. If you are traveling by plane, ask your travel agent to advise the airline of your special dietary requirements.
Don't take the risk of drinking local water—this includes water used for brushing your teeth—unless you are sure it is absolutely safe. Tie a ribbon around the bathroom tap to remind yourself not to drink from it or brush your teeth with it. Use bottled water, or boiled water (especially in far eastern countries). Avoid salads and ice cubes unless you have washed the salad or made the ice cubes yourself from bottled water. Avoid ice cream from street vendors.
Sun protection
Avoid overexposure to the sun. Take a high-factor sunscreen with you and use it. Sun protection is particularly important for transplant patients.
Emergencies
Make sure you and your traveling companion(s) have emergency contact phone numbers and addresses with you at all times. These should include contacts for:
