Travel and kidney disease
Travelling is something you can still enjoy when you have kidney disease. Before heading off, you will need to discuss your travel arrangements with your healthcare team. The level of planning required will depend on your stage of kidney disease, and whether you are currently having dialysis or not.
No matter where you are in your kidney disease journey, it’s important to avoid getting sick and risking dehydration while on holidays.
Travelling to areas with poor water quality or lack of access to healthcare services can be risky. To prevent infection while travelling:
- always wash your hands with soap and water after using the toilet and before eating
- choose bottled water over tap water
- use bug sprays in areas with mosquitos
- eat foods that have been thoroughly cooked
Dialysis, transplants, travel and insurance
Travelling with kidney disease
We know how much it means to you to break free of your routine and experience something new. But to minimise the chance of any emergencies, please discuss the timing of your trip with your doctor before you leave. Keep an up-to-date treatment letter from your doctor (summarising your health condition, recent blood results and your medications) with you at all times. We also recommend keeping a hard copy in your checked luggage, and an electronic copy in your email in case you lose the letter or need to send it to someone urgently.
Be sure to bring enough medicines to last you at least a few days longer than your trip. Ask your doctor if you need any as-needed medicines to help you if you get sick while travelling.
Access to dialysis units while travelling
If you have end-stage kidney disease and require dialysis, you’ll need to do a little more planning than those in early-stage or middle-stage. As well as taking into account all the advice mentioned above, please be aware that blood tests are compulsory for most dialysis units in Australia and around the world – so make sure you allow time for this to happen throughout your travels.
For more information, you can view our travel on peritoneal dialysis page. If you are currently undergoing haemodialysis, you can view our travel on haemodialysis page.
Travelling with a kidney transplant
Travelling with a kidney transplant is possible, but it requires special attention. The first step is talking to your medical professional before making any plans.
Get your health assessment at least 6 months prior to travel so that you can get any necessary vaccinations. Transplant Australia offers great advice on pre-travel vaccines for transplant recipients.
Check out our Transplant and travel factsheet to learn more about safe travel after transplant.
Travel insurance that covers kidney disease
Travel insurance is essential for covering emergencies while overseas. Whether you take out travel insurance with your credit card provider, private company or preferred insurance broker, we strongly suggest reviewing the wording of your policy carefully. Be sure to secure enough coverage before you book any travel. Ideally it should cover pre-existing conditions. If you find it difficult to secure travel insurance that covers your current condition, we recommend taking out basic travel insurance that will at least cover some emergencies. Please contact the Kidney Helpline on 1800 454 363 for a list of travel insurance companies that may be able to provide cover.
Essential medical care is available in some countries that have a reciprocal health care agreement with Australia. This may cover some medication costs, but not all. You will still need travel insurance to visit these countries. For more information, visit Services Australia.
