Traveling While
On Dialysis

For many people, travel on dialysis is still possible, but it takes more planning and honest conversations with your care team. Home hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis can offer more flexibility than in-center treatments because you and your care partner have more control over when treatments happen. That flexibility can make it easier to fit treatments around a trip, whether you are driving a few hours to see family or taking a longer vacation.

Before you commit to dates or buy tickets, talk with your nephrologist and care team. They will look at how stable your health has been, your most recent labs, your access, and your current prescription. Together you can decide what kind of trip is realistic, how often you will need treatments while you are away, and whether your current modality is a good fit for the type of travel you have in mind.

Flying with a home dialysis machine is possible for many patients, but you should not expect to handle it the same way you would a suitcase. Your care team and equipment provider can help you find out what your specific machine weighs, how it needs to be packed, and what paperwork is recommended for security and airline staff. Some machines count as assistive medical devices and may be handled differently from regular luggage. Because policies vary, always confirm directly with the airline before you travel.

Most patients do not carry all of their supplies on the plane. Supply companies can sometimes ship dialysate, lines, and other items to your hotel, rental home, or family member in advance, as long as there is a clear address, contact person, and storage space. Your care team can also help you decide what must stay with you, such as key medications, a backup dressing kit, and basic emergency information in your carry-on. The goal is to protect your machine and make sure you have what you need if bags are delayed.

If you are on home dialysis and traveling within the United States, your clinic and supply company can often help you arrange shipments to another state, or locate an in-center unit that can provide treatments if needed. The exact options depend on your insurance, your treatment prescription, and how long you will be gone. International travel is usually more complex and sometimes not realistic for every patient, but it may still be possible in certain situations with careful planning.

The safest first step is to bring your travel idea to your nephrologist early. They can explain what is involved, what services are available at your destination, and how to handle prescriptions, vaccines, and emergency plans. It is important to know where the nearest hospital and dialysis unit are, how to reach them, and what to do if your travel plans change. Written information in the local language that explains you are on dialysis, your current medications, and emergency contacts can also be very helpful when you are far from home.

More lead time usually means less stress. Many of our patients start the planning process at least four to six weeks before a trip, and sometimes earlier for international travel or cruises. That gives our team time to review your health, make sure your prescription is stable, and coordinate any supply shipments or backup in-center treatments. Last-minute travel is harder because it leaves little time to adjust orders, arrange delivery windows, or check availability at other dialysis centers.

Planning ahead also lets you work through practical questions that are easy to overlook. You can check whether your lodging has a refrigerator for medications, enough electrical outlets for your cycler or home hemodialysis machine, and space to store boxes. You can also talk about time zones, changes in meal times, and how to keep a treatment log while you are away. At HDT, our goal is to have as much worked out on paper as possible before you leave, so you are not making medical decisions on the fly.