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Thrive On
Couple traveling while on dialysis.

Traveling 
on Dialysis

We understand that planning for dialysis while traveling takes additional coordination. We are here to help you live your life to its fullest by providing tips and tools to make your trip go smoothly. Let us help you schedule your dialysis treatment while you’re away. Our experienced and dedicated staff provides complimentary travel services and will:


  • Find a Fresenius Medical Care dialysis center near your travel destination
  • Schedule your dialysis appointments
  • Securely send your medical information to your destination center

 

Contact Fresenius Kidney Care Patient Travel Services Today!

To begin planning for your trip, call the Fresenius Kidney Care Patient Travel Services team at 1-866-434-2597 (option 2) Monday – Friday. Or, complete this form to be contacted by a team member.

Please provide at least 2 weeks’-notice for domestic travel and 8 weeks for International travel.   Advance notice necessary for proper planning and coordination pending in-center availability at your travel destination.

Watch to learn about home dialysis.
Learn about the freedom of home dialysis

There are big benefits to home dialysis—it offers greater flexibility so you can keep the lifestyle you love. Find out if starting or switching to home dialysis is right for you.

Watch now

Simple ways to make dialysis travel easier

Use our Travel checklist and Planning for dialysis when traveling for simple tips on what to pack and how to make traveling easier.

Use our Traveling with Medications and Air and International Travel with Medications guides for tips on ensuring you have the medication you need to keep you healthy while traveling.

Will my dialysis treatment away from home be covered?

In many instances, yes—especially if you’re traveling in the US. Call your insurance provider and ask for details about your kidney care and dialysis travel coverage to make sure—and find out what information you’ll need to take with you. Many times, you will be able to continue your dialysis treatments on the go, so you won't need to cut your trip short.

Some health insurance plans will not cover dialysis outside the US, so you may have to pay out of pocket for international dialysis treatment and work it into your travel budget. It's important to know that Medicare will pay for dialysis in the 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands and American Samoa. Medicare will not pay for dialysis outside the US except in very rare cases.
Peritoneal dialysis patients

To discuss your home therapy PD travel needs, contact RTG Customer Service at 1-800-323-5188 (option 1).

What to pack and how to plan

Getting ready to take off? Here are some things you’ll want to take on your trip or plan for:
  1. 3_02-TRAVELING-03Medications
    Medications—pack enough of each medication to last you through your trip, as well as a few extra days’ worth in case of an unexpected delay.
  2. 3_02-TRAVELING-04Home
    Home Dialysis Supplies—make sure you pack everything you’ll need for treatment—and bring a few extra days’ worth. Ask your dialysis nurse if you have questions about what to take—and discuss airline guidelines for traveling with medical equipment and solutions if you’re flying.
  3. 3_02-TRAVELING-05Other
    Other Medical Supplies—make a list as you run through your daily routine so you don’t forget anything you need.
  4. 3_02-TRAVELING-06Personal

    Personal Info—be sure to pack these essentials:

    • ID card
    • Insurance card
    • Emergency contact information
    • Phone numbers and email addresses for your doctor and social worker

  5. Medical wings blue circle icon

    Medical Info—be sure to pack these essentials:

    • Medication and allergy lists
    • Phone numbers, email addresses and location information for dialysis centers you plan to visit
    • Dialysis treatment and kidney care instructions
    • Phone number for free Fresenius Kidney Care Patient Travel Services team

Have a backup plan

Sometimes you can plan everything perfectly and still get thrown a curveball. Talk to your doctor about what to do in case something unexpected happens while you’re away from home—and let your travel companions know how to help. If you run into challenges, call your doctor or social worker for guidance. You can also call the Fresenius Kidney Care Patient Travel Services team at 1-866-434-2597 (option 2), Monday – Friday.