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Dialysis Travel Hub

Your Complete Guide to
Traveling on Dialysis

A start-to-finish planning system for dialysis patients who want to travel — in-depth guides, a pre-trip readiness checklist, and vetted services, all in one place. Whether it's a first weekend away or an international trip, plan it here.

6 In-Depth Guides Pre-Trip Checklist Center Booking Insurance & Medicare Vetted Services

One place to plan the whole trip

Traveling on dialysis takes planning, not permission. This hub pulls together everything in one place: in-depth guides for each part of the journey, an actionable pre-trip checklist, and a directory of vetted services — so you can move from "can I even do this?" to a booked, confirmed trip.

New here? Start with the flagship guide: Can I travel on dialysis? — then work through the topics below in the order that fits your trip.

Who it's for:

First-time travelers Cruise planners International trips In-center & home dialysis Caregivers & family
Educational, not medical advice. Everything here is general planning guidance. Every trip is different — confirm the specifics of your plan with your care team and your dialysis provider before you travel.

Guides for every step of the journey

Each topic below links to a dedicated, in-depth guide. Topics without a standalone guide yet include practical starting points and point you to the flagship guide and the checklist.

Start here Full guide
Can I Travel on Dialysis?
The flagship guide — yes, you can, and here's how. Covers domestic and international travel, what to arrange with your care team, and how to think about the whole trip.
Read the guide →
01 · First-time travel Full guide
Your First Trip on Dialysis
A beginner-friendly walkthrough for planning that first trip away — what to expect, how far ahead to start, and the questions to ask before you book anything.
Read the guide →
02 · Center booking Full guide
Finding & Booking a Center Away From Home
How to locate a dialysis center at your destination, request a guest appointment for every treatment day, and confirm dates, times, and records before you leave.
Read the guide →
03 · Cruises Full guide
Dialysis & Cruises
What to know about cruising while staying on your treatment schedule — dedicated dialysis-at-sea programs, how they work, and what to confirm with the provider before booking.
Read the guide →
04 · Insurance & billing Full guide
Insurance, Medicare & Billing Abroad
How coverage works when you travel, why Medicare rarely covers care outside the U.S., and how to plan for costs and confirm what your plan will and won't pay.
Read the guide →
05 · The basics Full guide
Dialysis Basics — A Refresher
A plain-language overview of dialysis itself. Useful background before you plan, and a page you can share with travel companions or family who are helping you.
Read the guide →
06 · Packing & documents Quick tips
Packing & Medical Documentation
Carry medications in your carry-on in their original labeled containers, pack a few extra days' worth, and bring your prescription, medication list, and center contacts on paper and on your phone. The checklist below has the full list.
Go to the checklist →
07 · Emergency planning Quick tips
Emergency & Contingency Planning
Know the nearest hospital and a backup center at your destination, agree with your care team on what to do if a session is delayed or missed, and keep insurer contacts handy. Details in the flagship guide and checklist.
See the flagship guide →

Pre-Trip Readiness Checklist

A scannable starting point you can work through with your care team. Print it, or use it to build your own list — every plan is different.

Documents & medical records

  • A recent dialysis prescription and treatment summary from your care team
  • An up-to-date list of medications, dosages, and allergies
  • Photo ID, insurance cards, and written emergency contacts
  • Contact details for your nephrologist and your home center
  • Copies kept both on paper and securely on your phone

Center & treatment logistics

  • A confirmed appointment for every treatment day you'll be away
  • Written confirmation of the date, time, and address of each session
  • Travel time and directions from your lodging to the center
  • Confirmation that the center accepts your insurance before you go

Packing & medications

  • Enough medication for the full trip, plus a few extra days
  • Medications in original labeled containers, packed in your carry-on
  • Any diet or fluid guidance from your care team for travel days
  • Comfortable clothing that allows easy access for treatment

Emergency & contingency

  • The nearest hospital and a backup dialysis center at your destination
  • A plan, agreed with your team, for a delayed or missed session
  • Your travel/medical coverage details and how to reach the insurer
  • A simple plan for getting home early if you need to

Before you rely on this list, review it with your care team and dialysis provider. They know your treatment plan and can flag anything specific to your situation.

8 Resources Worth Knowing

Alongside the guides above, these organizations help with the practical side of travel — finding centers, coverage, equipment, and cruise programs. Always confirm current details directly with each one.

Payment services available to U.S. customers only. All dialysis travel coordination is for U.S. citizens through U.S.-licensed facilities.

DV
Dialysis
DaVita Kidney Care
Find vacation dialysis centers worldwide through DaVita's guest services program. One of the largest networks in the US with international partnerships.
Learn More →
AKF
Assistance
American Kidney Fund
Travel assistance programs and financial support for kidney patients on dialysis. Grants, insurance support, and patient advocacy services.
Learn More →
RT
Equipment
Rotech Medical
Travel oxygen and medical equipment rentals for patients on the move. Delivery to hotels, cruise ships, and vacation rentals nationwide.
Learn More →
IMT
Insurance
InsureMyTrip
Compare medical travel insurance plans that cover pre-existing conditions including dialysis. Side-by-side plan comparison with over 20 providers.
Learn More →
MJ
Evacuation
MedJet Assist
Medical evacuation membership — hospital-to-hospital transport anywhere in the world. Critical for international dialysis travelers.
Learn More →
DAS
Dialysis
Dialysis at Sea Cruises
Dedicated cruise dialysis program — sail the world while staying on your treatment schedule. Dialysis at Sea provides certified technicians on board partnering cruise lines — confirm current coverage and dates directly with the provider.
Learn More →
NP
Dialysis
NephroPlus
International dialysis centers across Asia and the Middle East — patient-first care abroad with English-speaking staff at major locations.
Learn More →
GD
Dialysis
Global Dialysis
The world's most comprehensive directory of dialysis centers — search by country, city, or facility type before you book your trip.
Learn More →
From Experience

Want a Second Set of Eyes on Your Plan?

MAVTG offers personalized dialysis travel planning — from finding a center at your destination to preparing your medical documentation. Built by a dialysis patient, for dialysis patients. Send us your trip and we'll help you map it out.

Not sure where to start? Read Can I travel on dialysis? first.

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