Yes, You Can Travel on Dialysis: An Overseas Travel Checklist for Hemodialysis Patients

The Bottom Line First: Dialysis Doesn't Mean No Travel

For many patients, the first thing they give up when dialysis starts is travel abroad. I want to say this up front: don't worry. With today's international healthcare, dialysis is a standardized treatment available almost everywhere — Japan, Korea, Europe, North America, Southeast Asia all have "travel dialysis" services designed for visiting patients.

Only two things really matter:

1. Choose a well-reviewed center with strict infection control (separate machines/areas for hepatitis B and C, single-use consumables, adequate nursing staff)
2. Arrange early and have your documents and medications ready

Do those two things and travel is nothing to fear.

Always Bring Standby Medications

Eating on the road is hard to control. Carry all your usual prescriptions and a few extra days' supply. I particularly recommend:

• Potassium binder powder/tablets (e.g. Kalimate, Kayexalate, Lokelma — as prescribed): your insurance against a high-potassium meal
• Phosphate binders: restaurant food is phosphorus-heavy, bring plenty
• Blood pressure and heart medications, ESA-related drugs (bring a cooler bag if refrigeration is needed)
• Anti-diarrheal, anti-nausea and pain relief approved by your doctor as kidney-safe

Keep all medications in carry-on luggage, never checked; keep original packaging and bring an English prescription.

Overseas Travel Checklist for Hemodialysis Patients

This is the checklist I compiled for myself and fellow patients. Print it and tick items off.

1. Medical documents

1. Hemodialysis medical summary (in English)
2. Recent dialysis records including dry weight, frequency and prescription (dialyzer model, blood flow rate, anticoagulant dose)
3. Recent blood tests including hemoglobin, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and albumin
4. Hepatitis B and C (some centers also require HIV) status reports, as required by the overseas center (usually within 1–3 months)
5. Physician's English diagnosis certificate and fitness-to-fly assessment (if needed)
6. Contact details of your home dialysis unit (phone, email, fax)
7. Overseas center address, booking confirmation and contact details
8. Travel insurance policy and overseas emergency medical contacts
9. Passport, flight tickets and accommodation details

2. Medications and medical supplies

1. All regular prescriptions, in sufficient quantity plus reserve
2. Keep original packaging and carry a prescription or English medication letter
3. Phosphate binders, antihypertensives, cardiac drugs and standby items such as potassium binder powder
4. Emergency medical card stating you are a hemodialysis patient, your medications and key history (one in English, one in the local language, in your wallet)
5. Fistula or catheter care supplies if you normally use them
6. Access protection reminder: no blood pressure cuffs, blood draws or injections on the fistula arm (consider a wristband or sticker)

3. Personal items for the journey

1. Face masks
2. Hand sanitizer or hand-cleaning products
3. Comfortable, loose clothing that is easy to adjust during dialysis (sleeve on the fistula side must roll up easily)
4. Neck pillow and other comfort items for sessions (light blanket, earphones)
5. Phone, charger and power bank
6. Paper and digital backups of medical documents (phone photos and cloud)
7. Emergency contact information
8. Medical phrases in the local language (e.g. a card reading "I am a hemodialysis patient; my fistula is in the left arm")

4. Dialysis arrangements before departure

1. Contact the overseas center early — at least 4 to 8 weeks ahead (earlier in peak seasons and for large Japanese hospitals)
2. Confirm dates, time slots, cost and required documents
3. Confirm the center accepts foreign visitors and whether it accepts hepatitis B/C carriers
4. Arrange a backup center in case the booking is cancelled
5. Discuss the dialysis schedule and flight plan with your nephrologist (schedule long-haul flights the day after dialysis)
6. Confirm whether travel insurance covers overseas dialysis, emergency admission, complications and medical evacuation (most policies exclude routine dialysis as a pre-existing condition — check line by line)

5. Diet and fluid control

1. Follow your home team's fluid instructions
2. Watch high-salt foods: soups, hot pot, pickles and processed foods (Japanese ramen broth and Korean stews are salt traps)
3. Watch high-potassium foods: certain fruits, juices and vegetables
4. Watch high-phosphorus foods: processed foods, offal and phosphate additives
5. Do not loosen diet or fluid limits just because you are on holiday
6. If appetite drops or you get diarrhea or vomiting, watch for dehydration and electrolyte disturbance; seek care if needed

6. Precautions during the trip

1. Protect the fistula arm — no pressure, no heavy bags (pull your suitcase with the other hand)
2. Tell any healthcare provider the location and type of your access
3. If you have a catheter, keep the dressing clean and dry and never remove it yourself
4. Make sure flight times don't interfere with scheduled sessions
5. Keep contact details for the overseas center and local emergency services
6. Seek local emergency care immediately for breathlessness, chest pain, severe weakness or altered consciousness

7. Final check before departure

• Overseas dialysis booked and confirmed
• Medical documents and lab reports ready
• Enough medication, packed in carry-on
• Travel insurance coverage confirmed
• Diet, fluid and dialysis timing planned
• Emergency contacts and backup center saved
• Health and dialysis plan confirmed with your nephrologist

Next Step

Looking for centers that accept overseas patients? See the companion article: Overseas Travel Dialysis: Facilities Accepting Foreign Patients in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, China, the US and Canada.

References

• National Kidney Foundation. Travel Tips: A Guide for Kidney Patients. https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/travel-tips-guide-kidney-patients
• University Health Network (Toronto). International Travel Hemodialysis Patient Checklist.
• DaVita. Traveling Outside of the U.S. on Dialysis.
• JIHS Hospital Tokyo. Hemodialysis for travelers (document and booking requirements). 2026.

The content of this article is personal reflection and experience sharing only, and is not medical advice. For any questions about your health, illness or physical care, please seek help through professional medical channels and consult your physician.