10 Things to Do Before Travelling on Dialysis

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1. Plan Early — Minimum 6 Weeks Ahead

Dialysis slots abroad fill up fast, especially in popular tourist destinations during summer. Don’t leave it to the last minute. Six weeks gives you time to sort the paperwork, get your tests done and book accommodation without stress.

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2. Never Book Accommodation Before Confirming Dialysis

This is the golden rule. A beautiful hotel means nothing if you can’t get dialysis in that city. Always confirm your dialysis slot first — accommodation comes second.

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3. Use BookDialysis or Renal Traveller to Find a Clinic

Both apps let you search for dialysis clinics worldwide and send booking requests directly. BookDialysis is fast and covers a wide network of clinics across Europe and beyond. Renal Traveller is another solid option worth having on your phone.

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4. EU Citizens — Dialysis is Free with Your EHIC Card

If you are an EU citizen, dialysis abroad is covered at no cost in most European clinics thanks to the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This is a huge benefit that many dialysis patients simply don’t know about. Apply for your EHIC card before you travel — it’s free and takes minutes online.

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5. Filter by EHIC Acceptance When Searching

When searching for clinics on BookDialysis or Renal Traveller, always use the EHIC filter. It instantly shows only clinics that accept your card. Don’t waste time contacting clinics that don’t.

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6. Complete the Medical Documentation

Once a clinic accepts your booking, you will receive a PDF document that must be completed by your home dialysis centre. This typically includes your medical history, current treatment parameters and medication list. Take this seriously — without it, many clinics will not treat you.

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7. Return the Completed Documents to the Clinic

Once your home clinic fills in the paperwork, send it back to the holiday clinic promptly. Keep a digital copy on your phone and a printed copy in your bag. Always have it with you during every session abroad.

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8. Get Your Blood Tests Done One Week Before Departure

One week before you travel, have a full blood panel done at your home clinic — phosphorus, potassium, haemoglobin, parathyroid hormone and anything else your nephrologist monitors. Print the results and save a PDF on your phone. Holiday clinics will ask for these.

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9. Book Accommodation with Free Cancellation

Things can change — a clinic cancels, a session is rescheduled, your car breaks down in the middle of Romania. Always book accommodation with free cancellation up to 24 hours before arrival. It costs nothing extra and saves you from losing money when plans change. I learned this the hard way.

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10. Buy Full Medical Insurance — Don’t Cut Corners

This is not the place to save money. A comprehensive travel insurance policy with full medical cover gives you peace of mind that nothing else can. Make sure your policy explicitly covers pre-existing conditions including kidney disease and dialysis. Read the small print before you buy.

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Bonus Tip — Always Carry Your Medication List

Always keep an up-to-date list of your medications with you — in English or in the language of the country you are visiting. In a medical emergency this can be absolutely critical. Ask your nephrologist to prepare this list before every trip.

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