The answer is positive. Yes, of course you can! It is enough to make a careful planning of your trip in collaboration with the team of doctors who monitor you.
Choose your destination and a dialysis center near it, and then schedule your sessions. You'll need to contact the dialysis center you'd like to host you during your vacation in advance to ensure availability on your travel dates. Keep in mind that you may need to contact more than one center to find a center that can provide you with the best services and the time period you are interested in.
In any case, the staff of the unit that is already monitoring you will help you find the appropriate dialysis unit and will provide you with all the necessary medical records that you should have with you when you arrive at your destination.
What medical records will I need to bring with me?
You should have a copy of your medical history, recent medical examination reports as well as laboratory results. This information will already have been sent to your destination center so that they can learn more about you, and take the best possible care of your needs during your visit to their center.
Does my insurance cover dialysis during the trip?
Of course! Your insurance coverage may cover the cost of dialysis sessions in a different unit. All you have to do is provide your destination unit with a report from your dialysis unit confirming your medical condition.
What if I want to travel abroad?
In this case, you should be informed about the cost of dialysis treatments in a unit based in a foreign country and then find out if it is contracted with the insurance organization you work with.
How can I find out about the quality of care I will receive in my destination unit?
By visiting the website of the unit you are interested in, you can get some basic information yourself. Alternatively, you can book your vacation through an experienced travel agency that specializes in such reservations or ask some questions by phone at the unit of your choice. The above ways will inform you whether the unit is reusing dialyzers, what are the days and hours of operation, what types of dialysis machine it uses (conventional, high flow capacity), whether there are public transport means to reach it as well as the number of patients assigned to each nurse.
Should I take my medication with me?
Of course! You will need to have a sufficient number of medicines packed. Consider carrying an additional amount in case of emergencies.
Should I continue to follow the specific diet plan?
It is very important that you continue to adhere to the dietary restrictions recommended by your team of doctors. In fact, you can discuss with them your desire for a vacation and then adjust your diet.
