What Is Holiday Dialysis?

Holiday dialysis – sometimes called dialysis abroad or vacation dialysis – allows people on regular haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis to continue their life‑saving treatments while exploring the world. Instead of feeling tied to a local clinic, patients can book sessions abroad at accredited centres and enjoy vacations, reunions or business trips without compromising their care. Holiday dialysis enables patients to reclaim independence and maintain quality of life by coordinating treatments at their destination. With careful planning, travel becomes not only feasible but empowering.

Why Holiday Dialysis Is Changing Lives

Freedom and quality of life: Dialysis schedules often dictate daily routines. By using holiday dialysis programmes, patients can continue to work, travel and reconnect with loved ones without interrupting treatment. Health experts note that travel can boost mood and reduce stress, and that holiday dialysis provides continuity of care so patients don’t feel restricted by their condition.

Mental‑health benefits: Exploring new environments breaks the monotony of weekly treatments and combats feelings of isolation. A well‑planned trip can improve mental health and enhance motivation for ongoing therapy.

Encouraging independence: Coordinating dialysis abroad fosters self‑confidence. Patients learn to manage appointments, communicate with international clinics and monitor their health while away from home. This sense of autonomy translates into a greater overall quality of life.

Planning Your Dialysis‑Friendly Trip: Step‑by‑Step

Successfully travelling on dialysis starts long before departure. Follow these steps to ensure your trip is safe and stress‑free.

1. Consult your home clinic early. Kidney organizations recommend notifying your dialysis team at least three months before international travel. Your nephrologist can confirm your medical stability, help with paperwork and suggest partner clinics at your destination.

2. Use global dialysis networks. Platforms like The Renal Traveller provide searchable databases of accredited clinics with real‑time availability and transparent pricing. Browse verified clinics here.

3. Gather required documents. Clinics usually ask for a recent medical report, dialysis prescription, laboratory results (last 4–6 weeks), infectious‑disease tests (hepatitis B/C, HIV) and proof of insurance or travel coverage. Bringing these documents ahead of time ensures quick confirmation and safe care abroad.

4. Confirm your booking and payment method. Each clinic profile on The Renal Traveller lists payment methods, accepted insurance or EHIC/GHIC cards, languages spoken and whether transport is included. Review these details to pick the right clinic and then contact the clinic directly to confirm availability.

5. Arrange transport and accommodation. Select lodging near the dialysis unit to minimize travel after sessions; some clinics even include transportation, which is noted on their profile. Consider rest days after treatment to avoid fatigue.

6. Pack smart. Bring your medications, travel documents and a plug adaptor in your hand luggage. Because The Renal Traveller lists in‑centre haemodialysis clinics, travellers on peritoneal dialysis will need to make separate arrangements — coordinate with your home unit about having supplies delivered to your accommodation and disposing of waste materials.

Insurance & Costs: EHIC/GHIC and Payment Transparency

When planning your trip, one of the most common questions is: “How much does dialysis abroad cost?”

On Renal Traveller, we encourage every clinic to display their holiday dialysis prices clearly. Costs may differ depending on the treatment type:

• Hemodialysis (HD) – the most common treatment.

• Hemodiafiltration (HDF) – usually more expensive than HD due to advanced technology. On each clinic profile, you can check:

• Dialysis session prices (holiday dialysis cost per treatment).

• Whether the clinic accepts the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or the UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).

• The payment methods available (cash, bank transfer, credit card).

📌 Good to know: If prices are not displayed on the profile, you will receive full pricing information directly from the clinic after submitting a non-binding booking request.

💡 Pro tip for patients: Always check the clinic’s profile on Renal Traveller before booking to confirm dialysis abroad cost, EHIC/GHIC acceptance, and payment methods.

Booking through Renal Traveller is always free of charge. There are no hidden costs — you pay the dialysis clinic directly, and Renal Traveller does not interfere in the payment process.

What to Pack & Travel Tips

• Essential documents: Carry your medical report, dialysis prescription, recent lab results and infectious‑disease tests along with your EHIC/GHIC or proof of insurance. Keep copies in both digital and paper form.

• Medications and supplies: Pack all prescribed medications and dialysis supplies in your hand luggage. Peritoneal dialysis patients should arrange fluid deliveries ahead of time and confirm waste disposal.

• Monitor your health: Keep track of weight, blood pressure and symptoms during the trip. Use a travel log or health app and know the emergency numbers at your destination.

• Stay hydrated and follow your diet: Continue your fluid and dietary restrictions, carry approved snacks and bottled water and consult your dietitian about local cuisine.

• Schedule wisely: Book treatments well in advance and allow rest time after each session to avoid fatigue. If travelling to high altitudes or remote areas, consult your physician beforehand.

• Dialysis Travel Passport: Request your free Dialysis Travel Passport through our website to document your treatment schedule abroad and keep essential health details in one place. The passport includes space to record clinic visits, medications, and emergency contacts, along with practical tips for dialysis travellers.. You can request yours here: Dialysis Travel Passport.

After the Trip: Ensuring Continuity of Care

Your holiday doesn’t end when you return home. Request a written summary of your dialysis sessions abroad and share it with your home clinic. Schedule a post‑travel check‑up to review your health and address any issues that arose during your trip.

Share Your Experience

Feedback from fellow travellers is invaluable for people planning dialysis‑friendly trips. After you return home, please consider leaving a review of your booking experience on our Google business page to help other patients choose with confidence. Your comments encourage clinics to maintain high standards and show newcomers that travel on dialysis is achievable. You can leave a review here: Review The Renal Traveller on Google.

We also invite you to share your travel memories on social media. Post photos or stories of your adventures and tag The Renal Traveller — your posts may inspire others to explore the world while managing their health. Tag us on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn and use our official hashtag to become part of a community of empowered travellers.

Dialysis Travel Oceania

Dreaming of the South Pacific? You’ll find dialysis clinics in Fiji, New Caledonia and New Zealand. These islands boast pristine beaches, colorful coral reefs and dramatic landscapes. Browse clinics in the region at our Oceania search page.

Dialysis Travel Asia

Asia’s dialysis‑friendly destinations range from India’s cultural wonders and Jordan’s desert heritage to Singapore’s futuristic cityscape, Thailand’s diverse landscapes, Turkey’s east‑meets‑west charm and the luxury of the United Arab Emirates. Explore clinic listings for each country through our Asia search page.

Dialysis Travel Africa

In Africa, dialysis Travellers can pair treatments with safari adventures and historic explorations. Kenya’s game reserves such as the Masai Mara offer the Great Migration and sightings of the “Big Five”, and similar wildlife experiences await in Tanzania and South Africa. Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt provide vibrant medinas, deserts and ancient wonders. Discover clinics across the continent on our Africa search page.

Dialysis Travel Europe

From sunny Mediterranean coasts to historic capitals in Central and Eastern Europe, our European network covers Croatia, Greece, North Macedonia, Portugal, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Ukraine. Many clinics in Europe accept the EHIC/GHIC card for medically necessary state healthcare, and private clinics offer transparent pricing and amenities. Start planning your trip via our Europe search page.

Dialysis Travel South America

Our current South American destination is Trinidad and Tobago, where you can combine Caribbean hospitality with your treatment schedule. Find dialysis centres on our South America search page.

Why Choose The Renal Traveller?

Unlike general booking platforms, The Renal Traveller focuses exclusively on dialysis patients and offers:

-** Verified clinics with transparent information**. Each listing includes treatment types, session costs, amenities, transportation options and accepted insurance.

• Free bookings and no hidden fees. Users pay the clinic directly; the platform does not add extra charges.

• Global network with EHIC/GHIC support. Many European clinics accept EHIC/GHIC cards and state clearly whether they do so, helping patients budget effectively.

• Patient‑centred mission and values. Renal Traveller’s mission is to ensure dialysis doesn’t limit travel and to create an ecosystem built on compassion, integrity, accessibility and collaboration.

• Commitment to innovation. The platform is building a global network of dialysis clinics and offers free access for providers during its launch phase to encourage worldwide participation.