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Enjoy life with dialysis

Chronic kidney disease does not mean the end of a fulfilling life.

Try to maintain an optimistic mindset and make the most of what lies ahead. We have put together some points regarding important elements of everyday life.

Partner and family

Your family, partner, and friends are also affected by your diagnosis. The changes in your lifestyle are perceived by those around you. Don't exclude yourself, be open about your illness and involve the people who are important to you during these times. Even the closest family members do not have the ability to read your mind. Expressing your needs is good for you. With the stress of kidney disease, it is important to maintain a sense of warmth and closeness with family and friends. Expressing feelings openly and honestly is important to your family's health and emotional well-being.

That way, those around you can get a better understanding of your feelings and react to your needs. However, it is important to not project your anger about your illness towards them. Give your loved ones the chance to grow into the new situation as well.

In addition, some patients may feel that they are a burden to their families. It is important to realize that kidney failure does not happen just to individuals – it happens to families. Sharing your thoughts and feelings freely in an honest, respectful manner can help you and your family. This includes the negative feelings of sadness, anger, fear, and resentment. Holding these thoughts and feelings inside may result in emotional distancing between family members.

Eventually, family life may return near to normal, with treatment included as more or less routine.

The following steps may be able to help you and your loved ones to reduce stress:

• Talking to the staff at the dialysis centers or transplant clinic.
• Writing down questions ahead of time and inform family members about changes in treatment.
• Finding out as much as possible about the illness through a National Kidney Association or Society, local or national support groups, written materials and educational classes.
• Staying involved in the pleasures, activities, and responsibilities of daily living.
• Finding time to exercise at a level that suits your individual limits and to enjoy the outdoors. Please consult with your physician to find out appropriate exercise options for you.
• Sharing your feelings with family or close friends and other patients.
• Seeking help from a social worker at the dialysis unit, transplant clinic, or from an outside counselor if family or personal problems need further attention.
• Setting realistic goals in adjusting to all lifestyle changes.

Leisure time

Leisure activities are important because they have been shown to increase mental and physical stability and have a positive effect on your general well-being. Find leisure activities that you enjoy and discuss with your dialysis team whether they are suitable for you. Spend time with family and friends, go on trips together and do not isolate yourself from social activities. It is important not to "get lost” in your illness, but instead maintain a positive and optimistic attitude towards life.

During physical exercise , make sure that you maintain your strength and plan regular breaks. Do not force your body too much. The sports which are particularly suitable for you differ depending on the therapy modality. You can find out more about your possibilities here .

Doing dialysis regularly does not mean that you can no longer go on vacation. It is possible to have your dialysis performed in other dialysis centers or maybe even other places with peritoneal dialysis, also abroad. You can continue to lead an active life, discover new places or simply enjoy the sun!

Some important travel tips

Start planning your trip in good time. That way you can avoid stress and fully enjoy your vacation.

Check with your health insurance to find out which services are covered in which travel regions.

Always carry your medication and important medical reports in your hand luggage. That way you have everything at hand in case of an emergency. Transparent zip bags are an easy way to store all your medicines.

Ask your care team for useful tips for your trip.

The most important facts in a nutshell

You will also need to continue your dialysis treatment while you are on vacation. Therefore, you need to make sure that dialysis is available and possible at your travel destination. Talk to both your current physician and your physician at the destination about what you need to keep in mind when travelling! Also, remember to make appointments at the vacation dialysis center before you start your trip to avoid appointment bottlenecks there. If you perform the dialysis yourself (peritoneal dialysis or home hemodialysis), you also need to plan the transportation of the necessary equipment. Your dialysis team can help you plan this.

General considerations

If you are planning a vacation, please talk to your care team about it early. By doing so, it can be checked whether the vacation destination meets the necessary requirements for your dialysis. Temperature conditions in your destination country may also have an impact on your wellbeing due to changes in sweat production. Please discuss the details with your healthcare team.

For your own safety, you should always carry copies of medical reports with important information. Although it may be difficult for you, please remember to stick to your dietary guidelines, even when you are on vacation. The best thing to do is to consult with your clinical team or nutritionist to discuss whether diet adaptations are advisable for your destination country. This is the only way you can enjoy your vacation fit and strong. It may help if you inform the hotel in advance of your requirements, such as special dietary requirements.

Haemodialysis on holiday

A vacation with hemodialysis needs to be planned well. To start your holiday relaxed, we explain in three steps what you should pay attention to:

To perform hemodialysis while you are on vacation, you need to find a dialysis center in your vacation destination. Here are some options:

• Health insurance companies: Some health insurance companies in some countries have signed contracts with foreign dialysis centers. Your health insurance company may have a list.
• Travel providers: Some travel providers offer trips specially tailored to dialysis patients. To find them, search e.g. for the term "dialysis travel offers" in search engines.
• Dialysis patients: Other dialysis patients have already been on vacation - exchange ideas with them to benefit from their experiences.

For the European Union, health insurance companies are obliged to cover the treatment costs in countries where the European Health Insurance Card is valid. This does not always work smoothly. Contact your health insurance company in advance to check whether all costs will be covered. Some health insurance companies keep lists of which foreign dialysis centers cover the costs completely and without any effort or advance payment. Other countries may have different regulations. Please check with your healthcare team.

Generally, in countries where the European Health Insurance Card is valid, costs are covered for:

• Treatments that are also offered in your home country
• Up to the amount that would have been covered in your home country
• For a maximum of six weeks within a calendar year

If you need financial assistance to plan your trip, dialysis travel assistance funds may be able to help.

Once you have found a dialysis center and clarified the costs, you can continue to prepare your holiday:

• Ask your dialysis center at home to prepare a letter for the dialysis center at your vacation destination. This letter should contain all important information, including information about your dialysis treatment, your latest laboratory values, and medications.
• Make appointments with the dialysis center at your vacation destination - leave enough time for organizational aspects during the first visit.
• If necessary, your dialysis center at home may be able to also translate the physician's letter into the language of the vacation destination. This makes communication easier.
• If necessary, inform your hotel about your diet so that they can adapt to it.

Some of your required medications may not be available abroad. It is therefore important that you carry them with you. If necessary, use a cooler for this purpose. If you are crossing a border, please inform yourself beforehand about regulatory requirements that may apply for crossing the border with medications. Talk to your dialysis team about it!

Peritoneal dialysis (PD)

As peritoneal dialysis patient, you are also relatively flexible when traveling. Nevertheless, a vacation with peritoneal dialysis must be well planned. To start your holiday relaxed, we explain in three steps what you should pay attention to:

With peritoneal dialysis, traveling is possible. We would like to address some important points with regard to choosing your vacation destination:

• High hygienic standards at the vacation destination to reduce the risk of infections and complications.
• Quick access to quality medical care: In the event of a complication, it is important that you receive high-quality care fast. Inform yourself in advance to make sure that good quality medical care is nearby.
• Perform treatments in a clean and bright room and perform your dialysis as carefully as at your home.
• Know your vacation spot(s): Other dialysis patients have already been on vacation - exchange ideas with them to benefit from others’ experiences.

For the European Union, health insurance companies are obliged to cover the treatment costs in countries where the European Health Insurance Card is valid. This does not always work smoothly. Contact your health insurance company in advance to check whether all costs will be covered. Some health insurance companies keep lists of which foreign dialysis centers cover the costs completely and without any effort or advance payment. Other countries may have different regulations. Please check with your healthcare team. Generally, in countries where the European Health Insurance Card is valid, costs are covered for:

• Treatments that are also possibly offered in your home country

If you plan a short trip or travel by car, you can easily transport the materials needed yourself. If you are going on a longer trip, you will need to make some preparations in order to comfortably perform peritoneal dialysis at your vacation destination. If you are crossing a border, please inform yourself beforehand about regulatory requirements that may apply for crossing the border with dialysis materials.

There are several ways in which all the necessary supplies can be provided at the vacation destination:

• Home dialysis center: Your dialysis team at your home dialysis center may be able to ship the necessary supplies for treatment directly to your vacation destination.
• Home dialysis provider: Your home dialysis provider (such as Fresenius Medical Care) may be able to arrange for delivery to your vacation destination. Please enquire when planning your travel.
• Dialysis center at your vacation destination: The dialysis center at your vacation destination may be able to provide you with the necessary materials at your vacation destination. Please enquire when planning your travel.

Your own transportation: You transport your required material to your vacation destination. If you are crossing a border, please inform yourself beforehand about regulatory requirements that may apply for crossing the border with dialysis materials.

Check with your dialysis team to find out what options are available to you. Despite these options, you should always carry a three-day supply with you to be prepared for unforeseen situations. For air travel, this should be carried in your hand luggage.

Find out more about traveling on dialysis within the NephroCare network

Managing your emotions

It is normal for kidney patients to have mood swings. Moodiness can be a result of build-up waste products in the blood causing irritation to the nervous system. Some medications may also reduce emotional stability.

The stress caused by chronic diseases explains a wide range of feelings and moods, including irritability, anger, frustration towards problems caused by the illness and feelings of hopelessness.

Each step you've experienced - finding out your kidneys are failing, needing to choose a type of dialysis and the ongoing nature of dialysis itself - comes with a series of emotions. Recognizing how normal this is can be reassuring, help you stay on your treatment plan and keep up the relationships most important to you. Always keep in mind that: you're not alone and can lean on your dialysis care team if needed.

1. Share your feelings Share your feelings with someone - a friend, family member, social worker, or someone you turn to for spiritual guidance. Talking to someone else will help you to see some things differently. 2. Feel your emotions Allow yourself to feel whatever you’re feeling – without judging or blaming yourself. 3. Focus on today Focus on today instead of worrying about the future. Being in the moment will feel less overwhelming. 4. Start an exercise routine Take a short, brisk walk or begin daily exercise. Countless studies have shown the positive emotional benefits of even the simplest exercise. Always check with your physician before you begin any exercise program. 5. Get support Get support by building a community. People with chronic conditions who have strong support networks live longer and manage their health better. That’s a fact.

Read more about life as a family member of a dialysis patient in the next section

Life as a family member

Support possibilities

Holiday Dialysis

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Having dialysis three times a week does not mean the end of foreign travel and holidays. “Holiday dialysis” gives you the opportunity to visit other dialysis centres for treatment and lets you enjoy the freedom to travel.

With all the Fresenius Medical Care dialysis centres around the world, there’s plenty to choose from. “Holiday dialysis” gives In Center dialysis patients the opportunity to visit other dialysis centres for treatment. So, whether you want to travel abroad or within your own country, you can continue to enjoy an active life visiting new places or just relaxing in the sun!

All the dialysis centres in the NephroCare network are equipped to a comparable standard and offer the same levels of quality. Of course, you need to prepare your trip early beforehand and consult your doctor and care team. So you can check if travelling to your chosen destination is possible due to legal and treatment requirements. By choosing a Fresenius Medical Care centre you have the opportunity of getting the NephroCare service you’re used to at home.

The NephroCare Holiday Dialysis coordination team will support you in the communication with your holiday dialysis centre and make sure they have all information they need.

Also, for Peritoneal dialysis patients it is possible to travel abroad if different conditions are checked in advance. Please also get in touch with your doctor and our Holiday Dialysis coordination team to check the requirements. 

So you can concentrate on your holiday and enjoy yourself!

Important patient information on holiday dialysis during the COVID-19 alert phase.

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Holiday Dialysis Coordination Service

We understand that you desire to connect to the world – be it discovering new places and destinations, reuniting with your family, pursuing an overseas business opportunity or immersing yourself in a different culture – and your condition should not stop you from doing so.

As the world’s largest dialysis network, we are here to support you in fulfilling your travel goal. With the support of over 4,000 dialysis centers around the world in our network, you are able to travel to a range of destinations, even across different continents, while enjoying high-quality, reliable dialysis care from our professional clinical teams.

The world's largest dialysis network with over 4,000 dialysis centers, including around 400 centers across Asia Pacific.

State-of-the-art dialysis machines and therapies in our dialysis centers.

1. Plan in advance

2. Confirm dialysis center’s availability and documentation

3. Confirm flights & accommodation

4. Have a backup plan

5. Bring your medication along

Understand each medication – make sure you know what each medication does and how it benefits you. Be familiar with your medications’ administration schedule, special instructions, and precautions (if there are any)

FAQs – Planning

In the interest of your health and safety, we only accept patients who are stable and/or have been on dialysis for at least 3 months. Your physician and the physician at the holiday dialysis center will communicate with each other and jointly determine your fitness to travel.

Our network covers most of the popular travel destinations. However, if there is no center of ours at your desired destination, we will try our best to identify and refer you to another dialysis provider

We encourage you to plan your dialysis travel at least 6 weeks in advance, but we will try our best to accommodate your urgent travel needs. Please contact us and consult your healthcare team once you have such plans.

The spread of blood borne virus infections, such as Hepatitis and to a lesser extent HIV, varies between countries. Therefore traveling abroad can increase the risk of exposure to such infections.

Before you travel, you may consult with your doctor to discuss such risks (especially your Hepatitis B immunity) and arrange vaccination, if needed. Such risks do not mean that you should not travel abroad, but you may want to take certain precautions to minimize the risk of infection.

Fresenius Kidney Care dialysis centers follow strict infection prevention and control procedures to reduce the risk of infection, but you may still be exposed to blood borne viruses during your trip if you have undergone any medical, cosmetic or dental procedures, or if you have received blood transfusions, body piercings etc. Thus, your doctor may recommend a blood test before and on your return, to monitor your immune status.

FAQs – Booking

1. Holiday dialysis request form A booking form which includes your contact details, holiday details (destination, the period of time), required dialysis time, frequency, modality, and other medical and health information. Please read the Terms and Conditions carefully to understand your rights and obligations. 2. Patient information and data consent form This consent form allows us to use your personal and medical data for the booking. You may withdraw your consent at any time but in that case we would not be able to assist with the coordination of your holiday dialysis any further. 3. ‘Transfer of Care’ letter

This letter from your doctor confirms your medical stability, medical history, ability to travel, and dialysis prescription.

Our outbound holiday dialysis coordination service is free of charge. However, your selected holiday dialysis center in the destination may charge a nominal administrative fee for arranging the holiday dialysis treatments and the review of the medical record. The fee is part of the treatment fee, the amount of which will be provided to you before you confirm the booking.

The holiday dialysis treatment fee includes the dialysis treatments, consumables, and administrative fee, if any. Any additional services, such as doctor’s consultation and medication will be charged separately.

Unless the cancellation is due to medical reasons (medical proof is required), please notify us at least 14 days before the commencement of the holiday dialysis treatments for any cancellation.

Otherwise, a cancellation fee may be charged.

FAQs – Arrival

We do not provide such services. However, we will provide information on how to access our dialysis center, together with the treatment booking confirmation letter, which will help you to make your own transport arrangements.

Most of our clinic staff speak English and the local language. In case this arrangement does not work for you, please ensure that you have someone with you who can translate on your behalf.

You are required to settle the payment (expenses and applicable taxes included) at the selected holiday dialysis center before the first treatment commences.

Please pay in the currency quoted by the selected holiday dialysis center.

Insurance policy varies among different countries and the plan that you are in. Please check with your insurance provider to understand if your holiday dialysis treatment is covered. Also, find out what information you will need to take with you.

• Translator, if you do not understand any of the spoken languages at the holiday dialysis center
• Copies of up-to-date medical records
• Copies of the last 3 treatment records
• Latest lab test results (within 1 month of holiday dialysis treatment)
• Current dialysis prescription
• Allergy list
• A national form of photo ID e.g. passport or driver’s license
• Advanced care directives if you have one (e.g., a living will)
• Payment for your treatment, if you have not settled the payment yet

Contact us for further information about coordinating your holiday dialysis.

Travel Tips: A Guide for Kidney Patients

For many patients who are on dialysis or have had a kidney transplant, the ability to travel is important to their self-esteem and lifestyle. Working patients may need to attend business meetings or conferences. Older patients may have dreamed of traveling during their retirement. A family event such as a wedding, graduation or family reunion may require travel away from home. At times, emergencies such as illness or a death in the family may require travel.

Is it possible for kidney patients to travel?

Yes, most patients who receive dialysis or have had a kidney transplant can travel safely and continue their treatment while away from home. Of course, you should always consult your doctor before planning to travel. Most doctors encourage travel if the patient's health is stable. Traveling can give a big boost to a patient's morale and sense of well-being.

How should hemodialysis patients begin to plan a trip?

Many dialysis centers have a staff member who is experienced in arranging dialysis treatments away from home (transient dialysis). Some centers will assist patients in making their own arrangements. Ask your social worker or primary nurse if there is such a person at your center.

It is important to start planning at least six to eight weeks in advance. More time should be allowed for popular vacation spots or travel during holidays. Be flexible about the dates for your trip as space in dialysis units may be limited. If you would prefer to have your treatments on specific days and at specific times, let the center know in advance. The unit may not always be able to honor your request, however, because space is limited.

You or your patient travel coordinator may need to contact more than one center in order to find a center that can provide dialysis for you. Check with the center as soon as you arrive to confirm your appointment. You may also want to visit the center and meet the staff so you will feel more comfortable. Before doing this, however, make an appointment with the social worker or nurse manager of the dialysis center you plan to visit.

How will I find a center to dialyze at?

If you plan to visit friends or family out of town, they may be able to give you the name and address of the dialysis center nearest them. Resource publications are available at your center listing dialysis centers around the world that are willing to accept transient dialysis patients. Your social worker or the patient travel coordinator at your center will be able to assist you.

What if I need to travel in an emergency?

Many dialysis centers make every effort to accommodate patients in the event of an emergency such as illness or death of a family member. Dialysis records can be faxed ahead, or you can hand carry them with you.

What information will my transient dialysis center need to safely provide dialysis for me?

Most dialysis centers require the following information in order to assess your health and plan for your treatments with them:

• the dates you need dialysis treatment
• your name, address, etc.
• medical history and recent physical exam reports
• recent lab results
• recent chest x-ray
• your dialysis prescription and 3 to 5 recent treatment records
• dialysis access type
• special needs or dialysis requirements
• information about your general health
• insurance information
• where you will be staying in the area
• a list of the medications you take during treatment and at home.

This information will be sent to your destination center for review. It is important for the doctor and transient center to know as much about you as possible in order to care for your needs while visiting their center. In addition to mailing your records to the center, you should hand carry a copy with you.

How can I be sure about the quality of care I will be getting away from my regular center?

You may want to ask the following questions when making your arrangements for hemodialysis during your trip:

• Does the center reuse dialyzers?
• Does the center reuse bloodlines?
• What is the average treatment length of dialysis at the center?
• Can they provide the treatment time your doctor has prescribed?
• What are the hours and days of operation? Traveling patients often are placed on an evening shift, which could end as early as 7:30 p.m. or as late as 2:00 a.m.
• What types of dialyzers are used?
• Can you use the same type of dialyzer you use at your home center?
• What types of dialysis machine does the center have (conventional, high flux capability)?
• Does the center routinely provide lidocaine?
• Are patients permitted to eat or drink while on dialysis?
• Is an ice machine available for patients?
• Is public transportation available to get to the center?
• How many patients are assigned to each nurse or patient care technician?
• Can you get all the medications you get at your home center during dialysis?

What if I get sick while I am visiting another center?

Don't overdo it! Be realistic when planning activities. Allow enough time to enjoy sightseeing outings and activities without becoming overtired. Also, be sure to watch your diet and fluid intake. Before you begin your trip, you will most likely have a doctor assigned to you by your transient dialysis center. Find out how to contact the doctor when you first arrive. If you do become ill, call the dialysis center or doctor as instructed.

It is possible that a transient patient may require hospitalization. If this should happen to you, your transient doctor is prepared for this possibility and will care for you during your hospital stay. He or she will probably talk to your regular doctor to coordinate your care. You may feel more comfortable to know if this coordination has taken place. Being hospitalized while away from home can be a stressful experience for any patient, and it certainly can change your travel plans. Preparing ahead for this possibility can help make the experience less stressful. The following suggestions may be helpful:

• Make sure your family knows your travel plans.
• Make sure you have important phone numbers with such names as your regular doctor, dialysis center, etc. Have a copy of your medical records with you while traveling.
• Make sure anyone who is traveling with you knows where you keep your records and what your medical needs are.
• Make sure to bring enough of the medications you need to take to last for the entire trip, with enough extra to deal with possible emergencies such as lost luggage or a spill. Also carry written prescriptions just in case.

Is home hemodialysis possible on a trip?

Yes, although most home hemodialysis patients make arrangements for in-center treatments while traveling. Patients who wish to continue doing their own treatment while traveling should check with their dialysis care team about whether they can do home dialysis away from home. Some patients travel with their machines, supplies and portable water treatment equipment. An example would be people who have dialyzed in campsites equipped with hook-ups for electricity.

Even if you do your own treatment, it is important to know where the closest dialysis center is where you could go for assistance. Let the center know when you will be in the area, and ask if they would be willing to provide medical assistance if needed. Carry complete medical information with you. Remember that most dialysis and equipment companies have toll-free numbers for assistance 24 hours a day. Carry these numbers with you.

What should peritoneal dialysis patients know about traveling?

Traveling is often easier for peritoneal dialysis patients because they are not dependent on the availability of a dialysis unit. Peritoneal dialysis patients still need to plan ahead and arrange for back-up medical care for their trips, as do hemodialysis patients. Typically, this would mean contacting a dialysis center in the area where you will be and asking if they would be available should a problem arise. The center may request a copy of your medical records in advance. In any case, you should always carry a copy of your records with you as well.

CAPD patients should carry enough supplies for the length of the trip, plus some extra supplies in case of problems. It may also be possible to arrange for delivery of supplies to your destination for longer stays. Make sure these supplies have arrived before you leave on your trip. CAPD patients also need to plan for adequate clean space where they may do their exchanges while traveling.

APD patients who plan to travel for one week or longer can arrange for supplies to be delivered to their destination. Smaller cycler machines are now available, which are easy to carry on airplanes and to use in hotel rooms, campers, etc.

Is it possible to travel if you are active on a transplant waiting list?

Yes. Simply inform your transplant coordinator about your travel plans. The coordinator will help you decide whether to be "on hold" during the trip or whether you would be able to return within a reasonable amount of time if a kidney became available. Arrange to be contacted in the event a kidney becomes available.

What should diabetic patients know about traveling?

Since the unexpected may happen during a trip and meals may be delayed, you should carry glucose tablets and appropriate snacks, such as low-potassium juice boxes or hard candy, to treat low blood sugar. It's a good idea to travel with a "brown-bag" lunch or a packaged nutritional supplement in case of delays. Managing your diabetes can be made simpler by having insulin, syringes and blood glucose monitoring supplies handy.

Will my insurance cover treatment during travel?

If Medicare is your primary insurance coverage, Medicare will pay for 80 percent of your treatment costs within the U.S. and its territories. You will be responsible for the remaining 20 percent not covered by Medicare. If you have secondary insurance, it may cover this 20 percent. However, you may have to pay this 20 percent "up front" and bill your insurance later. Check with the transient center about their policy on this. Most state Medicaid programs will not pay for treatment outside of your home state.

If you have commercial insurance as your primary insurance, you may need to request a letter from your insurance company stating they will pay for your treatment at the transient dialysis center. Some commercial insurance will pay for dialysis outside of the U.S. Transient dialysis centers will often call and verify this coverage themselves. Be sure to allow enough planning time to make these arrangements.

A doctor's fee may also be charged by the transient dialysis center. Be sure to ask what portion of this charge will be your responsibility.

Further information

Where can I get more information?

Following is a list of other resources you may find helpful:

• Easy Access to National Parks, by Sierra Club Books, available at bookstores or order from the Sierra Club at 1-800-935-1056.
• Management of Diabetes During Intercontinental Travel, available free from The Diabetic Traveler, P.O.. Box 8223 RW, Stamford, CT 06905; (203) 327-5832.
• "The List," a comprehensive list of international dialysis centers accepting transient patients. Available from Dialysis & Transplantation, 7628 Densmore Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91406-2088. (Most dialysis centers have a copy.)
• Also available are companies that specialize in vacation and travel planning for dialysis patients, such as cruises, foreign travel, and wilderness travel. Camps are available for dialysis and transplant patients (both adults and children). Contact your local National Kidney Foundation office for more information and a directory of camps. Your health care team can also give you more information about these options.

Don't forget!

• Hand carry essential medical information, your medicines and other medical supplies in case of the unexpected, such as lost luggage.
• Bring enough of your medications to last for your entire trip, with enough extra to deal with possible emergencies. Also carry written prescriptions just in case.
• If you need extra assistance boarding a plane or train, inform personnel when you check in so they can give you special instructions.
• If you are planning to travel by plane or train, make arrangements for any special meals such as low-salt, low-fat or diabetic, at the time you make your reservations.
• When making a hotel reservation, you can request a first-floor room or a handicapped-accessible room, if stairs or distances are a problem.
• If you use a travel agent, tell the agent about any special needs you may have, such as special meals, accessible rooms, and assistance while changing planes. The agent can also advise you about special considerations regarding safe transport of dialysis supplies while traveling to foreign countries.

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Dialysis Where It’s Needed—Even on Vacation

Your travel days aren’t over just because you’re on dialysis. There are dialysis-friendly destinations, along with travel tips and articles to help you plan your getaway. We also have customer service specialists that can help. DaVita® has more than 2,500 dialysis centers nationwide, and they are available to travelers regardless of where you normally dialyze. Here are two ways to get started:

• Locate dialysis where you need it. Find a Dialysis Center is a tool you can use to map out your visit.
• Call DaVita Guest Services at 1-800-244-0680 . Reach a customer service specialist right away.

Travel on Dialysis: 6 Ways to Plan Your Trip

Take a deeper look at treatment & services.

Dialysis Treatments

Get an overview about different dialysis treatments and how they help people continue a productive life.

Understand the benefits of home dialysis, whether it’s peritoneal dialysis (PD) or home hemodialysis (HHD).

Insurance Coverage for Dialysis

When you are diagnosed with kidney disease and need dialysis or a transplant, you’ll want to understand your insurance options, how to receive financial assistance and more.

Understand how to keep track of your prescribed medications.

When you need emergency support or dialysis placement, look no further than DaVita ®  Guest Services.

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See how the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recognized many DaVita centers with top marks in its Five-Star Quality Rating program.

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Traveling the U.S. with an RV and Home Hemodialysis

While I was in center, I would call Fresenius Travel before we changed locations and let them know where I was going, and they set up dialysis centers for me. We always stayed at least 2 weeks in each place, and every third place we stayed for at least a month. This worked out well, and Fresenius was very easy to work with. I did this for 2 1/2 years. But, the last 6 months I started feeling weak and had to rest after dialysis—I didn’t have much energy any more .

While we were in Pensacola, FL, Chet and I were invited to a dinner by Nxstage. At the restaurant, we saw a motorhome next door with NxStage written all over it. We knocked on the door, were invited in—and met Harvey Wells. Harvey told us how he travels in his RV and does home hemodialysis . We all thought that I could do this, too.

When we arrived in Arizona for the winter, I inquired about home hemodialysis and within a month we started training. Just a week before, I went to Walmart right after a treatment and had to sit down in the produce department, because I felt extremely nauseated, which freaked out the workers! But, after our first training day, I felt amazing and had so much energy . This was very different than in-center, where I felt weak and had no energy.

Every place we go we tell everyone we meet about home hemodialysis and the freedom it gives you and how it makes you feel so alive with tons of energy. We even bring our RV to centers and invite patients inside to watch me do my dialysis . We plan to try that more so in-center patients can see that you can travel and live your life!! I also tell everyone I meet that I am very grateful to Nxstage— they have given me my life back.

Mike & Christine Krauss

Apr 10, 2024 9:00 PM

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I have signed up for Fresenius's Travel program.

Specialties Travel

Published Dec 3, 2017

I am not a nurse, but I am a Dialysis Tech - CHT. I have signed up for the Travel Program with FRESENIUS.

For years I have always wanted to do some type of travel assignment. Not only had I not pursued it, I just never knew that there were travel opportunities for Dialysis Technicians. I thought that there were only "Travel Nurses". Well, not only have I recently found out that Fresenius has a travel program for nurses and PCTs, I also found out that there are other travel agencies out there. This is all new to me. And when the heck did Fresenius start a travel program? Has anybody known if this before? I used to work for Fresenius 2013-2014. I had never heard of this being available? I will say this, just last week I did check out another travel position of a big travel-nurse agency ( i was curious since i now have learned of a couple ). And the way this company adds up the wage and the stipends and allowance is wayyy different than Fresenius.I was shocked when the recruiter of this other company layed it all out. Wow! Sad. Looks like Fresenius it is. $$$$$ :)

So, are there any traveling PCTs or traveling Nurses who have traveled with Fresenius? Or any other companies? I have so many questions I am not sure what/which to ask first basically. I am just excited to be able to venture out -- an assignment here and there, etc.. TRAVEL!

Also, if I ever decide that I would want to not travel anymore, I wouldn't have to leave the company. I would just have to see who is hiring at what ever hospital or unit of Fresenius.

• + Add a Comment

1 Article; 5,781 Posts

Most content in most posts in this travel "nurse" travel forum applies equally to allied health travelers and locums. The primary exceptions are discussions about licensure. Read some random threads here for more insight!

If you want more in depth stuff, grab a free membership on PanTravelers where you can read articles on just about anything imaginable travel. 95 percent of which applies to you directly. You certainly need to understand the concept of tax homes before you take a travel assignment.

PanTravelers also has a very useful calculator in which you can plug in the very differently structured quotes you get and compare them on a level playing field. The results may be different than you think right now. What really matters is how much you can put in the bank, right?

Yes, Frenesius has had in-house travel for over ten years, probably over twenty. I would try to compare an offer at the same Fresenius facility with an outside agency as the offers are often higher with agencies. Yup, paradoxical. But working in-house will be more consistent and you will have first crack at any assignment over an agency traveler. One downside is that if you work direct for Fresenius, they may not allow you to work later at a Fresenius facility for an outside agency.

Well I thank you NedRN. And yes I have read many threads on this site, and some of them have a lot to do with peoples experiences (travel, work conditions, etc...). I had even commented on a few. And thanks for the info I greatly appreciate it. Also I will check out PanTravelers as well.

jive turkey

I used to work staff at Fresenius and yes I knew they had travelers. Since you are a ccht that would be a great option for you because you would be compensated better and if you don't like a clinic you get sent to you can leave where As when youre staff you have to stay with your home clinic for at least 6 months before the clinic manager is required to let you go to another one if you want. Also I Have seen The Travelers get preferential scheduling where is the staff people can get all kind of screwed up schedules and loads of overtime when they don't want it because Fresenius is often short. But I am curious how did your compensation offer from Fresenius travel compared to that of what an agency offered?

@ Jive Turkey

From what I researched on my own (I checked out 4 different traveling agencies), I found that Fresenius was the ones that DID NOT include the stipends into the salary. Basically, for example: if Fresenius offers $25 an hour, then that is your wage WITHOUT stipends included. The stipends are additional. Now as for all the other agencies/companies they include the stipends in the $25. Which then the break Dow is your actual hourly wage turns out to be $11 - $13an hour. So yeah.. Lol. That's the difference between Fresenius and the rest of the other travel offers. I was shocked to have learned this. Soon after this, i contacted the travel recruiter at Fresenius to make sure that my compensation was explained to me in full (the break down, wage, stipends, housing, etc...). I was assured by the recruiter that Fresenius does not do the same as other travel agencies. Pertaining to the salary and stipends being including in one number$. Which is great!!!! So for me, FRESENIUS IT IS! 100%

Umm, many if not most agencies provide a full breakdown of compensation. They will also separate taxable from non-taxable, and your take home pay. I can promise you no travel nurse is paid $25 complete compensation. That would just be the taxable hourly pay. On top of that are M&IE and housing and travel.

I'll second what he says but encourage you to take another analysis of the situation. It sounds like Fresenius offers you a higher base pay which on paper sounds great but remember that whole $25 is taxable.A higher base pay rate likely means a lower stipend rate and vice versa. It also sounds like your agencies are quoting what you would make per hour factoring both the base wage and the stipends in. And technically they're not supposed to do that but it sounds like this is what's Throwing you off Let's expand on your example Using generic numbers

Base 25/hr (fully taxable) stipends 250/wk untaxed

Agency 13.75/hr (fully taxable) stipends 700/wk untaxed

Notice how in both of these examples regardless if the stipends are included or not In your quoted hourly wage the gross pay comes out the same. The trick here is going to be taxes and how much you end up being responsible for and what you can deduct. So I would recommend you do the math again and focus more on Net pay rather than the stipend amount and where they pay it out. The other thing to remember is as you know with Fresenius your clock out Times May Vary considerably depending upon the clinic your responsibilities how many patients you run how many show up that day and if patients show up late or their treatment runs longer forcing you to clock out later

My net pay came out to MORE with Fresenius. Also the "$25" pay was just an example amount I was using just to make my point. Although my compensation wasn't too far from that. I did my research, I went back and forth, calculations and all and still Fresenius came out on top. The housing stipend is a lot more than the others, travel stipends are about the same and the food stipend I just don't remember off the top of my head. But trust me when i say I have the break down of one agency on paper right in my email. Along with my contract from Fresenius. Either way, I am very satisfied and hope that this is a very good experience. I'm sure I will learn a lot from this.

Hey thanks Jive Turkey for the info.

My net pay came out to MORE with Fresenius. Also the "$25" pay was just an example amount I was using just to make my point. Although my compensation wasn't too far from that. I did my research, I went back and forth, calculations and all and still Fresenius came out on top. The housing stipend is a lot more than the others, travel stipends are about the same and the food stipend I just don't remember off the top of my head. But trust me when i say I have the break down of one agency on paper right in my email. Along with my contract from Fresenius. Either way, I am very satisfied and hope that this is a very good experience. I'm sure I will learn a lot from this. Hey thanks Jive Turkey for the info.

Are you doing acutes or clinic? PM me if you don't mind, Id like to hear more about your experience. I've considered trying dialysis again some day and was once offered but it came after I accepted some thing else

Im having trouble finding locating different agencies for fresenius. Can anyone please help.

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Big Dog V asked a question.

The travel case is on back order from the warehouse and I am trying to go out of town during the holidays. If someone would loan or sell me the uiitcase it would be greatly appreciated.

• Peritoneal Dialysis

Your dialysis center should be able to loan you a suitcase. If not, get a 25" hardside spinner suitcase and fit it with foam inserts (the sturdiest you can find) so that the cycler doesn't move within the case. The suitcase that was loaned to me was huge. At least they are selling you one...they wouldn't even sell me one.

Ive been trying to get a suitcase for dialysis machine also. If you ever find out how to get one please post.

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