Travelling with CKD

Stages 1–3: travel is usually straightforward. Book travel insurance that covers CKD (declare it fully). Pack a 2–3 day extra supply of all medications in hand luggage. Carry a letter from your GP or renal team listing your condition, medications, and contact details. If you take blood pressure tablets, bring your home monitor. Check the nearest hospital or clinic at your destination. Keep your medication schedule in the destination time zone — use a pill organiser with alarms. If you have diabetes alongside CKD, pack glucose monitoring supplies and hypo treatments.

Flying is safe for most CKD patients, but long-haul flights need preparation. Dehydration is the main risk — the cabin air is very dry. Drink water regularly unless you are on fluid restriction (confirm your limit with your team before flying). Avoid alcohol and limit caffeine, as both are dehydrating. Walk the aisle and do calf exercises every hour to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) — CKD patients may have higher clot risk, especially with proteinuria or nephrotic syndrome. If you have severe anaemia, very low eGFR, or recent heart problems, ask your team whether oxygen supplementation or medical clearance is needed.

Haemodialysis patients can book holiday dialysis through their home unit, which coordinates with units abroad or in other UK cities. Contact your renal team 6–8 weeks before travel. You will need your latest blood results, dialysis prescription (hours, blood flow, dialyser type), and vaccination records. Peritoneal dialysis patients can often travel more flexibly — automated PD (APD) machines can be transported, or you can switch to manual exchanges (CAPD) for short trips. Bring enough supplies or arrange delivery to your accommodation. Some destinations require permits for bringing medical equipment — check with the airline and embassy.

Never rely on standard travel insurance if you have CKD — pre-existing conditions are often excluded. Use a specialist medical travel insurer and declare CKD, dialysis, transplant and all other conditions honestly. Key questions to ask: Does it cover emergency dialysis abroad? Does it cover repatriation? Is there an upper age limit? Does it cover transplant rejection or immunosuppressant complications? Reputable UK providers include Insurancewith, AllClear, Staysure, Free Spirit and Saga. The GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) gives access to state healthcare in EU countries at the same cost as locals, but it does not cover repatriation or private care.

Research restaurants and local cuisine before you go. Mediterranean and Japanese cuisines often have grilled fish, fresh vegetables and olive oil — good renal-friendly choices. Chinese, Thai and Indian restaurant food can be very high in sodium — ask for less salt, sauces on the side, and avoid MSG. Fast food, airport lounges and all-inclusive buffets are phosphate and sodium minefields — scout the salad bar, fruit section and plain grilled options. If you take phosphate binders, carry them in a small container for every meal out. For fluid-restricted patients, plan fluid intake around activities and meals — ice chips can help with thirst in hot climates.

Transplant recipients need extra precautions. Avoid destinations with high risk of serious infections for the first 6–12 months: this includes areas with malaria, dengue, Zika, or poor sanitation. Do not drink tap water or eat street food in high-risk countries. Live vaccines (yellow fever, MMR, BCG, oral typhoid) are contraindicated after transplant — check your vaccination status before you travel. Carry a letter confirming your transplant and immunosuppressant medications, as these may trigger security questions. Ensure your travel insurance covers transplant-related emergencies and immunosuppressant theft or loss.

Before you leave, save these numbers in your phone: your renal team (including out-of-hours), your GP, your travel insurer's emergency line, and the nearest hospital at your destination. In the EU, dial 112 for emergency services. If you are on dialysis, know the location and contact details of your backup dialysis unit. Carry a printed copy of your latest blood results, medication list, and any allergies. If you feel unwell while away — swelling, breathlessness, missed dialysis, fever after transplant — seek medical attention immediately and contact your insurer.