Can I go on holiday after kidney failure?
Leaving everyday cares behind is one of life’s joys. However, if you’re living with severe kidney disease, planning a trip away can come with many additional considerations. Dialysis and transplants are often life saving, but these treatments can have significant long-term impacts, including affecting a person’s freedom to travel.
Is it possible for a dialysis patient to go on holiday?
For dialysis patients, the need to be connected to a machine multiple times each week for treatment can make taking a holiday more challenging, but it is still possible.
Paul Cookson, 47 years old from Cambridge, has been a haemodialysis patient for more than two decades. We spoke with him to get an insight into how he has travelled across Europe, and even to the USA, with the support of his dialysis unit.
Paul says: “I’ve had kidney problems my whole life, and I’d had three transplants by the time I reached my twenties. These all failed, and, without new research breakthroughs, life on dialysis is my only option.
“It is relentless. I spend three days each week, for four hours at a time, receiving treatment in hospital. It restricts my time, affecting my personal and professional life, but I don’t have a choice. My kidney disease means that if I don’t have dialysis, I will die.
“Like anyone, kidney patients deserve a break, whether that’s abroad or in the UK. A holiday for me isn’t a break from dialysis, but it is a change from my day-to-day routine which is important. I’ve been able to visit places such as Spain, Crete and Portugal so far, and have found dialysis in those countries to be similar to the UK.
“Extra planning is necessary for kidney patients when booking a holiday, but it doesn’t have to be as difficult as it might seem. I’ve found support from a holiday coordinator on my dialysis unit and a specialist company, who have helped arrange dialysis abroad.
“This does not always have to be expensive either, particularly in the European Union and countries with a reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK. You just need to plan with your care team in advance, obtain travel insurance and book your holiday accommodation and activities around your dialysis sessions.”
Can I travel while waiting for a kidney transplant?
Waiting on the transplant list can be an uncertain time. That call could come at any time and patients need to be able to travel to hospital when it does. But do you have to put your life on hold?
Miranda Wilkinson, transplant coordinator at James Paget University Hospital in Norfolk says: “It is possible for someone on the renal transplant waiting list to go on holiday, but they need to inform their transplant coordinator and would usually be suspended from the waiting list for the time they are away, unless they stay locally.
“Once the patient returns home, they would need to advise their transport coordinator so they can be re-activated straight back on to the waiting list, provided they remain in good enough health.
“Another thing to consider is the possibility of receiving a transplant just before their holiday. That would mean the patient would be unable to travel, so it is important that their travel insurance covers this.”
Can I travel after a kidney transplant?
Travelling abroad is not advised for at least six months after receiving a transplant, but if all is well after this time, a new kidney offers more freedom.
Post-transplant patients must still take steps to protect their health though, particularly as they are at increased risk of skin cancer because of the immunosuppressive medication that helps to protect their transplanted kidney.
Nephrologist, Professor Claire Sharpe, says: “Taking care in the sun is extremely important for transplant patients to reduce their risk of skin cancer. Sunburn or a tan is a sign of skin damage and there are ways to prevent this. Using sunscreen with SPF 50+ and at least 4-star UVA protection is recommended, reapplying every two hours, or immediately after swimming.
“No sunscreen provides 100% protection, so wearing sun-protective clothing and hats can also help keep people safe. Sunbathing should be avoided, and people should stay out of the sun to find shade, especially between 11am and 3pm, to limit risk.”
Your healthcare team can help you
Going on holiday may be more challenging as a renal patient, but taking a break is still something many enjoy. Seeking advice from medical professionals and planning your holiday can help your enjoyment and reduce any worries you have about your time away or your return to care.
Please discuss your options with your healthcare team who will be able to guide you on your travel plans for 2025 and beyond!
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