Travel insurance for kidney patients

When you’re travelling after a joint replacement, you want to know you’ve got everything you need. But it can be tricky to track down medicines abroad.  

If you ever find yourself short while you're away, we’re here to help. We can assist you in locating a nearby pharmacy that stocks your medication, so you’re not left searching in an unfamiliar place. 

Just so you know, the cost of replacing medication isn’t something we cover – but we’ll still do what we can to make the process easier. 

If your health means you need to unexpectedly cancel or cut your trip short, we’ll get you home safely without the extra expense. That includes travel to the airport, any medical assistance or accommodation you need en route, and cancellation costs up to the agreed amount of your cover level.  

 
We’ll help with:  

• coordinating care with your medical team back home  

• accommodation if you need to extend your stay  

• taking care of your transport arrangements, including travel to your local hospital if needed  

• rebooking flights and transfers 

You may be worried about managing pain and discomfort during travel. But there are things that you can do to help your journey be as comfortable as possible. 

• Book an aisle seat by the toilets so you can easily get up and move around to keep your circulation going and avoid muscle cramps. 

• Drink small amounts of water throughout the journey to help reduce any swelling in the hands and feet (oedema). 

• Bring slippers to change into if your feet are prone to swelling  

• Wear loose-fitting cotton clothes to keep your body at a comfortable temperature. 

• If you’re flying, plan low-salt snacks or meals that you can have and aren’t restricted foods, as in-flight meals are usually high in salt.  

• If your doctor has advised wearing a compression garment, keep it on for the flight. 
   

Moving regularly can help reduce your chance of developing blood clots and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Check out this helpful infographic we’ve put together of simple exercises you can do at your seat.  

Pacing yourself is important. You may want to consider how much activity you can manage and schedule rest between activities. 

• Look for accommodation that is accessible for your needs.

• If you need mobility support, arrange with your travel providers ahead of your trip for a wheelchair or assistance at airports, train stations, and on ships.

• Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day to keep hydrated and eat regularly to keep your energy levels up. 

• If you’re flying long-haul, give yourself time to rest before and after your travels to reduce jet lag.

Not all kidney patients need to travel with medical records. But if you’re taking medication, have received a transplant, or are on dialysis, then you should consider bringing copies of: 

• a list of all the medication you take 

• your prescriptions 

• a signed doctor’s letter if needed 

• your most recent medical records, including physicals and blood tests  

• information about your dialysis treatment including hours, dialyser type, and drug prescriptions 

• your medical and travel insurance policies, including contact numbers 

• your GHIC, if travelling to EEA countries  

This is not an extensive list and not everybody will need to take these with them. Talk to your GP or care team in advance so you can make the necessary preparations for your trip. 

If your kidney stones have affected you in the last two years, including symptoms, having tests, treatment, medication, or appointments, or being hospitalised, then you must declare it on your travel insurance. 

If we don’t know about your kidney stones or any other medical conditions you may have such as high blood pressure, we won’t be able to cover you if you need to make a claim. 

Some of the kidney conditions we can cover you for here at Staysure include: 

• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) 

• kidney stones 

• renal failure 

• nephritis 

If you’re having dialysis, please see the below FAQs regarding travelling by air, and travel insurance cover for dialysis. 

A kidney transplant is a major surgery, and you should not book a trip or travel until you’ve had approval from your doctor.  

Once you’ve been signed off, then talk to your care team or doctor about how to plan a trip that’s suited to your needs.   

No matter the type of dialysis you receive, you must talk to your dialysis team before you book a trip to make sure it’s possible for you to fly and continue with your dialysis abroad.  

They’ll be able to support you on: 

• finding suitable destinations with dialysis centers 

• preparing the right documents and medical records to receive dialysis at a dialysis unit abroad  

• the delivery of supplies and equipment to your destination country if you’re a peritoneal or home haemodialysis patient 

• any potential costs and how to pay them 

Please see the below FAQ for information about cover for dialysis in your travel insurance. 

If you’re having dialysis, we may be able to cover you with a single trip travel insurance policy. This will depend on where you are travelling to.  

Some of the travel destinations we can cover you for include: 

• Belgium 

• Cyprus 

• France 

• Greece 

• Italy 

• Portugal 

• Spain 

• Sweden 

The cover will exclude all your pre-existing medical conditions. This means you’ll still be covered for medical emergencies and cancellation. But, only if they aren’t related (directly or indirectly) to your pre-existing medical condition(s) or any complications as a result of dialysis treatment.  

You would also be responsible for arranging your dialysis treatment, and handling any costs related to it as this is not covered by travel insurance.  

If you’d like support with arrangements, logistics, and financial assistance for dialysis abroad, consider contacting organisations like Kidney Care UK for extra help. 

For more information, give one of our friendly team members a call. 

Many people with stage 3 kidney disease begin to notice symptoms at this point such as swollen hands and feet, fatigue, and changes in bathroom habits. They’re often prescribed medication to deal with their symptoms. 

It’s important you talk to your doctor before booking a trip. They’ll be able to guide you on suitable destinations and activities, how to manage your medication, and things to avoid to stay well while away.  

Remember to check if the activities your doctor approves are covered by your travel insurance. You can find this out in the travel insurance policy document. 

Hopefully your trip won’t be interrupted by a medical emergency. But it’s a good idea to be prepared in the unlikely event that it does happen. 

Make sure you’ve spoken to your GP or care team about the warning signs that you need to look out for, and the steps to take in an emergency. 

In an emergency, contact the local emergency services first, and then call our 24-hour emergency helpline. Our team will help arrange your care, find the most appropriate place for treatment and follow-up care. 
  

Our helpline is open 24/7, 365 days a year:  
 

• Calling from outside the UK: +44 1403 288 414 

• Calling from USA or Canada: +1 844 780 0639 

• Calling from Mexico: +1 819 780 0639 

• Calling from the UK: 01403 288 414 

If you or someone on your policy is admitted to hospital or your outpatient treatment is likely to cost more than £350, contact us as soon as possible. Where you have a valid claim, and your medical expenses exceed £350 we will look to settle the bill directly with the medical provider where possible. 

If you have a non-urgent medical concern, such as sickness, headaches, or mild pain, contact our helpline first for advice on where to go for assistance.

As good as travel insurance is, some things can’t be covered.  

You’re not covered for: 

• travelling against your doctor’s advice 

• claims for pre-existing medical conditions you haven’t told us about  

• routine check-ups, planned treatment or non-emergency care 

• travel for medical procedures abroad  

• reimbursement for lost, damaged or stolen medicines or equipment 

• incidents related to alcohol or controlled substances 

• strike action that was common knowledge at the time of booking 

• choosing private treatment when suitable public facilities are available 

• choosing not to travel 
   

Discover more about what travel insurance covers. Always check your policy documents carefully to understand exactly what you’re covered for.  

When comparing travel insurance policies for kidney patients, you’ll want to look out for what’s covered and what’s not.  

The right travel insurance for kidney patients should: 
 

• agree to cover your kidney condition and any other pre-existing conditions you have (subject to dialysis criteria) 

• cover medical expenses, including necessary emergency travel home 

• have a high medical cover limit 

• help you replace lost, stolen or damaged medications 

• cover you for cancellations or interruptions during your trip 

• include 24/7 emergency assistance services while abroad 

Learn more about what’s covered under our medical insurance for pre-existing medical conditions, or get a quote.