Gone are the days when diseases like CKD (chronic kidney disease) bound people to the boundaries of their homes. With the development of portable dialysis networks across India, patients are travelling more than ever. Another important advent was the rise of “Atmanirbhar” medical technology that allows patients to enjoy their lives. Be it travelling on pilgrimage to places like Varanasi and Vaishno Devi, roaming around the beautiful beaches in Goa, or going to international destinations like Dubai, with proper planning, the patients are doing all that they couldn’t do before. Dialysis Machine uses include working as an artificial kidney. They are used for saving lives when the kidneys fail to function on their own.
If you or your family or friends are one of those patients, this blog will help you to plan things perfectly for your next trip.
5 Solid Tips For Kidney Patients Who Are Planning A Trip
The following tips will definitely help you plan a comfortable and hassle-free trip.
1. The Pre-Travel Medical Clearance
Before you go on a trip, you will have to connect with your local dialysis center. Your journey starts at your local dialysis center in India.
- The "Fit to Fly" Certificate: Airlines like IndiGo or Air India offer a medical clearance form often known as the MEDIF (Medical Information for Fitness to Travel form). This form is meant to acknowledge that you will be flying with a dialysis machine.
- Vaccinations: If your trip is going to be an international one, ensure you have taken all the required shots.
- Digital Records: Your digital records should be updated. For instance, the ABHA card (Ayushman Bharat Health Account). This ID lets you get treated anywhere in India.
You should always remain updated with your medical documents for emergencies.
2. Choosing Your Travel Modality
Depending on the type of treatment you are getting defines your travel modality.
A. In-Center Hemodialysis (HD)
- Domestic (India): Dialysis chains like Apollo Dialysis and NephroPlus have a large number of chains spread across India. Make sure that you make a booking 4-6 weeks in advance.
- International: If your trip is going to be an international one, like to Dubai or Japan or Korea or any other place, inquire in advance about the insurance system there. Some countries accept insurance, while others do not.
B. Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)
Often termed as the "gold standard" for travel, peritoneal dialysis has a couple of benefits.
- Hotel Delivery: Major companies like Baxter offer to deliver your PD bags directly to your hotel (in India).
- The "Cycler" Advantage: The "Cycler" advantage lets you get the required treatment at night, leaving your days free for various tourist activities like sightseeing, shopping, etc.
3. Navigating Indian Transport
- Railways: If your mode of transport is going to be railways, book 1st or 2nd class coaches to ensure hygiene, comfort, and convenience. These coaches also have power sockets, and you can easily charge your portable Dialysis Machine.
- Airlines: When traveling on certain airlines, PD is counted as an “assistive device” and is not counted under the luggage weight restriction.
4. Comparison Table: Dialysis Travel Options (India 2026)
| Feature | In-Center Hemodialysis | Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) | Home Hemodialysis (HHD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | City-to-city travel in India. | Pilgrimages, Nature, International. | Long-term stays/NRI visits. |
| Food Strategy | Very strict (clinic days). | More flexible Indian diet. | Moderate flexibility. |
| Local Support | High (Network of clinics). | Moderate (Phone support). | Low (Requires machine tech). |
| Primary Cost | Per session fee (₹2000–₹5000). | Monthly supply cost. | High initial machine cost. |
| Travel Prep | 2 Months (Book chain). | 3 Weeks (Ship bags). | 1 Month (Tech check). |
5. Managing the "Indian Diet" on the Road
Avoiding some types of foods is one of the most important parameters when travelling via road.
- The "No-Salt" Factor: During CKD, salt and potassium are to be avoided, and many restaurants and eating joints offer food that is high in such products. Avoid that at any cost. You can carry your own packet of salt and can pour some as suggested by the doctor.
- Street Food: Certain street food items that are high in sodium should be completely avoided.
- Small Water Sips: Go for small water sips. Another option is lime soda without sugar and salt.
Remembering these 5 points and implementing them will help you to travel without risking your health. Now let us proceed to some must-haves for your travel.
The Essential Dialysis Travel Checklist (India)
1. The "Must-Carry" Bag (Cabin/Hand Bag)
- Documents: Always be ready with important documents like your medical prescription (ensure that it is signed), your lab reports (updated), and your Ayushman Bharat Card.
- Medications: Your medication is vital. Always carry extra with you. Sometimes, Indian customs take time, so you should be ready with extra.
- Emergency PD Kit: Your PD kit that consists of manual bags, mini caps, betadine, or its substitute should always be extra. Any emergency situation can arise, and you must be prepared with an extra.
- Tech: A few more things that should be prepared are a universal adapter and an extension cord (preferably 3-pin). You never know when the need arises, as many places might not have properly working sockets.
2. Domestic Destinations (Within India)
- Water Safety: Special attention should be paid to the water you drink. Only go for the ones that are ISI marked.
- Shipping: You should not be waiting for your PD bags for even 1 extra hour. They should reach your place of stay before you. Make sure of that. You can in the hotel beforehand.
- Power Backup: Some tourist destinations, like mountains, often face power cuts. Call the hotel in advance and inquire about such issues. Even if such an issue is there, only stay in the hotel with power backup options.
3. International Destinations
- Voltage Transformer: In international trips to travel destinations like the US or Japan, you should carry heavy-duty transformers. In India, usually 230V power is used; therefore, carrying a heavy-duty transformer becomes necessary.
- Language Cards: It is always an extra precautionary step that you can take. A card that says, “I am a kidney patient” is always helpful. Other cards can read, “I need to go to the nearest dialysis center; could you please tell me the address?” Such cards are additionally helpful if you do not know the language.
- Insurance: If you are eligible and manage to get "Travel Insurance with Pre-existing Disease Cover," it will definitely be a plus point for unexpected emergencies.
Tip: People suffering from chronic kidney disease should avoid over-drinking.
Take care, and happy travels!
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FAQs
1. I have been a kidney patient for the last 5 years and have avoided travelling since then, but now I wish to go on a trip. Are portable dialysis machines dependable?
Definitely. If you wish to restart travelling, you should do that. Portable dialysis machines are extremely dependable and are specially meant for those times when you cannot visit the usual clinic or hospital.
2. Are portable dialysis machines different from the ones installed in hospitals?
No. The only distinction is that the portable ones can be carried and used while on trips, while travelling, or while you have to attend a marriage and similar occasions.
3. Which is the best platform for buying the best quality dialysis machines?
The name that tops the list is Shelves Tech. The platform is known for its best quality of portable dialysis machines and other medical equipment. Being in the industry for a long time has made them a trusted source. Also, they offer the best dialysis machine prices for their equipment.
4. What is the price of a portable dialysis machine?
The price of a portable dialysis machine depends on the brand and the seller. Contact Shelves Tech today for more details.
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