Understanding Modalities
Whether you are on HD, PD, or HDF, traveling is possible. Here is what you need to know about each treatment type when planning your journey.
In-Center Hemodialysis (HD)
The most common form of treatment for Travels. You visit a specialized clinic or hospital to receive treatment, typically 3 times a week for 4 hours.
- Nurses perform cannulation and monitoring.
- Machines vary (Fresenius, Gambro, Nikkiso), but principles are the same.
Book at least 1-2 months in advance. Carry your latest medical reports and prescription (translated if necessary).
Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)
Offers great freedom for Travels. Whether you use CAPD (Manual) or APD (Cycler), you aren't tied to a clinic schedule.
- Fluids are heavy. Arrangements must be made for delivery.
- Cyclers (APD) can be carried as medical baggage (usually free).
Contact your supplier (Baxter/Fresenius) 6 weeks early to arrange fluid delivery directly to your hotel.
Hemodiafiltration (HDF)
Considered the "Gold Standard" in many parts of Europe and Asia. It combines diffusion and convection for better toxin removal.
- Standard in Japan, Germany, France.
- Requires ultrapure water, indicating high clinic standards.
If you are used to HDF at home, look for 'Online HDF' in our directory to maintain your standard of care.
Portable Home HD
Using portable machines like NxStage System One allows patients to perform treatments in their hotel rooms or rental homes.
- Check hotel electrical voltage and outlet types.
- Inform the airline about medical equipment (priority boarding).
Always carry a manual hand crank and backup power solution. Bring extension cords.
Understanding Your Dialysis Access
Your vascular access is the point where your bloodstream is reached during haemodialysis. Knowing your access type helps a clinic abroad prepare for you, and helps you ask the right questions before you travel. This is general information, not medical advice: your nephrology team creates and manages your access, so always confirm the details with them.
AV Fistula (AVF)
A surgeon connects an artery to a nearby vein, usually in the arm. Over time the vein grows stronger and easier to access for treatment.
Typically needs around 8–10 weeks to mature before its first use. Accessed with two needles each session: one draws blood, one returns it. Widely seen as the most durable option with the lowest infection risk.
AV Graft (AVG)
When a person’s veins aren’t suitable for a fistula, a soft synthetic tube is used to bridge an artery and a vein under the skin.
Some grafts can be used sooner than a fistula. Like a fistula, it is accessed with two needles each session, and is a common alternative when a fistula isn’t possible.
Central Venous Catheter (CVC)
A soft tube placed into a large vein in the neck or chest, with two ports that sit outside the body. Treatment connects directly to the ports (no needles).
Usable soon after it is placed, so it is often a temporary or bridging access. It carries a higher infection risk, so keeping it clean and dry matters.
Peritoneal dialysis uses a different kind of access: a soft, cuffed catheter placed in the abdomen (see Peritoneal Dialysis above).
When you contact a clinic abroad, tell them your access type up front. It helps them prepare and confirm they can support you.
General information only, not medical advice. Your care team decides, places, and manages your access. Confirm anything specific to your situation with them before you travel.
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