Did you know?
For many, a transplant means freedom they may not have experienced in years. The desire to travel is so great for some people, that in a short time they are soon planning their next big trip. Travelling internationally without appropriate insurance coverage for this pre-existing medical condition could be financially catastrophic.
If you are not awaiting surgery or further investigations, and as long as the healthcare team has agreed you are fit to travel, some travel insurances can provide a quote to cover pre-existing medical conditions, such as a transplant. It is important to note that most standard policies do not provide coverage for this situation.
Kidney transplant recipients need to be aware that there will likely be extra scrutiny and most likely an additional levy to make sure the pre-existing condition is covered. Also note that this type of quote is usually decided on a case-by-case basis: be prepared to phone several providers to find the one that is the most suitable for your needs.
Be Careful!
To travel abroad without Insurance which covers you for your pre-existing medical conditions could be catastrophic financially.
Travel Vaccination
When you receive a kidney transplant, you need to take medications that prevent your body from rejecting your new kidney. These immune-suppressant medications make it unsafe for you to get certain vaccines.
Check it out at the topic “Get your vaccines” to learn if you are up to date with your vaccines. It’s important to discuss with your kidney transplant team whether the vaccinations you need to receive are safe for you!
Sunny Destinations
Transplant patients are three times more likely than other people to develop skin cancer after a transplant because of the immunosuppressant medications they are required to take. However, skin cancer can be prevented and, if detected early, can be treated.
Some tips:
- Stay out of the sun: avoiding the sun can prevent skin cancers.
- Use sunblock. All transplant patients are advised to use an SPF factor of 30 or higher;
- Avoid the midday sun – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. when UV radiation is strongest;
- Wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UV radiation (check the label);
- Protect your skin with protective, long sleeved clothing.
- Wear a hat that is wide enough to protect your ears, eyes, face, and back of your neck.
First Aid Kit and Medications
Take an emergency supply of patches, painkillers, insect bite ointment and diarrhea tablets. As always, check with your healthcare team about any over the counter medications you are packing.
Always divide your supply of medications. Keep half with you in your hand luggage and pack the other half in your checked bags.
Take a letter from your doctor as proof that the medications you are carrying are prescription drugs. Make sure you know exactly the prescription names of the medications you are on (as written on the label) so that if your supply is misplaced, you can advise local healthcare professionals accordingly.
Food and drink
Be vigilant about what you eat and drink. If you are travelling by plane, advise the airline if you have special dietary requirements. Talk to your nutritionist before you go, specifically about local foods to avoid. Take a look again at the sections “Nutrition” and “Healthy eating and drinking” for more information.
Don’t take any risks by drinking local water, and the same applies to ice cubes and tooth-brushing: use bottled water, and tie a ribbon or shoelace around the bathroom tap to remind yourself not to drink or brush your teeth with tap water.
- Buy and drink only bottled water or use boiled water.
- Avoid salads and ice cubes unless you have washed the salad with bottled or boiled water, or made the ice cubes yourself from bottled water.
- Avoid ice cream from street vendors.