Travel, Insurance and Dialysis

Do you have cabin fever or need a spring break? Is this the year when you finally book that long-awaited vacation?

DaVita has more than 2,000 dialysis centers throughout the United States, and did you know that your medical records can be transferred to any of those centers? With a click of a button, you can get dialysis treatment where you plan to visit. Just allow yourself at least two weeks to arrange before you go, and longer if you plan to visit a faraway destination.

So why not take advantage, whether you go on a cross-country road trip, take a plane to visit a loved one or just go to the next town to relax? DaVita Guest Services can assist you in making travel arrangements. Call them at 1-800-244-0680.

For DaVita patients, your facility social worker or insurance counselor is available to discuss how travel works with your particular insurance plan. This may involve an evaluation of your benefits to determine if you have what are considered out-of-network benefits. When you have out-of-network benefits it allows you to travel outside your immediate area and access your insurance benefits. All of these things can be discussed with your insurance management team representative.

Maybe you are considering traveling outside of the U.S. If that’s the case you will need to get authorization from your insurance company first. In some cases you may be asked to pay out-of-pocket medical expenses and submit statements to your insurance company for reimbursement. In other situations there may be no coverage of dialysis when it is performed outside of the U.S. Please consult with your insurance company and social worker first before leaving the country.

Many dialysis patients enjoy taking a cruise, so if this is your passion, visit the Dialysis at Sea website to see if your insurance is accepted onboard. Visit DialysisAtSea.com for more information.

Start exploring — DaVita can help

You don’t have to delay your travel plans anymore. With the help of DaVita social workers and insurance counselors, you can explore the wonderful world of travel while on dialysis.