Travel Insurance with Kidney Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is thought to affect around 1 in 10 people overall. It is more common in older age groups: around half of over 75s develop the condition, whereas for young adults it may be 1 in 50 people. The term Chronic Kidney Disease is in some ways misleading – in many cases, the condition develops simply as a natural result of ageing.

People with CKD are advised to place particular emphasis on leading a healthy lifestyle, which can include things such as losing weight; eating a balanced, low-salt diet; stopping smoking and reducing alcohol intake; drinking around 2 litres of water every day; and taking regular physical exercise. Medication may also be prescribed in order to help control blood pressure. Less than 1 in 1,000 people with CKD will ever require dialysis or a kidney transplant.

If you have mild kidney disease, going on holiday should not be a problem – in fact, the rest and relaxation will probably do you a world of good. If you are on dialysis, this will not mean you cannot travel; you will just need to take a bit more time and care to plan a holiday that is right for you. Speak to the renal team at your hospital, as they will be able to help with ensuring you make the right arrangements, including booking treatment in advance.

When applying for travel insurance, you must declare your CKD (however mild your symptoms) as a pre-existing medical condition. Travel insurance companies may also require a letter from your doctor or hospital, confirming that you are fit to travel.

Once you have planned the perfect holiday, we believe that getting the right travel insurance should not present a headache – it should be quick, simple, straightforward and fair. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.

By joining this group, you will add your voice to our mission to create a fairer insurance industry for people with existing medical conditions, and get a good deal on travel insurance for yourself as well!

Please note, for travel insurance for kidney transplant patients, join our Travel Insurance for Transplant Patients Group.

By Dan Woolley