Traveling OUTSIDE the U.S..

[cath-hater]

Can anyone here tell me if Fresenius or Baxter will deliver supplies outside of the U.S.? Like if I wanted to goto Paris or something?  Anyone who has traveled outside of U.S., please give me your input.

[Tío Riñon]

Baxter definitely will do so.  I don't know about Fresenius, but assume they probably will as well. 

I have made arrangements for PD supplies through Baxter's travel department to be delivered in Africa, Europe, and South America.  However, there are some things about which you need to be aware. 

1.  Notify Baxter of your plans at least 8 weeks in advance. 
2.  When you call, have your detailed itinerary available including exact addresses and phone numbers
3.  There is a fee ($100, I think) for placing the international travel order plus you must pay the cost of the solutions (insurance won't cover this).
4.  Depending on where you are traveling, the strength of the solution and quantity per bag may vary (usually in metric units).  Plan to adjust.
5.  You are responsible for bringing any other supplies (tubing, IV sponges, clamps, etc.) and prescriptions.
6.  Make sure that you bring a statement from your nephrologist explaining that you are a dialysis patient and need the items you are carrying.  You will be screened in most airports--especially if you have any liquids in your bags.
7.  Confirm your insurance coverage outside of the US.  Medicare doesn't cover treatment outside of the US from what I understand. 
8.  Bring at least 1-2 days worth of manual in case there is a problem (cancelled or delayed flight, confusion with delivery, etc.).

Hope you enjoy your trip.  Let me know if you have any other questions.

[komomai]

I've gone the other way I live in Okinawa Japan and have done trips to Orlando, and Hawaii.  Both times I have dealt with Baxter Japan who took my Doctors prescription and delivered it to my hotel in Orlando and my brothers home in Hawaii.  What I did was contact the hotel and tell them if they could store my PD supplies it was the Homewood Suites, they were great stored my supplies in a controlled environment and when I arrived delivered it to my room.  For Hawaii, Baxter US dropped off the supplies to my brothers home.

Good advice from Tio Rilfion when traveling have your Doctors note explaining your condition, I picked up one of those Stickman portable heater bags and poles and packed an extra bag of extraneal just in case I got bumped or the flight got canceled which did happen coming back from Orlando, instead of going to Narita, Japan they flew us to San Fran for a night, what I did was prior to the long flight I used my extraneal bag, I made it okay.  But I would try to bring a couple of bags if possible..

My insurance company covered the cost of the supplies as I explained it's the same as been at home, I still need the supplies to survive.

Sadly I no longer do PD, too much infections I'm on Hemodialysis now, but I've traveled to Hawaii this past Christmas and New Year, I just contacted a clinic and they got me in touch with a coordinator who said where would I be staying and put me in a close clinic to where I was staying and did hemodialysis 3 times a week.

Takes advance planning but if you feel good no reason not to travel and enjoy your life.  Good luck.

[Wat76]

I am treveling to Fairbanks AK in May and Baxter just told me it is going to cost me $100.00 plus 35 dollars for each box of solution. Plus a fee for something else.  The total is almost $400.00. It is expensive, especially is you will be gone for more than a couple of days overseas, Hawaii, Alaska or on a cruise ship.

Debra

[iolaire]

I am treveling to Fairbanks AK in May and Baxter just told me it is going to cost me $100.00 plus 35 dollars for each box of solution. Plus a fee for something else.  The total is almost $400.00. It is expensive, especially is you will be gone for more than a couple of days overseas, Hawaii, Alaska or on a cruise ship.

Debra

Alaska is unique since its a long way from the continental US, everything is shipped up via barge or air.  So its not surprising if you encounter higher than average shipping charges.  I'd expect that Hawaii would face similar issues, but might have a larger population to help lower overall costs.