How much does holiday dialysis cost?
14 October 2026 · Updated 15 October 2026 · 6 min read
The cost of holiday dialysis ranges from nothing at all to several hundred dollars per session. It depends on where you're from, where you're going, and whether the unit is public or private. Here's how to work out what you're likely to pay.
When it may cost you nothing
- Dialysing at another unit within your own country's public system, such as an NHS unit in the UK or a public unit in Spain for Spanish residents
- UK and EU residents using a GHIC or EHIC for pre-arranged, state-provided dialysis in another EU country
- Some private health plans that cover out-of-area treatment
Even when the treatment is covered, you pay for travel, accommodation and transport to and from sessions.
Typical private costs per session
If you're paying the unit directly, these are rough ranges for a single haemodialysis session. Prices vary by unit, city and season, so always get a written quote.
- Western Europe (Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, France): roughly €150–€400
- United Kingdom (private, non-NHS): roughly £250–£500
- United States: often $400–$1,000 or more for self-pay visitors
- Mexico: roughly $150–$300
- Thailand: roughly $80–$200
- Australia: roughly A$400–A$800
On a typical three-sessions-a-week schedule, a two-week holiday means six sessions. At €250 a session that's €1,500, so it's worth budgeting for early.
Try our holiday dialysis cost calculator for an estimate for your trip.
What pushes the price up
- Virology status: patients who are hepatitis B positive may need an isolation room or machine, which not all units have and which can cost more
- Extra tests: some units charge for their own blood tests on arrival or during a longer stay
- Longer or extra sessions
- Peak season in resort areas
- Transport, if the unit is some way from where you're staying
Will travel insurance pay for it?
Usually not. Travel insurance covers unexpected medical costs, and planned dialysis is expected. What good insurance does cover is emergencies, repatriation and cancellation if you're unwell before you go, which matters a lot more when you have a kidney condition. See travel insurance and dialysis.
US patients: Medicare and private plans
Original Medicare generally doesn't pay for dialysis outside the United States, so US patients travelling abroad should expect to pay the unit directly unless their plan says otherwise. Travel within the US and its territories is different: many units accept Medicare for visiting patients. If you have a Medicare Advantage or private plan, call them before booking to ask about out-of-network and overseas dialysis.
Getting a firm quote
Ask the unit for a written quote that includes the session fee, any consumables or drugs charged separately, required blood tests, and the payment method and deadline. Many private units ask for payment in advance.
When Dialysis Go arranges your booking, we get the quote from the unit and tell you exactly what's covered and what you'll pay before you commit. Request a booking.
Common questions
How much does a dialysis session cost abroad?
Roughly €150–€400 per session in Western Europe, $400–$1,000 or more in the US for self-pay patients, and $80–$200 in Thailand. It may be free if you're covered by a reciprocal agreement such as the GHIC or EHIC in the EU.
Is holiday dialysis covered by travel insurance?
Planned dialysis sessions usually aren't. Travel insurance covers unexpected medical costs, cancellations and repatriation.
Does Medicare cover dialysis abroad?
Original Medicare generally does not cover dialysis outside the US. Check with your plan before you travel.
Prices shown are indicative ranges only and change over time. Always confirm the cost with the unit before you travel.
More guides
Holiday dialysis by country
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