Holiday dialysis in France | ELSAN centers

Yes. Traveling with dialysis is possible, safe and increasingly common. The key is to plan ahead. Going on holiday while on dialysis should not be a barrier; it simply requires early preparation.

Here are the main steps to follow:

• Check your health condition with your nephrologist. They will confirm whether you are fit to travel and advise you on the necessary precautions.
• Choose your holiday destination based on the proximity of an ELSAN dialysis centre.
• Contact the ELSAN centre closest to your holiday location, or use the International Patient Office to centralise your booking request.
• Send your complete medical file to the receiving centre.

• Plan your dialysis sessions in advance, so you can fully enjoy your holiday without additional constraints.

   

💡 Good to know: Do not book flights or accommodation until you have received written confirmation from your holiday dialysis centre.

 

A national network of dialysis centres

With 16 dialysis centres across France, ELSAN makes it easy to find a unit close to your holiday destination, whether you want to:

• enjoy the Atlantic coast (Brittany, Pays de la Loire, Nouvelle-Aquitaine),

• discover the Mediterranean region (French Riviera, Occitanie, PACA),

• explore rural areas and heritage sites.

Wherever you stay in France, an ELSAN centre can accommodate you and ensure continuity of your dialysis treatment under the best possible conditions.

Proven expertise in welcoming international patients

ELSAN medical teams are accustomed to treating foreign patients and guarantee:

• personalised care,

• smooth organisation before and during your stay,

• multilingual support (English and other languages depending on the centre).

 

 

Good news for sun seekers: most of our dialysis centres are located in southern France, the most popular region for holidays.

Occitanie / Mediterranean: Clinique Claude Bernard, Centre de Néphrologie les Fleurs, Clinique du Pont de Chaume, Centre médico-chirurgical de Tronquières, Centre de Néphrologie Maladies Rénales, Hôpital Privé du Grand Narbonne

PACA / Monaco: Centre d'Hémodialyse Privé de Monaco, Polyclinique Vauban + centres in Marseille/Montpellier

Atlantic coast south / Nouvelle-Aquitaine: Arès, Bruges, Gradignan, Arcachon, Bègles, Cenon, Mimizan, Saint-Pierre-de-Mons, Clinique de l'Estrée, Clinique Bouchard, CMC Chaumont le Bois

ELSAN dialysis centres are equipped with the latest technologies, ensuring:

• optimal comfort,

• maximum safety,

• rigorous medical monitoring in line with international standards.
  

One of the most frequent questions from foreign patients is: who pays for dialysis sessions during a stay in France?

The answer depends on your country of origin.

Patients from the European Union    

Because dialysis is a scheduled treatment (not an emergency), the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) does not apply to holiday dialysis abroad.

Procedure:

• You pay for your dialysis sessions upfront.

• You request reimbursement from your national health insurance upon your return, by submitting paid invoices.

This right is guaranteed by EU Directive 2011/24/EU on cross-border healthcare. Your insurance reimburses according to your home country's tariffs, which may leave a remaining balance if French tariffs are higher. Some countries offer complementary reimbursement through private mutual insurance: check your contract.

For more details, contact your health insurance or visit the  CLEISS website.

Non-EU patients     

Some countries have bilateral agreements with France allowing partial coverage or reimbursement of dialysis. In these cases, prior authorisation from your health insurance is required. For countries without agreements, full payment will be required on site.

Contact the ELSAN centre directly for tariffs and payment conditions.

💡 Tip: Whatever your situation, purchase travel insurance adapted to dialysis patients. Standard travel insurance and bank card insurance usually do not cover ongoing chronic treatments. Specialist travel insurance for kidney dialysis patients exists: check with your insurer before departure.
 
 

Before your arrival, the ELSAN centre will require the following documents:

• Recent laboratory results (serology, blood tests)

• Dialysis prescription with dry weight and treatment strategy
• Medication prescriptions (with international drug names)
• Proof of healthcare coverage

• Identity document (passport or national ID)

ELSAN will also send you a form to be completed by your local nephrologist.

ELSAN vous adressera en amont un formulaire à faire compléter par votre médecin néphrologue local pour faciliter les démarches administratives.

 

Contactez notre bureau des patients internationaux pour déposer votre dossier. 

Holiday dialysis, also called temporary dialysis, is the provision of haemodialysis sessions in a centre different from your usual one, for a limited period such as a holiday stay.

It applies to both in-centre haemodialysis patients and self-care unit patients.

Your treatment remains strictly identical to your usual one: the medical team at the receiving centre reviews your file and adjusts the machines according to your personalised prescription. You experience no interruption in the quality of your care.

💡 Good to know: Temporary dialysis abroad is subject to prior organisation. Unlike emergency care, it requires advance booking, ideally 6 to 8 weeks before your departure.

 

 

Step 1: Initial contact

Before arriving in France, contact the ELSAN centre closest to your holiday destination or reach out to the International Patient Office via the online form.

Step 2: Sending your medical file

Once your request is registered, ELSAN will provide documents for your doctor to complete. Your health status and dialysis protocol will be reviewed in advance to ensure appropriate and safe care from the first session.

Step 3: Scheduling dialysis sessions

Your sessions are scheduled before your arrival. You will know the dates and times ahead of time, allowing you to plan your holiday activities freely.

 

Our international admission procedure 
 

For many patients, travelling is essential. By choosing ELSAN for your holiday dialysis in France, you benefit from:

• accessible centres across the country,

• welcoming, multilingual teams,
• high-quality hemodialysis care,

• an organisation designed for your comfort.

Whether you want to explore French culture, enjoy the coastline or experience the cuisine, ELSAN supports you every step of the way to make your stay pleasant and stress-free.

 

How far in advance should I organise my holiday dialysis?

It is recommended to contact the receiving centre at least 6 to 8 weeks before travelling. During summer or in tourist regions, allow 3 to 4 months, as spots fill up quickly.

Can a dialysis patient travel abroad?

Yes. Travelling abroad while on dialysis is possible, provided your nephrologist confirms you are fit to travel and your dialysis sessions are booked in advance at a certified centre. ELSAN's International Patient Office can assist with the full booking process.

How do dialysis patients go on vacation?

The process involves three key steps: obtaining medical clearance from your nephrologist, identifying a dialysis centre near your destination, and sending your complete medical file ahead of time. ELSAN handles the rest, from scheduling sessions to preparing your personalised care protocol.

Can dialysis patients travel internationally?

Yes. Many dialysis patients travel internationally each year. France is a popular destination thanks to its network of quality dialysis centres and its framework under EU Directive 2011/24/EU, which facilitates cross-border healthcare for European patients.

Is dialysis reimbursed for foreign patients?

It depends on your home country. EU patients can benefit from reimbursement upon return by submitting invoices to their national health insurance. Non-EU patients may be covered if a bilateral agreement exists between their country and France. Contact your health insurance to confirm your rights before departure.

Can I come to France for just a short stay?

Yes. ELSAN welcomes patients for both short and longer stays. Simply indicate your dates when making your booking request.

Do I need to bring my medications?

Yes. Bring enough medication for your entire stay, plus extra in case of delays. Some medications administered during dialysis sessions are provided by the centre: ask the ELSAN team in advance.

Contact the international patients office