Practical considerations for living kidney donors

Will you be covered by your health insurance?

You should check with your insurance company prior to donating. The living donor team is always happy to offer help and advice if your insurance company has any specific questions related to the donation and life-long risk for you.

What if you live in a different part of the UK from the person you are donating to?

You can still donate. Your living donor team can arrange for your donor assessment to take place at a hospital near to you if that is easier for you. Usually the donation will take place in the hospital where the person you are donating to is cared for. However, in some circumstances it may be possible to donate in a transplant centre closer to home.

What if you live outside the UK?

If you live outside the UK, you can volunteer to donate a kidney to a friend or family member who lives in the UK and is eligible for NHS treatment. Tests can be arranged in your own country to see if you could be a suitable donor.

You should contact the living donor coordinator in your recipient’s transplant centre for further information and advice. If your first language is not English and you are considered to be a suitable donor, translation support is available for you throughout the detailed assessment process.

How long does the donor assessment process take?

The assessment process usually takes at least three months. However, it may take more or less time depending on where you live, the hospital you are being assessed by and the types of tests you may require. Wherever possible, the assessment process is tailored around your other commitments.

Can you be reimbursed for loss of income and travel expenses?

It is possible for donors to submit a claim for reasonable expenses, such as loss of earnings and travel. However, you should first discuss this with your employer and find out what is available under your terms of employment around Statutory Sick Pay.

Please talk to your living donor team about expenses at an early stage of the process if you need to apply for reimbursement as there is some important information that you will need to read and an application form to complete. A letter from your employer and evidence of your expenses will also be necessary.

Become a living kidney donor

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