Question 1

Can I travel to Japan while on dialysis?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dialysis patients travel to Japan regularly with the right support. RSA (Rising Sun Ambassadors) provides end-to-end coordination — from medical paperwork and clinic booking to in-suite hemodialysis delivered directly to your hotel room in Tokyo. With proper planning starting 8–12 weeks before departure, most stable hemodialysis patients can travel safely.

Question 2

What is in-suite dialysis, and how is it different from clinic-based dialysis?

Accepted Answer

In-suite dialysis means your hemodialysis session is performed inside your hotel room by a certified physician, nurse, and clinical engineer — no travel to a clinic required. RSA coordinates this in-suite hemodialysis service for international visitors, arranging for the full medical team and equipment to come directly to your hotel room. Clinic-based dialysis requires the patient to travel to a medical facility; in-suite dialysis brings the medical team and equipment directly to you instead, which is especially valuable for guests with limited mobility or those who prefer maximum privacy and comfort.

Question 3

Which hotels in Tokyo offer in-suite dialysis?

Accepted Answer

RSA can arrange in-suite hemodialysis at most major hotels in Tokyo. Please share your preferred hotel at the time of inquiry and we will confirm feasibility.

Question 4

Can patients with limited mobility receive dialysis in Japan?

Accepted Answer

Yes. RSA's in-suite dialysis service is specifically designed for guests who find it difficult or uncomfortable to travel to a clinic. The medical team comes to you — including all necessary equipment — so patients with limited mobility, post-surgical recovery needs, or those who simply prefer to remain in their hotel room can receive full hemodialysis treatment without leaving their accommodation.

Question 5

Is the dialysis team English-speaking?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All RSA in-suite sessions include an English-speaking medical interpreter, and the RSA coordination team communicates exclusively in English throughout the booking and treatment process. For clinic-based sessions, RSA provides an escort service with an English-speaking coordinator upon request.

Question 6

Can I do dialysis travel to cities other than Tokyo?

Accepted Answer

Yes. RSA has partner clinics throughout Japan in addition to Tokyo in-suite services. Multi-city itineraries are also available. For other destinations, please feel free to contact RSA directly. RSA works in partnership with CSC Corporation for clinical coordination across Japan.

Question 7

How much does dialysis travel to Japan cost?

Accepted Answer

RSA offers two service models. In-suite hemodialysis — performed in your hotel room by a certified medical team — starts from ¥900,000 per session, plus a 20% coordination fee. Clinic-based treatment at a partner facility costs ¥170,000 per session, plus a 20% coordination fee. An optional escort service, where an RSA coordinator accompanies you to and from the clinic, can be added for ¥60,000 per session; no coordination fee applies to the escort service. All prices are tax included, are stated in Japanese yen, and exclude travel and accommodation costs.

Question 8

Does travel insurance cover dialysis sessions in Japan?

Accepted Answer

Coverage varies by policy. Most standard travel insurance plans do not cover pre-existing conditions such as chronic kidney disease. However, some specialist travel insurance policies for pre-existing conditions may provide partial coverage. RSA recommends requesting a Guarantee of Payment (GOP) letter from your insurer before departure.

Question 9

What is a Guarantee of Payment (GOP)?

Accepted Answer

A Guarantee of Payment (GOP) is a letter from your insurance company confirming that they will cover the cost of your treatment at the medical facility. It acts as a financial guarantee to the clinic or RSA team on your behalf. Obtaining a GOP before departure is strongly recommended. RSA can assist with the documentation your insurer may require to issue one.

Question 10

Are there any additional costs beyond the base fee?

Accepted Answer

Any costs beyond the base fee — such as specialist equipment transport or specific medications — will be communicated in advance. RSA provides transparent, itemized quotes with no hidden charges.

Question 11

Can I pay in a currency other than Japanese yen?

Accepted Answer

All fees are settled in Japanese yen by credit card through our secure online payment system. Payment is required in advance of your session. For further details, please contact RSA at the time of inquiry.

Question 12

What documents do I need to arrange dialysis in Japan?

Accepted Answer

Once you submit an inquiry, RSA will send you all the forms you need. The required documents are: (1) Information Required Before Application — a scheduling and preference form completed by the patient; (2) Patient Information Sheet for Dialysis — a detailed medical questionnaire completed by both the patient and their attending physician (includes physician's authorization); (3) Signed Consent Form — provided by RSA; (4) Recent blood test results, including infectious disease screening; (5) Dialysis treatment record from your home clinic; (6) List of current medications (including any medications administered during dialysis); (7) Copy of passport. RSA's coordinator will guide you through each step and review all documents before confirming your booking.

Question 13

How long does document preparation take?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the speed of your home clinic, expect 2–4 weeks for document preparation. This is why RSA recommends beginning the process 8–12 weeks before your intended departure date.

Question 14

Do I need a referral from a Japanese doctor?

Accepted Answer

No. You do not need to obtain a referral from a Japanese doctor in advance. RSA bridges the communication between your home clinic and the Japanese medical team, ensuring all necessary information is shared.

Question 15

What happens if my documents are incomplete?

Accepted Answer

If there are any gaps or issues with your documents, RSA's coordinator will contact you promptly to find a solution. Bookings are not confirmed until all key documents are in order, but we support you throughout the preparation process.

Question 16

Do I need to speak Japanese?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. RSA's coordination is conducted entirely in English. Medical interpreters are present during in-suite sessions, so there is no language barrier at any stage.

Question 17

How do I book with RSA?

Accepted Answer

Contact RSA through the inquiry form on our website. At the initial consultation, we will ask about your dialysis schedule, travel dates, and preferred service type. We will then provide a customized quote and plan.

Question 18

How far in advance should I book?

Accepted Answer

RSA recommends booking at least 8–12 weeks before your intended travel date. This allows time for medical consultation, document review, clinic or in-suite team scheduling, and equipment coordination. Last-minute bookings may be possible in some cases — please contact RSA directly to discuss availability.

Question 19

Can I change my dialysis schedule after booking?

Accepted Answer

Yes, schedule changes are possible. However, earlier notice is always better, as last-minute changes may be difficult to accommodate given medical team scheduling. Please contact RSA as soon as possible if you need to make adjustments.

Question 20

What information do I need to provide at the time of booking?

Accepted Answer

Please have the following ready: intended travel dates and length of stay, preferred service type (in-suite or clinic), number of dialysis sessions per week, name of your preferred hotel, your name and contact information, and an overview of your travel insurance coverage.

Question 21

Which hotel should I stay at? Can RSA recommend one?

Accepted Answer

Once you have a preferred hotel in mind or have made a booking, RSA will contact the hotel directly to confirm whether in-suite dialysis can be accommodated. If you would like guidance before booking, RSA is happy to advise on hotel selection and appropriate room types. Please feel free to consult us early in your planning process.

Question 22

Can family members be present during a dialysis session?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Family members are welcome to stay in the room during in-suite sessions. The treatment takes place in a fully private setting, so your loved ones can be with you throughout.

Question 23

What equipment is used for in-suite dialysis?

Accepted Answer

RSA brings internationally certified hemodialysis machines and all necessary consumables to your room. Details about the specific equipment will be provided by your coordinator at the time of booking.

Question 24

I'm worried about how I'll feel after a dialysis session. Is support available?

Accepted Answer

For in-suite sessions, the physician remains on-site after the session to monitor your condition. RSA coordinators are also available throughout your stay to support any concerns or changes in how you are feeling.

Question 25

Can I enjoy sightseeing and activities alongside my dialysis schedule?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. RSA supports your overall travel experience, not just the medical coordination. We are happy to help design a sightseeing itinerary that works around your treatment schedule.

Question 26

What happens in a medical emergency during a dialysis session?

Accepted Answer

RSA's in-suite sessions are staffed by a certified physician at all times, so immediate medical response is available on-site. In the event of a serious emergency, the physician will coordinate transfer to the nearest hospital. Clients are also advised to carry emergency contact information and insurance details at all times during their stay.

Question 27

How do I reach emergency support during my stay?

Accepted Answer

Before your session, you will be provided with the emergency contact information for the medical team. For serious medical emergencies, call 119 (Japan's ambulance service) immediately. Your travel insurance's emergency assistance line is also a valuable resource.

Question 28

What if my condition changes before travel?

Accepted Answer

If your health condition changes before departure, contact RSA as soon as possible. We will discuss cancellation or rescheduling options and can liaise with your physician to help assess whether travel is still advisable. Please refer to our cancellation policy below.

Question 29

What is RSA's cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

The following cancellation policy applies to the Service Fee for all dialysis session bookings. 60 days or more before the Treatment Date: 100% refund of the Service Fee. 59-30 days before: 80% refund. 29-14 days before: 50% refund. 13-7 days before: 30% refund. 6 days before through the day before: 10% refund. Same day or no-show: non-refundable. The Treatment Date is the date of the first scheduled dialysis session stated in your Service Confirmation. The Service Fee is the total service amount, comprising the medical cost and the 20% RSA coordination fee. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please contact RSA as early as possible.

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