Kidney Transplant Abroad: A Complete Guide to Countries, Cost, Doctors & Success Rate

Which Are the Best Countries To Get Kidney Transplant Abroad?

 India, Jordan, Mexico, Turkey and Korea are the top international centers for having a kidney transplant, thanks to the low cost of the procedure, no waiting lines, and availability of expert nephrologists and ultra-modern hospitals.

With kidney transplant costs soaring to over USD $400,000^[1] in the West, many seek treatment elsewhere. This trend highlights the appeal of travelling for medical care abroad as patients can opt for affordable yet quality healthcare.

What Is the Cost of Getting a Kidney Transplant Abroad?

The cost of getting a kidney transplant abroad starts from around USD$13,000.

Below mentioned are the costs of kidney transplants in different countries.

Snapshot of the cost of kidney transplant in India

Country	Cost in USD
India	Starting at $13,000
Turkey	Starting at $16,000
Mexico	$38,000
Korea	Between $40,000 - $70,000[2]
Jordan	Contact us to know

*cost is subject to change as per case

As seen above, India is the most economical place for renal transplantation.

Read our complete guide to Kidney Transplant in India to learn more.

In most countries, the cost includes:

• 5-10 dialysis sessions
• Stay and meals for both patient and donor as treatment plan
• Procedure-related laboratory and radiology tests (Pre-op tests)
• Medical equipment and supplies
• Medication as per the treatment
• Consultation of the primary team
• Airport-Hotel-Hospital transfers
• Translating services

The costs above differ greatly from those in Western countries such as the US and Canada.

The difference also lies in the waiting period, which can get exhausting for patients looking for a donor.

Let us glance at the cost of kidney transplants in other countries and their waiting period.

Cost and Waiting Period

Country	Cost in USD	Waiting Period
United States	Over $400,000	3-5 years[3]
Canada	$145,000[4]	2.5- 3 years[5]
United Kingdom	Almost $70,000[7]	2-3 years[6]
Australia	Almost $100,000[8]	2.2 years[9]

*cost is subject to change as per case

How Can International Patients Get Kidney Transplant Abroad?

With the help of our medical advisors, international patients can access affordable renal transplantation abroad in countries with high success rates.

Once the patient connects with our team, they are asked to share all initial medical reports with our advisors, who can guide them on the way forward.

Many times, patients have other complications associated with kidney failure, such as heart disease, anaemia, etc. After assessing the reports, international patients are connected to the right transplant programs for kidney transplants abroad.

Treatment Timeline

Overseas patients visiting India for a kidney transplant would be required to stay in the country for approximately 6-8 weeks.

The table below gives a broad understanding of the timeline and process for kidney transplants in India.

Timeline and Process for Kidney Transplant in India

Phase	Treatment	Patient Duration	Donor Duration	Cost included or excluded
Total Stay	End-to-End	8 Weeks	6 Weeks
Initial Part	Pre-op work	3- 4 Weeks	3-4 Weeks	Excluded
Main treatment	In-patient hospitalisation	8 Days	3 Days	Included
Last Part	Follow-up post-surgery	4 Weeks	2 Weeks	Excluded

In Turkey, the timeline for the international patients slightly differs:

Timeline and Process for Kidney Transplant in Turkey

Phase of Treatment	Duration	Details
Overall Patient visit	3-4 weeks	This is the overall time overseas patients would spend in Turkey. From pre-op tests to follow-up post-surgery
Patient main treatment	17 days (14 days in hospital room + 3 days in ICU)	Prep for surgery + surgery+ recovery
Donor main treatment	10 days (7 days in hospital room + 3 days in ICU)	Prep for surgery + surgery+ recovery

*Duration and timeline are subject to change as per case

Read our elaborate guide to Kidney Transplant in Turkey here.

What Is the Success Rate of Kidney Transplant Abroad?

The success rates for kidney transplants abroad range from 94% to 98.7%, making countries like India, Turkey, Jordan, Mexico and Korea among the best destinations for Kidney Transplant Programs.

Here is a country-wise breakdown of the success rate per research and studies conducted.

Success Rate of Kidney Transplants in Different Countries

Country	Success Rate
India	98.7%[10]
Turkey	<94%[11]
Korea	Ranges from 95.8% to 98.4%[12]
Jordan	Ranges from 91% - 97%[13]
Mexico	95.5% - 97.2%[14]

Legalities for Kidney Transplant Abroad

INDIA:

In India, the Transplantation of Human Organs Act passed in 1994^[15] has made the rules stringent for international patients to get a kidney from a living or deceased donor. International patients cannot get living or deceased donors from India.

They need to get their own donor when they travel to India for a kidney transplant.
The donor can be a 1st-degree relative only. They cannot get a 2nd degree relative.

Here is the relationship degree for the type of donors in relatives:

Relationship and Donor Chart

Donor Type in Relation	Relatives
1st Degree Relative	Parent Sibling Child Spouse
2nd Degree Relative	Nephew/Niece Aunt/Uncle Grandparents Half-sibling
3rd Degree Relative	1st Cousin Great-grandparent Great-uncle/aunt
4th Degree Relative	Cousins Other relatives

KOREA:

In Korea, the law associated with foreign patients is sensitive due to the possibility of organ trafficking.

The law requires International patients travelling to Korea for kidney transplants to get their own donor.

The donor can be upto a 2nd or 3rd degree relative.^[16]

TURKEY:

In Turkey, the donor has to come with an international patient, but it can be up to a 4th Degree Relative. 

The Law in Turkey was established in 1979, and it shapes all dealings regarding organ procurement, preservation, and transplantation.

Overview of Kidney Transplant

Kidneys filter waste and maintain blood pressure in the human body. Diseases like diabetes, obesity, or heart conditions can lead to kidney failure. When kidneys fail, they cannot properly remove waste, leading to serious health issues or even death.

When kidney function declines to about 85-90%^[17], symptoms like blood in urine, vomiting, and fatigue emerge, signalling the need for immediate treatment.

Need for Renal Transplantation

Dialysis, which mimics kidney function, is the initial treatment doctors recommend, which can sustain patients for a long time. If dialysis does not work and kidney function further deteriorates, a kidney transplant becomes an essential consideration.

A 2021 study by NCBI found that dialysis in the US costs over USD$98,000^[18] per person. Considering the expense and discomfort, doctors often suggest a kidney transplant as the ideal treatment for kidney failure.

Types of Donors for Kidney Transplant

There are two types of kidney donors: living and non-living (or cadaver donors).

Living donors choose to donate one of their kidneys. Non-living donors are those who have allowed organs to be taken from their bodies when they die. Both types can be successful transplants.

For kidney transplantation, the donor and the recipient must have similar chemical characteristics called antigens. Else, the recipient’s immune system will reject the new kidney.

Procedure: Kidney Transplant Abroad

The Kidney Transplant procedure requires the new kidney to be placed on the lower right or left side of the abdomen, which is connected to adjacent blood vessels. This positioning helps to connect the new kidney easily to the blood vessels and the bladder. The new kidney’s ureter is attached to the bladder to allow urine to pass out of the body.

The diseased kidneys are not removed, except in these cases:

• Repeated infection that could affect the transplanted kidney
• Uncontrollable hypertension brought on by the original kidneys
• Backflow of urine into the kidneys

Ways To Perform a Kidney Transplant Procedure

The kidney transplant surgery can be done in different ways:

Open Surgery: The surgeon operates conventionally.
Laparoscopic Surgery: The surgeon operates using a laparoscope more effectively.
Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopy: The surgeon operates on the patient remotely with the assistance of a robot.

90% of kidney transplant operations are done through laparoscopic surgery. If the patient is younger and more healthy, doctors recommend robotic-assisted laparoscopy.

Who Is a Candidate for Kidney Transplant

Anyone with end-stage renal disease is considered a candidate for a kidney transplant.

However, other criteria must also be met, such as no active infections, cancer, or severe circulatory problems involving the heart, brain, or major blood vessels.

You must also be willing to take medication for the rest of your life to prevent your body from rejecting the new kidney.

How To Prepare for Kidney Transplant Procedure

• Eat healthy, take the prescribed medications, and exercise daily. Your doctor will advise you on what kind of exercises you can do.
• You can continue your regular activities, like work, until your surgery, but do not exert yourself too much. You don’t have to put everything on hold.
• If you smoke or have problems with substance abuse, you will have to go through a treatment program before the kidney transplantation.

Precautions To Take After Kidney Transplant Procedure?

After you get your new kidney, you should be extra careful to maintain a healthy lifestyle so that the new kidney can function properly and give you many years of use. A healthy transplanted kidney can last from 15 to 25 years.^[19]

• You and your family must keep in touch with your nephrologist.
• Before you leave the hospital, you will be instructed on proper doses of and schedule for anti-rejection medications. These instructions must be strictly followed. Otherwise, the medication can actually harm your transplanted kidney.
• You will be shown how to check your blood pressure, temperature, and urine at home. After each reading, you must jot them down. If you see any abnormalities, report them to your doctor immediately. The earlier you detect rejection, the better your chances of reversing it.
• Immunosuppressants, prescribed by your doctor, need to be taken as long as you have your new kidney.
• Any pre-existing health conditions, like diabetes or high blood pressure, must be kept in control.
• Do not miss the follow-up appointments with your doctor to evaluate any signs of rejection.
• You will have regular blood and urine tests to check for any signs of kidney failure. An ultrasound of the graft kidney is done to see if structural abnormalities suggest rejection.
• Women who wish to conceive have to wait for about 2 years after the operation.

How long does recovery take after Kidney Transplant?

After a kidney transplant, people recover at different speeds. People can return to day-to-day lives in about 2-3 months. As time passes, you will need fewer clinic visits. After 3-6 months^[20], rejection risk drops and medication decreases.

To recover faster, follow doctors’ instructions and lead a healthy lifestyle.

Risks associated with Kidney Transplant

• Infections: The body is weakened due to immunosuppressants.
• Rejection: Possible due to blood clots or early kidney disease recurrence.
• Cardiac issues: Risk of heart attack due to blood supply blockage
• Delayed graft function: A new kidney may take time to function properly, especially from deceased donors.
• High Blood Cholesterol
• Liver Damage

Alternatives to Kidney Transplantation

For patients with end-stage renal disease, there are really no other alternatives to kidney transplantation apart from dialysis, which restricts the patient’s life to a huge degree.

Best Hospitals for Kidney Transplant Abroad

Best Doctors for Kidney Transplant Abroad

Conclusion

Get a cost-friendly kidney (renal) transplant abroad today.
Say goodbye to kidney problems and discover the best countries, treatment timelines, and success rates.

We connect you to the best hospitals and certified doctors.
Act now for a healthier tomorrow!

Is Kidney Transplant Safe Abroad?

Getting a Kidney Transplant abroad is safe. With a 94% to 98.7% success rate in countries like India, Turkey, Korea, and Jordan, many people are going abroad for a safe and quality kidney transplant program.

FAQ