Overview
A kidney transplant replaces a failing kidney with a healthy one from a deceased or living donor. It is most often considered for people with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who are on or approaching dialysis. A successful transplant can dramatically improve quality of life and life expectancy compared to long-term dialysis.
How the Waitlist Works
- You must first be evaluated at a transplant center, which reviews your medical history, current health, and support system.
- If accepted, the center adds you to the national waiting list managed by OPTN/UNOS.
- Matching considers blood type, tissue (HLA) typing, antibody levels, time on the list, and medical urgency.
- Living donor transplants can bypass the wait list entirely if a compatible donor is available.
How to Get on the List
- Talk with your nephrologist and ask for a referral to a transplant center.
- Choose one or more transplant centers — you may list at multiple programs.
- Complete the full evaluation: labs, imaging, cardiac testing, psychosocial assessment, and insurance review.
- Once approved, the center adds you to the national waitlist. You cannot self-enroll through this website or any other website.
See the full step-by-step guide to getting on a transplant waiting list.
Find a Transplant Center Near YouWait Time Expectations
Wait times vary widely — from a few months to 5+ years — depending on blood type, antibody levels, region, and donor availability. Patients with a living donor often receive a transplant within months.
Cost & Insurance
Please don't let the price scare you.
The sticker price of a transplant looks overwhelming, but patients rarely pay that amount — most pay very little to nothing out of pocket. Comprehensive health insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid cover the vast majority of transplant care.
Even if you are currently uninsured, please don't panic about the bills: your hospital's transplant social worker and financial coordinator will step in to help arrange coverage (often retroactively to the date of diagnosis), handle the paperwork, and connect you with financial assistance programs so you can focus on healing. You will never have to navigate this alone.
Total costs (evaluation, surgery, first-year care, and immunosuppressants) can exceed $400,000 in the U.S. Most private insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid cover medically necessary transplants. Ask the center's financial coordinator about copays, travel, and lifetime medication costs.
Diet & Lifestyle
What to Eat
- Balanced meals with lean protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables (as approved by your dietitian).
- Low-sodium foods to help control blood pressure.
- Adequate hydration unless your doctor restricts fluids.
What to Avoid
- High-sodium processed and fast foods.
- Excess potassium or phosphorus if your labs are elevated (your dietitian will guide this).
- Raw or undercooked meats, unpasteurized dairy, and other infection risks — especially after transplant.
- Grapefruit and grapefruit juice, which interact with many transplant medications.
Daily Life While Waiting
- Keep all dialysis and clinic appointments and stay current on labs.
- Stay physically active within your doctor's limits.
- Carry a phone at all times — the call from the transplant center can come any hour.
- Seek mental health support; waiting is emotionally hard, and that is normal.
Cleaning, Shopping & Home Safety
Transplant patients often have weaker immune systems, especially after surgery. Simple habits at home help prevent infections.
Cleaning at Home
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Clean kitchen counters, cutting boards, and bathrooms regularly
- Ask family to handle litter boxes, bird cages, and fish tanks
- Avoid dust from construction, gardening soil, and moldy areas
Safe Grocery Shopping & Food
- Wash fruits and vegetables before eating
- Avoid raw or undercooked meat, eggs, and seafood
- Skip unpasteurized milk, cheese, and juices
- Avoid buffets, salad bars, and deli meats unless heated until steaming
- Shop at quieter times and consider grocery delivery
- Food safety for people at higher risk (FDA)
- Safe food handling (FDA)
- Germs & hygiene tips (MedlinePlus)
Life While Waiting for a Transplant
Waiting for a transplant can be physically and emotionally challenging. Taking care of your health and well-being is very important during this time.
Staying Healthy
- Attend all medical appointments
- Take medications exactly as prescribed
- Stay active if approved by your doctor
- Avoid infections by practicing good hygiene
Emotional Support
- Talk to family and friends
- Consider joining a support group
- Speak with a social worker or counselor
Be Ready
- Keep your phone available at all times
- Have a hospital bag ready
- Stay within travel distance of your transplant center
Recovery After Transplant
Recovery after a transplant is a critical period that requires careful monitoring and long-term care.
What to Expect
- Hospital stay after surgery
- Regular follow-up appointments
- Blood tests and monitoring
- Gradual return to normal activities
Medications
- You will need to take medications daily
- These help prevent organ rejection
- Missing doses can be dangerous
Lifestyle Changes
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Avoid infections
- Follow all medical instructions
- Stay active as recommended
Long-Term Care
- Regular check-ups are required
- You may need lifelong medication
- Ongoing support from your healthcare team
Transplant-Specific Notes
- Hospital stay is typically 3–7 days, with most patients returning to routine activities in 4–8 weeks.
- You will take immunosuppressant medications for life to prevent rejection.
- Frequent labs and clinic visits in the first year, then gradually less often.
- Watch for signs of infection or rejection (fever, decreased urine, pain at the site) and report immediately.
Support
- Identify a primary caregiver before surgery — most centers require one.
- Join patient support groups (in person or online) through your center or the National Kidney Foundation.
- Family members benefit from education about medications, diet, and warning signs.
Case Worker, Social Worker & Disability Support
If you are preparing for a transplant or managing a serious medical condition, hospital case workers and social workers can help you navigate care, finances, and disability benefits.
Who Are Case Workers & Social Workers?
- Case Worker (Case Manager): Focuses on coordinating your medical care, hospital services, and discharge planning.
- Social Worker: Helps with emotional support, financial assistance, and access to community resources.
- They often work together as part of your healthcare team.
How They Help During the Transplant Process
- Scheduling evaluations and follow-up appointments
- Coordinating care between doctors and transplant centers
- Helping you complete required steps to get listed for a transplant
- Planning your care before and after surgery
Disability Benefits (SSI & SSDI)
If your condition limits your ability to work, you may qualify for disability benefits.
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income): For individuals with limited income and resources.
- SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Based on your work history.
How They Help With SSI/SSDI
- Help you complete your application correctly
- Gather and organize medical records
- Provide documentation to support your disability claim
- Follow up with Social Security on your behalf
- Assist with appeals if your application is denied
How to Apply
You can apply for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration:
- Start your application: ssa.gov/benefits/disability
- SSI information: ssa.gov/ssi
If Your Application Is Denied
Many applications are denied the first time. You can appeal. Your case worker or social worker can help you:
- File an appeal
- Submit additional medical evidence
- Prepare for hearings
Additional Support Services
They may also connect you to:
- Medicaid or health insurance programs
- Housing assistance
- Food assistance (SNAP)
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Medication cost support
Tips for Patients
- Ask your hospital: "Can I speak with a case manager or social worker?"
- Keep copies of all medical documents
- Be honest about how your condition affects your daily life
- Follow up regularly on your applications
Support for Children with Serious Medical Conditions
If a child is dealing with a serious illness or needs a transplant, there are additional support options available for both the child and their family.
Financial & Medical Support
Children with qualifying medical conditions may receive:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for financial support
- Medicaid or CHIP for medical coverage
- Assistance with hospital bills, medications, and ongoing care
- SSI for children: ssa.gov/ssi/text-child-ussi
- Medicaid: medicaid.gov
- CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program): insurekidsnow.gov
Support for Parents & Caregivers
Parents or guardians may be eligible for:
- Family Medical Leave (job-protected time off to care for a child)
- State-paid family leave programs (in certain states)
- Help from hospital case workers and social workers
How Hospital Staff Can Help
A hospital case worker or social worker can:
- Guide families through benefit applications
- Help gather medical documentation
- Connect families to financial and community resources
- Provide emotional and practical support during treatment
Family, Spouse & Friend Support
Going through a transplant journey can be overwhelming. Support from family, spouses, and friends plays a major role in helping patients stay strong and prepared.
How Loved Ones Can Help
Family and friends can support by:
- Attending medical appointments
- Helping manage medications and schedules
- Providing transportation to and from the hospital
- Assisting with daily tasks at home
- Being present for emotional support
Emotional Support Matters
- Listen without judgment
- Offer encouragement and reassurance
- Be patient during stressful times
- Help reduce feelings of isolation
Support During the Waiting Period
While waiting for a transplant, loved ones can:
- Help the patient stay organized and ready
- Keep emergency contact plans in place
- Ensure the patient is reachable at all times
- Help maintain a healthy routine
Support After Transplant
After surgery, support becomes even more important:
- Assist with recovery at home
- Help monitor medications and follow-up care
- Watch for signs of complications
- Encourage rest and healing
Caregiver Support
Caregivers should also take care of themselves:
- Take breaks when needed
- Ask for help from others
- Speak with a social worker if overwhelmed
Trusted Resources
Download Patient Guides
Free, official guides from national health organizations like the NIH, UNOS, and national patient foundations. They open on the organization's own website, so you always see the newest version.
- Kidney Transplant GuideNational Kidney Foundation · Official guide page
- Life After a Kidney TransplantNational Kidney Foundation · Official guide page
- Kidney Transplant: What to ExpectNIH / NIDDK · Official guide page
- Kidney TransplantationMedlinePlus (NIH) · Official guide page
- Transplant Patient ResourcesUNOS · Official guide page
- Food Safety for People with Weak Immune SystemsU.S. FDA · Official guide page
Frequently Asked Questions
Become an Organ Donor – Help Save Lives & Find a Match
Organ and stem cell donation can give patients a second chance at life. By becoming a donor, you may help someone find a life-saving match.
Official Kidney donor & registry resources
Explore Other Transplants
Compare waitlist details, wait times, costs, and recovery across every transplant type we cover.
Helpful Tools
Official Government (.gov) Resources
Important: Please Read
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Organ Donation & Transplant Waitlist
OrganDonor.gov (HRSA)
Official U.S. government site for organ donation facts and statistics.
https://www.organdonor.gov/
Register as an Organ Donor (HRSA)
Sign up as an organ, eye, and tissue donor in your state.
https://www.organdonor.gov/sign-up
OPTN — Organ Procurement & Transplantation Network
The national system that runs organ matching and waitlist policies.
https://optn.transplant.hrsa.gov/
SRTR — Find a Transplant Center
Compare transplant centers, wait times, and results.
https://srtr.hrsa.gov/transplant-center-search/
Food Safety & Infection Prevention
FoodSafety.gov
Food recalls, safe cooking temperatures, and kitchen tips.
https://www.foodsafety.gov/
USDA Food Safety Guide for Transplant Recipients (PDF)
Free government booklet on safe eating for people with weak immune systems.
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media_file/2021-04/at-risk-booklet.pdf
CDC Clean Hands
Official handwashing guidance to prevent infections.
https://www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/
Disability, Insurance & Money Help
Social Security Disability (SSDI)
Monthly income if you can't work because of your illness.
https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Income support for people with low income and disabilities.
https://www.ssa.gov/ssi
SSI for Children
Payments for families of children with serious medical conditions.
https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-child-ussi.htm
Medicaid Eligibility
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying people.
https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/eligibility/index.html
Insure Kids Now (CHIP)
Health insurance for children and teens.
https://www.insurekidsnow.gov/
SNAP Food Assistance
Monthly help buying groceries.
https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/recipient/eligibility
FMLA Job-Protected Leave
Up to 12 weeks of protected leave for patients and family caregivers.
https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/fmla