The recipient’s insurance covers the costs of testing and the transplant itself.

UNMC has travel vouchers if traveling costs are involved.

You must be over 18 and in generally good health. Some transplant centers may have different age requirements or consider other factors like BMI and smoking habits. 

A thorough evaluation is required to determine if you are a suitable donor. This includes physical exams, blood tests, and possibly psychological evaluations. 

You can donate to a family member, friend, or even a stranger in need of a transplant. 

You can withdraw from the process at any time, confidentially, and without penalty. 

Surgery: Kidney donation involves a surgical procedure called nephrectomy, where one of your kidneys is removed. 

Anesthesia: You will be under anesthesia during the surgery. 

Hospital Stay: You will typically stay in the hospital for 1-3 days after the procedure. 

Recovery: Recovery time varies, but most donors can return to work within 2-6 weeks. 

The risks to a donor’s physical health are generally low.

There are risks associated with any surgery, such as bleeding, infection, or reactions to anesthesia. 

Some donors may experience slight increases in blood pressure or kidney function issues over time, but these are generally not serious. 

Studies suggest that living kidney donors may even live longer than non-donors.