A practical guide for preparing for a planned hospital stay, covering what to pack, who to notify, what paperwork to prepare, and how to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Make 2 photocopies of each: one for the hospital and one for your emergency contact to hold. Take a clear photo of both sides of your insurance card and store it on your phone.
Prepare a complete medication list
List every medication with the exact name, dosage, and frequency. Include over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements. About 40% of medication errors happen during hospital admission due to incomplete lists.
Include prescription medications
Include vitamins and supplements
Note any drug allergies with specific reactions
Complete or update your advance directive
An advance directive specifies your care wishes if you cannot communicate. About 37% of adults have one. Your hospital will ask for a copy at admission. Most states accept forms downloaded from their health department website.
Designate a healthcare proxy or power of attorney
Choose someone who understands your values and can make medical decisions on your behalf. Inform them of your wishes in a specific conversation at least 1 week before your hospital stay.
Bring previous medical records relevant to your stay
Request records from your primary care doctor at least 10 business days in advance. Bring copies of recent lab results (within 90 days), imaging reports, and specialist consultation notes.
Packing Your Hospital Bag
Pack comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
Bring 2-3 changes of pajamas or loungewear that open in the front if you are having chest or abdominal procedures. Slip-on shoes with non-skid soles reduce fall risk. Avoid anything that goes over your head.
Bring personal hygiene items
Pack a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, lip balm, and face wipes. Hospital-provided items are basic. Avoid scented products if you will be in a shared room. Bring your own pillow in a colored (non-white) pillowcase.
Pack entertainment and comfort items
Bring a phone charger with a 6-foot cord (hospital outlets are often far from the bed), headphones, a book, or a tablet. Average hospital Wi-Fi speeds are 5-15 Mbps, which supports streaming but may buffer.
Bring a small amount of cash
Keep $10-20 for vending machines or the hospital cafeteria. Leave credit cards, expensive electronics, and jewelry at home. Hospitals are not responsible for lost personal items.
Pack earplugs and a sleep mask
Hospital noise levels average 50-70 decibels during the day and 40-55 at night. Foam earplugs reduce noise by 20-30 decibels. A sleep mask blocks hallway light that enters rooms every 1-2 hours during nighttime checks.
Notify Important People and Services
Inform your employer and arrange time off
Give at least 2 weeks' notice when possible. Provide a doctor's note estimating your return date. If your stay is 3+ days, ask HR about FMLA eligibility, which protects your job for up to 12 weeks.
Arrange care for dependents and pets
Line up a backup caregiver for children or elderly dependents for 2-3 days longer than your expected stay. For pets, pre-measure food into daily portions and leave written care instructions.
Give a trusted person access to your home
Leave a spare key with your emergency contact. Ask them to check mail daily (mailboxes overflow after 3-5 days), water plants, and verify that the home is secure.
Set up auto-pay or pre-pay upcoming bills
Review bills due within 2 weeks of your hospital stay. Set up automatic payments or pay them in advance. A single missed payment can reduce your credit score by 60-110 points.
Prepare Your Home for Your Return
Stock your kitchen with easy meals
Prepare 7-10 days of simple meals before you leave. Canned soups, frozen entrees, crackers, and protein shakes require zero cooking. Place frequently used items on the counter or lowest shelf.
Clean your home and change bed linens
Coming home to a clean environment reduces stress and infection risk. Wash sheets in hot water (140°F/60°C) to kill bacteria. Vacuum floors and disinfect bathroom surfaces the day before admission.
Remove tripping hazards from walkways
Clear loose rugs, cords, and clutter from all paths between the bed, bathroom, and kitchen. Falls account for 30% of post-hospital injuries. Ensure nightlights are working in hallways and the bathroom.
Set up a recovery station near your bed
Place a table within arm's reach with medications, water, phone, remote, tissues, and a notepad. Keep a bell or whistle to call for help if someone else is in the home.
Know Your Rights and Ask Questions
Write down questions for your care team
Prepare 5-10 questions before admission. Key questions: What is the expected length of stay? What are the possible complications? When can I eat, drink, and walk? Write down answers during rounds.
Understand your right to a patient advocate
Every hospital has a patient advocate or ombudsman. Ask for their contact number at admission. They can help resolve billing disputes, care concerns, and communication issues within 24-48 hours.
Ask about infection prevention measures
Hospital-acquired infections affect about 1 in 31 hospital patients. Ask every person who enters your room if they have washed their hands. You have the right to ask, and staff are trained to comply.
Request a discharge plan before your stay begins
A written discharge plan should include follow-up appointments (typically within 7-14 days), medication changes, activity restrictions, and warning signs to watch for. Ask for this plan in writing, not just verbally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I pack for a hospital stay?
Bring your ID, insurance cards, advance directive, and a list of all medications with doses. For comfort, pack loose-fitting clothes, non-slip socks or slippers, phone charger with a long cord, earplugs, an eye mask, and lip balm (hospitals are very dry). Leave jewelry, large amounts of cash, and valuables at home since hospitals are not responsible for lost items.
How much does a hospital stay cost per night?
The average cost is $2,883 per night in the U.S. without insurance. ICU stays average $6,000-$10,000 per night. With insurance, your out-of-pocket cost depends on your plan: an in-network stay typically costs your copay plus 10-20% coinsurance up to your annual out-of-pocket maximum. Always confirm your hospital is in-network before an elective admission.
Can a family member stay overnight in the hospital?
Most hospitals allow one visitor to stay overnight in the patient room, though policies vary by unit. ICU and maternity wards often have stricter rules. The guest typically sleeps in a recliner chair or pull-out cot. Call the nurses station on your assigned floor before admission to confirm their specific visitor and overnight guest policies.
What is the difference between inpatient and observation status?
Inpatient status means you are formally admitted by a doctor and Medicare or insurance covers the stay under Part A with standard copays. Observation status means you are technically an outpatient being monitored, which is billed under Part B at higher cost-sharing rates. This distinction also affects nursing home coverage afterward. You have the right to ask your doctor which status you are under.
How do I prepare my home before a planned hospital stay?
Pay bills due during your absence, arrange pet care, set up mail hold with USPS, adjust your thermostat, and give a trusted person a spare key. Stock recovery supplies: easy-to-prepare meals, prescribed medications, extra pillows, and a shower chair if mobility will be limited. Set up a bed on the main floor if your bedroom is upstairs.