When a hospital stay is planned, a little packing ahead makes the day far less stressful. And keeping a reusable checklist means that even an unplanned stay takes only minutes to prepare.
Always double-check with the care team, since hospitals differ on what they provide and what they'd rather you leave at home.
For the patient
- Photo ID, insurance and Medicare cards, and any pre-registration forms
- A current list of all medications (or the bottles), and a copy of the advance directive
- Loose, comfortable clothing — front-opening tops make blood pressure checks and IVs easier
- A robe, non-slip socks or slippers, and a loose going-home outfit
- Toiletries and lip balm, plus glasses and hearing aids in labeled cases
- Phone and charger (a long cord helps), and something to pass the time
For the caregiver, and what to leave home
Pack your own small bag too: a charger, snacks, a water bottle, a light sweater, a notebook and pen for questions and instructions, and a little cash for parking. Leave valuables at home — remove jewelry, and skip large amounts of cash. On surgery day, nail polish and makeup usually need to come off so staff can monitor circulation.
- Two days ahead, assemble a documents pouch (ID, insurance, medication list, advance directive).
- Pack the patient bag with clothing, toiletries, glasses/hearing aids, and phone.
- Pack a separate caregiver bag with charger, snacks, water, and a notebook.
- Remove jewelry and leave valuables and large cash at home.
- Call the care team to confirm arrival time and what to bring.
Keep a reusable, pre-labeled hospital-bag checklist (a patient side and a caregiver side) plus the documents pouch ready to grab — so any stay, planned or sudden, is quick to pack for.
Frequently asked questions
What should I pack in a hospital bag for a planned stay?
Photo ID, insurance card, a written medication list, loose front-button clothing, non-slip socks, toiletries, phone and charger, and glasses or hearing aids in labeled cases. Add a copy of the advance directive.
What documents do I need to bring to the hospital?
A government photo ID, insurance and Medicare cards, a payment method, a current medication list, and a copy of any advance directive or medical power of attorney.
What should you NOT bring to the hospital?
Leave large amounts of cash, valuable jewelry, and nonessential electronics at home. Skip scented lotions or perfumes, and on surgery day remove nail polish and makeup.
What clothes are best for a hospital stay?
Loose, easy-to-remove items — front-button tops for IV access, a robe, non-slip socks, and a comfortable going-home outfit.
What comfort items are worth packing?
A phone and charger, earplugs and an eye mask, lip balm, your own pillow, glasses, and something to help pass the long stretches between tests.