Your Go-Bag Checklist. What to Bring to the Hospital.
Aug 25, 2026
Jarrod was hospitalized 11 times during his last year of life. I took Jarrod to the Emergency Department (ED) so often that I had a “go bag.” I had everything he needed. So, this is what you need to bring:
- Insurance card
- ID
- List of medications (Name, dosage, how often you take them, when you started them, and who prescribed them)
- Cell phone charger
- Wet Wipes to wipe everything down
- Advance Directive (a brief legal document explaining your healthcare wishes if you aren’t able to speak for yourself), if you have one
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Retainer, if you have one
- Deodorant
- Comb/Hairbrush
- Glasses, contact lenses, or both
- Your favorite pillow with a pillowcase you are willing to throw away
- A couple of pairs of underwear
If it is a planned trip to the hospital, I recommend that you read the book, Surviving the Hospital: Six Secrets Every Patient Should Know by Val Barschaw. If it’s not a planned hospitalization, this list can be a life-saver.
I teach new patients and first-time caregivers tools, just like this checklist, to navigate the healthcare system. The healthcare system is not easy to navigate. It can easily feel confusing, overwhelming, and frustrating.
I help new patients and first-time caregivers learn to:
- Understand the confusing and overwhelming insurance and medical documents to catch errors, so they know what they actually owe
- Make the most of that 15-minute appointment with their provider
- Speak with the insurance company with confidence to correct errors or appeal a denial
“I was completely overwhelmed trying to figure out Medicare and Medicaid for my 88-year-old mom, who has cognitive decline and can no longer live alone. I had called different agencies trying to get answers, but every conversation gave me another piece of information without helping me understand the whole picture. Emily helped me take something that felt enormous and confusing and break it into steps I could actually handle. Now, I know what questions to ask, who to contact, and how to communicate about my mom’s situation. We’re still working through the process, but I finally have a plan instead of just reacting to the next problem.”
Clo Blanco, helping navigate care for her mother
Want to go further?
Decoding Healthcare opens October 31. It’s my four-step program that teaches you to understand your insurance coverage, verify every financial step, control communication, and navigate strategically.
Join the waitlist at healthcareuncomplicated.com/waitlist, and I’ll send you my free guide right away: 11 Questions To Ask Before You Pay Any Medical Bill. Waitlist members also get the early bird price.
Need help right now? I have three one-on-one spots open. Book a free 15-minute consult.
Coming in 2 Weeks: My Doctor Told Me To Duct Tape My Mouth. Here's What I Did Next.
Healthcare Uncomplicated provides general health system education only and does not offer medical, legal, or financial advice. Always consult a qualified professional for your specific situation.
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