The Complete COVID Hospital Bag Checklist You'll Need
Even if you’re vaccinated, they say there’s a 5-30% risk of getting really sick from COVID, depending on the kind of vaccine or booster you get.
With coronavirus, your trip to the hospital could be very sudden. Maybe in an ambulance. And your friends/family may not be able to bring your stuff to you.
Or perhaps your circumstances don’t send you to the hospital. What would you need if you were isolated in a basement or part of your home?
Packing these items now and having them ready at the door can be a real lifesaver.
The Bag
Get a large duffle or other bag with a shoulder strap. You want something that easily fits everything you’re bringing – not packed to the bursting point.
Comfy Clothes
- Underwear
- Socks
- Shorts
- Pajamas
- T-shirts
- Slippers/Flip-Flops
- Hoodie
- Throw Blanket
- Optional: Pillowcases, Sheets, Towels
Include clothes you’d be comfortable leaving the hospital in. Hospitals are kept cool to prevent bacteria growth, thus the hoodie and blanket.
You may not like the idea of living in the same clothes for several days, but this might be a necessity. It’s easy to pack a huge bag you can’t practically bring. Some recommend 2 weeks of clothes and the optional items. I’d recommend the smallest/simplest bag possible with fewer clothes/items.
Your Info
- Insurance Card
- Medicare Card (if applies)
- Photo ID
- List of Allergies
- List of Immunizations
- Health Conditions
- Dietary Restrictions
- List of Medications and Supplements
- Name and Contact Info of your Primary Physician and Specialists
Toiletries
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Floss
- Hairbrush/Comb
Optional: Mouthwash, Feminine Products, Lotions, Lip Balm, Hair Ties
Travel sized items are best.
Health Items
- Prescription and OTC Medications
- Supplements
- Nail Clippers
- Razor
- Shaving Cream
- Hand Sanitizer
- Soap
- Cough Drops
- Cough Syrup
- Tylenol
- Vicks VapoRub
- Thermometer
- Oximeter
- Back Massager
- Earplugs (for tuning out hospital noises or hallway conversations when you’re trying to sleep)
Optional:
- Essential Oils
- CPAP Mask (the hospital may not be able to provide one)
Hospitals provide some of these items. But it doesn’t hurt to throw them in your bag in case your quarantine/isolation time doesn’t turn out to be in the hospital.
A back massager? Yep. Either the electric kind or a foam ball with a handle or a wooden one – doesn’t matter. This is super helpful if your muscles ache.
Essential oils can help in a number of suffering situations. You can stow a diffuser in your bag, even though hospitals often don’t like them. Worst case, you can inhale from the bottle.
Tech and Entertainment
Obviously you can’t keep your phone in your bag. Just keep items like this nearby so you can include them at a moment’s notice.
Don’t forget to download some music you find comforting. Along with some Kindle and Audible books.
And remember, hospitals won’t be liable for the loss of your stuff. So only bring things you are willing to lose. Keep them hidden to minimize the possibility.
- Phone
- Tablet
- Laptop
- Chargers
- Earphones
- Books
- Magazines
- Pen, Paper
Food and Water
- Water Bottle
- Snacks
- Electrolyte Drink
Optional:
- Mint/Gum
- Tea Bags
In Conclusion…
Have you packed one of these for yourself? Or do you know someone who wished they had one of these?
Please share your thoughts in the comments.
And please share this article to help more people be prepared.