What to bring to the hospital? The Checklist

” Medical records for the clinic

  • Referral bill from the general practitioner or specialist
  • Clinic card or name of health insurance company and insurance number (for patients with private health insurance), health insurance card (for patients with statutory health insurance)
  • Medical reports (if available) such as X-rays, reports on chronic diseases
  • medical passports such as vaccination passport, allergy passport

Read more about what medical documents you should take with you to the hospital here.

“Medications

If you take medications regularly, bring them with you for your first few days in the hospital. Rare medications in particular may take a while for the hospital to get. You may need to stop taking some medications before surgery. Talk to your attending physician about this well in advance of your hospital stay – at least two to three weeks beforehand.

“Washing and toiletries

  • Towels/ washcloths
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste
  • Shampoo, shower gel
  • comb, hair brush
  • Face cream
  • Make-up kit
  • Nail scissors, nail file
  • Shaving utensils
  • Hair dryer
  • tampons, pads
  • small mirror for the bedside table

” clothes

  • comfortable clothing for your stay on the ward and for discharge. Make sure bandages or thrombosis stockings fit underneath if necessary.
  • Pajamas/nightgowns to change into,
  • bathrobe,
  • sufficient underwear for several days,
  • sufficient stockings, thick socks,
  • Slippers, sturdy shoes, shoehorn if necessary.

“Other items for personal use

  • Books and magazines,
  • Cell phone (Cell phone use is now allowed in most hospitals, but still strictly prohibited in some. However, if you are able to move around outside the hospital rooms, you can make phone calls there). It is best to find out about the conditions as soon as you register.
  • Alarm clock,
  • Writing utensils, address book,
  • glasses, contact lenses, cleaner,
  • hearing aid,
  • walking stick,
  • fitted support stockings and other aids.