Packing for a medical trip is different from packing for a holiday — comfort and documentation matter more than volume. Here's what patients consistently tell us they were glad they brought.
Documentation (Physical Copies, Not Just Digital)
- Passport, visa approval printout, and hospital invitation letter
- All existing medical reports, scans and prescriptions
- Travel insurance policy documents
- A list of current medications with generic (not just brand) names
- Emergency contact details for family back home
For the Hospital Stay
- Loose, comfortable clothing that's easy to change in and out of
- Slip-on shoes or sandals (easier post-surgery than laces)
- A phone charger and a compact power bank
- Noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs for shared recovery spaces
- Any personal comfort items — a familiar pillow, favourite tea
Easy to Forget
A basic understanding of the weather for your specific city and season — India's climate varies dramatically between Delhi's winters and Chennai's humidity. Compression socks for the flight home are worth packing too, particularly after any surgery involving extended bed rest.
"Bring more entertainment than you think you'll need — audiobooks, downloaded shows, a couple of physical books. Recovery involves more downtime than people expect."