Taking the stress out of hospital visits
Got a hospital stay coming up? Whether it’s for an extensive planned procedure or day surgery, a little preparation can go a long way. From knowing what your private health insurance covers to understanding potential costs and how the day will run, this guide is here to help you feel more in control and less stressed.
We’ll walk you through what to know before, during and after your hospital visit, including tips on questions to ask your doctor, how to avoid surprise bills and what support might be helpful during recovery. The goal? To help you go in feeling confident and come out feeling cared for.
Preparing for your visit
Gather all the important information
Feeling in control starts with having the right information. Talk to your doctor or hospital team about your condition, your upcoming procedure and what recovery might look like. It’s also worth asking why you’re being referred to a particular specialist, whether they participate in MediGap, if there are other treatment options and how soon your procedure should happen. These conversations can help you weigh up your choices and feel more informed about what’s ahead.
Not sure what to ask? Check out these questions you need to ask your doctor before any medical procedure.
Once you’ve got the details sorted, you’ll be better placed to plan your hospital stay – knowing what to pack, how long you might need off work and what kind of help you may need at home. And remember, no question is too small – asking is the best way to feel more confident heading in.
Related: 18 questions you’re too embarrassed to ask before surgery
Sort the admin early, stress less later
If you’re concerned about costs or your coverage before a procedure, getting it sorted early can help you feel more in control.
Reach out to nib to check what’s covered, check you’ve served any relevant waiting periods and what (if any) out of pocket costs you might face. You’ll also want to confirm whether your specialist participates in MediGap, GapSure, or another nib provider network – this can make a big difference to your costs.
Tip: Did you know nib members can use the Going to Hospital tool in your member account to do a cover check and see cost information for your procedure? Log in to your account to get started.
It’s also a good idea to:
Ask your doctors and hospital for written confirmation of their fees
Find out if the hospital you’re going to has an agreement with nib
Make sure you get informed financial consent, so you know exactly who’s treating you and what each person charges.
“Knowing what’s covered ahead of time can take a huge weight off,” says Emma McNelis, Clinical Advisor at nib. “It’s one less thing to think about when you’re focusing on your recovery.”
Want to feel even more prepared? Check out our 6 secrets to keeping your hospital costs down.
Pack for comfort: What to bring to hospital
Pack smart, light and make sure you’ve got everything you need to feel comfortable during your stay. Our detailed ‘what to pack in your bag for hospital’ guide can help you prepare your overnight hospital bag, so you won’t worry about forgetting essentials on the day.
Tip: If you can, organise your bag into sections so things are easy to find. Keep your documents in an outer pocket, pack toiletries in a separate pouch and maybe give your spare undies a dedicated zip-up pocket (your future self will thank you).
And don’t forget to think about your specific stay. A comfy dressing gown can be great for longer visits and bring some slip on shoes if you’ll be walking around in recovery.
Prepare for a smoother recovery
Even though you’ll leave hospital with clear instructions, doing a little prep beforehand can go a long way to making recovery a smoother process.
Clean sheets, freshly washed PJs and some healthy meals in the freezer can make all the difference when you get home. Eating a balanced diet and getting plenty of rest gives your body the best chance to bounce back.
“Small comforts at home can really support your recovery,” says Emma. “Even something as simple as having your favourite meal ready or a soft blanket nearby can help you relax and heal.”
Checking in for hospital
Before your admission, the hospital will send you instructions about when to arrive, where to go, what to bring and any steps to follow – like fasting or pausing medications.
On the day, you’ll confirm your details, complete admission forms (including any cost agreements) and may be asked to change into a gown. You’ll meet your anaesthetist and your support person can stay with you until you head into theatre.
How to manage anxiety during your visit
Simple ways to relax and reset
If you’re feeling a little on edge before your procedure, a few deep breaths can work wonders. Try this: breathe in slowly through your nose for four counts, hold for four, then gently breathe out through your mouth for six. Repeat a few times to help settle your nerves.
You might also find it helpful to pop in your headphones and listen to some calming music or a guided meditation – there are plenty of apps that can help you find your Zen while you wait.
Chat with your care team
Remember, your doctors and nurses are there to look after you. If you feel overwhelmed or confused, don’t hesitate to ask questions or express your concerns. Open communication helps reduce uncertainty and build trust.
There’s no such thing as a silly question when it comes to your health. A quick chat can clear up confusion, ease nerves and help you feel more confident about what’s ahead.
Your support squad (and a checklist) to help you feel ready
If you can, bring along a friend or family member for moral support. Just having someone by your side can make a big difference.
And when it comes to getting organised, we’ve pulled together a handy checklist to help you feel calm and confident – before, during and after your stay.
Before my hospital stay I need to:
Get all the details of my procedure and visit
Check with my private health insurance
Ask about post-visit requirements
Prepare my admin needs (Medicare Card, insurance details, scans and test results, etc)
Pack my bag (include clothes, toiletries, medication, chargers and documentation).
During my hospital stay I need:
Entertainment (headphones, podcast, books / magazines, etc)
Breathing techniques
Company (friend, family or an advocate who can support).
After my hospital stay I need:
Recovery instructions from my surgeon
Healthy food that is easy to prepare (ie. frozen meals)
Painkillers or other first aid needs
A comfortable environment (clean house, clean sheets, comfy PJs)
A way to keep myself occupied.
Managing your recovery once you’re home
Once you’re home, recovery isn’t just physical, it can be an emotional adjustment too. “It’s completely normal to feel everything from relief to frustration after a hospital stay,” says Emma. “Give yourself permission to take things slow and listen to what your body needs.”
If you’re recovering from surgery, our recovery tips can help you get back on your feet. And if you’re taking time off work, remember – recovery is the priority. That means giving yourself permission to rest, without feeling guilty about unmade beds or dishes in the sink. If you get bored, there are plenty of ways you can fill your time while recovering.
And if you’re eligible, nib’s Health Care at Home programs can bring certain treatments to your doorstep so you can get the care you need where you feel most comfortable.
How to claim your hospital bill
Good news – in many cases, you might not even receive a bill after your hospital stay. That’s usually the case if your procedure was covered by your nib policy, you went to an nib Agreement Hospital and your doctors participated in MediGap.
But if a bill does land in your inbox, don’t worry – just follow our support guide to make a hospital claim.
Feeling more anxious than expected?
Support is available. Anxiety shouldn't stop you from getting the care you need and you don't have to go it alone.
To find out the details of your current policy, chat to someone about your upcoming hospital visit or get some guidance, call us on 13 16 42 or log in to your member account to access the Going to Hospital tool.