Agree the role before booking
Talk about the help you want: attending appointments, taking notes, organising transport or managing everyday arrangements. Ask the hospital what a companion can do on site and whether anyone may stay overnight. Being a companion does not automatically grant access to medical information; tell the care team whom you want involved in discussions.
Check the accommodation details
Confirm room occupancy, visiting hours, bathroom access and the route between accommodation and hospital. Ask whether a hospital companion bed or meals cost extra. A nearby room may be more practical than a cheaper room with a long transfer. Check cancellation terms if discharge or appointment dates change.
Budget for two people separately
List the companion’s flights, visa arrangements, meals, local transport and time away from work. Ask whether transfers cover both travellers and their luggage. Do not assume a patient package includes companion accommodation. Keep an accessible reserve for changed flights or extra nights without treating those costs as confirmed hospital charges.
Plan for breaks and changes
Agree how your companion can rest and who can help if they cannot attend an appointment. Keep the hospital contact and accommodation details accessible to both of you. Discuss responsibilities at home, including children, work or dependants, before travel dates are fixed. Ask the treating team what support is expected after discharge rather than assuming one person can cover everything.
Prepare for the return journey
Ask the treating team and transport providers about any assistance that needs advance arrangement. Confirm who will help with luggage and onward transport. Keep the travel plan flexible until the clinical team has advised on your individual arrangements. Share follow-up dates with your companion only to the extent you want them involved.