The call comes at 3 AM. "Your father has been admitted to the ICU." Your flight is 20 hours away and you can't board one for another 12 hours due to visa, work, or family commitments. Here is exactly what to do in the first 24 hours.
Step 1: Get the Facts (First 30 Minutes)
Call the treating doctor directly — not just the family member who called you. Ask: What is the diagnosis? Which ward (ICU/general)? Is the condition stable? What is the immediate treatment plan? What are the next 24-hour milestones? Write everything down.
Step 2: Send a Companion Immediately
While you arrange your flight, book a Corelatin companion to reach the hospital within hours. The companion will: sit with your parent, relay doctor updates via WhatsApp, collect and scan all documents (admission summary, lab reports, medication charts), and coordinate with the nursing staff. Book an urgent companion.
Step 3: Mobilize a Local Relative or Friend
Contact a relative or trusted friend in Delhi NCR to be physically present at the hospital. The companion handles logistics; the relative provides emotional support and can sign consent forms if needed. Read our relative vs professional guide.
Step 4: Check Legal Documents
If you have a Medical Power of Attorney, share it with the hospital administration so you can make decisions remotely. If not, designate a trusted relative as the temporary decision-maker. Read our MPOA guide.
Step 5: Arrange Payment
Confirm whether insurance cashless is activated. If not, arrange an advance payment via international card or wire transfer. Read our payment guide.
Step 6: Plan Your Travel
Book the earliest flight. If you cannot arrive within 48 hours, the companion continues to provide daily hospital presence and updates. Coordinate with siblings for shift coverage.
Emergency Reminder
Corelatin is not an emergency medical service. For life-threatening emergencies, call 112 immediately. Our companions provide non-medical hospital support after admission.