Serious Illness Checklist
You or someone you love has been diagnosed.
10 expert-curated steps · Organized by urgency · Free preview below
What most people ask first
What are my treatment options?
How do I manage care and costs?
Who needs to know?
Research treatment options and get a second opinion
Before committing to a treatment plan, consult at least one other specialist. Bring your records and ask about alternatives.
Why this matters: Different doctors may offer different approaches. A second opinion is standard practice and covered by most insurance.
Organize all medical records in one place
Gather records, test results, imaging, prescriptions, and doctor contact information into a single binder or digital folder.
Why this matters: Every new provider will need your complete history. Having it organized saves days of phone calls and faxing.
Understand your insurance coverage thoroughly
Call your insurance to learn: what treatments are covered, prior authorization requirements, in-network specialists, and your out-of-pocket maximum.
Why this matters: Surprise medical bills add financial stress on top of health stress. Knowing your costs upfront lets you plan.
Set up advance directives and healthcare proxy
Document your medical wishes and designate someone to make healthcare decisions if you can't. Your doctor's office can provide the forms.
Why this matters: If treatment complications arise, these documents ensure your wishes are followed — not guessed at.
Plan for work and income disruption
Understand FMLA, short-term disability, and employer sick leave policies. File paperwork before treatment begins if possible.
Why this matters: Financial stability during treatment lets you focus on getting better, not worrying about bills.
5 more steps available
Create a free NowWhat account to unlock the full 10-step checklist, track your progress, assign tasks to family members, and get “Questions to Ask” guidance for each step.
Unlock full checklist — freeNo credit card required