Health emergencies can strike at any time, which means you'll need to make a plan today in case anything happens to you tomorrow.

In this article, we'll outline six decisions you must make as soon as possible.

Who'll Make Your Healthcare Choices

Not everyone is conscious or able to make their own decisions in the midst of a health crisis. To help with this, you should set up a power of attorney and choose your agent. This is the person who'll tell your doctors what you'd want if your PoA doesn't already make it clear.

Here's what you should look for in an agent:

1. They must follow your wishes, not just their own opinions or beliefs

2. They should be able to stick up for you to doctors or family members

3. They must be able to make major health decisions under pressure

4. Similarly, they should be strong enough to manage your life support

5. They must be someone readily available (who preferably lives nearby)

6. They should have what it takes to sift through your medical records

Don't default to your spouse or child. There's no guarantee they'll be able to make medical decisions on your behalf, especially when they might involve ending your life.

It's important to have an honest conversation with your chosen agent. Make sure they fully understand the responsibilities and agree to carry them out as you wish. Documenting your preferences clearly helps reduce the burden on them and avoids family disputes during stressful moments. You can easily set up a free medical power of attorney using online legal tools, which offer customizable templates at little or no cost.

Your Health Preferences

You can clarify your broad preferences in your PoA, or you could pair this document with a living will, which explains your preferred treatments in more detail. Your doctors won't have to do any guesswork, and you get a treatment you're against.

For example, you might not want CPR. This can save your life if you flatline, but it may damage your ribs. Some people prefer to take their chances in case an emergency intervention lessens their quality of life.

Your personal values should be at the forefront of every decision here. While you should remain open to a discussion, don't let anyone sway your beliefs. Your independence and dignity should take priority — even if your family doesn't agree.

These choices are personal and depend on your values. Some individuals prioritize longevity, while others focus on quality of life. You might also consider cultural or religious beliefs that impact your care preferences. Be as specific as possible, and revisit these decisions annually or after major health events.

Where You'll Stay

You might prefer certain hospitals in your area over others. For example, they might have better facilities for your long-term health issues. Academic medical centers are also more likely to offer cutting-edge treatments.

This goes beyond hospitals — you should also make decisions about palliative or hospice care. You may think this is decades away, but you still need a plan just in case. If you think you'd want home hospice care, make this clear.

Make a list of your preferred medical facilities, including hospitals, physical therapy centers, and long-term care, though check how this meshes with your insurance.

---

---

How to Communicate with Providers and Family

You should keep your providers in the loop about your plans and decisions. Sure, you may keep it to yourself until an emergency, but your doctors knowing your preferences beforehand makes everything easier.

Make an organized medical file with all your medical information, and not just what your doctors already have. This should include a copy of your PoA, insurance policy numbers, a list of your medications or allergies, and anything else affecting your care.

Similarly, you'll need a list of emergency contacts; they'll be the first people to know if something happens to you. You can pass this list to your agent or anybody else you're close to, and they'll spread the word.

Consider using digital tools or apps to store this information. Emergency alert bracelets, cloud-shared folders, or even a basic USB medical ID can make it easier for responders to access your health history quickly. You might also want to think about your digital legacy at the same time.

What Happens with Finances

A health crisis can leave you unable to manage your accounts, assets, and portfolio. You'll need another power of attorney for this — specifically, a durable financial PoA.

As with other powers of attorney, you can usually set this up for free or at a low cost with online templates. Here's how setting this up will help you get peace of mind about your finances:

1. Your agent can pay your rent and other non-automatic bills on time

2. Your credit score won't be affected by any missed payments while you're busy

3. Your agent can submit insurance claims and easily track expenses

4. Your agent will have full authority to talk to the bank on your behalf

5. Your portfolio will thrive with an agent making smart stock decisions

In addition, your agent can handle tax filings, ensure continuity of business operations (if you're self-employed), and avoid late penalties for utility or mortgage payments. Clear documentation and access credentials should be shared securely in advance.

Your Recovery Plan

These big decisions won't end with the crisis itself — you might have to make serious, long-term changes to your life. For example, you may need to change your diet and lifestyle after a heart attack.

You also need to set up follow-up appointments with providers. This could involve physiotherapy and other rehabilitative treatments, many of which you can arrange to do at home.

This even means setting up a strong support system in advance and figuring out which of your loved ones will be available to help you while you recover.

You may also want to plan for transportation to appointments, meal delivery services, or home modifications such as installing grab bars or ramps. These proactive steps can make your recovery more comfortable and successful.

---

Final Thoughts

A medical crisis is filled with many decisions that will need to be made about bills, treatments, and more. With a power of attorney and ample communication, the quality of your healthcare will be in the right hands, specifically, hands you've chosen yourself.

---