How Much Does a Home Hospital Bed Cost?

Getting an at-home hospital bed to help care for a loved one can be a huge benefit to both the caregiver and the patient. But the process for getting one into your home can be confusing and expensive if you don’t know what steps to take.

In this article, we'll highlight when you might need an at-home hospital bed, the general cost and how to navigate insurance, as well as what types of home hospital beds are on the market.

When to Consider a Home Hospital Bed

An at-home hospital bed is a great resource to help care for someone recovering from surgery, an acute medical condition or a chronic disease that requires more advanced care.

Whether it is permanent or temporary, having a functional bed can simplify the day-to-day activities of a caregiver while providing comfort and safety for the patient.

Medical conditions that could warrant the use of an at-home hospital bed include:¹

• Arthritis and joint disorders
• Bariatric issues
• Chronic respiratory conditions (COPD, asthma, chronic heart failure)
• End-of-life care
• Mobility issues
• Movement disorders (Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis)
• Post-surgery care (orthopedic, cardiac)
• Stroke recovery

Types of At-Home Hospital Beds

There are three main types of at-home hospital beds: manual, semi-electric and full electric.²

Home Hospital Bed Cost Overview

The average cost of a new home hospital bed can range from $500 to over $6,000, depending on many components. The final price you pay will depend on multiple factors, including:³

• Bed type
• Features
• Brand
• Cost of accessories
• Delivery and installation
• Insurance coverage
• New or used bed
• Size

Average cost of home hospital beds by type

The following table highlights the average cost of obtaining an at-home hospital bed in the United States. It does not include price adjustments for insurance coverage.³

Purchasing a new or used hospital bed can be expensive, and the cost may not include the price of the mattress, IV pole or guard rails.³

The following tips may help control bed costs:³

• Buy the bed, mattress and accessories in a bundle
• Consider a refurbished bed
• Look into the cost of renting, which can range from $150 to $500 per month, including delivery and installation
• Research medical thrift stores or nonprofits in your area
• Shop around and get multiple quotes

Does Insurance Cover Home Hospital Beds?

The good news is that in-home hospital beds are considered durable medical equipment (DME) and are covered in most insurance policies, including Medicare Plan B.⁴

The insurance documentation to request coverage of an at-home hospital bed includes one of the following:⁵

• The patient's condition requires positioning of the body in ways that are not achievable with a regular bed.
• The patient’s condition requires special attachments that are not available with a regular bed.

Benefits of Home Hospital Beds

Using a hospital bed at home can provide many benefits for both the caregiver and the patient, including:

• At-home comfort. The patient can receive care in a calming, familiar environment outside hospitals.⁶
• Body positioning. A hospital bed supports pain relief, proper alignment and respiratory health with multiple positioning options (e.g., zero gravity, cardiac chair).¹
• Caregiver support. Ergonomic height adjustments, easier bathing, wound care, linen changes and safer patient transfers reduce caregiver strain and increase peace of mind.¹
• Fall prevention and safety. Adjustable bed height and side rails reduce the chance of falling.⁷
• Independence. The patient can control bed positions for easier mobility and daily activities.¹
• Skin health. Frequent position changes help prevent pressure ulcers.³

At-Home Hospital Bed Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

Once you have an at-home hospital bed, it is important to know to keep it clean and maintained to ensure it works properly.

Cleaning tips

Keeping the hospital bed clean is key to providing a safe environment, preventing infection and promoting healing.⁸

Some tips on how to keep your hospital bed clean include:⁹

• Wipe the bed down daily with a soft cloth and disinfectant suitable for hospital beds.
• Do a weekly deep clean, changing the linens and wiping down the mattress with disinfectant.
• Put the mattress in a waterproof and easy-to-wipe cover to reduce exposure to allergens.
• Keep the environment clean and clutter-free. Open windows for fresh air.

Maintenance tips

Whether you are using a new or used bed, it is important to do routine maintenance checks to ensure the mechanics are working properly and that you know how to fix any issues that come up.

Some tips on how to maintain your hospital bed include:⁹

• Check the entire bed for signs of damage, rust and wear and tear.
• Have a list of authorized service providers in case repairs are needed.
• Inspect locking mechanisms for any sticking or resistance.
• Know your bed’s warranty time period and what it covers.
• Make sure the electric features are working properly, and listen for unusual noises.

A Helpful Resource for Patient and Caregiver Alike

An at-home hospital bed can be a great tool, supporting both the caregiver and the patient by providing comfort, safety and ease of getting in and out of bed.

Whether the hospital bed is temporary or for long-term use, there are options for obtaining a hospital bed for the home, including buying and renting. The good news is that it is covered by most insurance plans with a prescription from a healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions About At-Home Hospital Beds

Do you still have questions about at-home hospital beds? Below are some answers to commonly asked questions about them.

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Author Bio

Amy Isler, M.S.N., R.N., has more than a decade of nursing expertise. She combines her nursing experience and journalism background to create engaging and educational healthcare content for leading brands and publications, including GoodRx, Verywell Health, Vision Center and more. Her mission in writing is to provide positive, accurate and informative articles for consumers.