Can You Rent a Hospital Bed for Home Use?

Hospital beds have a range of benefits that can be especially useful in helping you recover from surgery or short-term illnesses. So, you'll be pleased to know that hospital beds can be rented for home use.

This guide explores the steps to rent a hospital bed, who provides them, how long you can rent for, and what type of beds are available.

Renting a hospital bed for home use: the key points

1. You don't need to go through Medicare to rent a hospital bed.

2. National medical equipment companies, local charities and community groups, and local DME (durable medical equipment) suppliers may all offer hospital bed rental.

3. Renting a hospital bed can be a better option than buying one if you need it short-term, e.g. for post-surgical recovery.

4. Renting allows you to avoid the upfront cost of buying one and return it when you no longer need it.

5. Purchasing a hospital bed may be a better idea if you need it for long-term use, e.g. to manage a chronic illness or mobility-limiting disability.

How do you rent a hospital bed?

Hospital beds are classed as durable medical equipment (DME), and many suppliers across the U.S. offer them for short- and long-term rental. The exact process depends on the provider you go through, but you’ll usually need to:

• Choose the type of bed required (manual, semi-electric, or fully electric)

• Confirm the length of time you’ll need the bed

• Provide relevant medical or mobility details so the supplier can recommend suitable options

• Agree a delivery, setup, and return date with the provider

Depending on your location, you may also be able to access a hospital bed through a lending scheme via local community groups.

Where can you rent a hospital bed?

You don't have to go through Medicare to get a rental hospital bed – there are plenty of alternative providers who offer this service:

• Local DME suppliers – each state has its own network of durable medical equipment suppliers offering short- and long-term rentals, with a range of beds including adjustable and bariatric options.

• National medical equipment companies – large companies like Agiliti Health offer hospital bed rentals without requiring a Medicare application.

• Local hospitals, rehab centres and pharmacies – if you're recovering from surgery or an injury, local facilities may work with DME vendors who offer temporary bed rental.

• Charities and community groups – in some areas, churches, nonprofits, and community-led schemes offer medical equipment lending services.

• Private insurance providers – check with your health plan to see if rentals are covered or subsidised under your policy.

Is it better to rent a hospital bed or buy one?

Whether it’s better to rent or buy a hospital bed in the U.S. depends on your medical needs, how long you expect to use it, your insurance coverage, and your budget.

Both options have advantages, and the right choice comes down to your individual circumstances.

When is it best to rent a hospital bed?

Renting is often a good option when a hospital bed is needed temporarily, such as for:

• Post-surgical recovery

• Short-term illness or injury

• Trial periods to determine if a specific bed type works well

Renting allows you to:

• Avoid the upfront cost of buying a bed

• Access short-term support without long-term commitment

• Return the bed when it’s no longer needed

When is it best to buy a hospital bed?

Buying is a smart choice if the hospital bed is needed for long-term or permanent use, such as for:

• Chronic illnesses

• Age-related conditions

• Mobility-limiting disabilities

• End-of-life or hospice care at home

Purchasing a bed:

• Becomes more cost-effective over time, especially after several months of use

• Offers full ownership, so you don’t deal with return deadlines or ongoing rental fees

• Gives you more freedom to modify or accessorise the bed

• May be a one-time investment if it serves future needs

Renting a hospital bed through Medicare

If you’re eligible for Medicare and want to explore coverage for hospital bed rentals, there are specific rules to follow.

Medicare Part B may cover the cost of renting a hospital bed if:

• The rental is deemed medically necessary by a physician

• The physician and the DME supplier are both enrolled in Medicare

• You have a prescription that includes the reason the bed is needed and the type of bed required

Once approved, Medicare usually covers 80% of the rental cost after you’ve paid your annual deductible (set at $257 for 2025). You’ll be responsible for the remaining 20%.

Some beneficiaries may also qualify to own the bed through Medicare’s capped rental system if they’ve rented the bed continuously for 13 months.

For a full overview of the application process, read our blog: Does Medicare Pay for Hospital Beds?

What types of hospital beds and accessories can you rent through Medicare?

Can you rent a hospital bed long-term or just for short-term recovery periods?

You can do both. If you only need the bed short-term, such as for a few weeks of post-op recovery, you can return it as soon as it’s no longer required.

If you need the bed longer, many suppliers offer ongoing rental options. In some cases, long-term rentals may lead to ownership (as with Medicare's 13-month policy, if applicable).

Check with your supplier to understand the return process, fees for extended use, and what happens if your needs change.

What features should you look for when choosing a hospital bed rental?

The right bed can significantly improve your quality of life and aid recovery. When looking for a suitable hospital bed rental, you must prioritise comfort, safety, adjustability, and ease of use.

Here are the key features to consider when you pick a hospital bed.

Adjustability

• Head and foot adjustments – helpful for circulation, acid reflux, or breathing issues

• Height adjustment – safer entry/exit from bed and easier for carers

• Manual, semi-electric or electric controls – full electric beds offer maximum independence

Operation - manual, semi-electric or electric controls

1. Manual beds are operated using a crank and suitable for patients - these are less expensive but less convenient than beds with electric functions

2. Semi-electric beds have head and foot sections that adjust electrically, but the height is changed using a manual crank, offering a balance between cost and ease of use.

3. Full electric hospital beds are controlled by a remote and recommended when the user has limited mobility, as this gives them the opportunity to control all the adjustable features via a remote. Compared to other beds, these are more expensive, but offer greater control and accessibility.

Bed size and weight

• Standard hospital beds – suitable for most users

• Bariatric beds – wider, reinforced beds designed for higher weight capacities

If you're unsure about buying a hospital or rotating chair beds due to their clinical appearance, explore our range. In addition to offering all of the benefits of a typical hospital bed, we carefully design each style to ensure it looks suitable for home use.

If you need advice or a second opinion, contact our friendly customer support team. We’ve over 20 years of experience helping patients, caregivers, and families choose beds that match medical conditions, budgets, and personal preferences.

For more information on applying for hospital beds through Medicare, take a look at our blog. 

To shed light on how the application process works and where you stand, we wrote our How to Get a Hospital Bed for Home Use guide.