Your Health Records: What to Keep and Why
Keeping your health records organized can save time, money, and stress—especially when managing prescriptions, switching doctors, or handling insurance claims. Learn which documents to keep, from major diagnoses and surgeries to lab results and EOBs, and how staying organized makes your healthcare simpler and more efficient.
Keeping your health records organized can save you time, money, and stress—especially when switching doctors, managing prescriptions, or handling insurance claims. But with so much medical paperwork, what’s actually worth holding onto?
At a minimum, keep records of major diagnoses, surgeries, vaccinations, and ongoing conditions. Lab results, imaging reports, and medication lists are also useful, especially if you see multiple providers. If you have private insurance, keeping track of past claims and explanations of benefits (EOBs) can help you spot billing errors and track out-of-pocket costs.
Digital tools like patient portals and apps make record-keeping easier, but it’s still a good idea to keep a personal file of key documents. Staying organized not only makes medical visits smoother but also ensures you have the information you need when it matters most.
Summer Travel and Health Insurance: What You Need to Know
Heading out this summer? Make sure your health insurance travels with you. From nationwide PPO coverage to international emergency care, a little planning can prevent unexpected medical bills and keep your trip stress-free.
Whether you're hitting the beach, exploring national parks, or traveling abroad, it’s important to know how your health insurance works while you’re away. A little preparation can prevent unexpected costs and headaches if you need medical care on the go.
If you have a private PPO plan, you likely have nationwide coverage, meaning you can see doctors and specialists anywhere without needing referrals. But for international travel, it’s worth checking whether your plan includes emergency coverage abroad. If not, a short-term travel medical policy can fill in the gaps and cover things like hospital visits, evacuations, and urgent care.
Before you leave, save your insurance details in your phone, research nearby healthcare facilities at your destination, and consider packing a small first-aid kit. With the right coverage in place, you can focus on enjoying your trip—without worrying about unexpected medical bills.