Short Answer
Keep one private, easy-to-find health information folder with current medication details, key contacts, health-card information, insurance or benefit notes, and the location of any care-planning documents. Review it yearly and after a major change. It should help people find facts, not replace a clinician’s records.
Keep It Useful, Not Huge
A folder that is too detailed becomes hard to update. Start with the information most useful in an urgent call or appointment:
| Keep current | Example |
|---|---|
| Medication list | Name, dose, prescriber, pharmacy, allergies, and important non-prescription products. |
| Key contacts | Clinic, pharmacy, emergency contact, and trusted person who can locate documents. |
| Coverage notes | Health-card details, benefit contact, and relevant policy numbers stored securely. |
| Care preferences | Where to find any formal personal directive, substitute-decision-maker, or legal document. |
| Recent changes | A brief note on mobility, support needs, or major care transitions. |
Keep private numbers secure. Tell one trusted person where the folder is, but share only what they need and update permission choices as relationships change.
Review at Natural Moments
Update the folder after a new medication, hospitalization, move, insurance change, death of a contact, or change in a caregiver’s role. A birthday or annual tax folder clean-up is a good low-pressure reminder.
What To Read Next
Use the medical appointment question list and home-care planning guide to make the folder more useful.
Sources checked July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I keep all medical records in a home folder?
Keep the current facts and document locations that help you communicate in an emergency. Your clinician and health system retain their own records; do not delay care while trying to create a perfect personal file.
Marcus Webb, CFP, CIM
Certified Financial PlannerChartered Investment ManagerLead Canadian Retirement Strategist
Marcus Webb has spent over 18 years helping Canadian families design tax-efficient retirement drawdown strategies. Specializing in CPP optimization, OAS clawback mitigation, and RRIF meltdown forensics, his analysis bridges the gap between complex tax laws and practical retirement cash flow.