How long to keep insurance EOBs?

I don't keep them at all. I check it over, and if everything is right I toss it. If something is wrong, I deal with it and then toss it. I can see it online, so I don't need the paper copy.

Found this info that may be helpful.  I hate paper so I scan everything and toss.  


Normal Health

1. Keep medical EOBs in a file for one year. As the bills and EOBs for a medical service come in, match related items together, and address any discrepancies you detect. Examples might include double billing or your health insurance company overlooking the fact that you have met your deductible.

2. If, at the end of the year, you find you have paid enough in medical bills to qualify for the medical tax deduction, file the medical EOBs with your tax documentation, and keep for seven years.

3. If you do not qualify for the medical tax deduction, and the medical bills have been paid in full by you and all providers, and you are no longer doctoring for the condition, you can safely shred last year’s crop of medical EOBs while you’re wrapping up your taxes.

4. If some bills are still outstanding or the patient is still receiving treatment, keep the related EOBs for another year, and repeat the process.

Serious Health Condition

1. Keep a current file close at hand for this year’s medical EOBs. As the bills and EOBs for a medical service come in, match related items together, and address any discrepancies you detect.

2. At the end of the year, store all of these records in date order, keeping items you’ve matched up together, in a less prominent place. You could use a file cabinet in another room or a cardboard file box in a dry, mildew-free storage area. If you claimed the medical tax deduction, put a note in your tax records cross-referencing these health files.

3. Keep these medical records according to this timeline:

a. For five years after the serious health condition has cleared up.

b. For seven years if you’ve claimed the medical deduction.

c. Indefinitely, if the patient is chronically ill.

d. Until the executor informs you that the estate is completely wrapped up, if the patient has passed away