Medical conditions that require a MedicAlert ID

Help others help you. Wear a medical alert ID bracelet or necklace engraved with important information for emergency responders and healthcare providers"- Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

A medical ID bracelet, necklace or shoe tag can be custom engraved with any medical condition. Physician and health organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mayo Clinic and American Diabetes Association recommend medical IDs. A MedicAlert ID is recommended for the following medical conditions.

Chronic Medical Conditions

Allergies

Neurological Conditions

Medications & Devices

Who needs to wear a medical ID?

Anyone living with a condition that could result in medical or behavioral emergency benefits from wearing a medical ID. Those who benefit the most are those living with conditions where they often or usually have communication difficulties, such as anyone with hearing or speaking issues, or cognitive issues that impair one’s ability to express oneself, such as those experienced by people living with dementia, developmental disabilities, or any number of other cognitive, neurological or psychological conditions that can make communication difficult.

Anyone who might possibly have episodes where communication is difficult or impossible, regardless of underlying cause, are among folks who most need the added protection of a medical ID. For example, for people living with chronic medical conditions which may include bouts of incapacitation the protection a medical ID can provide is a huge advantage in making sure important information is communicated even if you cannot communicate yourself.

The ability to convey critical information about one’s health and medical history can become suddenly important very quickly in the case of emergencies, even for people who are generally able-bodied and healthy. If you live with any type of chronic condition that could result in medical distress a MedicAlert ID will add a layer of peace of mind. Even if you’re unlikely to experience a medical emergency, knowing your important information will be conveyed and your loved ones will be notified is an added layer of peace and protection our members agree is more than worthwhile; wearing a medical ID can be truly life-saving.

Alternative IDs - beyond medical bracelets

If you’re not in love with the idea of a conventional medical alert bracelet, there’s a world of other options for medical IDs, and the list continues to expand as technology advances.

Whereas traditional IDs are wearable jewelry, such as bracelets and necklaces, there are clever alternatives such as Smart ID shoe tags, stickers and more.

Smart IDs - cards and tags

Smart IDs bring medical IDs into the digital age. MedicAlert’s Smart IDs are available as either Smart Medical ID Cards or MedicAlert ICE Tags. Both options use proven QR code technology for fast, easy access to your full health profile. Scanning the unique QR code on either type of Smart ID with a smartphone camera opens up critical information, including medical conditions, allergies, medications, vaccinations, and more.

MedicAlert’s Smart Medical ID Card is credit card-sized and easily carried with you in a wallet or pocket. Since the QR code stores your data, you can fit more on one tag or ID, which can help with choosing a less obtrusive Smart ID or tag. Also, with Smart IDs your data can be updated without purchasing a new physical medical ID.

MedicAlert ICE Tags come in a set of four durable vinyl stickers that adhere securely to any hard surface – think cellphone cases, mobility aids – typical objects that travel with you. Each set of four tags has a unique QR code for one person, so they can be attached to multiple objects. Additional users would need their own individual set of sticker tags.

The portability and scope of personal medical information they provide make Smart IDs a great alternative to traditional jewelry and wearable IDs, not just in emergency situations, but also for doctor visits, home healthcare providers, or for access by other caregivers. Because they are digitally linked to your MedicAlert full profile, your information is automatically updated with any changes to your profile.

Medical IDs for Apple Watches

Apple Watches have become popular among all age groups. They are such an easily-accessible resource for all kinds of information, MedicAlert developed an ID specifically for Apple Watches. Although they are considered wearable, these attachable tags slide onto the silicone band of an Apple Watch, so they don’t require the addition of an entirely new piece of jewelry. The engravable tags are rust-proof, water-proof and made of stainless steel. They are available in multiple colors and several size options for compatibility with different sizes of Apple Watches.

Necklaces

Medical ID necklaces can range from utilitarian to fashion-forward, with several style options for children, women, and men. Like bracelets, necklaces can be made from a number of different materials or combinations of materials, such as stainless steel, sterling silver, gold, or platinum. MedicAlert necklaces come in a variety of chain and emblem styles, and also offer different color options for the engraving.

Shoe Tags, Wallet Cards, Seatbelt ID Holders

These types of medical IDs can be perfect for individuals for whom any wearable ID is not a good option, such as those with strength limitations or cognitive issues. MedicAlert Shoe Tags are engravable and available in two different designs for easy and secure attachment to lace-up and other types of shoes.

If digital tech is too high-tech for the user, MedicAlert Fillable Wallet Cards are the manual alternative. Personal medical information and MedicAlert ID numbers are written by the owner or caregiver into the foldable card and must be physically updated when information changes. Like Smart ID cards, Fillable Wallet Cards are credit card-sized for portability, but unlike Smart IDs, the information is not digitally linked to a health profile.