Who Should Wear a Medical Alert Bracelet?

A medical identification (ID) bracelet is a piece of jewelry that’s engraved with important medical information. It can tell first responders that you have a condition such as a severe allergy, heart disease, or a neurological disorder. This can help emergency personnel know how to treat you if you’re unconscious, confused, or can’t speak for yourself.

Below you’ll learn about who should wear a medical ID bracelet, what information to include on a bracelet, and where to find one. 

What conditions are medical ID bracelets recommended for? 

Medical ID bracelets can be worn by anyone with a physical or mental health condition. The MedicAlert Foundation has a list of over 100 conditions where people could benefit from a medical ID bracelet. 

If you have any of the nine common conditions below, you may want to consider getting a medical ID bracelet.  

1. Allergies

If you have severe allergies, you may experience anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction to an allergen. Make sure to include the name of your allergy (for example, insects, nuts, medications) on your ID and if you carry epinephrine. 

2. Alzheimer’s disease

It’s hard to imagine, but your loved one with Alzheimer’s disease may wander off. A medical ID bracelet with their name, address, and phone number could help someone get them home safely.

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3. Asthma

An asthma attack can make it difficult to speak and communicate your needs. A medical ID bracelet can tell first responders that you have asthma and what medication you take when it’s hard to breathe.

4. Blood thinners

Taking blood thinners can cause unwanted or excess bleeding in situations ranging from a fall to a car accident. Wearing a medical ID bracelet with the name of your medication can let first responders know how to properly treat you.

5. Diabetes

A diabetic emergency can cause you to be confused, dizzy, or pass out. It’s important for first responders to know what type of diabetes you have in case you have a hypoglycemic event or other emergency.

6. Epilepsy

If you have a seizure, you want to make sure you get the help you need. Use an ID bracelet with instructions on what someone should do during a seizure and who to contact.

7. Hearing impairment

Hearing loss can affect your ability to speak clearly or hear critical questions in an emergency. A medical ID bracelet can provide important health information when it’s difficult for you to communicate.

8. Invisible disabilities

Certain disabilities, like chronic pain, brain injuries, and mental health disorders, have symptoms that aren’t noticeable. Engrave your medical ID bracelet with the name of your disability and important treatment information. 

9. ‘No opioids’

A “no opioids” bracelet is for anyone who is allergic to opioids or in recovery from opioid misuse. It alerts medical personnel to avoid treating you with opioid medication.  

How do medical ID bracelets work?

The first few minutes of a medical emergency are often critical. First responders are trained to check a patient’s wrist for a medical ID bracelet in an emergency. The information on your bracelet can help healthcare personnel: 

• Provide life-saving treatment

• Prevent misdiagnosis and medical errors

• Keep a minor emergency from escalating

• Honor your wishes if you have a “do not resuscitate” (DNR) bracelet

• Contact your family

The engraving on a bracelet should include:

• A medical symbol that healthcare workers can easily identify 

• Your name

• Your medical condition

• Your medications 

• Any allergies

• Your contact information

Should you get a medical ID bracelet?

If you have a medical condition, ask your healthcare provider if you should get a medical ID bracelet. They can tell you about the benefits of an ID bracelet for your condition. 

In addition to the health concerns mentioned above, you should consider getting a medical ID bracelet if you have:

• More than one chronic health issue

• A neurological condition such as Parkinson's disease

• A developmental disorder such as autism

• A medical device implant like a pacemaker

• Challenges with communication 

Where do you get a medical ID bracelet?

You have several options for getting a medical ID bracelet. These include:

• Nonprofit organizations like MedicAlert Foundation, CureDuchenne, and The Kidney Foundation of Central PA

• Companies like American Medical ID, Amazon, and Lauren’s Hope

• Pharmacies like Walgreens and Walmart

• Local hospitals

• Senior care agencies

If you have health insurance, talk to your insurer first. They may cover the cost of a medical ID bracelet.

If bracelets aren’t covered or you don’t have insurance, you may be able to find one for free from a nonprofit, community agency, or hospital. Otherwise, the cost can range from $5 for a silicone band to $50 for a stainless-steel bracelet.

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Written by:

Ana Gascon

Ana Gascon has over 15 years of writing and editing experience, with 8 years in health and medical content work. She is a versatile health and medical content creator who writes about acute conditions, chronic diseases, mental health challenges, and health equity.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

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