About Medical IDs

A medical ID is jewelry that could save your life. Medical conditions, drug and food allergies, prescribed medicines and emergency contacts can be engraved onto the surface of a medical ID bracelet or necklace.

People with certain medical conditions wear medical IDs to alert emergency medical professionals in an emergency. The following are good reasons to wear a medical ID:

• Food, Drug or Insect allergies
• Cardiac problems (angina,arrhythmias,atrial fibrillation,pacemakers)
• Pulmonary Conditions(Asthma/COPD)
• Kidney Failure
• Diabetes, blood disorders
• Alzheimer's/Memory Impairment
• Blood thinners/ Anticoagulants (Coumadin/Warfarin)
• Emphysema/Breathing disorders
• Rare diseases
• Epilepsy/Seizure disorder
• Hearing, sight or mentally impaired
• Surgery, transplant and cancer patients
• Clinical trial participants
• Special needs children
• Hypertension
• Stroke risk
• Sickle Cell Anemia
• People taking multiple medicines
• Anemia
• Tourette Syndrome

Some order medical IDs engraved with their blood type, online health records and contact information.

Universal Medical ID recently surveyed emergency medical professionals ranging from first responders to paramedics. Among the results:

• More than 95 percent of respondents look for a medical ID during emergencies.
• More than 75 percent look for a medical ID immediately upon assessing a patient.
• 95 percent look at the patient's wrist to find a medical ID, and 68 percent look for an ID on the patient's neck.

You should always wear your medical ID. Taking off your medical ID takes away its opportunity to help you in an emergency.

Physicians and healthcare organizations throughout the world recommend medical IDs:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• National Institutes of Health
• Mayo Clinic
• American Diabetes Association
• The Cleveland Clinic
• Columbia University Medical Center
• The National Association of EMS Educators
• Epilepsy Foundation
• The Merck Manual
• Alzheimer's Association
• World Health Organization
• American Heart Association
• American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology
• Texas Heart Institute
• Johns Hopkins Medicine
• American Heart Association

In an emergency, when you might be unable to speak for yourself, a medical ID bracelet or necklace speaks for you.

• Symptoms of common ailments can easily be misdiagnosed.
• Prompt diagnosis is critical to effective treatment.
• A brief description of vital medical facts engraved on your medical ID ensures appropriate and timely medical care.
• According to a published study, half of all medical errors occur because of mistakes made upon admission or discharge from the hospital.
• Wearing a medical ID protects against potentially harmful medical errors.

More than 95 percent of emergency responders look for a medical ID; more than 75 percent check for a medical ID immediately upon assessing the patient. If you're wearing a medical ID, it won't be missed.

Medical IDs are not just for emergencies, they eliminate trips to the hospital, reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and prevent minor emergencies from becoming major ones. Medical IDs save lives!

Universal Medical ID follows guidelines for jewelry precious metal content as set forth by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. A longtime member of the Jewelers Board of Trade, we attest that the precious metal you purchase meets or exceeds these requirements. Our assurances are verified with a quality stamp on each piece.

Stainless Steel is a steel alloy which protects against rust or corrosion. As it provides an attractive, clean finish and low maintenance, it is commonly used in jewelry, dentistry, surgery, kitchenware, etc. Stainless Steel is 100% recyclable. It is biologically inert, but some individuals with nickel allergy may experience skin irritation. Universal Medical ID uses 304 grade Surgical Stainless Steel for its engraved bracelet and necklace tags. 304 grade is the most common form of stainless steel worldwide.

Sterling silver is an alloy of silver containing 92.5% by weight of silver and 7.5% by weight of other metals, usually copper. For some IDs, Universal Medical ID adds a layer of Rhodium to exposed surfaces (usually bracelets) in order to minimize scratching.

Gold-filled is made by bonding a layer of actual 10 karat gold to a brass-alloy base metal. To meet the legal definition, the minimum layer of karat gold is 1/20th (5%) the weight of the total piece. Universal Medical ID’s "Gold-Filled" necklaces and bracelets are 1/10th karat gold, precisely twice the legal requirement. Gold-Filled jewelry is considered a precious metal, and should not be confused with gold-plated jewelry, which has no perceptible gold content.

10 Karat Gold is defined as 40% pure gold (10/24) combined with other metal alloys. It is considered the most durable gold for frequent wear. 14Kt Gold is 60% pure gold (14/24) and remains an extremely popular choice for those desiring a higher karat content that can withstand everyday wear.

Titanium is a very lightweight and durable metal, only slightly heavier than aluminum but with the strength of steel. Universal Medical ID uses a commercially pure (CP) grade of titanium. Titanium is highly resistant to corrosion from sea water and chlorine. It is commonly used in jewelry, medical, industrial and consumer applications. Titanium is non-toxic even at very large doses and does not play any natural role inside the human body.

Online:

Identify the product you wish to purchase, and add it to your shopping cart. You will then be asked to make engraving selections for your medical ID. Finally, you will need to complete the shipping and payment information. Online purchases can be paid for with any major credit card.

Fax:

If you prefer, you may print an order form. Select the order form that features the product you wish to purchase, complete the product selection box, engraving information, shipping instructions and payment information. Payment can be made with a major credit card. Fax the completed order form to 713-695-7358.

Mail:

Print an order form. Select the order form that features the product you wish to purchase, complete the product selection box, engraving information, shipping instructions and payment information. Payment can be made with a personal check, money order or major credit card. Mail your completed form to:

American Medical ID

P.O. Box 925617

Houston, TX 77292-5617

Telephone: Call our toll-free number, 1.800.363.5985 between the hours of 8am and 4pm CST and place your order with one of our Customer Service Representatives. Phone orders require payment with a major credit card. COD orders are not accepted.

Visit our Tips for Choosing a Medical ID page for helpful information on what to consider when choosing an ID.

Your medical ID is gently handled by many of our staff to ensure quality and correct engraving. Typically orders are shipped the next business day from the date in which you place your order. Transit time will depend on the Ship method you select. See Ship Options below.

First Class normally 7 business days

Expedited normally 6-10 business days

UPS 3-5 business days

Yes, but there may be additional shipping charges. Call for pricing.

Because your medical ID is personally engraved and cannot be re-used, we cannot accept returns on personalized items. For returns on non-personalized items, please contact our Customer Service Department at 800-616-3400 to obtain a Return Authorization number.

• Engraved items are non-returnable and non-refundable
• USB and silicone items are non-returnable and non-refundable
• Non-personalized items must be new and unworn
• Shipping, handling, and processing fees are non-refundable
• The customer is responsible for all return shipping expenses
• All refunds for non-personalized items will be processed within 15 business days via the original method of payment
• Refunds totaling $20 or under will be issued as store credit unless originating payment method was by credit card or other electronic form of payment (Google / PayPal / etc)

For returns or exchanges of non-personalized items, please enclose your merchandise in a padded envelope and ship insured to:

Attn: Returns, American Medical ID, 949 Wakefield Ste. 100, Houston, TX 77018

Please include your Return Authorization number on the outside of the package. We are not responsible for damages or losses incurred during transit. For your protection, please ship insured.

All IDs, chains, and attachments are warranted against defects in material or workmanship for 90 days from the date of purchase. Upon receipt, please carefully inspect your purchase for errors or defects. This warranty does not cover:

• Normal wear such as scratching, dents, or tarnishing of the ID, chain and attachments
• Damage resulting from misuse, accidental handling, or exposure to corrosive substances
• Loss of any kind
• Repairs by anyone other than Universal Medical ID
• Changes in engraving information (unless Healthcare Professional Warranty is redeemed.)

Your order is extremely important to us, so we process it as quickly as possible. Standard orders will be processed within 7 days, therefore we will not be able to make changes once you have placed your order. Please review order details carefully before submitting.

Yes, we encourage you to know everything that should be engraved for your loved one. If you are unsure, purchase an Universal Medical ID Gift Card instead.

We ask if you are male or female to determine your medical ID's plate size and chain length. If you do not specify a chain length in your order, we send the average chain length according to your gender. The plates on our bracelets are different sizes according to your gender. If you would like a different size plate, please call a Customer Service Representative at 800-616-3400.

Measure your wrist and add between 0.5" and 1" to that measurement.

At Universal Medical ID we take great pride in creating personalized medical identification jewelry. From the time an order is placed, to when it arrives at your home, we want to ensure you are satisfied with your purchase. If you are not completely satisfied with your merchandise, you may return or exchange it in accordance of our Return Policy.

To check the status of your order, you can contact us here or call a Customer Service Representative at 800-616-3400.

TITANIUM is hypoallergenic. To preserve your medical ID’s appearance and minimize scratching, gently clean with a non-abrasive soap or cleanser and water. Dry completely with a soft cloth. Store your titanium medical ID in a soft cloth or bag. Remove your medical ID when working with metal polishers or scrubbing soap. Heavy physical activity may make your medical ID vulnerable to scratching. Consider wearing one of our stainless steel bracelets or necklaces while outdoors.

STAINLESS STEEL Bracelets: Only the Curb chain is adjustable, allowing you to tailor the chain’s length to your wrist. Your medical ID bracelet should be worn firmly, yet comfortably. A firm fit will preserve the engraving. If you chose a Sister Hook clasp, it opens to a “V” by pulling its jaws out and apart. Attach the open clasp to the link to ensure the most comfortable fit on your wrist. To remove excess links, open the unneeded link with pliers by twisting open or cutting away the first unneeded link. Necklaces: If the necklace chain is too short, contact us and we will send a longer chain.

GOLD AND GOLD-FILLED metals will tarnish when exposed to acidic skin or air. A treated polishing cloth will discourage tarnishing. When storing jewelry, do not mix gold and silver. At a minimum, separate the metals by compartments. Guard your medical ID when using household cleaners, especially those containing ammonia or chlorine. Heavy physical activity may make your medical ID vulnerable to scratching. Consider wearing one of our stainless steel bracelets or necklaces while outdoors.

STERLING SILVER A treated polishing cloth will discourage tarnishing. When storing jewelry, do not mix gold and silver, separate the metals by compartments. Guard your medical ID when using household cleaners, especially those containing ammonia or chlorine. Heavy physical activity may make your medical ID vulnerable to scratching. Consider wearing a stainless steel medical ID bracelet or necklace while outdoors. Bracelets: Plates are rhodium coated which helps protect your medical ID from scratching. Chains are not rhodium coated. *Please note charm bracelets and the Odyssey Collection pieces are not rhodium coated, therefore may require more frequent cleaning. Necklaces: Are not rhodium coated. This includes the neck charm and chain.

Yes, a medical ID is an eligible expense that you can buy with your Flexible Spending Account, usually with a Preferred Flex Card without any prescription.

Yes, medical ID bracelets and necklaces are qualified HSA expenses with no prescriptions required.

Below are examples of medical conditions that could warrant wearing a medical ID.

• Abnormal EKG
• Adrenal Insufficiency
• Alcoholism
• Alzheimer's
• Angina
• Asthma
• Bleeding Disorder
• Cardiac Arrhythmia
• Cataracts
• Clotting Disorder
• Dementia
• Diabetes (Insulin Dependent)
• Diabetes (Non-Insulin Dependent)
• Emphysema
• Glaucoma
• Hearing Impaired
• Heart Valve Prosthesis
• Hemolytic Anemia
• Hypertension
• Laryngectomy
• Leukemia
• Lupus
• Lymphomas
• Malignant Hyperthermia
• Mental Disability, such as Down's Syndrome, Traumatic Brain Injury, Aphasia or Speech Disorder
• Myasthenia Gravis
• Pacemaker
• Renal Failure
• Sickle Cell Anemia
• Seizure Disorder
• Situs Inversus
• Stroke
• Vision Impaired

As a rule and if space permits, it's wise to list prescription medicines that are being taken on a long-term or "maintenance" basis. This will give medical personnel better guidance on how to initiate treatment and will lessen the chance of a drug interaction.

Some classes of medicines that would be appropriate for an ID are:

• Analgesics: Includes many narcotics, such as morphine and codeine
• Antianginals: Medicines that alleviate episodes of angina
• Antiarrhythmics: Heart drugs that can correct or prevent irregular heart beats
• Anticoagulants: Blood thinners
• Anticonvulsants: Meds for seizure disorder and epilepsy
• Antihistamines, Decongestants: Prescription or over-the-counter meds for allergic rhinitis
• Antihypertensives: Blood pressure medicine
• Beta Blockers: Drugs that can slow the heart rate: Inderal, Tenormin, etc.
• Chemotherapy Agents: Drugs for treating cancer or serious infectious diseases
• Steroids: Cortisone, Decadron, etc.

Yes. Allergic reactions to drugs, foods and insects can cause serious medical problems. A medical ID informs medical personnel of an allergy, allowing for rapid response to end the reaction.

Allergens are numerous, some common examples:

• Anticonvulsants: Tegretol, Dilantin
• Aspirin: Anacin, Excedrin, Ibuprofen, Naproxyn
• Barbiturates: Phenobarbital
• Antibiotics: Penicillin, Sulfa, Cephalosporins, Mycins
• Narcotics: Codeine, Morphine, Demerol
• Others: Dairy Products, Horse Serum, Insect Stings, Latex, Lidocaine, Novocaine, Nuts, X-Ray Dye

Anything can be engraved on an ID, within space limits. Some examples of what might be wise to engrave:

• Advance Directives (DNR, etc.)
• Blood Type
• Contact Lenses
• Difficult Intubation
• Emergency Contacts (Next of Kin, Physician, etc.)
• Faith
• Implants
• Living Will
• Organ Donor
• Pacemaker
• Stent
• See Wallet Card

• List only those medical conditions that would be important in an emergency. For example, a minor surgery that took place several years ago may no longer be relevant to your current medical care.
• Space is limited, so summarize your information with short, descriptive words. Any information that cannot go on your medical ID bracelet or necklace can be written on a wallet or purse ID card.
• List only medicines you wish to be engraved. Generally, this would be prescription medicine, taken on a long-term daily basis. You may wish to list the most important medicines first.

If you need help deciding what to engrave, ask your physician or pharmacist, or you may call Customer Service, 800-616-3400.

If you're unsure about what to engrave, ask your doctor. If you need assistance phrasing a medical condition so that it will fit on your medical ID or so Emergency Medical Professionals recognize it, please call our Customer Service Representatives at 800-616-3400 and we'll assist you.

Engraving your name on your medical ID is personal preference. However, at least a first name is recommended. A first name is especially important in an emergency, as emergency personnel will say a person's name in an effort to get their attention if they are in a daze, a diabetic coma or unconscious for example.

We recommend that all Alzheimer's patients engrave their name and address or contact information of a friend or family member.

Engraving your name on your medical ID is personal preference. However, at least a first name is recommended. A first name is especially important in an emergency, as emergency personnel will say a person's name in an effort to get their attention if they are in a daze, a diabetic coma or unconscious for example.

We recommend that all Alzheimer's patients engrave their name and address or contact information of a friend or family member.

Select your medical ID online and proceed to the Shopping Cart page. Enter the Gift Card number under the Gift Cards section. The Gift Card number is included in the confirmation email at time of purchase. Click "Proceed to Checkout" and complete your purchase. Or you may call us at 800-616-3400 during regular business hours and place your order with one of our Customer Service representatives.

You will receive your e-Gift Card via email at time of purchase.

Gift Cards may be used in combination with a credit card to complete your transaction.

Your Universal Medical ID gift card is valid for 1 year following date of purchase.

Press in on the black lever on the side of the USB and it slide forward. While still holding the lever, insert the USB into your computer's USB port. Once the USB device is full inserted into your computer you are ready to begin.

If you are on a PC, open My Computer and double click the e•MedTAG device. If prompted, select “Open my Medical Profile”. If no prompt appears, double click e-MedTAG.exe to run the application. If you are on a MAC, you should see the e-MedTAG icon on your desktop. Double click the icon, then double click the e•MedTAG application. The application will launch. If the e•MedTAG icon does not appear on your desktop, open a new window. The e-MedTAG icon should appear. Click on the icon, then double click the e-MedTAG application. The application will launch.

The gray screen is not capable of being edited; it is a “read-only” page for your protection.

You must first type your password in the password field of the gray screen. If this is your first use, your default password is “password”. After typing your password, press the “Login/Edit” button. This will take you to the first white screen where you can input/edit your personal information. After entering your personal information, click the “Edit Medical Info” button in order to input/edit your medical information.

The white screens are where you can edit/input and update your personal and medical information. The gray screen is a read-only summary of your saved personal and medical information.

On the initial use of the e•MedTAG, the default password is, “password”. After pressing “Login/Edit”, you are required to change your password. DO NOT FORGET YOUR PASSWORD, AS IT IS THE ONLY WAY TO EDIT YOUR INFORMATION.

YOUR PASSWORD CANNOT BE RECOVERED. If you forget your password you will not be able to change your information; your data will remain in a read-only state on the e•MedTAG.

The gray, read-only, summary screen.

The e-MedTAG was designed to operate at 1024 x 768 resolution or higher. Please refer to your computer manual to adjust your screen resolution.

The e-MedTAG device will function like any storage device. You can copy and paste documents, images etc. to the e-MedTAG. If you are on a PC, simply navigate to the location of the file you wish to upload. Right-click the file using the right mouse button. From the menu that appears to the left, click on “Copy”. Now open “My Computer”. Right-click the e-MedTAG device. From the menu that appears to the left, click on “Paste”. This will COPY the file you selected to the e-MedTAG. If you are on a MAC, open the thumbdrive window using the same method you would use to open the e-MedTAG application. Then, once this window is open, simply locate the file you wish to copy and drag it to this window.

If this is the initial use of the e-MedTAG, click the “Upload Photo” button. Browse your computer and select the photo to be uploaded. If you wish to change an existing photo, click the “Change Photo” button. Browse your computer and select the photo to be uploaded.

In order to print your information, take a screenshot and then print the screenshot.

No, the USB is not waterproof.

The USB is compatible with Windows 2000/ Vista/ XP/ 7/8.x/10, and Mac OS X 10.5.6.

We advise only engraving information that is unlikely to change. Information on your medical ID, once engraved, cannot be removed or changed.

Most of our stainless steel medical ID bracelets have adjustable sizing.

We recommend that customers take their actual wrist measurement before placing their order. The chain or band length on the product page is the length of the entire bracelet including both chain and medical ID plate. If you plan on buying a medical ID despite of its large size compared to actual wrist measurement, we recommend getting advice from a local jeweler first if they are able to take out a link and adjust the bracelet for you. We do not guarantee that all jewelers are able to resize or remove a link from our medical ID bracelets or necklaces. We are unable to resize or adjust medical ID bracelets for our customers at this time and only offer the actual sizes available as seen on the product pages.

Press in on the black lever on the side of the USB and slide it forward. While still holding the lever, insert the USB into your computer’s USB port. Once the USB device is full inserted into your computer you are ready to begin.

Yes. We would be delighted to hear how your medical ID has influenced your life. Please share your Life Story.

Our medical IDs are custom-engraved and custom-sized to reflect our customer's exact requests. Considering we strive for accuracy and quality, once an order has been received and the medical ID has been engraved, the order is examined multiple times ensuring complete accuracy. The jewellery is then polished and packaged with care before it is sent to the customer.

You can think of My Interactive Health Record as an extension of an engraved medical ID or a wallet card. For example, in an emergency, your medical alert jewelry piece provides caregivers with a brief description of a few key facts.

A medical ID enabled with MyIHR could significantly help emergency medical services provide you with the correct care for your conditions and ultimately save your life.

In the event of an accident, or debilitating medical episode, if you cannot speak for yourself, your MyIHR enabled medical ID will. MyIHR allows you to create an Interactive Health Record that will provide emergency personnel with your Name, Address, Emergency Contacts, Health Insurance, Conditions, Medications, Allergies, and more. In order to provide you with the best possible care, your Interactive Health Record is available to Emergency Personnel 24 hours a day, 365 days a year via the website AND telephone.

A physician, medic or nurse may then locate your file online at www.MyIHR.com or by calling the toll-free 800 number where a medically trained operator provides live assistance. Armed with this additional knowledge they will be in a much better position to provide timely and appropriate care for you - possibly life-saving medical care!

American Medical ID will never disclose or sell a customer's personal information. View the MyIHR Privacy Policy.

There is more information about the My Interactive Health Record here.

We encourage our customers to inform their doctor that they have purchased a medical ID. Just as they would tell their doctor about new medicines or changes in their health, so should they tell their doctor about their medical ID. When you receive your Universal Medical ID bracelet or necklace, you'll find a Healthcare Provider Approval Card. On your next visit, show your doctor your medical ID and give him the Healthcare Provider Approval Card. If your doctor approves your ID’s engraving, we'll add a one-year engraving warranty to your account. If, however, your doctor thinks you should have engraved additional information, we’ll be happy to add that important information for a small fee. Then you’ll have another opportunity to get your doctor’s approval and engraving warranty. The customer is responsible for returning the medical ID.

Click here for medical ID order forms and support materials.