A medical ID only helps if the person reading it understands it in a few seconds. That means short, clear lines with the most important information first. This guide covers what most people include, the order to put it in, and examples you can adapt.
Your doctor is the best person to tell you what your ID should say. Use this guide as a starting point for that conversation.
The five things most medical IDs include
- Your name. First and last name, so responders can match you to your records and call your family.
- Your main medical condition(s). For example diabetes, epilepsy, a heart condition or asthma.
- Important medications. Especially ones that change how you should be treated, such as insulin or blood thinners.
- Severe allergies. Food, medication (like penicillin), latex or insect stings.
- An emergency contact. Usually written as “ICE” (in case of emergency) followed by a phone number that is always answered.
Put the most important line first
Responders read from the top. Lead with the information that would change what they do in the first few minutes, for example “TYPE 1 DIABETES” or “ON BLOOD THINNER”, right after your name. Contacts usually go last.
Engraving examples
Diabetes
JANE DOE
TYPE 1 DIABETES
INSULIN PUMP
ICE: 555-123-4567
More ideas on our diabetes medical ID page.
Severe allergy
ALEX SMITH
SEVERE PEANUT ALLERGY
CARRIES EPINEPHRINE
ICE: 555-123-4567
See our allergy medical alert bracelets.
Blood thinner
JOHN DOE
ON BLOOD THINNER
WARFARIN
ICE: 555-123-4567
More on medical IDs for blood thinners.
Epilepsy
CHRIS TAYLOR
EPILEPSY
MEDS: LAMOTRIGINE
ICE: 555-123-4567
A child
SAM LEE
AUTISM – NONVERBAL
MOM: 555-123-4567
DAD: 555-765-4321
Browse kids’ medical IDs or the autism ID bracelet guide.
Tips for clear engraving
- Write it plainly. “TYPE 1 DIABETES” is clearer than an abbreviation most people won’t know. ICE is widely understood.
- One idea per line. It is easier to scan than one long sentence.
- Double-check numbers. A wrong digit in a phone number makes the line useless.
- Use the back for privacy. Many people keep the medical symbol on the front and the details on the back.
- Too much to fit? Engrave the essentials and add “SEE WALLET CARD”. Every USMedID order includes a free medical card for the full list.
How many lines will fit?
It depends on the size of the plate. Each USMedID product page shows how many lines and characters fit, with a live preview of your engraving before you order. Engraving is always free.
Keep it up to date
If your condition, medications or emergency contact change, update your ID. An old phone number can make a medical ID much less useful.
Shop medical ID bracelets · Shop medical ID necklaces · Medical IDs by condition