Medical Alert Jewelry for Women That You'll Actually Want to Wear

I tracked down the best. You're welcome.

medical jewelry
(Image credit: Lauren's Hope / Etsy / Amazon)

Medical jewelry is a quick and practical way to convey all kinds of essential information, from conditions like allergies and diabetes to contact information. There's a Medical ID app for smart phones and the Apple Watch, but as a person who's lived with allergies all my life, I like having a very clear sign for medical professionals/EMTs to find quickly in an emergency. Plus, technology can glitch or run out of batteries, so I always wear my medical bracelet just in case.

However, if I'm buying something I need to wear, I don't want it to be a chore to fit in my wardrobe. Anyone who's ever tried to buy medical jewelry can relate to the following struggle: 1) I look for a classic, not-too-trendy piece to match my style. 2) Everything is hideous. 3) I give up. This process has repeated itself since I was old enough to try replacing a truly ghastly set of medical dog tags I had to wear as a kid. Fortunately, there's more selection now. There are some practical, sporty options out there (think Road ID), but, for me, I want something that integrates with the light, layering pieces I use every day for work and going out.

Sadly, high-end designers haven't gotten on the medical jewelry train just yet—what I wouldn't give for a Tiffany or Sarah Chloe bracelet—but I've heard that custom pieces are possible in some cases. If you're looking for something a little easier, or your wallet can't quite handle something pricey, these are some affordable, customizable options that have the caduceus (that snake-and-staff symbol) printed clearly somewhere. Now, I can look forward to buying a new bracelet every time I get a new allergy! Ugh.

Katherine J. Igoe
Contributing Editor

Katherine’s a contributing syndications editor at Marie Claire who covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle. In her role, she writes stories that are syndicated by MSN and other outlets. She’s been a full-time freelancer for over a decade and has had roles with Cosmopolitan (where she covered lifestyle, culture, and fashion SEO content) and Bustle (where she was their movies and culture writer). She has bylines in New York TimesParentsInStyle, Refinery29, and elsewhere. Her work has also been syndicated by ELLEHarper’s BazaarSeventeenGood Housekeeping, and Women’s Health, among others. In addition to her stories reaching millions of readers, content she's written and edited has qualified for a Bell Ringer Award and received a Communicator Award. 

Katherine has a BA in English and art history from the University of Notre Dame and an MA in art business from the Sotheby's Institute of Art (with a focus on marketing/communications). She covers a wide breadth of topics: she's written about how to find the very best petite jeanshow sustainable travel has found its footing on Instagram, and what it's like to be a professional advice-giver in the modern world. Her personal essays have run the gamut from learning to dress as a queer woman to navigating food allergies as a mom. She also has deep knowledge of SEO/EATT, affiliate revenue, commerce, and social media; she regularly edits the work of other writers. She speaks at writing-related events and podcasts about freelancing and journalism, mentors students and other new writers, and consults on coursework. Currently, Katherine lives in Boston with her husband and two kids, and you can follow her on Instagram. If you're wondering about her last name, it’s “I go to dinner,” not “Her huge ego,” but she responds to both.