Why you should set up your Medical ID now
Your iPhone is packed with apps. Photos, social media, banking. But that one feature that could save your life? It's probably turned off. Almost everyone is familiar with Medical ID—that little red heart in the Health app. Yet, three-quarters of iPhone users have never set it up.
Logical, you might think. You're healthy, why would you? But here's the twist: healthy people need it most . An accident, an allergic reaction, a sudden blackout—it happens to even the fittest athletes. And then you're there, a first responder, with a locked phone in your hand. No idea who you're talking to, what medication they're taking, who to call.
While the solution is so simple. As simple as ordering new AirPods or accessories for your iPhone . Five minutes of work, potentially saving a life.
Useful links
Why Medical ID is Essential
Millions of Dutch people cycle, walk, and exercise every day. Most have their phones with them, but few realize that this device can literally save lives. The Medical ID on your iPhone is a necessity. It's a digital safety net that works when you're no longer able to.
Emergency responders regularly face a dilemma. An unconscious person, a locked phone, no information. Yet the solution is so simple. With a set-up medical ID, paramedics can immediately see what medications you're taking, if you have any allergies, and who to call. Those few seconds saved can make all the difference.
Set up your medical ID step by step
Getting the basics right
Open the Health app on your iPhone. You can't miss the red heart. Tap "Medical ID" in the bottom right corner and select "Edit." Now the real work begins.
Start with your name and a recent photo. Emergency responders need to know who you are. A clear photo helps with identification, especially if you're unconscious.
Add medical information
Enter your medical conditions. Diabetes, asthma, epilepsy—anything relevant. Be complete but concise. Healthcare providers don't have time for long stories.
Allergies deserve special attention. A penicillin allergy, nuts, bee stings—this information can be life-saving. Don't forget food allergies either. You might be given food in the hospital, and the staff needs to know what's safe.
Medications you take daily are also included. Antihypertensives, insulin, antidepressants—everything counts. Update this list immediately when your medication changes. An outdated list is dangerous.
Set up emergency contacts
Choose a maximum of three emergency contacts. Your partner is probably the top priority, but also consider someone who is available during the day. A retired parent, a friend who works from home. Varying your availability is wise.
For each contact, indicate the relationship. "Partner," "mother," "best friend"—this helps caregivers choose the right person for the situation.
Privacy and accessibility in balance
Enable lock screen access
The most important setting: "Show on lock." Without this option, your medical ID is useless. Emergency responders need to be able to see the information without your access code.
Don't worry about privacy. Only your medical information is visible, not your photos, messages, or other apps. The system is designed to prioritize your safety without completely sacrificing your privacy.
What to share and what not to share
You don't have to share everything. A past appendectomy is usually irrelevant. Focus on current, potentially life-threatening information. Chronic conditions, current medications, serious allergies.
Adding your blood type can be helpful, but it's not essential. Hospitals always test this themselves. It's important to mention your organ donor status.
Update regularly
A medical ID isn't a one-time thing. Schedule a reminder every three months to check your information. New medications? Add them immediately. Discovered an allergy? Update them immediately.
After a doctor's appointment, it's wise to check if anything needs to be changed. A new diagnosis, adjusted medication—it only takes a minute to update.
Who is it important for?
Not only for the sick
Healthy, active people, in particular, benefit from a medical ID. Athletes running alone, cyclists in traffic, hikers in nature. Accidents can easily happen.
Older adults often think about it, while younger adults forget. Yet, this group is often on the go, often alone, and takes risks. A night out, a festival visit, a backpacking trip—situations in which medical information can be crucial.
Special situations
Traveling abroad? Add your address in the notes. Pregnant? Include the duration of your pregnancy. Starting new treatment? Add it to your ID right away.
Children with their own phones deserve extra attention. Set up their medical ID with your information as an emergency contact. Schools can also assist with this in emergencies.
Technical tips and tricks
Share your medical ID with family members through the Health app. This way, they can also access each other's information in case of emergency. Convenient for partners or parents with children.
Use clear language. Avoid medical abbreviations that only you understand. "Type 2 diabetes" is clearer than "DM2" for non-medical users.
Regularly test whether your Medical ID is working. Ask a friend to check your lock screen to see if everything is visible. It's a small effort, but it's very reassuring.
Other Apple devices
Do you have an Apple Watch? Set up your Medical ID there too. The device syncs with your iPhone, but it's good to double-check. While exercising, you often only have your watch with you.
You can also set it up on your iPad. Handy for home use or if your iPad is your primary device. The information syncs across all your devices via iCloud.
Avoiding common mistakes
Don't forget to turn on "Show on lock." This is the most common mistake. Without this setting, all your work will be for nothing.
Be specific about allergies. "Medications" is too vague. "Penicillin," "ibuprofen," or "morphine" provides clear information.
Keep your contact information up to date. Using your ex's old phone number as an emergency contact isn't helpful. Regularly check that your numbers are still up to date.
The Dutch context
In the Netherlands, emergency services collaborate efficiently. Ambulance personnel are trained to search for medical IDs. They are familiar with the system and actively use it.
GPs appreciate it when patients keep track of their medical ID. It provides an extra layer of security, especially outside office hours when their own GP is unavailable.
Hospitals can act faster with accurate information. In the emergency room, every minute counts. Your medical ID saves valuable time in retrieving crucial information.
Five minutes that could save your life
Setting up your Medical ID takes five minutes, but it can mean the difference between life and death. It's as essential as charging your phone or pairing your new Apple Watch . As a healthy, active person, you especially need this digital lifeline —accidents happen when you least expect them.
Healthcare providers are actively looking for it, so give them the information they need. Check your Health app now, enter your information, turn on "Show when locking." Done. Those few minutes of investment could turn out to be your best decision.
