Frequently Asked Questions
Membership and Service Questions
Why should I join MedicAlert?-
If you have any medical conditions that may put you at risk in an emergency, then you need MedicAlert. MedicAlert ensures your vital medical information is immediately known to emergency health care providers and will speak for you when you cannot. Without MedicAlert’s medical identification and 24 hour hotline service, you are leaving your emergency care at risk, especially when every second counts. Membership Benefits
- I only need a bracelet. Why do I have to become a member?
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MedicAlert offers much more than a piece of jewelry it offers peace of mind. Our products are linked to a membership and here is why it is extremely important to have the two together.
- MedicAlert is your voice when you can't speak for yourself.
- Every MedicAlert product is custom-engraved with the most vital information needed in those critical moments of a medical emergency for the first responder to access.
- Our 24/7 Hotline provides the first responder with additional information on your Electronic Emergency Medical Record.
- Your unique membership ID number located on the back of the product allows the Health or Emergency Responder to access our 24/7 hotline should they require any additional information regarding your health condition, current medications or names and telephones of your emergency contacts, all of which is hosted on a secure confidential database.
- What is my risk for purchasing an imitation medical ID?
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MedicAlert is a membership based community. If you are not a MedicAlert member and not wearing an authentic MedicAlert medical identification, then you are wearing a imitation ID. Imitation IDs found in jewelry stores, pharmacies, and the internet are not supported by the unique MedicAlert 24-hour protection and 24 hour emergency information service. More
- How much does membership cost?
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Standard membership costs as little as $39 a year. For an additional $10 a year, you can upgrade to an Advantage membership which provides you with additional benefits such as “Family Notification”. Membership Benefits
- How do I become a member?
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Joining the MedicAlert community is easy
There are 3 easy ways to become a member:- Online – Join us online
- Phone – Call us at 1-800-668-1507
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Mail – Complete this PDF application and mail it to us at:
2005 Sheppard Ave East, Suite 800
Toronto Ontario
M2J 5B4
Before Making Your Choice:
- Choose a MedicAlert identification product and a membership.
- Make sure you have your personal information available, including your address, telephone number, e-mail address, date of birth, family emergency contacts, and your physician’s name and contact information.
- Ensure you have your complete medical history, including list of medical conditions, devices/implants, medications and allergies and special needs available. If you have any questions about this please call 1-800-668-1507 and our medically trained staff will assist you.
- Have your credit card information ready.
- How do I apply for membership assistance?
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Canadians young and old with potentially life-threatening health conditions or special medical needs can be protected with a MedicAlert membership through our Membership Assistance Program – regardless of their financial means. Thanks to generous donations from our members, Membership Assistance is made possible. The Membership Assistance Program provides partial subsidy for the membership fee and the cost of a stainless steel bracelet.
- Do I have to call in to renew my membership each year?
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No, to ensure continued MedicAlert protection and service, you can request automatic renewal at anytime. When you select the automatic renewal option, your credit card will be automatically charged on the anniversary of your membership each year. As a second option, you can also purchase and pay for a 2 or 3 year membership upfront. You can benefit from discounts on a multi-year membership and you won’t need to worry about renewing for 2 or 3 years.
- I would like to order some MedicAlert brochures
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Please order materials online or call us at 1-866-679-3217, ext 1136.
Medical Questions
- What information is engraved on the bracelet or necklace?
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There are five engraving lines on each MedicAlert® bracelet or necklace. These are custom-engraved with
- Member’s identification number
- Member’s specific medical conditions or special needs
- The telephone number of the 24-Hour Emergency Hotline.
Members provide us with their medical information and our team of medical editors then determines what information should be engraved, ensuring accuracy and the use of international medical terminology standards and abbreviations. If you are unsure please contact us.
- What if my information changes? How do I update my medical information?
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Annual Members
Standard and Advantage members are entitled to free unlimited demographic and medical updates and should log into My MedicAlert to make those changes. Every time a change is made to your file you will receive a new membership card to carry in your wallet. If you require assistance please contact us.
Please note: if your information changes significantly, we recommend you reorder a new product. If you are unsure please call us at 1-800-668-1507.
Lifetime Members
Lifetime members are entitled to free unlimited demographic updates and are charged a fee of $15 plus tax to update their medical and should log into My MedicAlert to make those changes. Every time a change is made to your file you will receive a new membership card to carry in your wallet. If you require assistance please contact us.
Please note: if your information changes significantly, we recommend you re-order a new product. Should you reorder the $15 charge will be waived. If you are unsure please call us at 1-800-668-1507.
- How often can I update my information?
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Annual Members
Standard and Advantage members are entitled to free unlimited demographic and medical updates and should log into My MedicAlert to make those changes. Every time a change is made to your file you will receive a new membership card to carry in your wallet. If you require assistance please contact us.
Please note: if your information changes significantly, we recommend you reorder a new product. If you are unsure please call us at 1-800-668-1507.
Lifetime Members
Lifetime members are entitled to free unlimited demographic updates and are charged a fee of $15 plus tax to update their medical and should log into My MedicAlert to make those changes. Every time a change is made to your file you will receive a new membership card to carry in your wallet. If you require assistance please contact us.
Please note: if your information changes significantly, we recommend you re-order a new product. Should you reorder the $15 charge will be waived. If you are unsure please call us at 1-800-668-1507.
Product Questions
- How long does it take to receive my order/product?
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We provide customized engraving that is very specific for each member.
Stainless steel products usually ship within three weeks.
Precious metal products (silver and gold) usually ship within four weeks.
Delivery: Please allow five to seven business days for Canada Post to deliver your product. Special courier arrangements can be made at your cost by contacting us at 1-800-668-1507.
If you order one of each you will likely receive the stainless first followed by the precious metal as they are shipped separately. Please wait ten business days after you receive your stainless steel product. If you have not received your precious metal product by then, please contact us.
- Do you have any other products than the stainless steel bracelet?
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MedicAlert has over 80 different medical identification products to suit your lifestyle. Select from a variety of bracelet and necklace styles as well as precious metal material.
If you're new to MedicAlert, shop here.
If you are a MedicAlert member, shop here. - How much do the products cost?
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Each product will have a unique cost depending on the material and the weight of the product (eg. Gold). When you purchase a second identification product, you can enjoy a 10% discount.
If you're new to MedicAlert, shop here.
If you are a MedicAlert member, shop here. - What type of warranty do you offer on products?
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MedicAlert provides a one year warranty on parts and labour for bracelets and necklaces. Advantage members are entitled to an additional year warranty on parts and labour. All out-of-warranty products and re-sizing products can be repaired at a nominal cost.
- Where do I send my product for repair or re-sizing? And how long will it take?
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Please send your product to the following address:
Attention: Repairs Department
2005 Sheppard Ave East
Suite 800
Toronto, Ontario
M2J 5B4As each request does vary, we will notify you as soon as we receive your request as to the action and timing required to repair or resize the item. If you have any questions, please contact us
- What bracelets do you recommend for babies and toddlers?
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Small emblem:
Width: 1.190"
Height: 0.690"MedicAlert recommends the stainless steel bracelet with the small emblem for use by babies and toddlers. It is lightweight, low maintenance and difficult to remove. It can also be customized to fit a small wrist. As the child grows, you can either purchase a new chain or transfer the engraved MedicAlert emblem to one of our new kids sport bands featuring animal designs.
- Can I put more information on the larger emblem?
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No – the large emblem is for personal preference only. Both small (1 ¼ in) and large (1 ½ in) emblems has a maximum 5 lines of engraving. A customer service representative can further assist you with the full engraving specification. Contact Us
- How do I report a lost or found MedicAlert Bracelet/Necklace?
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If LOST or FOUND kindly contact us at 1-800-668-1507 immediately.
Donation Questions
- How does my donation help?
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Canadian MedicAlert® Foundation is a non-profit, member-based charitable organization that relies solely on donations, service and product fees to provide service to its members. MedicAlert receives no government funding.
Donations allow us to continue to build partnerships and launch awareness initiatives with emergency professionals and the healthcare community. And just as important, donations are used to extend memberships to those in financial need through the Membership Assistance Program. Last year, our Membership Assistance program provided almost 1,000 new memberships to Canadians in need.
- How can I make a donation?
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No donation amount is too large or small and we appreciate your continued support in our mission to provide all Canadians with potentially life-threatening health conditions or special medical needs with MedicAlert protection. You can donate directly on-line, via phone or simply mail us a cheque. Donate Now
