Tell us about your symptoms and treatment experience. Take our survey here.

caret icon Back to all discussions

Should I get a medical ID bracelet to travel?

Should I get a medical ID bracelet for traveling to Europe? I'm on leflunomide (Arava) and Enbrel (in addition to other medicines like Nexium) but I'm also allergic to sulfa drugs and naproxen. Would an ID card in my wallet be enough?

  1. If you want to wear a necklace or bracelet to inform medics of your conditions, meds and allergies. Certainly! Especially for allergies. There are some pretty or handsome alert jewelry on the net. Medic alert are useful in keeping your info but the jewelry aren't as nice looking, the last time I looked.

    I used to have a necklace for Diabetes Type 1 and 2 bracelets for Diabetes and RA. Unfortunately, a Paramedic tore the necklace off my neck, so it wouldn't cause a problem. The bracelets, I lost somewhere.

    Since then I've carried a Red and White card with large letters in my wallet that reads "Type 1 Diabetic - Insulin and Rheumatoid Arthritis(turn over)". with info on back. They sometimes look in a person's wallet to know who the patient is too. I have other medical conditions and info inside also.

    Some people wear there disease on their arms in a tattoo. Some even wear T-shirts. A bit too obvious for me.

    Good Luck with the jewelry or whichever else you choose.

    1. Hi tnrose87. It is completely understandable to want to be as safe as possible while traveling. I can tell you that I have a couple of serious allergies that I have worn a medical alert necklace for. I also wanted to mention that many phones have the ability to put medical information for easy access (note: I have not personally set this up, so can't speak to how easy it can be accessed). Some sort of medical alert may be worth it, even if only for peace of mind (hopefully that is all you would need it for). Wishing you the best. Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)

      Please read our rules before posting.