One extremely handy feature of the Health app is the digital ‘Medical ID’, which provides important health-related information from the user for anyone to access in the event of an emergency. For this entry, let’s see how to set up your Medical ID and use it on your iPhone in case of an emergency.
Setting Up Your Medical ID
First, start by opening the Health app on your iPhone. At the bottom of the screen you will see four different options. Tap on the bottom right option labeled Medical ID to get started. On the next screen, you will be prompted to create your own Medical ID. Once you choose to do so, you will see the Show When Locked option, which as expected, will let anyone access your Medical ID even if your iPhone is locked in case of an emergency. Once that’s done, start adding your relevant medical information into the app. There you will be able to add a custom picture and name, as well as all the information you would want others to know about your medical condition. These include allergic reactions, medications, blood type if you are an organ donor, and even an emergency contact with their name for your iPhone to display. Once you finish this step, simply tap Done at the top right of the screen and your Medical ID will be ready to use.
Accessing a Medical ID From a Locked iPhone
Now, to access a Medical ID from a locked iPhone in case of an emergency, first try to unlock it to get to either the passcode or the password screen (both shown below). In either case, you will notice that there is an Emergency button on display. Tap on it to be taken to the ‘Emergency Call’ screen. There, at the bottom left you will finally find the Medical ID button. Tapping on it will reveal the user’s medical ID. Important Note: Of course, you can always head to the Health app to edit your medical ID so it only shows the information you want others to see (or not show it at all). And there you have it. As you can see, having this information available for anyone to see might not be for everyone, but there’s no denying that it can be a real life-saver in case of an emergency.
