Customer Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Engraving
With custom engraving, every ID works for you and your unique health concerns.
Over 80% of first responders participating in our 2020 survey stated that custom-engraved medical alert jewelry is the most effective form of medical ID you can wear.
When you’re considering what to engrave on a medical alert bracelet, start with the basics.
Name - If you are unable to communicate, it is vitally important that you be identified rapidly. The first step to accessing your medical records is having your name. In emergency scenarios, phones sometimes get lost, and purses get left behind. It’s important to have your name right there on your medical ID jewelry.
Chief medical conditions - If you have several, consider prioritizing the ones that are most relevant to emergency medical support. Your health care provider’s nursing staff can usually help with this over the phone if you are not sure.
Allergies - Again, you’ll want to consider what’s relevant here. For example, people typically prioritize food, drug, and insect allergies.
Emergency Contact(s) - Your emergency contact number(s), preceded by the letters, “ICE” for, “In Case of Emergency,” are important. We recommend listing cell phone numbers for faster access.
Hospital System - If space allows, EMTs recommend listing the hospital where your records are held. While that does not guarantee you will go to that hospital, it provides helpful information as to how to access your records if needed.
“A preferred hospital or one ...that has all [your] records would be an added bonus, especially if you live in a city with multiple hospitals.”
-David B., NRP
View our full Engraving Guide here
When engraving your medical ID jewelry, it's important to maximize your use of space in order to communicate as much vital health information as possible.
There are many very common medical abbreviations, and we've worked with our partners in the medical community for years to compile a list of the most frequently used abbreviations.
Atrial Fibrillation | A-FIB
Allergy/Allergic To | ALGY
Blood Pressure | BP
Diagnosis/Disease | DIAG/DX
Epinephrine Pen (auto-injector) | EPIPEN
In Case of Emergency | ICE
No Known Allergies | NKA
Read more about common abbreviations, see the full list, and learn more about what to engrave on your medical ID on our Common Medical Abbreviations page.
Our Customer Service Team is available by phone or email between 8a and 4:30p US Central time, Monday through Friday. Please reach out via our Contact Us page.
If you are making an after-hours request to update an in-process order, please rest assured that we do not ship outside of our stated business hours, so we will have a chance to review and respond to your request before your order is shipped.
When deciding what to put on your medical alert, think about conditions that are most likely to cause an emergency (EG: Diabetes or epilepsy) or be relevant during emergency treatment (EG: Blood thinner use, drug allergies). Less vital information is more appropriate for a wallet card or online health profile.
For more engraving information, please visit our What Should I Engrave? page.
“I [am] concerned with meds that have severe reactions to other common emergency medicines. For medical conditions I am usually only worried about conditions that can cause an actual medical emergency, example, lethal cardiac arrhythmia, cancer or tumors that are a likely cause of this problem.” - Josh, RN, BSN
This depends on the medication.
When starting something new, it’s a good idea to ask your doctor whether you need to update your engraving.
Additionally, some prescriptions even come with advisories about this, such as blood thinners.
If you have a lot of medications, or they change frequently, you may want to include, “See Wallet Card,” and carry an updated list of what you’re taking. You can add a wallet card to your order here.
Absolutely! We've created a guide for engraving your allergy medical ID.
Learn more about what to engrave on an allergy alert here.
We highly recommend including your name on your ID. You may be separated from your wallet or phone in an emergency. Without your name, it is much harder for first responders to identify you and for a hospital to access your medical records.
We do not recommend engraving your social security number, as it is not helpful to first responders and, if you should lose your jewelry, it puts this sensitive information at risk.
If you've just placed your order and recognize a mistake, please call or email us. Most often, if we catch it soon enough, we can update your engraving before your product is engraved.
Unfortunately, once engraved, we cannot edit information on an engraved piece of jewelry. Engraving is a permanent process that cannot be edited.
Standard Etched and Premium Laser Engraving are done on separate types of machines and are both permanent.
Therefore, laser engraving cannot be added after an item has been etch engraved.
No, once an item has been engraved, it cannot be returned or exchanged.
Custom engraving means every medical ID works for you.
Every Lauren's Hope ID is custom engraved for the wearer. So the ID one person wears for diabetes may be engraved with adrenal insufficiency or asthma for someone else.
The choice is yours! Simply select the style you like, and we will engrave it just for you. Not sure which type of ID is right for you? Here's some help.
Need tips for what to engrave? Check out this guide.
"ICE" stands for "In Case of Emergency". It's a common abbreviation to engrave on a medical ID and is normally listed before the emergency contact's phone number.
View more common abbreviation here
Jeweler Services
Swap your unworn med ID for a different size of the same style within the first 30 days. Jeweler service fees are waived. We will charge your card on file for associated return shipping and handling fees.
- Fill out and print our Resize Request Form
- Enclose your bracelet along with the Resize Request Form in a padded mailer
- Ship it back us at:
Lauren's Hope
Attn: Resize
1425 Swift St
North Kansas City, MO 64116
Need it larger but don't want to send it in?
Contact us within the first 30 days to see what complimentary parts may be available to prevent you from having to send your bracelet in for resize.
Note: Please send your item in a padded mailer and enclose the appropriate Service Request Form.
For interchangeable IDs, please keep your ID tag and send only the bracelet strand.
Lauren's Hope warranties our medical ID jewelry against defects for one year.
- Fill out and print our Warranty Repair Request Form
- Enclose your bracelet along with the Warranty Repair Request Form in a padded mailer
- Ship it back us at:
Lauren's Hope
Attn: Warranty Repair
1425 Swift St
North Kansas City, MO 64116
Past the one year mark?
For bracelets over one year old, Jeweler Services are available for $25 plus shipping and handling. There may be additional costs based on the number and condition of the parts returned.
Due to the custom nature of our products, we unfortunately cannot hold parts for all styles indefinitely. If we no longer have the parts to repair your bracelet, we will return it to you. To find out if an older bracelet is repairable, please contact us with your name, mailing address, and any identifying order information (like an order number) you may have.
- Fill out and print our Post-Warranty Repair Request Form
- Enclose your bracelet along with the Post-Warranty Repair Request Form in a padded mailer
- Ship it back us at:
Lauren's Hope
Attn: Non-Warranty Repair
1425 Swift St
North Kansas City, MO 64116
For more information, please visit our Jeweler Services page
Engraved items are ineligible for exchange or return. You may exchange your like-new, unworn, non-engraved items for a different style within the first 30 days.
- Fill out and print our Exchange Request Form
- Enclose your bracelet along with the Exchange Request Form in a padded mailer
- Ship it back us at:
Lauren's Hope
Attn: Resize
1425 Swift St
North Kansas City, MO 64116
Fees and Credits
We will issue a credit or charge if there is a price difference between your items. Additionally, we will charge your card on file for associated return shipping and handling fees.
We warranty our products against defects for one year.
Exclusions and Limitations
- We do not warranty against scratches or dents, as they are considered normal wear and tear. We do not warranty against theft, loss, or chemical exposure.
- Caduceus and paint/inlay/patina: The caduceus symbols and any paint/color fill on our metal pieces are conditionally warrantied for one year. Exposure to harsh chemicals, intentional damage, and/or abnormal wear will void your warranty.
Repair services are warrantied for 30 days.
To request a Warranty Repair, please package your medical ID bracelet strand only (keep your medical ID tag if it is not affixed to your bracelet strand, and please put broken bracelet pieces into a zip-top baggie) in a PADDED MAILER, and ship it to the address below along with our Warranty Service Request Form.
Ship to:
Lauren’s Hope
ATTN: REPAIRS
1425 Swift St.
Suite 100
North Kansas City, MO 64116
POST-WARRANTY SERVICES
For bracelets over one year old, Jeweler Services are available for $25 plus shipping and handling. There may be additional costs based on the number and condition of the parts returned.
Due to the custom nature of our products, we unfortunately cannot hold parts for all styles indefinitely. If we no longer have the parts to repair your bracelet, we will return it to you. To find out if an older bracelet is repairable, please email info@laurenshope.com with your name, mailing address, and any identifying order information you may have.
To request a Warranty Repair, please package your medical ID bracelet strand only (keep your medical ID tag if it is not affixed to your bracelet strand, and please put broken bracelet pieces into a zip-top baggie) in a PADDED MAILER, and ship it to the address below along with our Warranty Service Request Form.
Ship to:
Lauren’s Hope
ATTN: REPAIRS
1425 Swift St.
Suite 100
North Kansas City, MO 64116
POST-WARRANTY SERVICES
For bracelets over one year old, Jeweler Services are available for $25 plus shipping and handling. There may be additional costs based on the number and condition of the parts returned.
Due to the custom nature of our products, we unfortunately cannot hold parts for all styles indefinitely. If we no longer have the parts to repair your bracelet, we will return it to you. To find out if an older bracelet is repairable, please email info@laurenshope.com with your name, mailing address, and any identifying order information you may have.
Like new, unengraved items can be returned within 30 days of purchase. Engraved items and shipping/handling fees are not eligible for refund. Please allow up to five (5) business days for your exchange or return to be processed and any credits to be issued to your credit card provider.
Bracelet Sizing
Proper sizing is an important part of ensuring that your medical alert bracelet is comfortable.
To determine your size, you’ll need to measure your wrist. Let’s get started:
- You will need a soft measuring tape. Don’t have one? Pro tip: Use string or dental floss and then lay it against a ruler!
- Wrap your measuring tape around your wrist at the narrowest point so the tape is flat against your skin (snug, not tight).
- Find the zero (0) on the measuring tape and note the number opposite it when the tape is looped around your wrist. This is your wrist size.
- When you have your snug wrist measurement, write it down. You will use this during the customization process.
Please do not add to this measurement.
Knowing your wrist size allows us to craft a bracelet that will fit you beautifully.
For a step by step guide, visit our Measurement Guide page or view our free measurement tool.
We test every med ID bracelet to determine how to provide the best fit for that particular style. For this reason, we ask that you review the sizing instructions provided on the product page for your chosen style before ordering. In most cases, we simply ask for your snug wrist measurement. Not sure how to measure your wrist accurately? Visit our Measuring Guide for tips!
Did you know?
You may own several LH med ID bracelets, all sized for your exact wrist measurement, and they will likely vary in size when laid out straight. This is because every bracelet design lays and fits a little differently, and we accommodate for that when filling your order. That’s why we always ask for your snug wrist measurement rather than asking for your bracelet size or asking for the length of a previously purchased style: so we can give you just the right fit every time.
We want to ensure that your bracelet fits well the first time so you can start wearing it right away.
Because even an inch can make a big difference in how your bracelet fits, we ask that you measure your wrist so we can provide a great fit every time you order.
We’ll custom size your bracelet for a fit that’s not too tight or too loose.
- Snugly measure your wrist.
- Select your wrist size from the dropdown menu.
- We’ll add the appropriate length to create a comfortable fit.
If you’re ordering an interchangeable style, you will need to follow these steps whether you need a bracelet with a tag OR the bracelet portion only.
Product Questions
Absolutely! Simply choose the medical ID tag style you prefer, enter your engraving, and check out. Your new ID tag can then be attached to your existing interchangeable medical ID bracelet strands.
Select the interchangeable bracelet option you prefer. Under the first step, select the option "I already have a tag". From there, all you need to do is select your wrist size and checkout.
Our interchangeable medical ID bracelet styles are composed of a bracelet strand with a lobster clasp at either end and a removable medical ID tag.
When your interchangeable medical ID bracelet arrives, make sure one end of your bracelet is attached to the hole on your ID tag, wrap the bracelet around your wrist, and attached the remaining lobster clasp to the remaining ID tag hole.
Tips for clasping your interchangeable medical ID bracelet:
How-To: Your Interchangeable Medical ID Bracelet | Tips For Clasping
People often ask, “Do you have free medical IDs?” We do offer a free downloadable medical ID emergency wallet card, which you can customize and print as often as you’d like. For help obtaining a free medical alert bracelet, you may want to consult your physician’s office, local hospital’s community outreach department, or local health department.
We offer a variety of products, many of which have a la carte pricing. We do this so that you only ever pay for what you want or need. This way, you can choose your preferred combination of bracelet strands, ID tags, and engraving types so what you purchase is just right for you.
Lauren’s Hope carries medical ID jewelry in a variety of styles and materials, some of which are more water-friendly than others.
All of our jewelry is appropriate for hand-washing and showering, although sterling silver is less prone to tarnish when kept dry.
Beaded, sterling, and macrame (cotton and leather) bracelets are not appropriate for wear in pools and hot tubs. For this type of water wear, we highly recommend stainless steel, paracord, and silicone medical ID jewelry.
New Customer Help
The best medical ID for you is the one you want to wear.
Lauren's Hope offers a wide variety of medical ID styles, so deciding which style will work best for you is a great way to help you narrow down your choices.
How and where do you typically wear your medical ID?
- Day Only
- 24/7 Wear
- Exercise & Swimming
A few more things to consider:
- Stylish, fashion-forward: Consider an interchangeable medical alert bracelet. Made of a bracelet strand and medical alert tag, both pieces can be mixed and matched with others, allowing for a fresh look every day.
- Active and sporty: Silicone and stainless steel med alerts are best for highly active individuals who want to wear their med alerts during outdoor, water, and sports activities.
- Young and growing: Kids who like their medical alerts are much more likely to wear them. Help your child choose a med alert by visiting our boys’ and girls’ sections.
Over 60 million Americans have a medical condition which should be immediately known by first responders in the event of an emergency. EMT and first responders are trained to look for a medical alert. Medical identification alerts first responders to your vital medical information as well as your name and emergency contact information. With proper medical identification, a first responder may be made aware of your condition, providing the information that may assist them in treating you properly.
If you are a caregiver, then you should also wear a medical ID to alert emergency personnel of your loved one who needs attention. Let your medical identification jewelry speak for you when you can't.
The best way to shop with us is by ordering online, where you’ll find our most up-to-date collection of medical alert products. Shopping is easy:
- Visit Women’s, Men's, or Kids' to find the products relevant to your current need.
- Choose from our medical alert necklaces and bracelets.
- Enter your engraving and sizing information.
- Click, “Add to Bag,” and head to checkout.
- Once you place your order, we’ll do the rest!
We're also available Monday - Friday from 8am - 4:30pm, and we are happy to take your order over the phone. at 1-800-360-8680
Medical alerts are bracelets and necklaces marked with a medical caduceus or staff of life symbol, which indicates the presence of medical information. 95% of first responders check the neck and wrist for medic alert jewelry, which can include pendant or dog tag necklaces as well as a variety of bracelet types, such as hypoallergenic cuffs, classic med ID chains, stretch styles, silicone med alert bands, and more.
Wondering who needs a medical alert bracelet? People wear medical ID bracelets to alert first responders and good samaritans to these and many more conditions and treatment considerations. Read about more conditions and what to engrave on your medical alert jewelry here:
The best medical ID bracelet is one you like and will wear daily. Here are a few other things to consider when shopping for the best medic alert bracelet:
- How much engraving space do you need? Our interchangeable styles have some of the largest engraving allowances.
- Will you wear your medical alert bracelet around the clock? If so, look for a stainless steel or silicone medical alert band for water-friendly, 24/7 daily wear.
- Will your information change? Interchangeable med IDs allow you to replace your medical alert tag without replacing all of your bracelets.
In an emergency, seconds count. Whether the emergency situation was caused by your medical condition or could be further complicated by your diagnosis, EMTs and other first responders need to know who you are, how best to help you, and what to avoid in order to prevent unnecessary delays, ambulance rides, ER visits, allergic reactions, or other complications.
Medical ID jewelry keeps your information on hand, which is particularly important as studies show that:
- During 30% of visits, patient records cannot be located.
- Ineffective communication during patient transitions (i.e. from ambulance to ER) contributes to 80% of all serious medical errors.
- Medication errors cause over 7,000 deaths and 500,000 injuries annually, many of which can be prevented.
General Questions
Lauren Philips is the company’s namesake. Lauren’s Hope was founded when Lauren, then 13, refused to wear an unattractive, traditional medical ID bracelet for her Type 1 Diabetes. Her mom reached out to a friend who made jewelry, asking for a pretty custom bracelet for Lauren, and the rest is history.
You can read more about Lauren’s story here.
We are open from 8:00am to 4:30pm (Central) Monday - Friday.
We are located in North Kansas City, Missouri.
1425 Swift St.
Suite 100
North Kansas City, MO 64116
1-800-360-8680
We invite individuals, charities, and other organizations to join our Brochure Ambassador program. We will send you a batch of Lauren’s Hope brochures to share with your network.