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30
April
2026
Call to Fund MedicAlert for At-Risk Kiwis Gains Support from Southlander
“If I have an attack, I can’t speak. I need something to speak for me when I can’t.” - Sarah Bennett originally featured in The Southland Times
About us
MedicAlert® Foundation New Zealand
MedicAlert® Foundation is a non-profit essential service charitable organisation that provides lifesaving medical emergency information services for people with allergies, disabilities, and other life-long health conditions.
44,000
Members actively enrolled in New Zealand
10
Lives saved by our Emergency Service Support line per month
6 mil
Members worldwide, in 25 different countries
$18.1 mil
Amount of money the Foundation has saved the Healthcare system
Our Purpose
To reduce avoidable harm and protect lives by providing quick, accurate, and up-to-date medical information, both digitally and linked via a Medical ID, and helps reduce the risk of the wrong treatments being administered to improve the quality of life for its members.
Our history
1956
Dr. Marion Collins created a Medical ID bracelet for his daughter in 1956, inspiring others to seek one. This idea led to the launch of a mission to save lives.
Pay It Forward
This April we're encouraging any donors that can, to support MedicAlert® Foundation's Pay It Forward campaign ❤️
By donating $70 you can help cover annual MedicAlert® Services for at-risk Kiwis who otherwise would not have access. But even the smallest donations can have the biggest impact.
🫴 Donate Today
1962
MedicAlert® Foundation NZ was established by the Lions Club in Upper Hutt by Lion Club President W F Downs.
1964
MedicAlert® Foundation NZ gained popularity and has nearly 4500 members
1968
Established as a Non Profit Incorporated Society administered by a volunteer Medical Advisory Board, management board and seven employees. The first executive director was Seymour Young.
1974
24/7 Emergency Hotline Service was established and is maintained by Wellington Free Ambulance.
1980
Minister of Health - Hon. George Gair awards a gold MedicAlert® Bracelet to its 20,000th member.
1985
Patient Medical Records established on computer
1997
New office facilities opened by Minister of Health - Hon. Bill English
2010
MedicAlert® Foundation NZ officially opens new National Office and launches MedicAlert®’s Nationwide Patient Vitals - Electronic Health Record Service.
Present
We presently safeguard more than 44,000 members in New Zealand and remain dedicated to preventing harm and saving lives.
Member stories
Our Impact
Lesley
Taumarunui
Allergies
A life-threatening accident led me to join Medic Alert after breaking my foot and experiencing anaphylactic shock during surgery due to anesthetic allergies. Thanks to my Medic Alert, medical professionals are now aware of my allergies, potentially saving my life in case of emergencies.
Ken
Auckland
Health Conditions
My Medic Alert bracelet will alert medical staff to the existence of my AUS should I ever be admitted to hospital in an unconscious condition as a result of a medical event or accident.
News
The latest updates
We are dedicated to giving MedicAlert® Members, subscribers and friends the most recent news and information. Be sure to return often for updates.
MedicAlert® Foundation Worldwide
On a Worldwide mission to protect and save lives.
We are part of a global network of MedicAlert® Affiliates that use the personal emergency identification system to protect and save lives.
Our members benefit from confidence around-the-clock thanks to our internationally recognised Medical ID and a 24/7 Emergency Information Service, knowing that medical professionals are trained to look for and recognise the Medical ID and can easily retrieve a medical record when seconds count.
FAQs
Have any questions?
Enquiring minds want to know. Below you will find answers to questions that we get asked about the most. Can’t find an answer? Let us know.
I’ve found someones lost MedicAlert® Medical ID, how do I return it?
We provide a free lost and found service. If you find a MedicAlert® Medical ID, return it to the Foundation, PO Box 40028, Upper Hutt 5140. We will locate the member and forward it onto them at no cost. For privacy protection, we cannot release members personal information.
Can I update my information that first responders see?
Members can access their information anytime, just click login, or call Membership Services who can review your information with you over the phone once they have completed a security verification. Just remember, health information must come from your Health Provider. Any other information, it's important you update it regularly.
What is the 24/7 Emergency Hotline Service?
The 24/7 Emergency Hotline is a service provided by MedicAlert® Foundation New Zealand through it's Service Provider Whakarongorau Aotearoa. This provider also delivers the Health New Zealand national telehealth service called Healthline.
The Hotline Number (+64 4 4722 999) can be called in New Zealand or from Overseas if you are travelling, is engraved on your MedicAlert Medical ID and is printed on your MedicAlert Wallet Card.
It offers immediate emergency access to your critical identity and health information, including your Emergency Contact and Health Provider, by First Responders and Good Samaritans needing assistance. When the Hotline is called due to an accident or medical emergency, Whakarongorau will call your listed Emergency Contact to let them know, so they can provide support for you.
You can view the ‘Emergency Record’ accessible by the 24/7Emergency Hotline Service, when logged into your MACM – Member Account. Click on ‘Overview’ to locate the button.
Please check with your Emergency Contact that their contact details have not changed. You will need their phone numbers and address. Providing an email address is also very helpful, it allows the Foundation to touch base with them, if need be, from time to time. Please update your information as soon as possible by:
· Logging into your MACM – Member Account using your Health NZ ‘My Health Account’ Login details. A sign-up option to get a My Health Account Login is also available. Go to: www.medicalert.nz , click login.
· Contacting Membership Services ph: 0800 840 111. e. Service@MedicAlert.nz"
What are the ‘terms of agreement’ of membership, between the Foundation and its members?
MedicAlert® Foundation is a member owned service organisation that acts to support its members. The Member Terms Statement is the basis of contract or agreement between the Foundation and its Medical Identification Members. A copy is provided on the enrolment form, available 24/7 on the Foundation's website, or upon request.
Which Medical IDs do you recommend for children and toddlers?
We offer a variety of products including silicone and velcro sports bands. However, our stainless steel petite emblem comes highly recommennded for babies and toddlers.
My Medical ID has been broken, how do I get a replacement or repair?
Please contact us on 0800840111 before sending a product for repairs. Alternatively, you can order new products at any time over the phone or online.
Learn more about us
Get involved
By collaborating, we enhance visibility, public awareness, and safeguard more individuals.
Our collaborators
Through partnerships and innovation, we expand our reach to make medical data accessible in emergencies.
Our team
The organisational governance, public accountability, and setting of strategic priorities of the Foundation are the responsibilities of a volunteer Board of Directors that oversees its operations.
Make a Donation
Small donations significantly help our non-profit Foundation. Without government funding, we rely on our members and friends to support our mission of saving lives.
