A method for storing medical data on a secure ID card and retrieving the medical data from the card using an authentication device. The method comprises the steps of verifying the card and the authentication device, unlocking in the card a user password template stored in the card in response to verification of the card and authentication device, inputting a password, transmitting the password to the card, comparing the inputted password to the unlocked password template, unlocking a biometric template stored in the card in response to a positive comparison, capturing biometric data a person with the biometric sensor, generating in the authentication device a biometric template through processing of the captured biometric data, transmitting the template to the card, comparing the biometric template to the unlocked template, generating a decryption key, and using the decryption key to unlock a medical application on the authentication device.