The Belgian Queen Elisabeth medal was instituted on 15 September 1915 and awarded to Allied citizens who it was deemed had performed valuable services to either the Belgian military or civilian population from 1914-19.

The obverse of the medal featured the Belgian Queen's head and listed the text 'Elisabeth Reine Des Belges' around the rim (i.e. 'Elisabeth Queen of the Belgians').  The medal's reverse depicted a seated nurse bearing an oil lamp; the base of the medal was inscribed '1918-1918' with 'Pro Patria Honore Et Caritate' along the rim (i.e. 'for the country, honour and charity).

The accompanying ribbon was grey edged with broad purple.

The medal was most often awarded to recognise service in hospitals.