A medical electrode for conducting signals, in particular for conducting signals from the human skin, is built up in at least two layers. A preferably metallic signal conductor can be connected to the signal-emitting subject, preferably in the form of a signal-conducting layer, and is arranged between an upper top layer and an adhesive layer which can be brought into contact with the signal-emitting subject. The electrode has a tapping pad, and an electrically insulating covering element arranged between the tapping pad and the signal-emitting subject, and at least one side of the preferably planar covering element is electrically conductive in construction.