Medical Alert Systems
Medical alert systems are emergency medical devices designed to contact a monitoring specialist, caregiver, or designated individual if you need assistance.
If you fall or need emergency medical assistance, your medical alert will dispatch for help immediately. There are different medical alert systems to choose from, including wearables, in-home systems and mobile devices to give you peace of mind when you’re on the go. Your choice should depend on your lifestyle and needs.
Compare the Best Medical Alerts
Medical Alert Medical Alert Systems | GetSafe | Bay Alarm | Life Alert | GreatCall | Philips Lifeline | ResponseNow | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Safety Score | 8.6 | 8.6 | 8.2 | 7.5 | 7.1 | 7.1 | 7.1 | 7.1 | 7.1 | 6.4 |
Monthly Cost | $27.45 | $24.95 | $24.99 | $19.95 | $24.95 | $24.95 | $24.95 | $24.95 | $24.95 | |
Connectivity | Cellular | Cellular | Cellular | Cellular | Landline and cellular | Landline and cellular | Cellular | Landline and cellular | Landline and cellular | Landline and cellular |
Range | 200 feet | 2,000 feet | Anywhere in the U.S. | 1,000 feet | 1,3000 feet | 800 feet | 150 feet | N/A | 1,0000 feet | 6000 feet |
Battery Life | 14 days | 30 days | 5 days | 32 hours | 5 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | N/A |
Fall detection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Lockbox | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
GPS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Water-resistant? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Compare Medical Alert Systems
Our take
Medical Alert prides itself on a hassle-free approach to medical monitoring, either at home or on the go. More than just a monitoring system, it’s a “support network available at all times.” Medical Alert reps stay with you on the line until help arrives, and the company’s systems are simple and easy to set up.
Medical Alert offers three basic levels of protection, from land-lined base to cellular at-home service, to the full-service “On The Go” package, which protects you whether you’re at home or out. In addition, it has safety specialists to help customize solutions, and it will go the extra mile by informing your loved ones if anything happens.
Pros
- Price breaks for semi-annual and annual payment
- 24/7 monitoring
- Mobile app available
Cons
- Fall detection costs extra
- Limited plans and equipment
- Cellular monitoring not available at lowest tier
Our take
The GetSafe medical alert system offers medical alert systems using a 4G LTE cellular network. You can push a voice-activated button or pull a cord to get emergency medical attention. GetSafe also offers waterproof alert buttons with a five-year battery, various wearable ‘Help’ buttons, indoor cameras, and voice-enabled consoles.
Pros
- In-house coverage doesn’t require a wearable device
- Cellular connections allow for easy installation
- Mobile help button has an accompanying app so caregivers can keep an eye on loved ones
Cons
- No landline connectivity options
- Wearable devices and mobile help buttons aren’t included with any pre-set packages – you must add them on separately
- Add-ons get expensive quickly
- Best Smart Medical Alert
Our take
Aloe Care is one of our top picks for medical alerts, with a variety of features to help keep your loved one safe. We love Aloe Care’s modern approach to medical alert systems. Caregivers can check on their loved ones and get real-time updates easily using the mobile app. Aloe Care’s Five Diamond Emergency Response Center has 24/7 monitoring whenever you call for help. You can signal several ways, including voice commands, a one-press mobile button or the wearable Care button.
Pros
- Voice-activated smart hub with built-in temperature, motion and air quality sensors
- Ease of use, simply plug the device in and it begins working.
- Five Diamond Emergency Response Center
Cons
- Upfront payment for equipment
Our take
Bay Alarm Medical offers several medical alert packages. Each package comes with 24/7 monitoring and a necklace or wristwatch alert system. Bay Alarm also offers free spouse protection. You can add extra wall buttons or fall detection. You can also upgrade to cellular protection rather than a landline.
Pros
- Complimentary spouse monitoring
- 2019 CES Innovation Award Honoree
- Many packages and devices
Cons
- Costs more to add cellular monitoring
- Costs more for fall detection
Our take
Medical Guardian is a trusted name that offers a reliable service. This system features a simple one-press emergency button, which alerts the monitoring center instantly. Every at-home package features a base unit with a button to call for help. You’ll also get a neck pendant or wristwatch that you or your loved one can use to call for help whenever and wherever needed. Mobile units offer flexibility and 4G LTE connectivity that reaches anywhere a cellular phone could get a signal.
Medical Guardian doesn’t require a contract, and the flexible pricing structure makes it a great choice.
Pros
- Medical necklace included in the basic package
- Landline or cellular options
- Month-to-month agreement
Cons
- No trial period
- Costs more for fall detection
- Activity detection not available with all home packages
Medical Alert Equipment and Features
Base Unit
These are also known as in-home medical alert systems. Most base units include a microphone and speaker to speak with professional monitors and emergency responders if there’s an incident. You’ll be able to call for help with the press of the system’s 24/7 help button. Most units require a landline or cellular connectivity to communicate with monitoring centers. Look for base units with a backup battery to keep your unit running in case there’s a power outage.
Wearable
Wearables are the most popular. They’re designed to be comfortable and reliable if you’re on the go. Some are necklaces, bracelets and even smartwatches. Most include a one-press button to call for help easily. You’ll want to look for a wearable with long battery life to stay working when you’re at home or out. Most wearables are also watery for better safety precautions in the shower. As a bonus, look for a wearable with fall detection to automatically call for help if there’s a fall or slip.
On-the-Go Help Button
Mobile buttons can fit in your pocket or purse for reliable help when you’re taking a short walk around the neighborhood or doing work outdoors. Just press the button and monitoring specialists can help. Keep in mind that some help buttons only work within a certain range from the base unit to call for help. Most on-the-go buttons also include GPS for monitoring specialists to know exactly where to send for help.
Mobile App
Medical alert mobile app features vary depending on your provider and equipment. Some allow you to use the app to automatically connect to monitoring specialists for help. You may also list emergency contacts, medication reminders and prescription information for easier refills and referencing. Some medical alert apps are specifically designed for caregivers to get instant emergency alerts, check to see if your loved one’s device battery is low and check their location to know they’re safe and sound.
Safety Score Methodology
The Safety Score is our way of thoroughly and fairly evaluating safety providers, products and services. The score focuses on four key categories to give you peace of mind: prevention, control, reliability and response. We look at several features, including battery life, GPS tracking, connectivity to the monitoring center fall detection and more. All those features are measured and summarized in a single, simple Safety Score.
How to Choose a Medical Alert System
Choosing a medical alert system depends on your lifestyle, medical needs and personal preferences. You’ll have several options to choose from, including whether it’s an in-home system, mobile device or wearable. You’ll also get to choose. Here are a few factors to consider when selecting the equipment that works best for you.
- Ease of use: If you need medical assistance, you should press a button for help. Most medical alert systems are equipped with a base station or cellular signals for built-in two-way audio to speak with professionals. Make sure you understand how the system and its features work before buying so you’ll know what to do in the event of an emergency.
- Water resistance: Many falls and incidents happen in the shower. If you or your doctor thinks you may be prone to a fall or water-related incident, you may want to look for a waterproof device that still calls for help.
- 24/7 monitoring: Emergencies can happen at any time. Most medical alerts offer 24/7 monitoring and customer service to give you peace of mind, but some don’t. Check with the provider to make sure you’re getting the monitoring service you expect.
- Landline vs. cellular connection: Some medical alerts connect to your home’s landline or a cellular network to signal for help. If you’re on the go, consider a cellular connection to call for help anywhere using GPS technology to notify emergency responders of your location.
- Range: If you’re considering a landline system, it’s important to know how far your devices extend from the base station or home console. You’ll want to stay within reach to be able to signal for help in case anything happens.
- Medical needs: Medical systems are not ‘one size fits all.’ Some ailments may require your medical alert system to be catered to health concerns, including fall detection, more visible visual alerts or automatic activity monitoring for your loved ones to check on you regularly.
Medical Alert Fees
Many medical alerts don’t have contracts, but there are a few fees associated with your equipment and service. Keep in mind that some healthcare insurance providers will cover medical alert systems using FSA or HSA cards. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect.
- Activation: Some providers charge a one-time fee before they check on you regularly. The charge may vary depending on the provider, while some will start service free of charge.
- Features: Some features, like fall detection or GPS, aren’t included in your medical alert subscription. Feature fees can be one-time or monthly payments — for example, Philips Lifeline charges a one-time fee of $29.95 for its lockbox.
- Subscription: The subscription fee is a monthly cost to cover the monitoring service. The fee may also include other features such as instant alerts. The average subscription cost is $30 per month.
Questions to Ask About Medical Alert System Providers
Before buying a medical alert device, the following questions should help you decide on a plan and provider to meet your medical needs best.
- Do you offer landline or cellular connectivity for your medical alert system?
- What is your average medical alert device range?
- Do you offer fall detection? How much does it cost?
- Is a professional monitoring service available? How much does it cost?
- Is your medical alert device a wearable? Is it battery-powered? Is it waterproof?
- Do you offer GPS tracking in your medical alert devices?
- What is the average response time for monitoring agents?
- Are there any activation or cancellation fees?
- Do you offer any discounts or special offers?
Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Medical Alert Systems
Before buying a medical alert device, the following questions should help you decide on a plan and provider to meet your medical needs best.
- Do I need a medical alert system?
- Do I need fall detection?
- What equipment do you recommend?
- Do I need a wearable or an in-house system?
- Where should I place the base station based on my health?
- Do you have any recommendations or other factors to consider as I decide?
Medical Alert System FAQs
A medical alert system is a piece of hardware connected to software to signal an emergency. The most popular medical alerts are wearables with a one-press button connected to a professional monitoring center that will assist in getting help.
Medical alert systems are designed for older adults who live alone, are prone to falling or have a medical condition that may impact day-to-day activities. Medical alert systems are designed to provide peace of mind just in case an emergency happens. Feel free to consult with your doctor about any recommendations based on your health and daily activities.
While most fully-monitored home security systems include a ‘Panic’ button to signal for help, keep in mind it’s not specially designed for medical attention. This button also may be built into your security system console, making it ineffective if you’re away from home or not close to the console when the accident occurs.
Most medical alert devices that have built-in GPS require Wi-Fi, but it’s best to check with your provider.
Some alerts are waterproof, but it’s best to check with your provider to determine if the device is waterproof to be used in the shower.
Check with your doctor and the medical alert provider for the best place in your home. Some recommend the most commonly used area of your home.
It’s best to check with your insurance provider for coverage and other offers, but most don’t. You can also purchase medical alerts with most flexible spending account providers with a note from a doctor.
How Do We Rank Our Medical Alerts?
Our team evaluates medical alerts based on factors that ensure your safety and make you feel safer. Medical alerts should give you peace of mind if there’s a medical emergency. Home security devices should help the moment the unexpected happens with features like GPS tracking, fall detection and two-way communication.
Medical alerts should also give you reliable service and equipment. Features including 24/7 monitoring, instant alerts, a lockbox and caregiver alerts are just a few of the ways medical alerts help keep you safe and send help quickly during an emergency.
Our score also looks closely at other important factors, including cost, durability and reliable service. Want to know more about our Safety Score while you’re shopping? Read more about our methodology and research.
Why Trust Us?
At Safety.com, we’re a team of specialists with your safety and home security top of mind. We’re dedicated to giving you the most up-to-date data, products and services to help you feel empowered and in control. Our goal is to give you everything you need to make the best decision for your safety. We’re here to help.
Every day, our team of analysts and writers spend hours comparing, reviewing and testing the best products to make your journey to better security simpler. We use the Safety Score to rate providers, products and services to give you the best safety recommendations in the industry. Our methodology evaluates over 100 features that are based on four key factors — prevention, control, reliability and response.
We also stay abreast of the latest trending topics, product releases and recalls to keep you in the know. Whether you’re protecting your home, loved ones or personal data, we’re here for you.