Medical Alert Systems
Medical alert systems are emergency medical devices designed to make contact with a monitoring specialist, caregiver, or designated individual in the event you need assistance. There are a number of different types of medical alert systems to include those that come with a base station for the home, wearables like pendants or wristlets, and mobile devices you can take with you. Medical alert providers offer different types of systems to fit individuals’ lifestyles, from those who may have less active lifestyles to those who are more active.
 MobileHelp |  Life Alert |  GreatCall | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Monitoring starting price | $29.95/mo. | $19.95/mo. | $19.95/mo. | $29.99/mo. | $25.00/mo. | $49.95/mo. | $24.99/mo. |
Contract | None | None | None | None | None | 3 years | None with phone |
Connectivity | Landline and cellular | Cellular | Cellular | Landline and cellular | Cellular | Landline and cellular | Cellular |
Range | 1,300 feet | 1,000 feet | 600 feet | 600 feet | 2,000 feet | 800 feet | 150 feet |
GPS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Fall detection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
No-risk return policy | Cancel anytime | Cancel anytime | Cancel anytime | N/A | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
Trial period | None | 30 days | 30 days | N/A | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
BBB rating | A+ | A+ | A+ | B+ | C+ | A+ | A+ |
Best for | Overall | Value | Equipment options | Monitoring | Location Tracking | Brand Recognition | User-Friendly Devices |
Compare Medical Alert Systems
Our take
Medical Guardian is a trusted name that offers a fantastic service. This system features a simple one-press emergency button, which alerts the monitoring center instantly. Every package features a simple base unit with a button to call for help, as well as a neck pendant or wristwatch that can be used to call for help whenever and wherever needed.
Medical Guardian doesn’t require a contract, and the flexible pricing structure makes it a great choice.
Pros
- Medical necklace included in 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
Our take
Bay Alarm Medical offers a strong range of alert system packages. Each package comes with 24/7 monitoring and a necklace or wristwatch alert system. If you want to include your spouse, Bay Alarm offers free protection for both of you. For a more comprehensive package, 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
MobileHelp features optional smartwatch integration that monitors your health with a built-in Samsung Health app. MobileHelp also offers more equipment options than many of its competitors, but these options do drive the price up. The good news is that there aren’t any upfront costs for most packages, unlike many competitors.
Pros
- Many device and package options
- Price decreases when paid quarterly, semi-annually, or annually
- No up-front equipment fee for most packages
Cons
- Fall detection costs extra
- Packages and pricing change frequently
- Best Monitoring
Our take
ADT is a well-known and trusted name in security. Just like its home security offerings, ADT’s medical alert system provides great monitoring services. You can set up both landline and GPS cellular systems to protect you at home and on the go. The main downside is that the price is higher than many alternatives. You will also have to pay extra for options like fall detection.
Pros
- Well-established reputation for emergency monitoring
- GPS location tracking
Cons
- Landline required for basic package
- Limited range in basic packages
- Fall detection costs more
Our take
The Get Safe medical alert system offers both traditional and hardwired medical alert systems for your home using a 4G LTE cellular network. If you need help, you’ll be able to push a voice-activated button or pull a cord to get emergency medical attention. Get Safe also offers waterproof alert buttons with a 5-year battery. Get Safe offers a variety of medical alert equipment including wearable ‘Help’ buttons, indoor cameras and voice-enabled consoles installed throughout your home.
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
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.
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 best meet your medical needs.
- 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 you buy a medical alert system it’s best to check with your doctor to review your health needs and recommendations. Here are a few other questions you should ask:
- 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?
How Much Does a Medical Alert System Cost?
Medical alert monitoring costs can range from $19/mo. – $50/mo. Some medical alert providers will also charge for equipment on top of monitoring. Most medical alert systems come with a monitoring charge. This allows you, a loved one, or a patient to receive around-the-clock assistance in the event of a medical emergency. Typically, you can request assistance at the press of a button on a neck pendant, wristband, wall button, or base system.
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.
