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.
8 Best Medical Alert Systems
- Medical Guardian Best Overall
- Bay Alarm Medical Best Value
- Mobile Help Best Equipment Options
- ADT Health Medical Alerts Best Monitoring
- GetSafe Best Location Tracking
- LifeAlert Best Brand Recognition
- GreatCall Most User Friendly Devices
- Philips Lifeline Best Access to Specialists
| 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
The Medical Guardian medical alert system is designed with a one-press emergency button and GPS technology to identify your device’s location to send help as quickly as possible. Medical Guardian’s medical alert system also is equipped with low-battery notifications, Medical Guardian’s alert watch also offers Text-to-Speech Messaging for hands-free texting and read-aloud messaging to pre-selected contacts. This medical alert also sends automated doctor’s appointment and medication reminders.
What we like
- Multiple options based on customer lifestyles
- Landline and cellular options
- Month-to-month payments for monitoring
What we don’t like
- Activity detection not available with all home packages
- No trial period
Our take
The Bay Alarm Medical system detects signals up to 1,000 feet with four different medical alert systems to help protect you at all times – whether in the car, home or on the go with AT&T 4G LTE. Simply push the button and 24/7 professional monitoring to assist you by alerting your emergency contacts and emergency responders on your behalf.
What we like
- Complimentary spouse monitoring
- 2019 CES Innovation Award Honoree
- Many packages and devices
What we don’t like
- Additional cost to add cellular monitoring
- Additional cost for fall detection
- Relatively expensive
Our take
The Mobile Help medical alert is a cellular system without long-term contracts and activation fees. Mobile Help offers both in-home and mobile medical alert equipment The MobileHelp Smart Watch includes a built-in Samsung Health app to monitor your heart rate and set fitness and dietary goals for better health.
What we like
- Many device and package options
- Price decreases when paid quarterly, semi-annually, or annually
- No up-front equipment fee for most packages
What we don’t like
- Fall detection costs extra
- Packages and pricing change frequently
Our take
The ADT Health medical alert system offers both landline and cellular systems that feature. both home and ‘On-The-Go’ options to give you 24/7 protection in the event of an emergency. This waterproof medical alert system also offers fall detection and monitoring professionals trained specially for seniors.
What we like
- Well-established reputation for emergency monitoring
- GPS location tracking
- Fall detection option
What we don’t like
- Landline required for basic package
- Limited range in basic packages
- Additional fee for fall detection
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.
What we like
- 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
What we don’t like
- 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
Our take
The Life Alert medical system detects signals within 800 feet and is equipped with 24/7 professional monitoring to help keep you safe. The medical system bracelet and pendant wearables are both waterproof to help you with any medical emergencies. Life Alert also has a mobile app so you can quickly reach their monitoring service using your smartphone. Their on-the-go medical alert systems are designed with GPS technology to send help to the right place without giving step-by-step directions.
What we like
- Devices are easy to use
- Over 30 years of experience in the medical alerts sector
What we don’t like
- Limited customization and capabilities
- Hard-to-find price information
- No online ordering
- Three-year contract
Our take
GreatCall provides an array of packages and mobile devices with smart features to help keep seniors independent. This leading provider offers 24/7 access to nurses and doctors and brain games to support seniors’ mental health. GreatCall’s easy-to-use waterproof senior-friendly devices include the Jitterbug phone with a 5Star Urgent Response button and voice typing feature, as well as the Lively Mobile Plus, a mobile call button for emergency medical assistance. Their agents are certified by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch to safely and effectively get seniors the help they need when they need it most.
What we like
- Competitive starting price for mobile medical alert device with GPS tracking
- Mobile phones eliminate the need to worry about landline connections altogether
- Flip phones and smartphones available
What we don’t like
- No in-home landline options
- Mobile pendant is too large to wear on the wrist
- Must pay device fees up front
Showing 5 of 7 providers
Showing 7 of 7 providers
Medical Alert Equipment and Features
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
What is a medical alert system?
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.
How do I know if I need a medical alert system?
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.
I have a home security system, do I need a medical alert system?
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.
Do I need Wi-Fi for my medical alert?
Most medical alert devices that have built-in GPS require Wi-Fi, but it’s best to check with your provider.
Are medical alerts waterproof?
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.
Where should I install my medical alert unit in my home?
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.
Does health insurance cover medical alerts?
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.
