If you’re in need of immediate medical assistance, you should be able to press a button to monitoring professionals for help. Most medical alert systems are equipped with a base station or cellular signals for built-in two-way audio to clearly speak with professionals. Your monitoring center professionals will then send emergency responders on your behalf. If your medical alert system isn’t professionally monitored, when you press the button it will call from a list of pre-selected contacts. Make sure you understand how the medical alert system and it’s features work before buying so you’ll know what to do in the event of an emergency.
8 Best Medical Alert Systems
- Medical Guardian- Best Overall
- Bay Alarm Medical- Best Value
- MobileHelp- Best Equipment Options
- ADT Health- Best Monitoring
- Get Safe- Best Location Tracking
- Life Alert- Best Brand Recognition
- GreatCall- Most User Friendly Devices
- Philips Lifeline- Best Access to Specialists
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.
Stand-out features include
- Supported by professional monitoring services
- Equipped to include fall detection to instantly alert operators
- Designed with a long battery life lasting up to 120 hours
- Offers both landline and cellular systems
What we like
- Flexible pricing options and incentives
- Variety of devices and systems
- Strong user reviews
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.
Stand-out features include
- Supported by professional monitoring services
- Equipped to include fall detection to instantly alert operators
- Designed to be a waterproof medical alert system
- Offers cellular systems by AT&T
What we like
- Complimentary spouse monitoring
- 2019 CES Innovation Award Honoree
- Many packages and devices
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.
Stand-out features include
- Supported by professional monitoring services
- Equipped to include fall detection to instantly alert operators
- Offers cellular systems by AT&T
- Designed to be a waterproof medical alert system
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
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.
Stand-out features include
- Supported by professional monitoring services
- Equipped to include fall detection to instantly alert operators
- Offers both landline and cellular systems
- Designed to be a waterproof medical alert system
What we like
- Well-established reputation for emergency monitoring
- GPS location tracking
- Fall detection option
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.
Stand-out features include
- Supported by professional monitoring services
- Equipped with two-way voice and audio during emergencies
- Equipped to include fall detection to instantly alert operators
- Offers cellular systems
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
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.
Stand-out features include
- Supported by professional monitoring services
- Designed with a long battery life lasting up to seven years
- Designed to be a waterproof medical alert system
- Offers both landline and cellular systems
What we like
- Devices are easy to use
- Over 30 years of experience in the medical alerts sector
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.
Stand-out features include
- Supported by professional monitoring services
- Equipped to include fall detection to instantly alert operators
- International Academies of Emergency Dispatch certified agents
- Offers cellular systems
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
Showing 5 of 7 providers
Showing 7 of 7 providers
Show All Show LessQuestions 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?
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.
