What Are Cellular Medical Alert Systems?
Cellular medical alert systems allow users to have 24/7 access to assistance through cell tower signals. These medical alert systems are best for homeowners who do not have a landline. With many medical alert providers, you can choose between at-home and on-the-go options. Most at-home medical alert systems with a cellular connection feature a base station and help pendant. On-the-go medical alert systems with a cellular connection feature a mobile base station or help pendant. For help, you can press the button on your base station or pendant to speak with a monitoring specialist who can contact emergency medical services if needed.
Cellular Medical Alert Systems: Our Top 5 Picks
- LifeFone – Best for Additional Caregiver Services
- Medical Guardian – Best Overall
- Bay Alarm Medical – Best Value
- LifeStation – Best for Alexa Voice Control
- MobileHelp – Best Equipment Options
Compare Cellular Medical Alert Systems
| Monitoring starts at | $30.95/mo. | $34.95/mo. | $24.95/mo. | $30.95/mo. | $19.95/mo. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment starts at | No upfront equipment cost | No upfront equipment cost | $79 | No upfront equipment cost | No upfront equipment cost |
| Fall detection cost | Additional $5/mo. | Additional $10/mo. | Additional $10/mo. | Additional $10/mo. | Additional $10/mo. |
| Contract | None | None | None | None | None |
| Cellular connection | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Range | 1,300 ft. | 1,300 ft. | 1,000 ft. | 1,000 ft. | 600 ft. |
| Trial period | 30 days | None | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
Benefits of Cellular Medical Alert Systems
A cellular medical alert system is great for seniors or individuals who don’t have a landline but need medical assistance. These systems are connected to a monitoring station 24/7 through cell tower signals. You’ll have to make sure that there’s sufficient cellular coverage in your area for the provider you choose. Here are some of the benefits you can have with this type of medical alert system:
- Continued coverage in the event your home phone line is disconnected
- Home and on-the-go options for traveling
- Access to a major phone carrier network for connection (e.g. AT&T)
- Access to fall detection
- Lots of no-contract options
With a cellular medical alert system, you can continue to enjoy cooking, gardening, traveling, and many other life activities while ensuring you have access to emergency assistance if it’s needed.
Our take
LifeFone is a medical alert system provider that has been around since 1976, and over the years it’s developed a solid reputation and an expansive line of equipment. In addition to its in-home and cellular systems, it offers an in-home plus on-the-go all-inclusive unit for the most flexibility. Its caregiver tools and apps provide extra options such as medication reminders, GPS tracking and activity assurance.
What we like
- Flexible equipment options
- Provides extra tools to supplement medical alert system
- No contracts
What we don’t like
- Call monitoring center is not third-party recognized
- Automatic fall detection feature causes frequent false alarms
- Monthly payments increase with feature and service add-ons
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
LifeStation has been operating for over 40 years. The company claims to have the fastest response time in the medical alert industry, thanks to fully U.S.-based monitoring centers and 24/7 service. Consumers Advocate ranked it among its top 10 picks for medical alert systems in 2020, and the brand has over 3,400 five-star reviews. LifeStation has established partnerships with some of the largest senior services and medical providers in the nation. These include Aetna, American Legion and Kaiser Permanente. LifeStation offers in-home and mobile medical alert options you can choose from.
What we like
- U.S.-based monitoring centers
- Major brand partnerships
- Flexible billing and no contracts
What we don’t like
- No CO2 or smoke alerts
- Fall detection costs extra
- No speakers on some wearable 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.
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
How Much Do Cellular Medical Alert Systems Cost?
Cellular or mobile alert systems typically cost between $20 per month to $40 per month, depending on the provider. In-home systems tend to be less expensive while on-the-go systems are more expensive. Most medical alert system providers do not require any upfront equipment costs; however, there are a few providers that do, and equipment costs can vary. Adding on fall detection will also cost an additional $5 – $10 more per month.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cellular Medical Alert Systems
How does a cellular medical alert system differ from a landline system?
Cellular or mobile alert systems use different connection technology for monitoring. With a landline system, you need a home phone connection. With a cellular system, you don’t need a home phone, but you must have access to sufficient cell tower coverage in your area.
Can I take a cellular medical alert system anywhere I go?
This will depend on the medical alert system you choose. If you select an in-home option, you won’t be able to carry the base station around with you while in the car. If you select an on-the-go option, you can easily carry the system around with you.
What is the best cellular medical alert system for me?
The best medical alert system for you will depend on several factors, to include your medical condition, lifestyle, home size, budget, and other factors. Take these factors into consideration while looking for the right option for your needs.
