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
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.
What we like
- Medical necklace included in basic package
- Landline or cellular options
- Month-to-month agreement
What we don’t like
- 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.
What we like
- Complimentary spouse monitoring
- 2019 CES Innovation Award Honoree
- Many packages and devices
What we don’t like
- Costs more to add cellular monitoring
- Costs more for fall detection
Our take
LifeStation stands out when it comes to integration with smart devices and apps. The Find My Loved One app helps caregivers locate a loved one whenever needed. LifeStation also partners with Uber Health, which books rides to medical appointments.
LifeStation’s flexible billing options without contracts make it ideal for those who want to avoid being locked into a long-term agreement. One downside to LifeStation is that the alert system has a limited range of up to 500 feet, so it might not work for those with larger homes or gardens.
What we like
- Alexa integration
- Find My Loved One app
- Landline or cellular monitoring options
What we don’t like
- Relatively limited range
- Limited package and equipment options
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.
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.
