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.
Compare Cellular Medical Alert Systems
 LifeFone |  Bay Alarm |  LifeStation Medical Alert Systems |  MobileHelp | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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. 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 on-the-go, all-inclusive unit that can also be used at home for the most flexibility. Its caregiver tools and apps provide extra options such as medication reminders, GPS tracking and activity assurance.
Pros
- Flexible equipment options
- Provides extra tools to supplement medical alert system
- No contracts
Cons
- 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 reliable service. This system features a simple one-press emergency button, which alerts the monitoring center instantly. Every at-home package features a base unit with a button to call for help. You’ll also get a neck pendant or wristwatch that you or your loved one can use to call for help whenever and wherever needed. Mobile units offer flexibility and 4G LTE connectivity that reaches anywhere a cellular phone could get a signal.
Medical Guardian doesn’t require a contract, and the flexible pricing structure makes it a great choice.
Pros
- Medical necklace included in the 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 several medical alert packages. Each package comes with 24/7 monitoring and a necklace or wristwatch alert system. Bay Alarm also offers free spouse protection. 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
- Best for Alexa Voice Control
LifeStation Medical Alert Systems
BBB ratingA+Starting at$21.95/moOur 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 long-term agreements. One downside to the LifeStation alert system is its limited range of up to 500 feet. This alert system may not be the best option for anyone with larger homes or who spends a lot of time outside.
Pros
- Alexa integration
- Find My Loved One app
- Landline or cellular monitoring options
Cons
- Relatively limited range
- Limited package and equipment options
Our take
MobileHelp offers options for landline and cellular connections. While you won’t have to pay any upfront costs for many of the company’s devices, there is a monthly fee for automatic fall detection.
Pros
- Many device and package options
- Price decreases when paid quarterly, semi-annually, or annually
- No upfront equipment fee for most packages
Cons
- Fall detection costs extra
- Some monitoring devices are bulky and can be heavy
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
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.
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.
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.