ADT Medical Alert: Costs, Systems, and Plans

ADT Medical Alert Systems

Although ADT does not offer as many different systems as Medical Guardian or MobileHelp, they still cover all the basics. You can choose between three different systems, keeping you safe in your home, outside, or somewhere in between. You also have the option of adding fall detection for $11 a month in the event that you can’t get to a button during emergencies.

Medical Alert Basic System

The Medical Alert Basic System by ADT is great for older adults who spend their time at home and have an existing landline connection. The help button range is just 300 feet, which is definitely on the lower end, though certainly enough for most homes. With that said, ADT’s basic plan is on the more affordable side at just $26.99 per month with annual billing, free shipping, and a $99 activation.

Similar to most top medical alert systems, ADT’s Medical Alert Basic System uses a base station and a help button. When a user needs emergency assistance, they can simply press the button and immediately be connected to ADT’s professional monitoring center, wherein a response agent will coordinate a response, by contacting either a loved one or emergency responders.

One major plus of the basic plan is the availability of home temperature monitoring, which alerts ADT emergency response personnel if house temperature rises above safe degrees. Older U.S. adults have higher rates of dying in fires compared to the general population: 2.2 times the risk for people ages 65 to 74, 2.9 times the risk for people 75 to 84, and the highest risk for those 85 and over, according to 2023 statistics from the U.S. Fire Administration.2

The Expert Take

From Cody McGonagill

Firefighter/EMT

One night during my shift as a firefighter, we received an emergency call reporting a fire in a residential structure from a third-party caller. Upon arrival, my team and I found a house engulfed in flames, with approximately 30% of the structure affected. The caller was unsure if anyone was inside, but upon one crew entering, they managed to rescue an elderly individual. I share this story to illustrate that such emergencies can and do occur. Features like temperature monitoring could prove invaluable if you have a loved one who may struggle to evacuate during emergencies.

Medical Alert Plus System

The Medical Alert Plus System is slightly more advanced than the Medical Alert Basic system because it has a slightly larger range of coverage at 600-feet and provides coverage both in and around the home. This system is also cellular-based. That’s right, no landline is needed. Therefore, this system is great for those who have a strong cellular service in their home and prefer to do yard activities, like reading outdoors, playing with the dog, or gardening.

On top of this increased range, the Medical Alert Plus System can also be used with automatic fall detection. For an extra $11 per month, you can purchase a fall detection pendant that can automatically detect a fall and contact the monitoring center without you having to press a button. While this might seem like a costly upgrade, fall detection can be a lifesaving feature, and a monthly $10 is standard for the industry. Other features include your choice of multiple pendant options and a new optional feature to add a Waterproof Wall Mount Button at no cost.

As with the Medical Alert Basic System, the Medical Alert Plus System has help buttons that are waterproof, and you can also purchase additional help buttons (wristbands or pendants) for $14.99. This system costs $34.99 per month without fall detection or additional buttons and an annual package. The $99 activation fee is also required.

On-The-Go Medical Alert System

ADT really stepped up their game with their On-The-Go system. Its help button is small, lightweight, and completely portable by using either an included wristband or pendant. As long as the base and the pendant are within 300 feet of each other, you’re free to go anywhere you please. Therefore, this is definitely the choice for active adults who spend time outside of the house. This system includes a mobile base unit, optional fall detection, GPS location capabilities, and optional multiple pendants. It doesn’t require a landline connection and helps you enjoy the outdoors with peace of mind.

Whereas the Plus and Basic systems rely on the base station’s speakerphone, ADT’s On-The-Go system has a built-in speakerphone, connecting you with help wherever you go. On top of this unlimited range, the system comes with built-in GPS location tracking, meaning that response agents can track a user even if he doesn’t know where he is.

The Expert Take

From Cody McGonagill

Firefighter/EMT

While working in an ambulance, we received a call to assist a confused elderly person found by the police. His family was in the process of moving him to assisted living within the next couple of weeks when he had the worst case of confusion they had seen. He left his house, walked down the street, and was lost. Fortunately, a bystander found him and called 911. This incident underscores the importance of GPS tracking on medical alert devices, which can be invaluable for both the elderly and mentally handicapped individuals in similar situations.

Because of the mobility of this system, home temperature monitoring is not an option; however, a fall detection pendant can also be added for $11 per month. The On-The-Go system costs $36.99 per month with free shipping and $99 activation.

ADT Monitoring

Each of ADT’s medical alert systems features two-way talk, meaning that ADT’s emergency response personnel are available 24/7, 365 days a year to talk directly to those who experience a fall or emergency. This is especially nice since an emergency response (ambulance, fire department, etc.) is not always needed at the home.

Sometimes, all a person needs is a caregiver to be notified of the situation. With that being said, those who experience a fall with an ADT Health medical alert system will go through the following steps:

1. Press the help button: The user presses the help button or utilizes the optional fall detection to send an alert to ADT.
2. ADT responds: An ADT emergency response personnel receives the call and discusses the situation and what type of assistance is needed for the wearer.
3. Help is contacted: After deciding on a course of action, ADT emergency response personnel reach out to loved ones, caregivers, or emergency responders, depending upon the specific situation.

There are no automatic monthly tests with ADT; however, every month a light will show up on the device reminding users to test their system for any technological damage. This testing ensures that the medical alert device is working even if it has not been used for an extended period of time.

The Policies

Another plus of ADT is its customer-friendly pricing policies. For example, the Price Lock Guarantee ensures that the customer’s monthly price will never be raised. Additionally, there are no long-term contracts required, which is a huge advantage in my eyes. Life is unpredictable, and it is nice to know that there is no chance of being stuck in a contract that requires you to pay more for a system that does not fit your needs.

Last but not least, ADT medical alert systems come with what the company calls a Premium Protection Plan, which will either replace your system for free or for a small deductible outlined in your subscriber agreement.

Purchasing from ADT

To purchase a medical alert system from ADT, you’ll want to start by visiting their website. Here, you’ll be able to take a closer look at each of their systems and the costs and requirements of each one. When purchasing through their website, you can also add on additional devices such as lockboxes, wall buttons, or extra pendant or wristband buttons.

While $26.99 might seem like a very low price to pay for an advanced medical alert system, it’s important to recognize that ADT, like most medical alert providers, leases their equipment rather than selling it outright. The $26.99 you pay is actually your subscription cost, meaning once you’re done with your system, you simply have to cancel your service and return the equipment to ADT.

Purchases can be made either online or over the phone by providing a credit card and address. Shipping is free with all of the systems.

Is ADT Worth It?

So, there you have it; all there is to know about ADT’s medical alert systems. Overall, ADT offers top-notch devices with key features, including fall detection, waterproof pendants, and a price lock guarantee. While ADT’s prices are not the lowest we have ever seen (for example, MobileHelp costs as low as $24.95 per month), their stellar customer service and durable equipment make them a great option for anyone looking for a medical alert.

ADT is a company that focuses on what they do best. There are no flashy smartwatches or a large range of add-ons. With that said, ADT fits right in with the best. When it comes down to it, ADT is a trusted, accredited company with over a century of experience under its belt. From ADT, you can expect a top-notch response team for any type of lifestyle.

If you’re looking to protect a loved one either in or outside their home, ADT has a good selection of systems that will do just that.

To learn more about medical alert systems, be sure to check out our helpful guides:

• Alternatives to Life Alert
• Best Medical Alert Bracelets
• Life Alert Costs
• Life Alert Review
• Medical Alerts with GPS