Alert1: Costs, Systems, and Plans
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January 27, 2023
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Alert1 offers affordable and responsive medical alert systems for older adults. Founded by Paul Graafsma, the nationwide medical alert company equips seniors with monitoring technology that helps them live safely and independently. Alert1 carries several affordable medical alert systems that can protect users both in and outside the home.
Pro Tip: Do you need to compare medical alert systems? Then check out our list of this year’s best medical alert systems.
Alert1 Costs
| In-home system | $19.95 per month |
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| Mobile system | $29.95 per month |
| Most affordable system | $19.95 per month |
| Fall detection | $10 per month |
| Extra users | $10 per month |
| Protection plan | $24.99 per quarter |
Alert1 Systems and Plans
Alert1 offers five medical alert systems. Rather than selling its equipment outright, Alert1 leases it, charging a monthly fee for both the equipment and monitoring service. Alert1 does not require a long-term contract, but you have the option to pay for 10 months in advance to receive a lower monthly rate.
Here is a closer look at each of Alert1’s systems.
In-the-Home
This system starts at $19.95 per month with a 10-month plan. It offers 24/7 command center protection and great coverage inside and around the home, but it does not work for on-the-go use. The In-the-Home system features a POM base unit and your choice of a wristband or necklace with a 100 percent shower-proof help button. The system covers 600 feet in any direction from the base unit, and it can connect you to Alert1’s command center in an emergency.
FYI: If fall detection is a must-have, then take a look at my rundown of the best medical alert systems with fall detection.
In-the-Home + Fall Detection
This is one of Alert1’s most popular systems. Starting at $29.95 with a 10-month plan, it features fall-detection capabilities and doesn’t require a landline. The shower-proof fall-detection pendant doesn’t need to be recharged, and it has a lifespan of more than two years.
On-the-Go
The On-the-Go system works through a cellular connection, but it doesn’t require a cell phone since it uses the Verizon and AT&T networks to connect you to Alert1’s 24/7 command center when you press the mobile alert button. The lightweight mobile medical alert has a five-day battery life and is safe for use in the shower.
On-the-Go + Fall Detection
This comprehensive medical alert system comes with GPS and fall-detection features, and it doesn’t require a landline or internet connection. With unlimited talk time and button pushes, it also doesn’t require a cell phone. You can wear the shower-proof alert pendant around your neck and get immediate help from the 24/7 command center in the event of a fall.
For my hands-on experience with this system, check out my Alert1 review.
On-the-Go Wrist Watch
The newest system from Alert1, their medical alert watch provides discreet mobile protection. With its built-in speaker and help button, it offers the same protection of a mobile alert but with the appearance of a digital wristwatch. While this device doesn’t support fall detection, in includes a built-in GPS, pedometer, and weather app. The Alert1 wristwatch costs $29.95 per month with a one-time device cost of $179.
On-the-Go + In-the-Home + Fall Detection
This is Alert1’s best fall-detection bundle, which has all the features you need to stay safe. If a fall is detected, the mobile pendant will locate you using GPS. The system costs $49.95 per month with a 10-month plan, and also includes one free month, free shipping, free activation, and a free month of Alert1’s equipment protection service.
It’s important to have medical alert systems with GPS. Learn more about how you can benefit from GPS medical alerts.
Alert1 Systems at a Glance
| System | In-the-Home | In-the-Home + Fall Detection | On-the-Go | On-the-Go + Fall Detection | On-the-Go Wrist Watch | On-the-Go + In-the-Home + Fall Detection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly price | $19.95 | $29.95 | $29.95 | $39.95 | $29.95 | $49.95 |
| Initial fees | $19.95 activation fee for 1-month plan | $19.95 activation fee for 1-month plan | $19.95 activation fee for 1-month plan | $19.95 activation fee for 1-month plan | $179 one-time device cost | $19.95 activation fee for 1-month plan |
| For use | At home | At home | On the go | On the go | On the go | At home and on the go |
| Connection type | Landline | Landline or cellular | Cellular | Cellular | Cellular | Cellular |
| Fall detection | $10 a month | Included | $10 a month | Included | Not available | Included |
| Caregiver portal | No | No | No | No | No | No |
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Purchasing From Alert1
You can purchase an Alert1 system online through the company’s safe and secure checkout or by phone at 866-453-9232. Online orders may take up to 24 hours to process before shipment. Alert1 offers payment plans ranging from one to 10 months. Long-term contracts are not required, and you can cancel your service at any time with no cancellation fees.
Alert1 Warranty and Refund Policy
With its Warranty Advantage Plan, Alert1 has you covered if something happens to your medical alert system. If there’s a system malfunction, Alert1 will replace your On-the-Go button or In-Home unit for free.
Not satisfied with your Alert1 system? You can return it for a full refund, minus prepaid shipping, warranty, and activation fees. Conduct a test call to the command center to make sure the device is in working condition before returning it.
Alert1 Add-Ons
Alert1 offers several accessories to augment the functionality of your in-home or mobile medical alert system. Some devices include one-time charges, and others, such as the monitored smoke detector, have $10 monthly charges.
- Medication reminder and organizer: With up to four programmed reminders daily, this medication dispenser is great for patients who need to be reminded to take their medication on time. Each tamper-proof dispenser can hold 28 doses. Price: $149.95
- Voice extender: This easily mountable voice extender is perfect for multistory homes. The voice extender requires a landline connection, and it works by extending the two-way voice feature of Alert1’s systems so you don’t have to raise your voice to be heard. Price: $99
- Fall-protection package: This package will help protect you in high-risk areas of your home. It comes with two wall-mounted buttons, two motion-sensing night-lights, an 18-pack of adhesive tub strips, and a set of 12 corner guards. The wall buttons and fall-detection system allow you to easily call for help or automatically connect you to help. The medical alert systems are wireless and shower-proof. Price: $200
- Mobile fall-detection pendant: You can wear this pendant around your neck and push the button to immediately connect to Alert1’s 24/7 command center. The fall-alert button detects falls and automatically connects to the command center if you are unable to call for help. The system uses AT&T and Verizon networks, so it requires no landline, Wi-Fi connection, or cell phone. Price: $39.95
- Emergency lockbox: This shatter-proof lockbox can hold up to five keys, ensuring that emergency medical personnel can retrieve your key, enter your property, and provide immediate assistance if you are incapacitated. Price: $39.95
- Wall-mounted emergency button: Place this wall-mounted emergency button in a high-risk area of your house. The shower-proof button connects wirelessly to the Alert1 medical alert system base, so you can push it to automatically connect with Alert1’s 24/7 command center. Price: $39.95
- Fall-detection pendant: Compatible with Alert1’s medical alert systems, this shower-proof pendant has fall-detection capabilities. You can also push the pendant’s help button to immediately connect to Alert1’s 24/7 command center. Price: $29.95
- PAX Plus classic wristband: This one-size-fits-all soft silicone wristband serves as an additional wristband fall detector for the Alert1 PAX Plus Mobile + Home Fall Detection system. Price: $29.95
- Alarm bracelet: This medical alert bracelet connects wirelessly to your Alert1 medical alert system base unit. Pushing the help button will connect you instantly to Alert1’s 24/7 command center. Price: $19.95
- Alert pendant: With the push of the pendant’s call button, you will be connected automatically to the 24/7 command center. The pendant doesn’t require a Wi-Fi or cell phone connection, and it’s also available as a wristband. Price: $19.95
- Advantage Plan: For $8.33 a month, you can add an Advantage Plan to your system, which guarantees one free equipment replacement per year due to unforeseen system damages, as well as a lifetime button replacement for low batteries. Price: $8.33 a month
- Surge guard: The surge guard keeps your Alert1 medical alert system safe from power surges and outages. The surge guard fits standard American sockets and other electrical devices. Price: $19.95
- Monitored smoke detector: For $10 per month per detector, the monitored smoke detector offers 24/7 U.S.-based monitoring capabilities with an alarm volume of 95 decibels at 1 meter. With a battery life of more than three years, the smoke detector will send help even if you can’t reach a phone. Price: $10 a month
- Kelsi protective case and belt adapter: This protective case is designed for Alert1 Kelsi and Kelsi Pro On-the-Go medical alert systems. It comes with a Velcro belt attachment and provides easy access to your help button in an emergency. Price: $9.95
Alert1 App
Alert1 doesn’t have an app for either iOS or Android, but it does offer a Circle of Care feature, which is a group of close contacts who will be alerted if you press your emergency help button.
Alert1 Monitoring
Alert1 offers nationwide monitoring from qualified operators at two U.S.-based command centers, both of which are certified 5 Diamonds by the Monitoring Association. All Alert1 operators go through a rigorous training program to respond to emergencies calmly and efficiently. They’ll also stay on the line with you until help arrives. With personalized response and monitoring, Alert1 command centers are available 24/7 with interpreters in 190 languages. An interpreter will come on the line if needed so you won’t feel alone during an emergency.
Is Alert1 Worth It?
Whether you need in-home or mobile protection, Alert1 has a device that can fit the bill. Their combination of reliable equipment and affordable pricing makes them one of our favorite medical alert providers.
Alert1 is great for:
- Fall detection: Alert1’s reliable fall detection is perfect for use both at home and on the go, and it’s included in some packages and available as an add-on in others. You can press your help button to signal your Circle of Care contacts or be connected to an operator at the command center. If you are unable to press the help button, the fall-detection feature can pick up your location.
- Affordable in-home and on-the-go systems: Alert1 has one of the best cheap medical alert systems, starting at just $19.95. Add-on services such as GPS and fall detection are only $10 a month, and some features are included in certain plans.
- Cellular coverage: Alert1 has some of the best cellular coverage, using AT&T or Verizon.
- Varied product offerings: Alert1 has a variety of add-ons, such as its fall-protection package and medical alert bracelet.
- No long-term contracts: Life Alert costs so much because you have to lock into three-year contracts. Luckily, Alert1 allows you to lease their equipment on a month-to-month basis.
Alert1 is not ideal for:
- Caregiver portals or monitoring apps: Unfortunately, Alert1 doesn’t have an app or caregiver portal. If you’re looking for this type of feature, check out our Aloe Care Health review.
Alert1 Frequently Asked Questions
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Are there any long-term contracts with Alert1?
No, there are no long-term contracts when you purchase an Alert1 system. You can cancel your plan at any time and receive a prorated refund.
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Does Alert1 offer fall detection features? If so, how do they work?
Yes, many of Alert1’s medical alert systems come with built-in fall detection features. Check the plan to see whether you need to add fall detection for $10 a month. Fall detection on your Alert1 system works using motion sensors; when a fall is detected, the system will immediately alert the 24/7 command center. The feature also works when you press your help button.
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Is there a warranty for Alert1 medical systems?
Yes, you can sign up for the Alert1 Warranty Advantage plan for $8.33 a month. It covers the warranty on all medical alert systems, including the mobile button. The warranty is valid for one free equipment replacement due to unforeseen system damages per contract year.
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I need help choosing a medical alert system. How do I contact Alert1?
You can contact Alert1 representatives by phone at 866-453-9232 every day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET or by email at membercare@alert1.com.
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What is the range for the Alert1 medical alert system?
The home medical alert system provides a 600-foot range around the base unit. If you are often away from home, you may want to opt for the mobile medical alert system, which requires no base station or landline phone. It also provides the freedom to press your help button when you’re on the go.