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January 27, 2023
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We picked out a few more recommendations worth considering:
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.
| In-home system | $19.95 per month |
|---|---|
| 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| 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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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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
