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View PackagesMedical alert systems are life-saving devices that connect a user with help when a button is pressed or – in some cases – when a fall is detected. Many companies, including Life Alert, offer this technology, but only the best medical alert systems provide consistent access to help at an affordable price.
| Ranking | Medical Alert Company | Standout Feature | Starting Price | Fall Detection | Minimum Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Bay Alarm Medical | Best Systems Overall | $24.95/mo | $10/mo | None |
| #2 | Medical Guardian | Best GPS Medical Alert | $29.95/mo | $10/mo | None |
| #3 | MobileHelp | Most Affordable Systems | $19.95/mo | $10/mo | None |
| #4 | Medical Alert | Reliable Protection | $19.95/mo | $10/mo | None |
| #5 | ADT | Best In-Home Systems | $25.99/mo | $11/mo | None |
| #6 | Alexa Together | Low Monthly Fees | $19.99/mo | Included | None |
| #7 | Philips Lifeline | Easiest to Use | $29.95/mo | $10/mo | None |
| #8 | Aloe Care Health | Best Caregiver Features | $24.99/mo | Included | None |
| #9 | LifeFone | Free Spouse Coverage | $24.95/mo | $5/mo | None |
| #10 | Lively Mobile Plus | Fastest Response Times | $19.99/mo | $20/mo | None |
| #11 | Life Alert | Best Customer Service | $49.95/mo | N/A | 3 Years |
Since 1946, Bay Alarm Medical has brought medical alert systems to homes throughout the country. Despite all this time, they’re still family-owned and operated, allowing them to provide care that is both personalized and attentive.
Bay Alarm Medical alerts include a traditional in-home medical alert system, in addition to a GPS-enabled mobile unit and an in-car system, the first of its kind. This system, I observed, would also be great for young drivers, as it allows you to track its location and set notifications when the device leaves a certain boundary.
They also allow you to save by bundling their in-home system with one of their on-the-go options. Some of their systems can also be used with their Caregiver Tracking app, which allows you to track the user’s location, in addition to sending you notifications when the system’s battery is low.
All of these features come at a shockingly low cost. Bay Alarm Medical costs start at $24.95 per month, not to mention that they also waive activation, installation, and equipment fees.
What separates Medical Guardian from other medical alert providers is its fierce commitment to protecting customers. The company has even been recognized as one of the top places to work in the country, and happy employees lead to happy customers.
In terms of devices, Medical Guardian offers an in-home traditional medical alert system, an in-home cellular option, and three mobile devices, including an all-in-one mobile unit, the Mini Guardian, and their MGMove smartwatch. Both the Mini and the mobile unit feature GPS technology and optional fall detection. What’s more, their systems are both intuitive and simple to use. I was able to get mine up and running in a matter of minutes.
Medical Guardian costs slightly more than Bay Alarm Medical, with their systems starting at $29.95 per month; however, they excel when it comes to response times. In my tests, their monitoring agents answered my distress calls in an average of six seconds, the quickest time of any medical alert company.
This range of service features helps put them at the top of my list, as there is a Medical Guardian system to suit any set of needs. If Medical Guardian seems right for you, then check out my Medical Guardian reviews to learn more.
When it comes to medical alert systems, MobileHelp offers several different options that quickly give your or your loved ones access to emergency help. With just the press of a button, your MobileHelp system will connect you to a professional monitoring agent who will coordinate a response, be that contacting medical help or a loved one.
MobileHelp costs as low as $19.95 per month for their basic in-home system. This system operates on AT&T’s cellular network, meaning you don’t need a landline in order to use it. Additionally, it comes with your choice of medical alert bracelet, either a black one or white one.
Recently, MobileHelp introduced the MobileHelp Touch Classic, a unique tablet medical alert system. Instead of a traditional base station, this system features a tablet with a touch screen. It allows you to use activity tracking, medication reminders, and even play Sudoku, in addition to the traditional emergency features.
To learn about my experience with their systems, check out my full MobileHelp review.
Partnered with Connect America, Medical Alert is one of the largest providers of personal emergency response systems in the country. Nowadays, with their addition of a modern, feature-rich smartphone app, they have become one of our favorite medical alert systems.
Medical Alert offers a traditional in-home medical alert system, in addition to a mobile unit with an optional help button add-on. This option is perfect for those who wish to carry their system in a purse but would like the immediate access of a help button on either a pendant or a wristband.
With the Medical Alert Connect mobile app, both wearers and caregivers can keep an eye on multiple systems. This app allows you to manage multiple subscribers, receiving notifications each time a wearer presses their help button. This app also provides a handy way for caregivers to manage the contact list and check on the operational status of the device.
When purchased on an annual subscription, Medical Alert costs as little as $19.95 per month for the in-home unit and $27.95 per month for the on-the-go system.
To learn more about this provider, read our Medical Alert review.
Widely known for their home security systems, ADT also offers medical alert systems that can keep users safe both in and outside their homes. While you won’t find much in terms of groundbreaking new technology here, ADT medical alerts deliver exceptional performance with durable equipment and speedy emergency response times.
Currently, ADT offers a traditional in-home system, which can connect through either a landline or a cellular signal. They also have a mobile system that features a built-in GPS. Both of these systems can work with the addition of fall detection.
ADT plans start at $29.99 per month, making them about average in terms of cost. Luckily, they have no additional activation fees, and since their equipment is leased (rather than purchased), you won’t have to worry about repairs or warranties. For more info on ADT’s medical alert systems, check out my ADT medical alert review.
The newest player in the world of medical alert systems, Amazon recently introduced their Alexa Together service. This service, when combined with an Echo Show device, gives the user access to a 24/7 urgent response service accessible through voice commands.
With Alexa Together, a user can say, “Alexa, call for help,” and the device will immediately connect you to their monitoring service. From there, the call agent will assess the user’s situation and contact the appropriate assistance, whether this is a family member or emergency personnel.
In addition to the emergency features, Alexa Together also offers a variety of communicative features. If the user has a loved one with an Alexa-enabled device, then that loved one can keep track of the user’s activity, send them reminders, and place check-in calls through voice or video chat.
Alexa Together costs $19.99 per month; however, Amazon is currently offering a free 30-day trial of this service with the purchase of an Echo Show, which costs a one-time fee of $129.99.
To learn more about this service, read our Alexa Together review.
With its entire workforce based in the United States, LifeFone is able to offer an unparalleled level of service to its customers. They also offer bundles of their systems, such as the At-Home and On-The-Go GPS combo, which is perfect for spouses or roommates.
In total, LifeFone offers four different alert systems: in-home (both landline and cellular options), a bundled at-home and on-the-go system (perfect for couples), and a bundle of two mobile units (perfect for active couples). All of these systems also have available the option of fall detection. While LifeFone certainly offers options suited for couples, their solid equipment and locked-in pricing make them a great fit for just about anyone.
In terms of pricing, LifeFone costs start at $24.95 per month, but don’t let that number fool you. Their fall detection costs only $5 per month, lower than anyone else in the industry. Additionally, their bundled systems offer savings to those of us looking to add additional users. All of this makes LifeFone a deceptively affordable option. Check out our LifeFone reviews to learn about all things LifeFone.
With their popular line of easy-to-use cell phones, the Jitterbug, it’s likely that you’ve heard of Lively, formerly known as GreatCall. What you might not have heard of, though, is their standalone medical alert device, the Lively Mobile, which combines the portability of a cell phone with the safety features of a personal emergency response system.
The Lively Mobile Plus is a completely cellular medical alert system that includes features such as fall detection and telehealth capability. There’s also an app, Lively Link, that allows families and caregivers to be instantly tuned in with a user’s health and safety.
Lively mobile prices start at a mere $24.99 per month with no long-term contracts or cancellation fees; however, if you want to make the most of your Lively Mobile, I’d recommend going for the Ultimate Package, which includes fall detection, Lively Link, and access to medical professionals. At $39.99 per month, this plan is competitively priced when compared to other mobile systems.
Check out my Lively Mobile review for the full rundown of my experience with this system.
In 1974, Lifeline became the first company in North America to provide medical alert services. Founded by a gerontologist, this company has consistently proven itself as an innovator in the world of caregiving, and I’m not the only one who thinks so. Of all medical alert companies, Lifeline has the largest subscriber base in the country.
Currently, they offer a traditional in-home system, the HomeSafe, which can be purchased with or without fall detection, in addition to the GoSafe 2, their mobile alert system with GPS capabilities and two-way talk. Recently, they have also introduced the Lifeline Cares app, which allows caregivers to view the status of their loved one’s device and even create schedules for checkups and other assistance.
With plans starting at $29.95 per month, Lifeline prices are on the higher end when it comes to price, and that’s not including activation fees, equipment costs, and add-ons such as fall detection. Still, the quality of this system and its monitoring is hard to beat, and that’s why I’ve ranked it so highly. For more info on Lifeline, check out my Lifeline reviews.
A relative newcomer in the world of medical alert systems, Aloe Care Health shakes up the medical alert device formula with its smart hub. Much like a traditional medical alert base station, the smart hub serves as your speaker and microphone, allowing you to communicate with emergency responders. Where it differs is in its voice command features, allowing you place calls and ask questions with solely the sound of your voice.
Aloe Care Health offers three different in-home systems: Essentials, Essentials Plus, and Total Care. Essentials includes a smart hub and a bracelet help button, while the upgraded systems add a mobile medical alert, motion sensors, and a wall-mounted fall detection unit. Aloe Care requires you to purchase your equipment upfront, rather than rent it. This will lead to higher startup costs ($149.99 for the Essentials and $349.99 for Total Care); however, on the plus side, you will own your equipment and won’t have to return it to the manufacturer when done with it.
Another unique aspect of Aloe Care’s system is its fall detection device. Unlike traditional fall detection, which utilizes additional help buttons, Aloe Care’s fall detection device is designed to detect motion from afar. When placed in your bathroom, it can create a virtual map, allowing it to sense a fall and trigger an appropriate response.
To learn more about this provider, check out my Aloe Care Health review.
Did You Know: CVS has partnered with Aloe Care Health to make their own medical alert system. Read my CVS Symphony review to hear about my experience with this system.
Easily the most widely known medical alert providers, Life Alert is also one of the best options for in-home and mobile protection. From your first call with Life Alert, you’ll be walked through the process of choosing a system, installing it in your home, and—in our experience—adapting to your role as a caregiver. Upon purchasing Life Alert, we were matched with a “care specialist” who gave us her personal cell number and answered any questions we had about using the device or helping our loved ones adjust to it.
In terms of devices, Life Alert offers a basic in-home system, as well as a mobile medical alert and a wall-mounted help button. All of these devices are water-resistant, meaning they can be worn in the shower, and the mobile device has a battery life that can last up to three years. No recharging here!
The primary downside to Life Alert––and the reason it ranks so low on this list––is the cost factor. Life Alert systems cost a minimum $49.95 per month, and that’s just for the basic in-home system. The mobile system and wall button will also come with extra charges. Life Alert also requires you to lock into a three-year contract, one that can only be exited through death or transition to round-the-clock care.
Still, we think their devices work so well that Life Alert definitely is still an option worth considering.
To learn more about this provider, check out our hands-on Life Alert review.
As we tested devices from over 20 different companies, here is what we looked for.
At their core, all medical alert systems have a similar function. When triggered, a medical alert system will quickly connect you to a monitoring center, whose personnel will assess your situation and, if necessary, contact emergency services.
Naturally, there are several different types of medical alert systems used both in and outside the home. Here is an overview of the categories.
To learn more about these devices, read my guide to medical alert devices.
Both types of in-home systems include a base station with a two-way speaker. This is what is used to communicate with monitoring personnel, and it’s activated through pressing a small help button worn around either the neck or wrist.
Remember to consider the range of the base station and help button, as not all systems are created equal in this regard. Currently, the best in-home systems have a range of up to 1,300 feet, which is enough to cover most sizes of homes. Generally, I recommend systems with a range large enough to cover an outdoor area of your home, as many falls occur outside.
Mobile or on-the-go medical alert systems are ideal for people who want access to help even while outside their homes. Using a cellular connection, these alert systems feature a two-way speaker and a help button, giving you the same protection as an in-home system but in a portable package.
Some mobile medical alerts are even GPS-enabled. This helpful feature allows monitoring staff and even loved ones to locate a user while their device is turned on. This feature is important as some users may be unable to verbalize their location if they are hurt, confused, or otherwise experiencing an emergency.
To learn more, read my rundown of this year’s best medical alert systems with GPS.
The medical alert smartwatch is a recent addition to the industry. Geared towards both men and women, these modern devices provide safety in a sleek and discrete package. These systems work independently of a cell phone (with no additional cellular fees), and they look like a typical wristwatch. Not only are they stylish, life-saving devices, but they also operate as a functional watch, activity tracker, and messenger. My favorite medical alert smartwatches can even be set up to provide medication reminders and location data.
Medical alert systems function as a direct line of contact between the user and a monitoring center. I know what you’re thinking: What’s a monitoring center? Put simply, monitoring centers are contracted by medical alert companies to provide 24/7 care to customers. They do so by receiving distress calls, assessing the situation (emergency or otherwise), and then contacting an appropriate response measure, whether this means contacting EMS providers or a neighbor who can conduct a wellness check.
These monitoring centers are not your average call center either. Not only are they staffed well enough to field calls in a matter of seconds, but their specialists often receive extensive training to ensure a high degree of care.
With that said, not all medical alert systems require monthly fees. To learn more, check out my list of unmonitored medical alert systems.
If you’re interested in purchasing a medical alert system, here are some questions you should consider.
Generally speaking, medical alert systems can be broken down into these two categories, systems for use in the home and systems for use outside of it. Both types provide the same functionality; however, each of them suits a different lifestyle.
In-Home Systems connect through either a landline or cellular connection. When you press your help button (generally worn as either a wristband or pendant), you’ll be connected to the monitoring center via the base station, which has both a speaker and microphone for easy communication. This type of system is best suited for those who spend most of their time indoors, although some systems have a large enough connectivity range to cover parts of your yard.
On-The-Go Systems connect through cellular service, allowing you to travel just about anywhere with adequate service. Most often worn as a pendant, though some companies offer wristbands or smartwatch designs, these systems provide the same security and peace of mind as the in-home models but with a greater range of freedom. Generally speaking, these systems come with a higher price tag.
Each of the systems mentioned here comes with some form of 24/7 professional monitoring; however, some of them offer additional features suited to individual needs.
With caregiver apps and platforms, loved ones and caregivers can keep tabs on the user, tracking their location, monitoring their activity, and even checking to make sure they are wearing their device. For example, systems from Aloe Care Health are rooted in their smartphone app. With this app, loved ones can make check-in calls to a system, communicate with other caregivers, and even monitor system metrics like home temperature, CO levels, and any emergency alerts sent out from the device.
Many medical alert providers also offer personalized response plans. With these, a call to the monitoring center can also trigger alerts to neighbors or loved ones. Although a monitoring agent can certainly contact emergency services, not every help call requires such drastic action, so I always appreciate these individualized sorts of responses.
Most medical alert systems offer automatic fall detection, and it will cost anywhere from $5-$15 extra per month. Although it might be tempting to save money by omitting this feature, I think it’s essential and could even save your life.
With falls being a leading cause of injury to older adults, it’s critical to have the proper ways of addressing this problem. Oftentimes, falls can leave a person unable to reach for help, and that’s where medical alert systems with fall detection come in handy.
Through sophisticated accelerometer technology, automatic fall detection pendants can detect a fall and automatically place a call to monitoring personnel without the user having to press the button. Keep in mind, this technology is not 100% accurate, and false alerts may occur. However, in the event that a loved one falls (or has a medical emergency) and is unable to press the button on their safety device, there is comfort in knowing that help can still be reached.
As a lifelong caregiver to older adults, I take great pride in helping people navigate the often-complicated world of medical alert systems. Everyone deserves independence, regardless of age, and a reliable medical alert system is the perfect tool to help you do so.
If you made it this far in the article, you can tell there is a lot to know about these types of systems. But have no fear! I’m here to do the leg work, testing out the latest and greatest in caregiver technology, making it that much easier for you to remain assured that your loved ones are aging gracefully.
To learn more about medical alert systems, be sure to read our helpful guides:
Life Alert is one of many companies that offer medical alert systems; however, their systems are far more expensive than the likes of Bay Alarm Medical, Medical Guardian, or MobileHelp.
While no system is the perfect fit for every user, MobileHelp, Bay Alarm Medical, and Medical Guardian make some of the most reliable and affordable medical alert devices on the market.
Costing as little as $20 per month, a medical alert system is one of the most affordable ways for seniors to stay safe in their homes, especially when compared to more costly home modifications.
On average, medical alert systems will cost between $20-$40 per month. Additional buttons and features like fall detection will usually cost an additional monthly charge.
While Medicare won’t cover the cost of Life Alert or another medical alert system, you can often get discounts or coverage for a medical alert through your private insurance, Medicare Advantage plan, or local Area Agency on Aging.
AARP has no official partnership with Life Alert or other medical alert companies; however, Lifeline (formerly Philips Lifeline) offers discounts to AARP members.
Life Alert and other medical alert systems generally do not require Wi-Fi; rather, they contact monitoring agents through a built-in cellular or existing landline connection.
Medicare will not pay for Life Alert or other medical alert systems, as they are not considered durable medical equipment. However, some insurance providers and Medicare Advantage plans will offer partial coverage for medical alert systems.
Some brands of medical alert systems are carried in stores like Walmart and CVS; however, most medical alert providers like Medical Guardian, Bay Alarm Medical, and MobileHelp sell their devices over the phone or through their websites.
