The 3 Best Medical Alert Systems With GPS, Tested by Caregivers
What Are Medical Alert Systems With GPS?
A GPS medical alert system is a wearable emergency device that uses satellite-based location technology to pinpoint a user's exact position when they press the help button. It enables monitoring agents or caregivers to dispatch assistance to the right location instantly. Unlike traditional in-home systems, GPS-equipped devices work anywhere with cellular coverage, making them ideal for active older adults who spend time outside the home. When an alert is triggered, the device transmits real-time coordinates to a 24/7 monitoring center, which can relay that location to emergency responders or designated caregivers.
FYI: There are many different types of medical alert systems. To learn about which one might work for you, check out our medical alert systems guide.
Key Findings
- Best Overall: Bay Alarm Medical | Starting Price: $27.95/month | Average Response Time: Under 20 seconds | GPS accuracy confirmed in real-world testing
- Fastest Response Times: Medical Guardian | Starting Price: $42.95/month | Average Response Time: 8 seconds | Fall detection accurately detected all five fast falls in testing
- Most Affordable: Lively Mobile2 | Starting Price: $24.99/month | Average Response Time: 13 seconds | Highest-rated caregiver app (Lively Link) of all systems tested
How GPS Medical Alerts Work
To see a GPS medical alert system in action, watch this short video.
Why Trust Us?
At TheSeniorList.com, our team of caregivers, experts, and healthcare professionals conducted over 5,000 hours of in-depth research and testing. Now, we’re able to recommend the most reliable brands and devices. In this process, our team:
- Tested 50 medical alert devices from 15 different brands.
- Surveyed 1,250 seniors and caregivers on medical alert system usage.
- Consulted with nurses, EMTs, and caregivers who are experts at caring for older adults.
- Published dozens of videos that demonstrate our medical alert system testing.
- Evaluated verified customer reviews of medical alert companies from the Better Business Bureau.
What to Look For in a GPS Medical Alert System
When comparing GPS medical alert systems, evaluate each device against the following criteria:
- Accurate location tracking: The device should use real-time GPS to pinpoint the user's exact location so monitoring agents and caregivers can direct help quickly and reliably.
- All-in-one design: Look for devices that combine the help button, GPS, and fall detection into a single wearable unit, eliminating the need for separate pendants or accessories.
- Caregiver app: A companion app should allow loved ones to monitor live device location, battery level, and cellular signal strength, and receive immediate notifications when an emergency call is placed.
- Durability: Because GPS devices travel everywhere, choose a system that is drop-resistant and carries a waterproof rating of at least IPX7 to handle showers, rain, and accidental submersion.
- Battery life: Prioritize devices that last at least three days on a single charge to reduce the risk of the device dying when it's needed most.
- Smartwatch option: For users who prefer a discreet alternative to a traditional pendant or wristband, select a provider that offers a medical alert smartwatch with equivalent GPS and fall detection capabilities.
The 3 Best Medical Alert Systems With GPS
- Bay Alarm Medical : Best Overall Systems
- Medical Guardian : Fastest Response Times
- Lively Mobile2 : Most Affordable System
The Best Medical Alert Systems With GPS
1. Bay Alarm Medical - Best Overall Systems
855-675-0754
What We Like Most:
- 30-day risk-free trial
- Optional fall detection
- Location tracking on mobile units
- Systems starting at $27.95 per month
Overview
Due to their stellar monitoring and support, Bay Alarm Medical systems have long been some of my favorites. With response times averaging under 20 seconds, built-in fall detection, and location tracking for caregivers, the company’s GPS systems performed the best in our tests.
Bay Alarm GPS Systems
Bay Alarm Medical offers three different GPS-equipped devices: the SOS All-In-One 2, the SOS Micro, and the SOS Smartwatch. While the SOS Smartwatch impressed us with its accurate fall detection, our favorite system would have to be the SOS All-In-One 2.
At $34.95 per month, the SOS All-In-One 2 is among the most affordable medical alerts with GPS. At roughly 1.5 by 2.5 inches, it’s also among the smallest systems. This made it comfortable to wear throughout the day. Another unique feature of the SOS All-In-One 2 is that it has built-in fall detection. This means that, while we did have to pay an extra $10 per month to activate the feature, fall detection required no extra pendants to function. In our tests, the SOS Mobile detected 4 out of 5 fast falls and 3 out of 5 slow falls, making it among the more accurate fall detection devices.
With any Bay Alarm Medical system, you’ll also get free access to the Bay Alarm Medical app. Through this app, loved ones can track a device’s live location, battery life, and cellular strength. It will also send loved ones notifications in the event an emergency call is placed. If a user has loved ones who live nearby, this app would make it much easier to stay on top of their care.
To learn more about Bay Alarm Medical’s app and the features of its different systems, read my full Bay Alarm Medical review.
Pros
- Two U.S.-based monitoring centers
- Water-resistant devices
- Compact size
- 4G LTE cellular connection
- Detailed caregiver tracking
- Accurate fall detection
Cons
- Extra cost for fall detection
- One-time device cost (pricing varies by device)
2. Medical Guardian - Fastest Response Times
877-947-4512
What We Like Most:
- Eight-second average response times
- No long-term contracts
- Accurate fall detection
- 24/7 U.S.-based monitoring
Overview
I won’t lie. Medical Guardian costs a bit more than the other entries on this list. However, they delivered the fastest response times of any system we tested, averaging eight seconds in all of our test calls. If you want a GPS medical alert that can give you the quickest access to help, then Medical Guardian is a solid bet.
Medical Guardian GPS Systems
Currently, Medical Guardian offers three different GPS systems: the MGMini, the MGMini Lite, and the MGMove Watch. Our favorite is the MGMini Lite. Unlike the other devices on this list, which are worn as medical alert necklaces, the MGMini Lite is worn as a bracelet. Our testers found this style to be both more discreet and more comfortable.
The MGMini Lite gave us Medical Guardian’s signature fast response times. Plus, we were impressed by its fall detection — accurately detecting all five of our fast falls and three slow falls. Despite all of these test falls, the MGMini Lite held up with no damage. Also, with its IP67 water-resistance, it can travel into the shower, which is a frequent site of falls.
Like all Medical Guardian systems, the MGMini Lite is compatible with the MyGuardian caregiver app. This app allows us to track a device’s live location, view its battery life, and even cause it to ring. The latter is useful if your loved one misplaces it.
The one disappointment with Medical Guardian is its higher costs. Systems with GPS start at $42.95 per month, and they come with one-time equipment fees of $149.95 or higher (the MGMove watch is $199.95). That said, it’s hard to beat their performance.
To see our entire hands-on test of Medical Guardian’s systems, read our full Medical Guardian review.
Pros
- Accurate GPS
- Reliable fall detection
- Bracelet and pendant options
- No long-term contracts
- Water-resistant devices
- Smartwatch available
Cons
- More costly than other systems
- No 30-day trial period
3. Lively Mobile2 - Most Affordable System
855-403-6340
What We Like Most:
- Starting at $24.99 per month
- Quick response times
- Free caregiver app
- Optional nurse hotlines
Overview
At $24.99 per month, the Lively Mobile2 costs less than any mobile system we’ve tested. That said, it performed among the best — giving us access to help in an average of 13 seconds.
Lively GPS Systems
Unlike the other companies on this list, Lively offers only one GPS system: the Lively Mobile2. Much like the SOS Mobile, this device is worn as a pendant, and it features built-in fall detection. It’s also rated IPX7 in terms of water-resistance, meaning it can withstand immersion in water.
Quick response times aside, what we loved most about the Lively Mobile2 was its caregiver app: Lively Link. Through this app, loved ones can view a device’s live location, as well as monitor its battery life and cellular signal. This app will also send push notifications to loved ones in the event of a fall or emergency call. Furthermore, of all the apps on this list, Lively Link has the most intuitive interface.
While Lively Mobile2 plans start at $24.99 per month, the company offers a premium plan for $34.99 per month. With this plan, a user can call a 24/7 nurse hotline through their Mobile2 device. In our experience, these nurses were adept at answering quick health-related questions.
Read my Lively Mobile2 review to learn more about the premium plan’s features.
Pros
- Waterproof devices
- No long-term contracts
- Free app access
- Quick monitoring response times
- Access to medical information
- Detailed location tracking
Cons
- $79.99 one-time device fee
- False alarms with fall detection
- Shorter battery life
Honorable Mentions
While the following systems did not make the cut, they might work for some users.
- ADT: While ADT’s systems boasted average response times of 14 seconds, we did not like that its mobile system requires an additional pendant for fall detection. Read our full ADT medical alert review to learn more.
- Kanega Watch: This system performed well in our tests, and it even used Wi-Fi in addition to a cellular connection. However, we could not get over its high prices. Read our Kanega Watch review to learn more.
- LifeFone: LifeFone’s VIPx system excelled in almost every area of our tests. However, this system is identical to the Bay Alarm SOS Mobile, and it costs nearly double the price. Read our LifeFone review to learn more.
Bottom Line
For active users, a GPS medical alert can protect them no matter where they go. Even if they never need to place an emergency call, having the help button on them will give a person peace of mind. They know that help is only one button-press away.
To learn more about our favorite medical alerts and our full testing results, read our guide to this year’s best medical alert systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How much do GPS medical alert systems cost?
GPS medical alert systems typically cost between $24.99 and $42.95 per month for monitoring service, depending on the provider and plan. Most devices also carry a one-time equipment fee ranging from $79.99 to $199.95. None of the top-rated providers on this list require long-term contracts.
-
Does Medicare cover GPS medical alert systems?
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover GPS medical alert systems, as they are classified as personal convenience items rather than durable medical equipment. Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include allowances for medical alert devices — check with your specific plan to confirm what benefits are available.
-
What is the best GPS medical alert system?
Based on our hands-on testing, Bay Alarm Medical is the best overall GPS medical alert system, offering accurate location tracking, built-in fall detection, and a strong caregiver app starting at $27.95 per month. Medical Guardian is the top pick for users who prioritize the fastest possible emergency response times.
-
How accurate is GPS tracking on medical alert devices?
GPS tracking accuracy on the systems we tested was generally reliable outdoors, with location data pinpointing users within a few meters. Coverage can vary in dense urban environments or indoors, where devices typically supplement GPS with cellular tower triangulation to maintain a usable location signal.
-
Do GPS medical alert systems work outside the home?
Yes — GPS medical alert systems are specifically designed for use both inside and outside the home. Unlike traditional landline-based systems, GPS devices use cellular networks and satellite positioning to function anywhere with cell coverage, making them suitable for walks, errands, travel, and any activity away from home.
