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, it still covers 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 ADT Medical Alert Basic System, ideal for older adults with landlines who primarily stay home, offers a 300-foot help button range sufficient for most residences. It’s also highly affordable at $31.99 monthly with free shipping and a one-time $99 activation fee. Utilizing a base station and help button, it connects users directly to ADT’s monitoring center for coordinated emergency assistance from loved ones or responders.

>>Read more: The Best Medical Alert Systems

One major plus of the basic plan is the availability of home temperature monitoring, which alerts ADT emergency response personnel if the house temperature rises above a safe level. 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 a cellular-based option, slightly more advanced than the Medical Alert Basic system, offering 600-foot coverage both in and around the home. No landline is needed, making it ideal for those with strong cellular service who enjoy yard activities like reading outdoors, playing with the dog, or gardening.

For an additional $11 per month, users can add automatic fall detection. This potentially lifesaving feature automatically contacts the monitoring center without a button press (a standard industry cost of about $10 per month). Other features include multiple pendant options and an optional Waterproof Wall Mount Button at no extra cost. Similar to the Basic System, its wearable help buttons are waterproof, and additional wristbands or pendants can be purchased for $14.99 each. The system itself costs $39.99 per month, plus a $99 activation fee.

On-The-Go Medical Alert System

ADT’s On-The-Go system is designed for active adults, offering a small, lightweight, portable help button (wristband or pendant) with a 300-foot range from its mobile base unit. This landline-free system includes a built-in speakerphone for direct communication with ADT’s monitoring center and GPS tracking, allowing agents to locate users even if they’re unsure of their whereabouts.

It also features optional fall detection for an additional $11 per month. While home temperature monitoring is unavailable due to its mobility, multiple pendants can be added. The On-The-Go system costs $41.99 monthly, with free shipping and a $99 activation fee.

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.

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 works, even if not used for an extended period.

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