SeniorsList

SeniorsList.com is compensated when you click on the provider links listed on this page. This compensation does not impact our ratings or reviews.

2023 Guide to Medical Alert
Systems

One of the best ways to keep your loved ones safe at home, medical alert systems provide immediate contact with emergency personnel.

Share :

The Senior List is compensated when you click on the provider links listed on this page. This compensation does not impact our ratings or reviews.

1

Best GPS Medical Alert

Overall Rating

4.9/5

Use code DAYLIGHT23 for up to 33% off top selling products (ends 03/12)

Call for best price:

877-947-4512 .

2

Most Affordable Systems

Overall Rating

4.5/5

Call for best price:

800-915-8738

3

Best In-Home Systems

Overall Rating

4.6/5

Call for best price:

855-571-0361 .

What Are Medical Alert Systems?

Medical 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. While many companies offer this technology, 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
Medical Guardian
Best GPS Medical Alert
$27.45/mo
$10/mo
None
#2
MobileHelp
Most Affordable Systems
$19.95/mo
$10/mo
None
#3
ADT
Best In-Home Systems
$25.99/mo
$10/mo
None
#4
Bay Alarm Medical
Best Smartwatch
$19.95/mo
$10/mo
None
#5
Alexa Together
Low Monthly Fees
$19.99/mo
Included
None
#6
Medical Alert
Reliable Protection
$19.95/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

List of the Best Medical Alert Systems of 2023

Overview

What separates Medical Guardian from other medical alert providers is their 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 four mobile devices, including an all-in-one mobile unit, the Mini Guardian, and their MGMove smartwatch. Both of these 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 $27.45 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 times 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.

Medical Guardian Key Points

Medical Guardian Key Points

Our Top Picks

Check out these recommendations:

Pros

Wide range of systems

All-in-one mobile unit

Stellar monitoring

Fall detection

Waterproof devices

Cons

More costly than some systems

Call to order Medical Guardian: 877-947-4512

7. LifeFone - Free Spouse Coverage

4.2/5

Call for best price:

844-996-2846

What We Like Most:

Free Spouse Coverage

Price Lock Lifetime Guarantee

1,300 ft. In-Home Range

$5 Fall Detection

Pros

Wide range of systems

All-in-one mobile unit

Stellar monitoring

Fall detection

Waterproof devices

Cons

More costly than some systems

2. MobileHelp - Most Affordable Systems

4.5/5

Call for best price:

800-915-8738

What We Like Most:

Starting at $19.95 per month

Flexible contracts

Mobile and in-home protection

Free equipment and activation

Overview

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.

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.

Medical Guardian Key Points

Overview

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.

MobileHelp Key Points

Pros

Flexible pricing plans

Duo is one of the only two-in-one systems available

No landline required for in-home systems

Stylish smartwatch option, great for men

Two pendants included with every system

No long-term contracts

Cons

Fall detection and cellular are two separate units

Initial set-up fee for in-home unit (monthly plan only)

2. MobileHelp - Most Affordable Systems

4.5/5

Call for best price:

855-571-0361

What We Like Most:

Waterproof help buttons

Optional fall detection

Quick response times

Straightforward pricing

Overview

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.

ADT Key Points

Pros

Waterproof help buttons

No long-term contracts

Automatic fall detection

Personalized response plans

Quick response times

Landline options available

Cons

Relatively small in-home range

No smart features

No caregiver tracking

Medical Alert System Frequently Asked Questions

  • 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 and on the go, 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 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 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.

Written By

Amie Clark

Amie has been writing about senior care products and services for the last decade. She is particularly passionate about new technologies that help improve the quality of life for seniors and their families. Seeing her parents and grandparents age made Amie ask herself, “Would this be good enough for my loved ones?” In her spare time, Amie enjoys outdoor adventures and spontaneous road trips. Learn more about Amie here