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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.
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.
- Medical Guardian : Best GPS Medical Alert
- MobileHelp : Most Affordable Systems
- ADT : Best In-Home Systems
- Bay Alarm Medical : Best Smartwatch
- Alexa Together : Low Monthly Fees
- Medical Alert : Reliable Protection
- LifeFone : Free Spouse Coverage
- Lively Mobile Plus : Quick Response Times
- Lifeline : Easiest to Use
- Aloe Care Health : Best Caregiver Features
- Life Alert : Best Customer Service
| 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
- Features: Medical Guardian offers landline and cellular in-home options, mobile options with GPS capabilities, and water-resistant help buttons worn around either the wrist or neck.
- Extras: Additional wrist or neck pendants can be added to a system, which is a great option for couples and roommates. Medical Guardian also offers automatic fall detection pendants, wall-mounted help buttons, voice-activated wall buttons, and waterproof lockboxes.
- Battery: In-home systems feature a 30-32-hour backup battery, ensuring your system will still function in the event of a power outage. Their mobile units feature a rechargeable battery that lasts for up to 7 days, depending on the device.
- In-Home Range: The Classic Guardian, their in-home system, features a connectivity range of 1,300 feet, which is more than enough for most homes.
- What Stands Out: The connectivity range of Medical Guardian’s in-home systems is unrivaled in terms of distance. You can also add multiple help buttons under the same system, a common-sense feature that is lacking in most medical alert products.
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
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
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
- Features: Medical Guardian offers landline and cellular in-home options, mobile options with GPS capabilities, and water-resistant help buttons worn around either the wrist or neck.
- Extras: Additional wrist or neck pendants can be added to a system, which is a great option for couples and roommates. Medical Guardian also offers automatic fall detection pendants, wall-mounted help buttons, voice-activated wall buttons, and waterproof lockboxes.
- Battery: In-home systems feature a 30-32-hour backup battery, ensuring your system will still function in the event of a power outage. Their mobile units feature a rechargeable battery that lasts for up to 7 days, depending on the device.
- In-Home Range: The Classic Guardian, their in-home system, features a connectivity range of 1,300 feet, which is more than enough for most homes.
- What Stands Out: The connectivity range of Medical Guardian’s in-home systems is unrivaled in terms of distance. You can also add multiple help buttons under the same system, a common-sense feature that is lacking in most medical alert products.
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
- Features:Using AT&T’s cellular network, MobileHelp’s devices can connect you to help from just about anywhere. What’s more, all of their help buttons are waterproof, meaning you can take them in the shower or tub without worry.
- Extras:All MobileHelp systems come with a free lockbox, allowing first responders to easily enter your home in the event of an emergency. Additionally, MobileHelp offers a warranty plan and MobileHelp Connect, an app that allows loved ones to track a user’s location and device status.
- Battery:MobileHelp’s in-home systems have a backup battery that lasted us about 30 hours in tests. The mobile systems lasted about two days before needing a recharge.
- In-Home Range:MobileHelp’s in-home systems can connect an impressive 1,400 feet, giving it one of the largest ranges we’ve seen.
- What Stands Out: In addition to their low pricing, we also appreciated MobileHelp’s bundled systems. These make them a great option for couples or roommates.
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
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
- Features: ADT’s in-home options can function through either a landline or cellular connection. The mobile system, with its all-in-one pendant, is compatible with GPS and fall detection, allowing monitoring agents to better protect you in the event of an emergency.
- Extras:ADT’s in-home and mobile systems are compatible with automatic fall detection. Additionally, their in-home systems feature temperature monitoring, meaning in the event of a fire, your system will automatically contact the monitoring center for a quick response.
- Battery:Their in-home systems feature a 24-hour backup battery. Their mobile system lasted upwards of a day during our tests.
- In-Home Range:ADT’s in-home landline system can cover 300 feet, whereas the cellular version covers about 600 feet.
- What Stands Out: ADT isn’t reinventing the wheel with their medical alert systems. What they do provide, however, is durable equipment tied to a stellar team of monitoring professionals. I would definitely trust ADT to help out any older adult living alone.
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.
