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Medicare, which currently insures nearly 64 million Americans, covers a wide range of medical and health care expenses, but it won’t cover everything. Coinsurance, hospital fees, copayments, blood transfusions, and extended skilled nursing facility stays all fall outside of Medicare coverage, making it essential to purchase a Medigap policy.
What Are Medicare Supplement Plans?
Also known as Medicare Supplement Insurance, a Medigap policy will provide you with extra coverage, ensuring that you won’t be hit with any surprise charges for health care. Here are some of this year’s best Medigap providers.
Best Medicare Supplement Plans
- Humana : Best Overall Medigap Plans
- Anthem : Best App
- Cigna : Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions
- Aetna : Best Online Experience
- Mutual of Omaha Medigap Plans : Best Customer Service
- ManhattanLife : Lowest Premiums
- AARP Medicare : Best Educational Resources
- Colonial Penn : Widest Range of Plans
Medicare Supplement Pricing
Provider
Plan A Premium
Plan F Premium
Aetna
$111.21
$175.68
Mutual of Omaha
$95.42
$152.50
Cigna
$148.21
$211.33
ManhattanLife
$92.17
$144.42
AARP/UnitedHealthcare
$75.71
$166.32
*The listed premiums are based on a 70-year-old nonsmoking woman living in Kentucky.
Best Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans in 2023
1. Humana - Best Overall Medigap Plans
What We Like Most:
Wide range of plans offered
24/7 customer service
Vision and dental add-ons available
High-deductible plan options
Overview
Humana was founded in 1961 as a nursing company, and today offers Medigap plans to people around the nation.
Available Plans
Humana offers Medigap Plans A, F, G, K, and N.
Network Restrictions
Your plan is good wherever Medicare is accepted.
Extra Benefits
Some Humana Medicare Supplement plans offer Healthy Living options that include vision and/or dental.
Humana offers a smooth online experience, an excellent range of plans, and supportive staff on hand if you need help. You can even arrange a meeting with a representative. Humana provides a customer-friendly experience with easy search options and a decent range of plans to cover all eventualities.
Pros
Competitive prices
Large in-person network
Affordable copays for routine care
Online resources for vision car
Cons
Hidden fees and changing copays
Restricted to in-network services
2. Anthem - Best App
4/5
What We Like Most:
Smart FeaturesSmart Features
Easy online application
Guaranteed acceptance
Policies available up to $50,000
Overview
Anthem is the largest for-profit healthcare company in the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. The company, headquartered in Indiana, was founded in 1946 as Mutual Hospital Insurance Inc. and Mutual Medical Insurance Inc.
Available Plans
Anthem Medicare Supplement plans include A, F, G, and N.
Network Restrictions
Your plan is good anywhere Medicare is accepted.
Extra Benefits
Some plans offer a 5 percent discount if someone else in your household is enrolled in an Anthem Medicare supplement. Some plans also offer additional dental and vision benefits for an extra premium.
Pros
Easy to sign up
Quick approval
No waiting periods
No premium increases
High coverage limits
Cons
Premiums can get pricey depending on how old you are
3. Cigna - Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions
4.8/5
What We Like Most:
Available in 45 states
Competitive pricing
Over 19,000 local agents for personalized service
Medication
Bundled savings
Options
Overview
Cigna was formed in Philadelphia in 1972 as the Insurance Company of North America. It now serves customers in more than 30 countries, offering health insurance, dental insurance, and, of course, Medigap policies. One of the great things about Cigna is that it often provides coverage for people with preexisting conditions.
Available Plans
Cigna offers Medigap Plans F, High-Deductible F, G, N, and A.
Network Restrictions
Your insurance is good for any doctor who accepts Medicare.
Extra Benefits
With Cigna Medigap plans, you can take advantage of savings on a range of health and wellness programs. You can often save on premiums if more than one person in your household enrolls in a Medigap plan. Cigna’s policies are guaranteed renewable for life, which means your coverage won’t get canceled because of a downturn in your health.
Cigna Medicare Supplement plans are straightforward, and its website has a wealth of information to help you make informed choices. You can also receive a free quote through the company’s website or customer service line.
4. Aetna - Best Online Experience
4.8/5
What We Like Most:
Easy to sign up
Quick approval
No waiting periods
High coverage limits
Overview
Aetna dates back to the 1800s, when it was known as Aetna Fire Insurance. Aetna now offers private health insurance, Medigap plans, dental coverage, and prescription-drug plans to more than 22 million members in 42 states. Best of all, Aetna policies are portable, so you won’t have to change your Medigap policy if you move to another state.
Available Plans
Aetna Medicare Supplement plans include A, B, C, D, F, High-Deductible F, G, High-Deductible G, and N.
Network Restrictions
Your Aetna plan is good for any provider who accepts Medicare.
Extra Benefits
With Aetna, your Medigap plan is guaranteed for renewal even if your health changes. You can also receive discounts by purchasing multiple insurance plans. Aetna offers two helpful apps: Aetna Health, which helps you keep track of your account and coverage, and Attain by Aetna, a lifestyle app that helps you maintain your health.
To get started with Aetna, visit the company’s website to learn about the policies offered in your area and receive a free quote in a matter of minutes.
Pros
Range of plans available
Quick approval
Extra perks for members
No network restrictions
Stand-alone dental and prescription plans
Cons
Cumbersome website
5. Mutual of Omaha Medigap Plans - Best Customer Service
4.8/5
What We Like Most:
Guaranteed approval
Discounts available for enrolling in automatic payments
No medical exam or health questionnaire required
Individuals can borrow from the policy during life
Offering affordable coverage without network restrictions, Mutual of Omaha is a solid choice for a number of Medigap plans. In our experience, its team is super quick with processing claims, allowing them to provide a great customer experience.
Available Plans
Mutual of Omaha Medicare Supplement plans include A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N.
Network Restrictions
Your Mutual of Omaha insurance is good wherever Medicare is accepted.
Extra Benefits
With Mutual of Omaha, your Medigap plan is guaranteed for as long as you keep paying your premiums. It also offers one of the biggest household discounts we’ve seen, shaving between 7-12 percent off your monthly premium for eligible policyholders.
Mutual of Omaha makes it easy to get the coverage you need, whether you’re looking for a plan that covers all (or nearly all) eventualities with few out-of-pocket expenses or a backup plan for unexpected health problems.
Pros
Prescription-drug and dental options
No network restrictions
Dedicated helpline
High-deductible options
Cons
Not available in Massachusetts
6. ManhattanLife - Lowest Premiums
4.8/5
What We Like Most:
Highly competitive premiums
7% household discount
7% household discount
Bundled plans available
ManhattanLife is one of the oldest privately-owned insurance companies, having insured Americans since 1850. Its Medigap policies also offer some of the lowest premiums we’ve seen from any company.
Available Plans
ManhattanLife Medicare Supplement plans include A, C, F, G, and N.Network Restrictions
ManhattanLife Medigap policies have no network restrictions, so you can see the doctor of your choice.Extra Benefits
ManhattanLife offers a 7 percent household discount for multiple policyholders. It also allows you to bundle vision, dental, and even hearing coverage with Medigap for added savings. If you don’t have diabetes or use tobacco, a ManhattanLife policy will likely be your cheapest option.
Pros
Interactive website
Wide range of plans
In-person appointments available
Cons
- Must be an AARP member to enroll
8. Colonial Penn - Widest Range of Plans
4.8/5
What We Like Most:
In business since 1879
30-day trial period for policies
Specializes in life and Medigap insurance
Offers permanent coverage
How We Chose the Best Medigap Providers
Since Medigap policies are federally regulated, the actual coverage you receive will be identical from company to company. For example, a Medigap Plan C from Cigna will offer the same benefits as Aetna’s Plan C. The companies on this list, however, provide some additional services that help them rise above hundreds of other Medigap providers. Here’s what we looked for: Nationwide availability: Few insurers offer Medigap policies in every state, but we looked for insurers that offered coverage in 40 or more states. Some of these providers even allow you to keep your policy upon relocating to another state. Transparent pricing: From free online quotes to guarantees that your premiums won’t rise with age, we looked for providers that make it very clear what you’re paying for. Extra perks: Our favorite Medigap providers offer extra benefits for policyholders, such as household discounts, fitness programs, and savings on healthcare services. Financial stability: Using data from AM Best, we made sure each of these providers rated highly in financial health and reliability. In-person agents: In an increasingly digital world, we value when a company has in-person agents available to walk you through the details of your insurance policy. Bottom Line While individual Medigap plans are created equal in terms of coverage, they differ in terms of premiums, availability, and extra perks. To get started, we recommend taking a look at our individual provider pages. Additionally, be sure to check out our helpful guides: Medicare Supplement Plans for Diabetes Medicare Supplement Plans for Low-Income Seniors Medicare Supplemental Dental Insurance Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap Does Medicare Cover Dental? How to Apply for Medicare What Is Medicare Annual Enrollment?
Medigap Frequently Asked Questions
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and New York require insurers to sell policies to all Medicare beneficiaries. In all other states, however, insurers may deny you coverage.
Switching Medigap plans can be difficult depending on the company, but it can be done. Generally, the best time to switch policies is during your Medigap open-enrollment period.
In my experience, Medigap Plan F is the most popular since it offers the most comprehensive coverage.
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.
No Medigap plan covers prescription medications, but most companies offer separate plans that can be used to cover these costs.
Written By
Lindsay Malzone
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
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.
What Are Medical Alert Systems?
A medical alert system is a protective device that sends a signal to emergency personnel when attention is required. Medical alert systems, also known as personal emergency response systems (PERS), are most commonly worn by older or disabled individuals who may need to summon help following a fall or other life-threatening occurrence.
This guide will tell you all you need to know about medical alert systems, including the types of devices, how they work, and how much they cost.
How Do Medical Alert Systems Work?
In their most basic form, medical alert systems provide a direct line of communication between a user and monitoring-center personnel. Monitoring-center agents can then contact appropriate help, such as neighbors, loved ones, and emergency responders. These lifesaving devices come in many shapes and sizes, but they all share a few standard features.
- Help buttons: Help buttons allow you to send a distress call to the monitoring center. They typically come as pendants or wristbands, but many systems have additional buttons that can be mounted on walls or other surfaces. Most wearable help buttons are water-resistant and can be worn in the bathroom, a frequent site of falls.
- Speakerphones: : When you make a call, your system’s speakerphone allows you to communicate with monitoring agents. The speakerphone on an in-home medical alert system is usually on the base unit, which is placed in a central location of your home. The speakerphone and help button on a mobile system are often combined into one wearable device.
- Connection: Behind every medical alert system is the mechanism through which it sends distress calls. Most companies have systems that operate on either landline or cellular connections, but some new systems can place calls over Wi-Fi.
The value of medical alert systems lies in their simplicity. More than half of older adults own smartphones — which could be used to accomplish a similar function — but medical alert systems provide a more streamlined and efficient way to obtain help. Typing out a phone number can be difficult during a health emergency, especially for people with manual dexterity issues. Medical alert systems, however, require only one press of a button.
Types of Medical Alert Systems
Despite a plethora of medical alert systems and manufacturers, we can break down medical alert systems into a few main categories.
- In-home medical alert systems protect users both in and around their homes. Through a combination of help buttons and a speakerphone-equipped base station, these systems allow you to connect quickly to monitoring agents. These systems generally are on the more affordable end of the spectrum.
- Mobile medical alert systems protect users outside their homes. Using a cellular connection, these systems can place emergency calls just about anywhere with good reception. Mobile systems often are equipped with GPS technology, allowing a call-center agent to relay your location to emergency responders.
- Bluetooth medical alert systems are relatively new technology. Through a wearable help button that pairs with your smartphone, Bluetooth medical alert systems allow you to quickly contact your caregivers and loved ones. These systems rarely include access to professional monitoring agents, but that also means you’ll have no monthly fees.
Our Top Picks
Check out these recommendations:
2
Overall Rating
4.9/5
Use code DAYLIGHT23 for up to 33% off top selling products (ends 03/12)
Our Favorite Medical Alerts
It can be difficult to choose the right medical alert system. To start your search, check out our list to help you find the best medical alert system for your needs. Below are some of our favorite medical alert systems for all types of needs.
- Affordable Medical Alert Systems
- Alternatives to Life Alert
- Fall Detection Medical Alert Systems
- GPS Medical Alert Systems
- In-Home Medical Alert Systems
- Medical Alerts for Blind People
- Medical Alerts for Couples
- Medical Alerts for Disabled People
- Medical Alerts for People With Dementia
- Medical Alerts for People With Epilepsy
- Medical Alert Bracelets
- Medical Alert Systems With No Monthly Fees
- Medical Alert Systems for Women
- Medical Alert Watches
- Speakerphone Medical Alert Systems
- Voice-Activated Medical Alert Systems
- Pro Tip: Bay Alarm Medical recently introduced the first in-car medical alert system, which can track your location in addition to sending distress calls in the event of a crash.
Medical Alert Systems at a Glance
| Type of System | Protects | Equipment | Monthly Costs | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
In-Home |
In and around the home |
Purchased or leased |
$19.95 to $49.95 |
Users who spend most of their time at home
|
|
Mobile
|
Outside the home
|
Purchased or leased
|
$24.95 to $60
|
Active adults who often leave the house
|
|
Smartwatch
|
Outside the home
|
Purchased
|
$24.95 to $44.95
|
Active adults who want a discreet medical alert
|
|
Bluetooth
|
Outside the home
|
Purchased
|
N/A
|
Smartphone owners who want to avoid monthly subscription charges
|
Additional Features of Medical Alert Systems
No two medical alert systems work exactly the same, so it’s important to choose a system that has the additional features you need. Here are some to look out for:
- Automatic fall detection: Arguably the most essential add-on for any medical alert system, fall detection automatically triggers a distress call when it senses you have fallen. This feature typically costs an extra $10 per month.
- Backup batteries::Since in-home systems are powered through a wall outlet, it’s important that they have a backup battery to maintain power during an electrical outage. Medical Guardian’s in-home system, for example, has a backup battery life of 32 hours.
- GPS technology:If you’re looking for an on-the-go medical alert system, make sure it has GPS technology so the responders will know where to find you if you trigger a distress call while running errands.
- Spouse monitoring: Most medical alert systems include only one help button, but it’s nice to be able to add more buttons instead of purchasing additional systems if you live with a partner or roommate. LifeFone, for example, offers spouse coverage at no additional cost.
- Medication reminders: For people who have trouble managing their medications, many medical alert companies offer daily reminders from their monitoring centers.
- Water-resistant help buttons: : Since the bathroom is one of the most common sites of falls, it’s important that a system’s help buttons can be taken into the shower. Most companies offer water-resistant buttons
- Voice commands: Most medical alert systems rely on pushing buttons to make emergency calls, but some modern systems now support voice commands. For example, Aloe Care’s in-home system can contact monitoring agents when the user says, “Emergency.”
- Smartphone apps: Many medical alert systems can now pair with smartphones. The system’s user does not necessarily need a smartphone; rather, caregivers and loved ones can download an app to receive help notifications, set a care schedule, or even monitor a system’s battery life.
- Motion sensors: Whether they’re tucked away in the base station or built into the help button, motion sensors can track your movement and alert the monitoring center if your system goes for a length of time without detecting movement.
- Risk-free trials: Since there is no one-size-fits-all solution for medical alert systems, I recommend choosing a provider that offers a risk-free trial period. Most providers allow at least 30 days, during which you may return your equipment for a full refund.
Hands-On Medical Alert Reviews
At The Senior List, our team performs thorough tests of each system, ensuring the quality of devices, their performance, and the overall customer service experience. If you have a particular company in mind, then I’d recommend looking at our detailed reviews.
- Active Guardian Review
- ADT Medical Alert Review
- Alert1 Review
- Aloe Care Health Review
- Bay Alarm Medical Review 2023
- MGMove Review
- GetSafe Review
- HandsFree Health Review
- Lively Medical Alert Review
- Life Alert Review
- LifeFone Review
- Lifeline Review
- LifeStation Review
- Medical Alert Review
- Medical Guardian Review 2023
- MobileHelp Review
- One Call Alert Review
- QMedic Review
- RescueTouch Review
- ResponseNow Review
How to Buy a Medical Alert System
Most medical alert systems can be purchased either over the phone or through a company’s website. Before purchasing a system, it’s important to know what goes into the price you’re charged.
FYI: Medicare won’t cover your medical alert system, but there are other ways, such as insurance and Medicaid, to offset some of the costs.
Purchasing vs. Leasing
In most cases, medical alert companies will not require you to purchase their equipment. They’ll instead charge you a monthly rate that includes the cost of both leasing the system and professional monitoring. When you lease equipment, you typically won’t have to worry about breakage or repairs since the company will simply send you new equipment if yours malfunctions or gets damaged.
Some companies, however, either require or allow you to purchase your system up front. That will bring down your monthly costs, but it also means a provider will repair or replace your equipment only for the duration of its warranty. Smartwatch and Bluetooth medical alert systems usually must be purchased.
Monthly Monitoring Charges
All medical alert systems require a monthly charge for professional monitoring. If you lease your equipment, both the equipment costs and monitoring charges will be lumped into one payment. Monitoring costs range anywhere from $19.95 to $60 per month, but discounts are often available for annual — as opposed to monthly — payments.
Some medical alert companies offer different tiers of monitoring. Lively Mobile Plus, for example, has three price levels. The cheapest option includes access only to the company’s monitoring center, while the most expensive plan adds fall detection, a nurse hotline, and a caregiver portal.
Medical Alert Systems and Pricing
Some companies are transparent about their products’ costs, but that’s not always the case. To save you time, we’ve compiled detailed pricing and device information on all the best medical alert providers.
- ADT Systems and Pricing
- Alert1 Systems and Pricing
- Aloe Care Health Systems and Pricing
- Bay Alarm Medical Systems and Pricing
- Caregiver Smart Solutions Pricing
- HandsFree Health Systems and Pricing
- Life Alert Systems and Pricing
- LifeFone Systems and Pricing
- Lifeline Systems and Pricing
- LifeStation Systems and Pricing
- Lively Systems and Pricing
- Medical Guardian Systems and Pricing
- MobileHelp Systems and Pricing
- One Call Alert Systems and Pricing
- QMedic Systems and Pricing
- Verizon Systems and Pricing
9 Questions to Ask Before Purchasing a Medical Alert System
As you begin your search for the ideal medical alert system, keep in mind the following questions:
1. Do you spend most of your time at home, or do you frequently find yourself out and about?
2. Do you have a landline, or do you require a cellular system?
3. Do you prefer wearing a help button as a pendant or as a wristband?
4. How large is your home, and will a system’s range cover you in every room?
5. Are you prone to falls, and will automatic fall detection come in handy?
6. Do you live alone, or would a spouse or roommate require an additional help button?
7. Do you need only emergency monitoring, or would you prefer a system that can also put you in contact with loved ones?
8. Does the system automatically test itself to ensure proper function?
9. If you don’t like your system, can you return it for a refund?
Pro Tip: Many providers will offer you discounted rates for signing an annual service agreement, but you should be wary of any medical alert provider that requires you to lock into a long-term contract.
Comparing Medical Alert Providers
With so many medical alert companies — not to mention the different systems offered by each one — it can be difficult to figure out the differences. That’s why we’ve done the work for you. Take a look at my Medical Alert Comparison page to find detailed comparisons of the best and most popular companies.
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
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.
What Are Medical Alert Systems?
A medical alert system is a protective device that sends a signal to emergency personnel when attention is required. Medical alert systems, also known as personal emergency response systems (PERS), are most commonly worn by older or disabled individuals who may need to summon help following a fall or other life-threatening occurrence.
This guide will tell you all you need to know about medical alert systems, including the types of devices, how they work, and how much they cost.
How Do Medical Alert Systems Work?
In their most basic form, medical alert systems provide a direct line of communication between a user and monitoring-center personnel. Monitoring-center agents can then contact appropriate help, such as neighbors, loved ones, and emergency responders. These lifesaving devices come in many shapes and sizes, but they all share a few standard features.
- Help buttons: Help buttons allow you to send a distress call to the monitoring center. They typically come as pendants or wristbands, but many systems have additional buttons that can be mounted on walls or other surfaces. Most wearable help buttons are water-resistant and can be worn in the bathroom, a frequent site of falls.
- Speakerphones: : When you make a call, your system’s speakerphone allows you to communicate with monitoring agents. The speakerphone on an in-home medical alert system is usually on the base unit, which is placed in a central location of your home. The speakerphone and help button on a mobile system are often combined into one wearable device.
- Connection: Behind every medical alert system is the mechanism through which it sends distress calls. Most companies have systems that operate on either landline or cellular connections, but some new systems can place calls over Wi-Fi.
The value of medical alert systems lies in their simplicity. More than half of older adults own smartphones — which could be used to accomplish a similar function — but medical alert systems provide a more streamlined and efficient way to obtain help. Typing out a phone number can be difficult during a health emergency, especially for people with manual dexterity issues. Medical alert systems, however, require only one press of a button.
Types of Medical Alert Systems
Despite a plethora of medical alert systems and manufacturers, we can break down medical alert systems into a few main categories.
- In-home medical alert systems protect users both in and around their homes. Through a combination of help buttons and a speakerphone-equipped base station, these systems allow you to connect quickly to monitoring agents. These systems generally are on the more affordable end of the spectrum.
- Mobile medical alert systems protect users outside their homes. Using a cellular connection, these systems can place emergency calls just about anywhere with good reception. Mobile systems often are equipped with GPS technology, allowing a call-center agent to relay your location to emergency responders.
- Bluetooth medical alert systems are relatively new technology. Through a wearable help button that pairs with your smartphone, Bluetooth medical alert systems allow you to quickly contact your caregivers and loved ones. These systems rarely include access to professional monitoring agents, but that also means you’ll have no monthly fees.
Our Top Picks
Check out these recommendations:
2
Overall Rating
4.9/5
Use code DAYLIGHT23 for up to 33% off top selling products (ends 03/12)
Our Favorite Medical Alerts
It can be difficult to choose the right medical alert system. To start your search, check out our list to help you find the best medical alert system for your needs. Below are some of our favorite medical alert systems for all types of needs.
- Affordable Medical Alert Systems
- Alternatives to Life Alert
- Fall Detection Medical Alert Systems
- GPS Medical Alert Systems
- In-Home Medical Alert Systems
- Medical Alerts for Blind People
- Medical Alerts for Couples
- Medical Alerts for Disabled People
- Medical Alerts for People With Dementia
- Medical Alerts for People With Epilepsy
- Medical Alert Bracelets
- Medical Alert Systems With No Monthly Fees
- Medical Alert Systems for Women
- Medical Alert Watches
- Speakerphone Medical Alert Systems
- Voice-Activated Medical Alert Systems
- Pro Tip: Bay Alarm Medical recently introduced the first in-car medical alert system, which can track your location in addition to sending distress calls in the event of a crash.
Medical Alert Systems at a Glance
| Type of System | Protects | Equipment | Monthly Costs | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
In-Home |
In and around the home |
Purchased or leased |
$19.95 to $49.95 |
Users who spend most of their time at home
|
|
Mobile
|
Outside the home
|
Purchased or leased
|
$24.95 to $60
|
Active adults who often leave the house
|
|
Smartwatch
|
Outside the home
|
Purchased
|
$24.95 to $44.95
|
Active adults who want a discreet medical alert
|
|
Bluetooth
|
Outside the home
|
Purchased
|
N/A
|
Smartphone owners who want to avoid monthly subscription charges
|
Additional Features of Medical Alert Systems
No two medical alert systems work exactly the same, so it’s important to choose a system that has the additional features you need. Here are some to look out for:
- Automatic fall detection: Arguably the most essential add-on for any medical alert system, fall detection automatically triggers a distress call when it senses you have fallen. This feature typically costs an extra $10 per month.
- Backup batteries::Since in-home systems are powered through a wall outlet, it’s important that they have a backup battery to maintain power during an electrical outage. Medical Guardian’s in-home system, for example, has a backup battery life of 32 hours.
- GPS technology:If you’re looking for an on-the-go medical alert system, make sure it has GPS technology so the responders will know where to find you if you trigger a distress call while running errands.
- Spouse monitoring: Most medical alert systems include only one help button, but it’s nice to be able to add more buttons instead of purchasing additional systems if you live with a partner or roommate. LifeFone, for example, offers spouse coverage at no additional cost.
- Medication reminders: For people who have trouble managing their medications, many medical alert companies offer daily reminders from their monitoring centers.
- Water-resistant help buttons: : Since the bathroom is one of the most common sites of falls, it’s important that a system’s help buttons can be taken into the shower. Most companies offer water-resistant buttons
- Voice commands: Most medical alert systems rely on pushing buttons to make emergency calls, but some modern systems now support voice commands. For example, Aloe Care’s in-home system can contact monitoring agents when the user says, “Emergency.”
- Smartphone apps: Many medical alert systems can now pair with smartphones. The system’s user does not necessarily need a smartphone; rather, caregivers and loved ones can download an app to receive help notifications, set a care schedule, or even monitor a system’s battery life.
- Motion sensors: Whether they’re tucked away in the base station or built into the help button, motion sensors can track your movement and alert the monitoring center if your system goes for a length of time without detecting movement.
- Risk-free trials: Since there is no one-size-fits-all solution for medical alert systems, I recommend choosing a provider that offers a risk-free trial period. Most providers allow at least 30 days, during which you may return your equipment for a full refund.
Hands-On Medical Alert Reviews
At The Senior List, our team performs thorough tests of each system, ensuring the quality of devices, their performance, and the overall customer service experience. If you have a particular company in mind, then I’d recommend looking at our detailed reviews.
- Active Guardian Review
- ADT Medical Alert Review
- Alert1 Review
- Aloe Care Health Review
- Bay Alarm Medical Review 2023
- MGMove Review
- GetSafe Review
- HandsFree Health Review
- Lively Medical Alert Review
- Life Alert Review
- LifeFone Review
- Lifeline Review
- LifeStation Review
- Medical Alert Review
- Medical Guardian Review 2023
- MobileHelp Review
- One Call Alert Review
- QMedic Review
- RescueTouch Review
- ResponseNow Review
How to Buy a Medical Alert System
Most medical alert systems can be purchased either over the phone or through a company’s website. Before purchasing a system, it’s important to know what goes into the price you’re charged.
FYI: Medicare won’t cover your medical alert system, but there are other ways, such as insurance and Medicaid, to offset some of the costs.
Purchasing vs. Leasing
In most cases, medical alert companies will not require you to purchase their equipment. They’ll instead charge you a monthly rate that includes the cost of both leasing the system and professional monitoring. When you lease equipment, you typically won’t have to worry about breakage or repairs since the company will simply send you new equipment if yours malfunctions or gets damaged.
Some companies, however, either require or allow you to purchase your system up front. That will bring down your monthly costs, but it also means a provider will repair or replace your equipment only for the duration of its warranty. Smartwatch and Bluetooth medical alert systems usually must be purchased.
Monthly Monitoring Charges
All medical alert systems require a monthly charge for professional monitoring. If you lease your equipment, both the equipment costs and monitoring charges will be lumped into one payment. Monitoring costs range anywhere from $19.95 to $60 per month, but discounts are often available for annual — as opposed to monthly — payments.
Some medical alert companies offer different tiers of monitoring. Lively Mobile Plus, for example, has three price levels. The cheapest option includes access only to the company’s monitoring center, while the most expensive plan adds fall detection, a nurse hotline, and a caregiver portal.
Medical Alert Systems and Pricing
Some companies are transparent about their products’ costs, but that’s not always the case. To save you time, we’ve compiled detailed pricing and device information on all the best medical alert providers.
- ADT Systems and Pricing
- Alert1 Systems and Pricing
- Aloe Care Health Systems and Pricing
- Bay Alarm Medical Systems and Pricing
- Caregiver Smart Solutions Pricing
- HandsFree Health Systems and Pricing
- Life Alert Systems and Pricing
- LifeFone Systems and Pricing
- Lifeline Systems and Pricing
- LifeStation Systems and Pricing
- Lively Systems and Pricing
- Medical Guardian Systems and Pricing
- MobileHelp Systems and Pricing
- One Call Alert Systems and Pricing
- QMedic Systems and Pricing
- Verizon Systems and Pricing
9 Questions to Ask Before Purchasing a Medical Alert System
As you begin your search for the ideal medical alert system, keep in mind the following questions:
1. Do you spend most of your time at home, or do you frequently find yourself out and about?
2. Do you have a landline, or do you require a cellular system?
3. Do you prefer wearing a help button as a pendant or as a wristband?
4. How large is your home, and will a system’s range cover you in every room?
5. Are you prone to falls, and will automatic fall detection come in handy?
6. Do you live alone, or would a spouse or roommate require an additional help button?
7. Do you need only emergency monitoring, or would you prefer a system that can also put you in contact with loved ones?
8. Does the system automatically test itself to ensure proper function?
9. If you don’t like your system, can you return it for a refund?
Pro Tip: Many providers will offer you discounted rates for signing an annual service agreement, but you should be wary of any medical alert provider that requires you to lock into a long-term contract.
Comparing Medical Alert Providers
With so many medical alert companies — not to mention the different systems offered by each one — it can be difficult to figure out the differences. That’s why we’ve done the work for you. Take a look at my Medical Alert Comparison page to find detailed comparisons of the best and most popular companies.