Costco Medical Alert Systems: A Buyers Guide

Medical alert systems aren’t just available online – they’re also available from third-party retailers. Costco is just one retailer that sells medical alert systems on its website, but not in stores.

Although Costco is typically thought of as a retailer for bulk goods, it’s also known for its offerings of electronics and other quality items. The retailer has added medical alert systems by Medical Guardian to its lineup with discounts exclusive to customers with a membership to its shopping club. While the systems are not available in Costco stores, the price discount is convenient for existing members in the market for a medical alert system.

Costco offers two medical alert systems by Medical Guardian: Active Guardian and the smaller version, Mini Guardian.

Active Guardian

Active Guardian is a wearable mobile medical alert device that can aid users inside or outside their homes. It features integrated fall detection sensors, eliminating the need for a second fall detection device. It is also Medical Guardian’s most reliable fall detection system.

The device is worn like a pendant and features a centralized help button that users may push to request emergency assistance. The device hosts a microphone and speaker for two-way communication. It is also water-resistant so users can wear the device in the shower.

Network

Active Guardian is like other mobile medical alert systems in that it uses cellular networks, currently the 4G service provided by Verizon. It also uses a combination of GPS and Wi-Fi hotspots for location tracking.

Battery

The device has an internal battery that lasts up to five days and can be recharged on the included charging dock. Medical Guardian recommends charging overnight during sleeping hours to maintain strong battery levels with no interruptions.

Pricing

The Active Guardian device can be purchased at Costco for $99.99 (discounted from $124.99) and includes three months of monitoring service and protection plan for free. A charging dock and emergency lockbox are also included with the purchase.

Costco members are given a discounted monthly fee of $39.95, compared to the regular monthly price of $44.95.

Mini Guardian

The Mini Guardian is a smaller version of the Active, with the same Costco pricing. The alert system is water-resistant to be worn in the shower or bath, and sleek enough to wear on the go. Fall detection is an optional extra, but precise location tracking with GPS, WiFi and triangulation, is built in, like the Active. Battery life is up to five days without a recharge. It can be worn as a pendant or as a clip.

Consider Your Options

While Costco is a reliable retailer, it should be noted that Medical Guardian is the only brand of medical alert system offered there. These medical alert systems may work for you, but many more medical alert systems are available with additional features and price points outside of what Costco has to offer.