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- Cost from $19.95 / mo
- Devices Home / Mobile / Smartwatch
- Best for Customer Service & Pricing Plans
- Cost from $27.95 / mo
- Devices Home / Mobile
- Best for Ease of Use & Setup
- Cost from $29.95 / mo
- Devices Home / Mobile
- Best for Professional Install
- Cost from $29.95 / mo
- Devices Home / Mobile
- Best for Inside the Home Coverage
Last Updated On: | 10 Minute Read
Medical alert systems are a beacon of safety and reassurance for seniors and their loved ones. These devices provide a lifeline for those who may find themselves in a moment of medical need.
A medical alert system is designed to provide quick and easy assistance to individuals who may need urgent medical attention. It works through a combination of wearable devices and a centralized monitoring system.
Medical alert systems send help fast when falls happen. The first hour after a fall is called the “golden hour.” About 62% of fall victims who do not get medical attention during this critical hour won’t be able to live independently after recovery. According to Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Jenny Sanford, “It’s fairly straightforward: a good fall detection system may help save lives.”
In addition to fall response, medical alert subscribers also tend to spend significantly fewer days in the hospital and spend less on health care services. It’s clear that med alert systems are helpful, yet with many options on the market, choosing the right system can be confusing.
Whether you’re looking for affordability, premium mobile features, or services designed to primarily work inside the home, our reviews will help you decide what’s right for you. Enjoy our stay.
How We Tested: Hands-On Testing + In-Depth Reviews
To choose the best medical alert systems, our team performed 12,000 hours of research on 16 leading medical alert brands. We followed that with over 520 hours of hands-on testing conducted by our team. We purchased all the medical alerts included in this review and evaluated all steps of the experience: from buying the system, to setting it up, and real-life testing, including simulating falls.
We focused on both the technical aspects of the system as well as the quality of service provided by the vendor. We evaluated all aspects of the consultation, took notes on which brands gave us a fair assessment vs those that just simply wanted to oversell, and also took notes on which brands were pushy and high-pressure. During our simulated falls, we also evaluated the interaction with emergency operators who called to check on us.
Our Hands-On Testing Process
CALL SALESAccurate info?
High pressure tactics?
Secret discounts?
WEBSITE PURCHASEClear info?
Hidden fees?
UNBOXING & SETUPEasy setup?
Good documentation?
TESTINGResponse time?
Reliable fall detection?
Accurate GPS location?
Caregiver app?
RETURNS & REFUNDSClear info?
Hidden fees?
Finally, we returned all of the systems after testing, asking for a timely refund. That allowed us to evaluate the fairness of each vendor’s return policy. For more information, read our disclosure page.
Disclosure: In order to provide this free service to our visitors, Medicalalertbuyersguide.org may receive compensation if a purchase is made through this website.
| 24/7 monitoring subscription | Add automatic fall detection | Upfront device fee | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOS Home Landline | $19.95/mo | + $10/mo | $0 |
| SOS Home LTE Cellular | $29.95/mo | + $10/mo | $0 |
| SOS Mobile | $29.95/mo | + $10/mo | $89 |
| SOS SmartWatch | $34.95/mo | + $10/mo | $159 |
| SOS All-In-One 2 New! | $39.95/mo | + $10/mo | $129 |
Exclusive Offer
Exclusive Deal: Plans from $19.95/mo. Get free shipping and a free month with select quarterly and annual payment plans. No hidden fees, startup costs, or long-term contracts.
Bay Alarm Medical Overview
Our team read a lot of good things from customers about Bay Alarm Medical’s stellar buying experience, so we decided to try it out for ourselves. The countless positive reviews did not lie. When we reached out to Bay Alarm Medical, our care representative was very friendly and informative. They also asked many questions to better understand our needs. At first, we were a little apprehensive about the call, but the care representative made us feel like they really cared.
The care rep went through everything, from the symptoms we were experiencing to what our loved one would be comfortable with, and only recommended what we needed. Seniors can be picky when it comes to wearing a medical alert device . They may like a necklace that is small and hardly noticeable. Others may want a bracelet instead of a necklace. It is nice to know that Bay Medical has different options, and the salespeople want to help you find what is best for you. They weren’t pushy at all. Bay Alarm Medical quickly gained our trust. It’s refreshing to know that even though we were ready to pay for all the add-on costs for testing purposes, we were asked many times to make sure our parents would be comfortable with them.
We received the package just a few days after the order was placed. The system was incredibly easy to set up and test. It comes with a Quick Start guide that is easy to read and understand, even for people with vision problems. Response time was ultra fast. In our testing, we averaged around 12 seconds from the moment the button was pushed to the time the operator connected to ask if we needed help. It was a second faster than other systems we tried. Each time we pushed the button, the operator responded with a warm and friendly greeting. This definitely made us feel comfortable and protected.
We tested all four of Bay Alarm Medical’s products, including their in-home system (both landline and cellular), SOS All-In-One, SOS Mobile and the SOS Smartwatch. The in-home system worked flawlessly without any hiccups. With mobile, we were delighted to experience their GPS tracking platform. It gave us an accurate location of where the device was when we checked on our laptops. The automatic fall detection button also tested well.over the course of two days it didn’t set off any false alarms .
In conclusion we’re very impressed with Bay Alarm Medical’s overall service offering. Very affordable pricing and a wide variety of services make them our #1 rated medical alert system for 2024. To watch an unboxing video and see the product for yourself, check out this three-minute clip by an emergency room nurse who knows first hand how important medical alert systems are.
| 24/7 monitoring subscription | Add fall detection | Upfront activation fee | |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Home Landline | from $27.95/mo | + $10.00/mo | $79 |
| In-Home Cellular | from $37.95/mo | + $10.00/mo | $79 |
| Mobile GPS | from $47.95/mo | + $10.00/mo | $79 |
Exclusive Offer
Limited-time sale with annual purchase! Get a free month and free shipping with a complimentary lockbox when you sign up for an annual plan.
Medical Alert Overview
Medical Alert by Connect America, is one of the nation’s largest providers of personal emergency response systems (PERS) for customers and health systems. It has long been a trusted industry leader in the industry.
Back in the 90’s and early 2000’s, the industry was dominated by Life Alert, Lifeline, and other companies that all required seniors to sign ridiculous 3-year contracts. Connect America was key in disrupting the industry by making sure their clients could cancel their service at any time. And as you can see from our top five providers, being able to cancel anytime is now standard practice.
If you’re looking for a reliable and simple home system, Medical Alert fits the bill. Their home systems are easy to install and use. The help buttons are light and have long-lasting batteries. Fall detection can be added for an additional $10 per month. This feature is a great added bonus and we highly recommend it! In fact, one in four Americans over the age of 65 fall each year. And over a third of those falls result in an injury that requires medical attention.
In conclusion, Medical Alert is a reputable company that’s been around for quite a long time. What’s more, Medical Alert provides monitoring services outside of the USA.
| 24/7 monitoring subscription | Add automatic fall detection | |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Alert Basic Landline | from $31.99/mo | n/a |
| Medical Alert Plus Cellular | from $37.99/mo | + $11/mo |
| On-The-Go Home + Mobile | from $39.99/mo | + $11/mo |
Exclusive Offer
Get $5 off monthly monitoring + free 2-day shipping + free lockbox. Available on all medical alert systems with annual billing.
Savings of $120 in the first year:
– $60 in monitoring per year
– $59.98 one-time savings with free shipping and lockbox
ADT Health Overview
ADT’s Medical Alert monitoring systems provide 24/7 monitoring and emergency response for seniors and individuals with medical conditions who may need assistance in the event of a fall or other medical emergency.
The system includes a wearable device, such as a pendant or wristband, with a built-in button that can be pressed to immediately alert ADT’s monitoring center. The monitoring center will then assess the situation and dispatch emergency responders if necessary.
ADT’s Medical Alert systems also include features such as fall detection and GPS tracking, which can provide additional safety and security. The system requires a monthly fee, and there are different packages and options available to fit individual needs and budgets.
| 24/7 monitoring subscription | Add automatic fall detection | Activation fee | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homesafe Landline | $29.95/mo | + $15.00/mo | $99.95 |
| Homesafe Cellular | $43.95/mo | + $15.00/mo | $99.95 |
| On the Go | $49.95/mo | + $15.00/mo | $99.95 |
Exclusive Offer
New subscribers get free activation and free shipping.
Lifeline Overview
Lifeline offers easy-to-use, reliable alert systems and finds its way into our Best list for 2024. If you’re looking for a household name in healthcare and willing to pay extra for it, look no further than the medical alert offerings from Lifeline.
Always incredibly easy to set up, maintain, and use in an emergency, we also recommend Auto Fall Detection if your loved ones are prone to falling and losing consciousness.
Lifeline is a premium offering with years of time-tested reliability. We have no issue recommending Lifeline and are proud to include them on our best-of list this year.
| 24/7 monitoring subscription | Add automatic fall detection | Upfront device fee | |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Home LTE Cellular | $29.95/mo | + $10/mo | From $79 |
Exclusive Offer
Limited Time Offer: Up to 18% off Equipment + Free ground shipping on all orders.
GetSafe Overview
With years of experience in wireless home security, GetSafe is growing and expanding their customer base by adding medical alert systems to their protective service lines.
Right out the gate, it’s clear that GetSafe differentiates itself in two ways.
First is how the system is designed. Do you have loved ones that simply refuse to wear a button? The GetSafe medical alert system is designed to function without the need to wear anything. Their goal is for the user to create a safety net around the home, using wall buttons that you stick on the walls. It is best for people who only need help when they are alone in their homes, since the devices do not work outside of the home. In addition, you get beautiful-looking hardware, an easy-to-setup user experience, and a package that doesn’t scream, “Help, I’ve fallen!”
The second thing that sets GetSafe apart from other medical alert companies is their pricing model.
Traditionally, with most medical alert companies, your monthly subscription fee increases as you add more buttons and devices. With GetSafe, the monitoring is fixed at $27.95 per month because the additional devices are purchased outright by the customer. GetSafe offers three easy-to-understand packages that are based on the size of the customer’s home. We like this pricing model because the monthly subscription is fixed. Plus, the amount of equipment you need simply depends on how much coverage your home requires.
We feel that GetSafe has done a great job of creating an ecosystem that finally allows a user to get 24/7 help without the hassle of wearing a button around their neck all day. Kudos to GetSafe for creating a beautiful, passive, and unobtrusive medical alert experience.
| 24/7 monitoring subscription | Add automatic fall detection | Upfront Device Fess | |
|---|---|---|---|
| MGHome Cellular | from $37.95/mo | +$10.00/mo | $149.95 |
| MGMini | from $39.95/mo | +$10.00/mo | $149.95 |
| MGMini Lite | from $44.95/mo | +$10.00/mo | $149.95 |
| MG Move Smartwatch | from $39.95/mo | +$10.00/mo | $199.95 |
| MGClassic | from $32.95/mo | +$10.00/mo | $0 |
Medical Guardian Overview
Medical Guardian has both at-home and on-the-go options, depending on your needs. The standouts of their product portfolio are the MGMini and the MGHome Cellular. Both systems require an upfront purchase fee which may make plans unaffordable for seniors on a fixed income. We do like Mini Guardian for its compact size, battery life, and versatility.
During our research, we took the two-minute Risk Assessment which asks several questions to understand what kind of system will work for you. Medical Guardian is a good solution if you’re nervous about you or a loved one being caught alone in a medical emergency. However there are much less expensive options on the market with similar or better-performing hardware.
Bay Alarm Medical: 2024 Editor's Choice
After several weeks of mystery shopping, cold calling, live-chatting with sales consultants, conducting real-world equipment and hardware testing, pushing buttons to initiate live medical alert emergency calls, and even purposely testing a few false alarms where paramedics were actually dispatched to our office, we’re proud to recommend Bay Alarm Medical as our #1 medical alert systems provider for 2024.
Bay Alarm Medical has chosen to stick with the most reliable and time-tested equipment, while making sure their value-based pricing plans fit a variety of budgets – especially for seniors on fixed incomes. Bay Alarm Medical’s team of ultra-friendly and compassionate staff made it easy for us to award them with our Editors’ Choice Award.
How We Chose the Best Companies
Our reviews are based on our own first-person experience involving personal hands-on testing of the product. In total, our ratings reflect over 350 hours of research and testing. Read below to learn about our hands-on testing.
Hand's-On Testing
Hands-On Testing
We acquired the top medical alert systems, set them up, and conducted thorough hands-on testing of both the equipment and its monitoring services.
Our assessment encompasses the complete customer experience, from the purchasing process with a sales representative to the evaluation of the company’s service quality after the purchase. Since most medical alert systems offer similar features, the quality of service—such as engaging with a helpful and friendly representative—often sets one company apart from another.
For each type of medical alert system (in-home, mobile, smartwatch), our review included the following criteria:
- Customer Service
- System Hardware
- Cost & Value
- Reputation
Customer Service
Customer Service
The 24/7 call center is the cornerstone of a medical alert system. It dictates the service quality from your chosen brand and is often the deciding factor in your overall satisfaction.
We scrutinized each company’s service through every stage of ownership:
• Purchasing • 24/7 monitoring and emergency response • Returns and refunds.
Purchase Process
We expected companies provide clear pricing, no hidden fees, no contracts, no aggressive sales tactics, and a quick, easy returns process.
Our assessments began with a test call to the sales department, posing specific questions. We judged the responses on the rep’s knowledge, accuracy, and friendliness.
24/7 Monitoring
The heart of any medical alert service is its 24/7 emergency monitoring center, dedicated to immediate assistance.
The top performers share key traits:
— Based in the USA — CSAA 5-Diamond Certified — UL-Listed — Specially trained to aid elderly users.
Returns & Refunds
This is where the best companies stand out. The returns process should be straightforward, fair, and fast.
We returned each system post-testing and requested refunds, evaluating the simplicity of the process. Did the company make it easy or impose hurdles? How quickly did we get our money back?
System Hardware
We conducted thorough hands-on testing of the top medical alert systems, mimicking real-life scenarios.
Our evaluation and testing included every aspect of the systems:
Unboxing & Setup: We set up each system, assessing the ease of the process. Was it user-friendly to get started? Did the system come fully charged? Did the company request crucial health information, such as your medical conditions and medications? This data allows operators to relay important details to first responders in an emergency.
Features: We examined all system features, including apps (for smartwatches) and online caregiver portals. Were the apps and portals intuitive and reliable? Did they offer practical utility?
Emergency Alerts: We triggered emergency alerts on each system, measuring response times and evaluating the call center’s service quality. For systems with fall detection, we simulated falls to test the alarm triggers.
Charging & Maintenance: For mobile and smartwatch medical alerts, battery life is crucial. We tested how long the battery held a charge. Was the system easy to charge? Did it provide low battery warnings?
Cost & Value
Price is a crucial factor when selecting a medical alert system, especially for American seniors on fixed incomes. However, pricing can be a mix of base costs, additional options, and monthly monitoring fees. Some companies also offer discounts for prepaying quarterly or annually.
We simplified this process by clearly outlining the costs and available options for each system.
Most importantly, we examined the life cycle cost of each medical alert system. Some systems have a low initial price but high monthly fees. To provide a complete picture, we evaluated the 1-year and 2-year total ownership costs.
While price matters, we also considered the overall value. Systems with more features often come at a higher price, so we analyzed the cost-benefit ratio of these additional features.
Reputation
A medical alert company’s reputation is important, as they’re in the business of saving lives. Not only does MedicalAlertBuyersGuide.org provide original real reviews of each company from our personal testing experience, but we also scour the web for various review platforms, including the BBB, Google, and Amazon (if applicable) to back up our rankings.
Also, we made sure to review the company’s contract, trial period, and refund policy before adding them to our list as these are all testaments to a company’s reputation.
Lastly, we excluded any companies that required customers to commit to a lengthy contract. No company that locks you into a contract deserves to be considered the best in the industry.
| Monitoring Rates | Activation Fees | Shipping Fees | Trial Period | See Plans | Read Review | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bay Alarm Medical | $19.95/mo - $54.96/mo | None | $12 - Free for quarterly & annual subscriptions | 30 days | SHOP | Read Review |
| MedicalAlert.com | $19.95/mo - $47.95/mo | $99.95 | $24.95 - Free for semi-annual & annual subscriptions | None | SHOP | Read Review |
| ADT Medical Alert | $31.99/mo - $41.99/mo | $99 | $29.99 - Free for quarterly & annual subscriptions | None | SHOP | Read Review |
| Lifeline | $29.95/mo - $44.95/mo | $99.95 | $29.95 - Free for semi-annual & annual subscriptions | None | SHOP | Read Review |
| GetSafe | $29.95/mo - $39.95/mo | None | $0 - Free Shipping across all products | 30 days | SHOP | Read Review |
| Medical Guardian | $32.95/mo - $49.95/mo | None | $12.50 | None | ||
| MobileHelp | $19.95/mo - $54.95/mo | $49.95 | $15 | None |
Here's How a Medical Alert System Works
A medical alert system is designed to provide quick and easy assistance to individuals who may need urgent medical attention. It works through a combination of wearable devices and a centralized monitoring system. Here's a simple breakdown of how it operates:
Life-Saving Medical Alert Add-Ons. Widen Your Safety Net!
When you select a medical alert provider, you’ll also need to decide on any additional accessories. This can mean requesting additional buttons for safety. Lock boxes and Vials of Life provide additional protection and are recommended by most providers.
In-Home Systems
Mobile GPS-Enabled Devices
Depending on your mobility and lifestyle, you’ll want to know about the two types of medical alert systems available. It’s important to understand what they are before buying them. Here are a few pros and cons for each system.
GPS Mobile Tracking
One option if you are considering a GPS medical alert system is mobile GPS tracking.
An increasingly common feature in mobile phones and cellular devices, GPS allows family members or friends to pinpoint your location in case of an emergency. This requires you to carry the device when you go out.
This technology is particularly beneficial for individuals with conditions such as Alzheimer’s or dementia, helping to prevent them from wandering off and getting disoriented. Additionally, geo-fencing services can alert a family member or friend if the individual leaves a designated safe area.
While not infallible, as the person must have the device with them, it can still provide valuable information about their last known location, aiding in locating them if they become lost.
Calling 911 vs Using Monitored Medical Alert Systems
Using a monitored medical alert system can provide several benefits compared to relying solely on 911 when an elderly loved one falls. Here are some reasons why:
Rapid Response Time: Medical alert systems are designed to provide immediate assistance during a fall or emergency. Once activated, the monitoring center quickly evaluates the situation and dispatches emergency personnel if necessary. This is especially crucial if the individual is unable to get up or has serious injuries.
24/7 Monitoring: These systems offer round-the-clock availability, ensuring assistance is always accessible even when caregivers are not present. The monitoring center can provide help at any time, day or night, and can also notify family members or other designated contacts if needed.
GPS Tracking: Many medical alert systems come with GPS tracking, enabling emergency responders to quickly locate your loved one in the event of a fall or other emergency.
Peace of Mind: Knowing that immediate help is available in case of a fall provides peace of mind for both you and your loved one, reducing anxiety and stress for everyone involved.
Cost-Effective: While there is a monthly fee for medical alert systems, they can be more economical compared to relying solely on 911 services. In some cases, the cost of a medical alert system is less than a single ambulance ride.
Overall, a monitored medical alert system adds a layer of safety and security for your elderly loved one, ensuring they receive prompt assistance in the event of a fall or other emergency.
Find Your Perfect Medical Alert System
Medical Alert Systems: Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare cover medical alert systems?
Unfortunately, these types of systems are not covered by either Part A or Part B Medicare plans. However, some private insurance companies and Medicare Advantage plans do provide coverage or discounts for medical alert systems. This means that you must check the details of your coverage because there is no industry standard. To get more information, see Does Medicare Cover Medical Alert Systems.
AARP and medical alert systems
While AARP as an organization strongly recommends that seniors use medical alert systems, it does not specifically endorse any one particular product. The organization does recognize that these systems can be lifesaving for seniors. And some PERS providers even offer discounts for AARP members. See Medical Alert System Discounts for AARP members.
What does Life Alert cost per month?
The fees for Life Alert service can be between $49.95 and $89.95 per month. These costly fees are similar to other providers at the higher end of service. Yet at the lower end, there are providers with services for much less; some offer medical alert services for around $20/month. Monthly costs are not the only consideration when selecting a provider. You also need to look at the cost of the hardware and the length of the contract. More information can be found here at Life Alert Medical Alert System.
Can medical alert systems be purchased at Walmart?
Yes, Walmart does offer these products. There you can find both systems that are monitored or unmonitored. However, it’s a good suggestion to shop around for the best products for you at the best prices. This includes shopping and gathering information online. For more help, consider this article: Buyers Guide to Walmart Medical Alert Systems.
The right fall detection device – what’s best?
This is an option that many medical alert providers offer. And it is one that most subscribers need. Every 19 minutes, someone dies as a result of a fall. Falls can be serious—and costly. In fact, the expected healthcare cost related to falls in 2020 was $67 billion.
Picking the right one for you depends on the options you are looking for. Understand the reliability of the system and the likelihood of false alarms. Also consider the type of response that happens when there is a fall or an emergency arises. This means determining who should be contacted when there is an alert, and what the response level will be if a fall is detected. For more information on selecting fall detection systems, look here Compare the Best Medical Alerts with Fall Detection.
Sources added:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4499195/
- https://www.visn8.va.gov/VISN8/PatientSafetyCenter/research.asp
- https://visual.ly/community/Infographics/health/risks-costs-senior-fall-injuries
- https://aginginplace.org/medical-alert-systems/who-should-wear-a-medical-alert-system/
- https://youtu.be/nCSQyyED1J8
- https://www.cdc.gov/falls/data/falls-by-state.html
- https://tma.us/programs/fivediamond/
- https://www.att.com/maps/wireless-coverage.html
- https://www.verizon.com/coverage-map/
- https://www.cdc.gov/falls/facts.html
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5699193/
- https://www.performancehealth.com/articles/the-impact-of-falls-on-the-elderly-infographic
