MedicalAlertBuyersGuide.org is an independent review site. We may earn compensation from the providers below. Learn More
Last Updated On:
MedicalAlert.com is a division of ConnectAmerica, a national provider of products and services designed to help seniors live independently and safely. The Medical Alert website focuses exclusively on offering medical alert systems.
The company provides a range of medical alert options, including systems for home use and mobile devices. However, unlike some competitors, Medical Alert does not feature a smartwatch option. To see a more detailed comparison with other companies, including the price and cost differences, as well as the unique features offered by MedicalAlert, see our full review. Read on herfe for this at-a-glance view of the product.
While MedicalAlert.com previously stood out as a budget-friendly choice, its 2024 pricing is now higher than that of many rivals.
Both of the company’s medical alert systems come with significant initial costs compared to other providers. For example, the programming fee of $99.95 and the ground shipping fee of $24.95 are relatively steep. Additionally, the return and refund policies can be difficult to navigate and understand.
The total first-year cost for MedicalAlert.com’s mobile system is $820.30, making it one of the pricier options among the mobile medical alert systems reviewed. For more detailed pricing, see our Full Review of MedicalAlert.com. And remember that there may be ways to help with medical alert system costs with options such as local aid or Medicaid, and perhaps the use of FSA/HSA funds for purchasing.
Disclosure: In order to provide this free service to our visitors, Medicalalertbuyersguide.org may receive compensation if a purchase is made through this website.
| Home System | |
Programming Fee | $99.95 |
Shipping | $24.95 |
Monthly Monitoring | $27.95 Landline / $37.95 Cellular |
Optional Fall Detection | $10.00 / month |
Total Cost (First Year) | $580.30 |
Medical Alert System Overview
MedicalAlert.com’s landline Home System is described as “basic monitoring equipment,” and it delivers on that promise. Fall detection is available as an optional feature for an additional fee. Customers who choose semi-annual or annual payment plans can take advantage of lower monitoring rates and free shipping.
However, the upfront costs for this landline system are higher than average. The $99.95 programming fee stands out as particularly expensive, especially considering that many competitors don’t charge for this service. Additionally, the $24.95 shipping fee exceeds typical charges from other providers.
For more detailed information about the Home System, it’s best to contact Medical Alert directly. While the website is user-friendly, it lacks in-depth product details. Fortunately, the company is easy to reach by phone, with short wait times and knowledgeable representatives ready to assist.
Performance-wise, the system proved reliable and responsive. During testing, emergency response times ranged from 45 seconds to one minute. Fall detection was a standout feature, demonstrating high accuracy and resisting false alarms even under challenging scenarios. Among the landline systems we reviewed, Medical Alert’s fall detection was the most effective, an important factor given research from the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society highlighting the difficulties in detecting real-world falls. If fall detection is a priority, this system is worth considering.
Despite its strong performance, the account management app was difficult to use, and the return process proved frustrating. Customers must notify the billing department when returning equipment, and refunds can take over a month to process after the system is returned. Overall, customer support fell short compared to other companies we evaluated.
For those seeking a straightforward and dependable landline medical alert system with minimal features, Medical Alert could be a suitable option. However, be sure to carefully review the return policy and deadlines to avoid unexpected fees or delays in receiving refunds if you decide not to continue with the service.
For detailed contact information to reach customer service, and learn our testing experience with the response process, see our full review. Note that MedicalAlert is connected directly to a monitored call center, and our full review describes this in detail also.
| Mobile System | |
|---|---|
Programming Fee | $99.95 |
Shipping | $24.95 |
Monthly Monitoring | $47.95 |
Optional Fall Detection | $10.00 / month |
Total Cost (First Year) | $820.30 |
MedicalAlert.com Mobile System
While MedicalAlert.com was once a budget-friendly option for medical alert systems, its 2024 pricing now places it among the more expensive choices on the market.
The Mobile System with Fall Detection starts at $47.95 per month for a monthly subscription or $39.95 per month with an annual plan. Fall detection is an additional $10 per month. Upfront costs include a $99.95 programming fee and $24.95 for shipping, making the initial investment relatively steep.
Over a year, the total cost of ownership for this system—including fall detection and monthly payments—amounts to $820.30. This is about 20% higher than the average cost of the six mobile systems we reviewed this year. While there are no long-term contracts, discounts are available for semi-annual and annual billing options.
The system includes standard features such as two-way communication, a mobile app for account management, and dependable fall detection. Users can wear the device as a pendant or wristband, but fall detection requires an additional pendant.
However, our tests uncovered significant GPS functionality issues. In one instance, the device took nearly 8 minutes to determine our location. When GPS worked, it was accurate, but the device only achieved a GPS lock about half the time. This is a critical drawback for a mobile alert system designed to operate both at home and on the go, where precise location tracking is essential in emergencies.
Additionally, the company’s return and refund process is overly complicated. Customers must ensure their return is received and follow up to confirm prompt refunds. It’s advisable to monitor your credit card statements closely if you choose to return the system.
Overall, while MedicalAlert.com’s Mobile System offers robust features, its high costs, inconsistent GPS performance, and challenging return process may be drawbacks for some users.
Read our full review of ConnectAmerica’s MedicalAlert.com Mobile System.