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4 Best Medical Alert Systems
By Jamela Adam MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
Industry leading offer. Fast response times, mobile device can be used as an additional hub with 500ft of range
Lowest high end price but higher "basic" monthly plan
$29.95-39.95
Uses both AT&T and Verizon networks for added range and reliability, only $5 for fall detection
Extra charge for the mobile app
$24.95-41.95
One of the lowest upfront costs, free equipment with the basic plan
Not the fastest response time
$21.95-41.95
Very advanced kit with motion sensors and a comprehensive mobile app that allows 24/7 monitoring
Relatively high cost compared to other services
$29.99-49.99
Medical alert systems come in a variety of forms, but they all have a common goal: to give you peace of mind when it comes to caring for your loved ones. Medical emergencies can often be life-threatening if assistance isn’t rendered right away. Because of this risk, many hesitate to let their vulnerable family members out of their sight, let alone allow them to live independently. Luckily, these concerns can often be mitigated with the help of a medical alert system.
If you have loved ones who are in poor health or have no one to help them in an emergency, read on to learn about the best medical alert systems. Hopefully, you’ll find the perfect option to keep your family safe when you’re not with them.
Our Top Picks for Medical Alert Systems
- Medical Guardian – Best for Unlimited Range
- LifeFone – Best Customer Service
- Bay Alarm Medical – Best for Budget
- Aloe Care Health – Best for Remote Care
Best Medical Alert System Reviews
Best for Unlimited Range: Medical Guardian
Why we chose Medical Guardian
Medical Guardian’s wide range of on-the-go systems along with its customizable packages make it the best option for those who lead an active lifestyle. Unlike most of its competitors, Medical Guardian does a great job designing lightweight wearable devices that not only look great, but can also provide immediate medical support and protection.
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to ensuring your loved one’s safety, so Medical Guardian offers a diverse selection of products to choose from. For example, their Mini Guardian, which is tiny and discreet, allows your family members to be taken care of whether they’re relaxing at home or out camping. And because it utilizes a nationwide cellular network, you won’t have to worry about losing contact with your loved ones as long as they’re equipped with this device.
With the MyGuardian app, you can update your loved one’s medical information and stay up to date on their location and activity history. Moreover, Medical Guardian’s 24/7 U.S.-based monitoring not only ensures real-time emergency assistance but fast response time as well.
Medical Guardian also does a good job of making its wearable devices high-quality and functional for everyday life. For example, the Mobile 2.0 is lightweight and water-resistant and offers advanced location monitoring through Wifi, GPS, and 4G LTE. Not to mention it’s one of the only devices on the market that can still provide protection while charging. The Mobile 2.0 also comes with two extra neck and wrist devices to help keep another person in your household protected — their pricing and functionality are explained more fully in this Medical Guardian review.
Though Medical Guardian offers great product features, it still has a few downsides. One of them is its relatively high monthly cost. For the Mobile 2.0 device, monthly payments can range from $36.62 to $39.95 depending on the subscription plan you choose. Bear in mind that this doesn’t include the upfront cost of the device, which is currently $124.95. Overall, though, Medical Guardian’s devices are a worthy investment, considering the wide coverage and protection they provide.
Best for Customer Service: LifeFone
Why we chose LifeFone
When it comes to choosing the best medical alert system for your loved ones, great customer service can help you make the most informed purchase and experience less stress and confusion in the process. LifeFone stands out from other medical alert companies in terms of customer service because of the level of human phone support and flexible policies they provide.
LifeFone has also been widely praised by various senior care sites for its customer-friendly policies. Some of these include its lifetime equipment guarantee, flexible payment plans, free spouse protection, zero activation fees, and its 30-day money-back guarantee. If you have any questions about the products offered, you also have access to 24/7 human phone support and individual phone numbers for specific inquiries. For those who are shopping for medical alert systems for the first time, LifeFone’s customer support can make the experience much more enjoyable.
LifeFone’s devices offer a wide range of add-on features for an extra layer of protection. For example, at $19 a month, LifeFone care agents can make daily outbound calls to the care recipient. And for $6 extra each month, users or their caregivers can set up to 10 medication reminders a day. Moreover, fall protection is only an extra $5 to $10 a month.
LifeFone also offers the VIPx Caregiver Mobile App that works in tandem with the VIPx device. This allows caregivers to locate the device on-demand and view button press history. Though it’s an extra $8 a month, it offers caregivers increased peace of mind.
Depending on the device and subscription plan, you can expect a monthly cost of $29.95 to $41.95 a month. And if you decide to add extra features such as fall protection and check-in services, the costs can quickly add up. But since LifeFone doesn’t charge activation or upfront equipment fees, it can still be a great deal.
Best for Budget: Bay Alarm Medical
Why we chose Bay Alarm Medical
Bay Alarm Medical offers much more affordable medical alert systems than its competitors. And what makes their service even more attractive is that there’s no long-term contract attached. So if you aren’t satisfied with their devices within the 30-trial period, you can get your money back.
Their in-home systems currently start at $19.95 a month, which is much more affordable than its competitors’ pricing. Since you lease (rather than buy) in-home devices, you won’t have to pay equipment fees. Moreover, Bay Alarm Medical’s devices come with a large and conspicuous Help Button that’s easy to press. The company also offers optional automatic fall detection which connects with a 24/7 monitoring station without the need for a button to be pressed. This is a vital feature that ensures your loved ones get immediate assistance even if they’re unconscious.
Bay Alarm Medical’s mobile subscription is also on the cheaper side compared to other medical alert companies offering similar products. For example, the SOS SmartWatch and the Mobile GPS Help Button both only cost $29.95 per month — which is much lower than competitors’ pricing of over $35 a month. But it’s important to note that these mobile devices come with equipment costs — which are either $179 or $99 depending on the device you choose.
All in all, if you’re looking for a landline system, Bay Alarm Medical can provide you with the most economical options. But if you’re in need of medical alert systems on the go, our other top picks on the list may make more financial sense for you.
Best for Remote Care: Aloe Care Health
Why we chose Aloe Care Health
We chose Aloe Care Health as the leader in this category because its system seems specifically designed for remote caregivers. All of its plans allow group chats and unlimited caregivers or family members to access the caregiver app, which makes collaborative care and monitoring much easier. This is especially important if you and your family members want to take turns caring for your loved one remotely. With this app, you can check in often with the care recipient and even have group conversations.
What also makes Aloe Care Health stand out from many competitors in the industry is the multiplicity of hazards and events it alerts caregivers to — which is so important for ensuring that your loved one is safe, connected, and protected. The system features air quality and temperature monitors that send out alerts if it detects dangerous levels of carbon dioxide or a potential fire. It also provides a voice-activated hub that allows your family member to call for help whenever they need to, even if they can’t push a button. When the hub is activated, it automatically sends notifications to the designated caretaker so you’re updated on the condition of your loved one in real-time.
Unsurprisingly, premium features like these command a premium price. Though the upfront equipment fees can be quite expensive — ranging from $99.99 for a single device to $349.99 for a bundle — you can get access to Aloe Care Health’s remote care features which not only let you monitor your loved one’s wellness from afar, but to do so collaboratively as well.
Other Medical Alert System Companies We Considered
Every medical alert system comes with its pros and cons, but some just didn’t provide enough attractive selling points to make it onto our top picks. Nevertheless, they can still be the right option for you, depending on your circumstances. Consider taking a look at these companies’ products as well to see whether any of them fits your needs.
Medical Alert Systems Guide
Before choosing the right medical alert systems for your loved ones, it’s important to have some basic understanding of what they are and how they work. This will allow you to better analyze the features of different alert systems and make an informed decision.
What is a medical alert system?
A medical alert system is essentially a device that allows those with medical conditions to get help quickly in an emergency.
There are many different types of medical alert systems — from wearable devices with location tracking and fall detection, to services that connect you with a live operator who can help you get the care you need.
Some medical alert systems also come with features like two-way voice communication, so you can speak to someone even if you can’t reach a phone, or add-ons such as medication reminders, wall buttons, motion sensors, and even air quality monitors.
No matter the design or version, every medical alert system can be a lifesaver for people with chronic medical conditions or those who live alone.
How do medical alert systems work?
Traditional medical alert systems usually consist of two parts: a base unit and a wearable device. In the event of an emergency, a simple press on the device’s button activates the system. Once the system is activated, it contacts monitoring personnel who then assess the situation and, if needed, dispatch emergency responders to the location.
Bear in mind that some non-monitored alert systems might make an emergency call to 911 immediately when the button is pushed. So make sure to understand what the contact options are before purchase. And remember that some cities charge hefty fees for false 911 calls.
Medical alert systems have come a long way since their invention and are becoming more sophisticated and advanced by the year. Many wearable devices now have fall detection that will automatically send help if the user becomes unconscious and can’t physically push the button. Some even come with caregiver apps that allow caregivers to constantly keep tabs on their loved ones’ location.
Here’s a quick overview of how medical alert systems usually work:
- The user presses the emergency button or a fall is detected
- The user’s information and location are automatically sent to the call center
- The monitoring personnel initiate conversation with the user through two-way communication to assess the situation
- The monitoring personnel either contacts family and friends or emergency services
Types of medical alert systems
Not sure which type of medical alert system is the best option for you? Read on to learn more about the two main types of alert units.
In-home units
In-home medical alert systems are perfect for those who either stay home all the time or rarely venture out of the house. These types of units can either be connected to a home landline or connected through WiFi or a cellular network. They usually come with a home base station and a wearable device. However, these wearable devices typically have a limited range, so you can’t walk too far away from where the hub is.
Mobile units
Mobile medical alert devices can be worn on the user’s body like a necklace, watch, or wristband, and are powered by cellular technology, WiFi, or GPS. As long as there is a signal, mobile units can be used anywhere — assuming that you choose an alert device that uses cellular wireless networks. Whether your loved one is an athlete, a busy mom, or just someone who likes to stay active, a mobile medical alert system can keep them safe and connected no matter where they are.
How much does a medical alert system cost?
The cost of medical alert systems will largely depend on the company, the device you choose, as well as the subscription plan you opt for.
The majority of medical alert systems (especially mobile help units) will require an upfront equipment fee. This can range anywhere from $79 for a single device, to over hundreds of dollars for a customizable package with multiple devices.
In terms of the subscription cost, you can expect to pay around $19.95 to over $40 for a monthly plan. Of course, this will also depend on the device you choose and whether you want to include any add-on features such as fall detection.
Are medical alert systems covered by Medicare?
No, medical alert systems are typically not covered by Medicare A and B because they’re not considered necessary medical expenses. However, Medicare C might be more likely to cover medical alert systems — though there is no guarantee. Generally speaking, Medicaid also doesn’t cover personal emergency response systems. But in some states, Medicaid’s HCBS program can provide waivers to help with the cost.
What to know when choosing a medical alert system
The overall cost
As with any other purchase decision you make, it’s important to consider whether a medical alert system fits within your budget. Some systems have a very low monthly subscription cost but require that you purchase the equipment outright. Other systems have a higher monthly subscription cost, but offer the equipment for free. So be sure to take the time to compare options so you can find the best one for your budget.
Features and add-ons
Each system has its own unique set of features, so you’ll want to make sure the system you choose has all the features your loved one needs. For example, if your family member loves to go hiking and explore in most of his or her free time, a wireless and water-proof smartwatch may provide better protection than an in-home version.
Additionally, you’ll want to consider add-ons before making the decision. Some systems offer two-way communication and voice activation, while others offer fall detection, air quality monitoring, GPS tracking, or a free lockbox that allows first responders to get into your home without knocking down the doors. These add-ons not only provide extra peace of mind for you, but also an extra layer of protection for your loved ones.
Response times
If the response time in an emergency situation is too slow, serious health complications or even death could occur. That is why it’s crucial to research the system’s response time before purchasing it.
You can do so by testing the response time and location accuracy during the 30-day free trial that most medical alert companies offer. You could also check out some of the third-party testing and response time comparisons on various online review sites.
Contract and commitments
Some companies have no cancellation fees and won’t tie you to long-term contracts, but there are still some that will. Be sure to read the fine print and confirm you won’t have to commit to the service for longer than you’d like to. If you accidentally commit to a long-term contract and decide to end it early, you’ll likely incur hefty cancellation fees.
How We Chose The Best Medical Alert Systems
Value for money
One of the main factors in the selection of our top picks is the price — and more importantly, value for money. We chose companies that offer relatively affordable subscription plans and upfront costs, and also provide great customer service and flexible payments.
Features and capabilities
Apart from price, we also paid close attention to the system features and capabilities. If an alert system provides add-ons such as fall detection, motion sensing, and check-in services, we’re more confident recommending it due to its extra layer of protection.
We also gravitated towards devices that come with mobile app access. This makes remote care much easier and allows caregivers to keep an eye on their loved ones at all times — which is an invaluable feature in our opinion.
Online reviews
Of course, we didn’t just rely on our own subjective opinion. We also looked for recognition from review sites and organizations that specialize in senior care. This way, we can have a better idea of the quality of service offered by each company, which then allows us to provide the best recommendations for you.
Summary of the Best Medical Alert Systems
- Medical Guardian – Best for Unlimited Range
- LifeFone – Best Customer Service
- Bay Alarm Medical – Best for Budget
- Aloe Care Health – Best for Remote Care
