Best Medical Alert Systems for 2022

Written by Jenny Wisniewski, Medical Alert Systems Expert

Finding the best medical alert system for your home or a loved one’s home can be a daunting task. The right fit for you depends on existing health conditions, the level of activity you’re used to, and what your design preferences are, among other factors.

Our experts have completed several medical alert device reviews, winnowed out the systems that don’t quite make the cut, and selected only the best in ten different categories. We hope it helps you choose the system that is the best fit. The following are the best medical alert systems in 2022.

Top 10 Best Medical Alert Systems for 2022

• Medical Guardian: Best for Active Seniors
• MobileHelp: Best for Those Who Stick Close to Home 
• Bay Alarm Medical: Best for Those on a Tight Budget
• LifeFone: Best On-the-Go Coverage
• Aloe Care Health: Best for Mobility Challenges 
• Lively: Best for Weakened Fine Motor Skills
• HandsFree Health: Best for Dementia 
• Medical Care Alert: Best Support Services 
• LifeStation: Best for Those Who Are Hard of Hearing or Those with Limited Vision
• Philips Lifeline: Best for Those with Heart Conditions

Comparisons of Best Medical Alert Systems

Best Medical Alert Systems in Detail

Before we get to the good stuff一and Medical Guardian has plenty of it一we need to point out a few things that are lacking. Most importantly, customer service and customer-friendly policies. Trustpilot shows a 1.3 out of five stars for Medical Guardian based on 692 verified reviews, and most of the negative ones complain about customer service. The customer reviews on Better Business Bureau were similarly low, scoring 1.21 out of 5. This time 69 reviews were written and the low ratings were again due to poor customer service and issues with returns.

In terms of its policies, Medical Guardian does not provide a few things that many other providers do: a risk-free trial period and warranty for normal wear and tear on the equipment.

While these are not small concerns, Medical Guardian also offers well-designed equipment, a diverse menu of products and add-ons, and TMA Five Diamond–certified monitoring centers. Active seniors have their choice of three unique on-the-go devices, all of which include advanced location detection and an above-average battery life (but also an above average monthly cost).

Three Unique On-the-Go Systems

The Mobile 2.0 is a great choice if you want to clip the main device to a bag or a belt or tuck it in a pocket while wearing the lightweight help button (with or without fall detection). While many other mobile devices have a one-day battery, this battery lasts up to five days.

The Mini Guardian, which also has a five-day battery life, is perfect for the person who wants something ultra discreet. It weighs only 1.3 ounces. Anything under 2 ounces is lightweight in our book, so this is really lightweight! It also comes in three colors一silver, white, and black一and has optional built-in fall detection.

And finally, for those who forget to charge their devices, the Active Guardian has a seven-day battery life. Not bad. It too offers built-in fall detection, which makes it a true all-in-one device. However, it’s a bit larger than the Mini, weighing in at 2.6 ounces. It’s a good choice for those who are hard of hearing as it has indicators that light up and a high-definition speaker. At $44.95, the Active Guardian has a more expensive monthly fee than the other Medical Guardian on-the-go systems, but the nice thing is that you will not need to pay an upfront equipment fee.

At-Home Medical Alert Systems

Classic Guardian

• Uses a landline connection and has a range of 1,300 feet
• $29.95 monthly fee

Home 2.0

• Uses a cellular connection and has a 1,400-foot range
• $34.95 monthly fee
• $99.95 equipment fee

On-the Go Medical Alert Systems

Mobile 2.0

• Includes a help button with a 500-foot range, advanced location detection, and a three-day battery
• $39.95 monthly fee
• $124.95 equipment fee

Mini Guardian

• Ultra-small device weighing 1.3 ounces and available in three colors
• Includes built-in fall detection and five-day battery life
• $39.95 monthly fee
• $124.95 equipment fee

Active Guardian

• Includes advanced location detection, a seven-day battery, and optional built-in fall detection
• $44.95 monthly fee

See our full Medical Guardian Review

If you are someone who spends most of your time at home, our team of reviewers recommend taking a close look at MobileHelp. While most medical alert providers offer two at-home systems, MobileHelp offers three options, all with great features.

Traditional At-Home Systems

The MobileHelp Wired is for those who use a landline. It has a range of 600 feet, which puts them in the middle of the medical alert pack. However, at $24.95 the monthly cost is definitely on the lower end of the price spectrum. Also, 600 feet works just fine for many households. And if you are looking for a larger range, the Classic System boasts the highest range around 1,400 feet.

You can wander around your backyard or even to the neighbor’s front door for a chat while remaining protected. The Classic uses the MobileHelp cellular connection, and while many providers charge more for the cellular system (versus the landline system), MobileHelp actually charges less—$19.95 per month. For the range and the price, the Classic is a great option. Both systems come with a waterproof help button and easy setup.

Unique At-Home System

The third at-home option is truly one of a kind. The MobileHelp Touch Classic is a high-tech tablet that includes standard medical alert features like an emergency help button that connects with a monitoring center, advanced features like caregiver tracking and medication reminders, and extras like brain games and a picture gallery. The Touch Classic isn’t cheap一it will cost you $54.95 per month. In addition, MobileHelp charges a one-time processing fee of $99.95. Still, some will love the functionality of this device.

Value for Couples

Have two homebodies in your household rather than one? For an additional $2 per month you can order an extra help button so that you both have full coverage. This is a great value! One thing we don’t like is the $49.95 processing fee that comes when you opt for a monthly payment plan. If you choose a quarterly, semiannual, or annual plan the fee is waived.

At-Home Medical Alert Systems

MobileHelp Classic

• Uses a cellular connection and includes 1,400-foot range
• $19.95 monthly fee

The Wired Home

• Uses a landline connection and includes a 600-foot range
• $24.95 monthly fee

Touch Classic

• Offers brain games, a picture gallery, activity tracking, and medication reminders
• $54.95 monthly fee
• $99.95 processing fee

On-the-Go Medical Alert Systems

MobileHelp Solo

• Includes GPS location detection and a help button with optional fall detection
• $37.95 monthly fee

MobileHelp Micro

• Lightweight and discreet device
• Includes advanced location detection but no fall detection
• $29.95 monthly fee
• Bundled Packages

Mobile Duo

• Combination of an at-home and on-the-go system
• $41.95 monthly fee

Duo

• Two on-the-go devices
• $44.95 monthly fee

Touch Duo

• Combination of touch screen tablet and on-the-go device
• $54.95 monthly fee
• $99.95 processing fee

In our research, we’ve found the Bay Alarm Medical systems are best for people with tight budgets.

Not all of the Bay Alarm Medical systems beat out the competition. At $21.95 for a landline connection and $29.95 for a cellular connection, the at-home systems are in the same price range as many other systems on the market. However, the on-the-go and bundled systems are another story.

The Most Competitively Priced Systems

While the average monthly cost of an on-the-go system is between $37 and $40, the monthly fee of the Bay Alarm Medical on-the-go systems is $29.95. That’s a savings of $120 per year. Keep in mind that those savings really won’t kick in until your second year of use, as you will have upfront equipment fees the first year: $99 for the GPS Help Button and $179 for the SOS Smartwatch. Still, spending less than $30 per month is a fantastic deal in the medical alert system market.

Take a look at the bundled packages, too, which are another great bargain, especially for couples or other households with more than one senior. The In-Home + Smartwatch or GPS Help Button system is offered for $51.90 but often on sale for $41.95. While most on-the-go systems cost between $37 and $40 per month, you can get both an at-home and on-the-go system for just a few dollars more.

Bay Alarm Medical also offers several customer-friendly policies: a price-lock guarantee, a risk-free trial period, and no hidden fees.

At-Home Medical Alert Systems

• Includes base unit and help button
• $21.95 starting monthly fee for a landline connection
• $29.95 monthly fee for a cellular connection
• No equipment fee

On-the-Go Medical Alert Systems

On the Go Help Button

• Traditional, lightweight device
• Includes caregiver tracking and optional fall detection
• $29.95 per month
• $99 equipment fee

SOS Smartwatch

• Sleek-looking smartwatch
• Includes a step tracker
• $29.95 per month
• $179 equipment fee

The last thing you want to happen while out and having a medical emergency is for your medical alert to not work properly. LifeFone ensures that this will not happen.

Batteries

With all of the battery-operated devices we use these days, it’s difficult remembering to keep them charged. In recent years some medical alert providers have improved battery life, but no one does batteries better than LifeFone. While you may find some devices with a battery life as high as seven days, the LifeFone VIPX has a battery life of 16 days and with the VIP, it’s 30 days.

LifeFone also has customer service representatives keep an eye on things for you. Many reviewers on TrustPilot have commented on the company’s excellent customer service, specifically mentioning that the representatives contact older adults and caregivers when the battery becomes low. Staying safe requires always having a charged battery.

Cellular Coverage

LifeFone offers both AT&T and Verizon coverage. This means you can pick the provider that has the strongest coverage in the area in which you live, shop, and play.

Caregiver Mobile App

With the VIPX, you will also have access to the LifeFone caregiver app. In addition to sending texts to caregivers when the battery is low, it includes notifications for button presses, caregiver location detection, and an ability to check the older adult’s first motion of the day. All of these features help ensure that your loved one is always protected.

The great protection of LifeFone does come at a heftier-than-average price. The VIPX costs $45.95 per month, and the VIP costs $43.95 per month, both a few dollars more than other mobile systems. However, keep a few things in mind. First, LifeFone does not charge an upfront equipment fee for its high-functioning equipment. And second, fall detection costs only $5 per month whereas most providers charge $10 per month.

At-Home Systems

At-Home Landline

• Includes a base unit with a room temperature sensor and a help button with a 1,300-foot range
• $29.95 per month

At-Home Cellular

• Includes a base unit with a room temperature sensor and optional medication reminders along with a help button that has a
• 1,300-foot range
• $34.95 monthly fee

On-the-Go Systems

At-Home and On-the-Go, VIP

• Includes advanced location detection and a 30-day battery life
• $43.95 monthly fee

VIPX

• Lightweight and comes in three colors: black, white, and silver
• Includes advanced location detection, a 16-day battery life, and an optional caregivers app
• $45.95 monthly fee

Bundled Systems

At-Home & On-the-Go

• Includes a base unit, on-the-go device, and help button, which works with both
• 1,400-foot range between base unit and help button, 600-foot range between mobile device and help button
• $39.95 monthly fee

We looked for two features that we think will prove most beneficial for those with mobility difficulties一voice activation on the at-home base station and fall detection. Aloe Care Health offers both.

The Hub

The central piece of the Aloe Care Health system is the Hub. More than a base station, the Hub includes the following useful features, all of which can be monitored by a caregiver through a complementary app.

• Air quality monitor
• Home temperature monitor
• Motion sensors

Because individuals with difficulty moving are at a higher risk of falling, extra security measures that ensure quick emergency response are worthwhile. With the motion sensors, a caregiver can watch for normal patterns of movement within the home through the caregivers app and call for help if the movements halt.

Voice activation is also useful with the Hub. Rather than getting up and down to answer your phone when your caregiver(s) call, you can speak to them through the Hub. You can also ask the Hub to call the monitoring center in the event of an emergency.

One drawback to the system is a limited range of 200 feet. By this we’re referring to the distance between the help button and the Hub. For comparison purposes, most other systems include a range between 800 and 1,400 feet. One way around this is investing in the Essentials Plus or Total Care packages, which include the Mobile Companion in addition to the Hub, enabling you to roam farther. However, many who are disabled or whose movement is very limited will find that the Hub and help button is all they need.

Fall Detection

Of course, fall detection is beneficial as well. Aloe Care Health offers it both in its Mobile Companion, which can be used at home and away, and through a one-of-a-kind wall-mounted help button that automatically alerts the monitoring center after detecting a fall. The button can be placed in a high-risk area for falls such as the bathroom.

At-Home Medical Alert Systems

Aloe Care Health Essentials

• Includes the Hub and one help button
• $149.99 equipment fee
• $29.99 monthly fee

Aloe Care Health Essentials Plus

• Includes the Hub, the Mobile Companion, and one help button
• $249.99 equipment fee
• $39.99 monthly fee

Aloe Care Health Total Care

• Includes the Hub, the Mobile Companion, one help button, two motion sensors, and a wall-mounted fall detection sensor for the bathroom
• $349.99 equipment fee
• $49.99 per month

On-the-Go Medical Alert Systems

Aloe Care Health Mobile Companion

• Includes advanced location detection, fall detection, and multi-sensory feedback
• $24.99 monthly fee
• $149.99 equipment fee (often on sale for $99.99)

If you are someone who lives with a condition like Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis, or if you have suffered a stroke, you may have difficulty manipulating small objects like a medical alert or a smartphone. The Lively medical alert system may be a good fit for you.

Smartphone Features

While Lively appeals to many older adults because of its one-of-a-kind offerings一a smartphone and flip phone一the smartphone, in particular, has several features that benefit those who struggle with fine motor skills. The Lively smartphone, the Jitterbug Smart2, is an Android phone that offers standard smartphone features like the ability to search the internet, text, or take pictures. However, it’s designed specifically for seniors.

The smartphone features simplified and enlarged selections on the home screen. You press a wide white bar with enlarged text rather than a small icon, for example, to access your email. It is much easier to both read and navigate. In addition, if you struggle with texting, the Jitterbug Smart2 offers voice typing. If you have difficulty searching the net, it offers the ability to connect with Alexa.

Traditional Features

At the same time, the Jitterbug Smart2 is more than just a smartphone. The emergency help button, which connects to a monitoring center, is located in an easy-to-find spot on the bottom right corner of the phone. Those who may suffer from a condition that results in weakened fine motor skills, like Parkinson’s disease, may also be at a higher risk of falling. Lively offers a complementary product, the Lively Wearable 2 (for an additional monthly fee), that can be worn around the neck and used to either press an emergency help button or automatically detect a fall and alert the monitoring center.

Add-On Services

Other helpful services offered by Lively include caregiver location detection and an on-demand telehealth platform that will connect you with a board-certified doctor or nurse. If you are one of the 86 percent of older adults with a chronic medical condition, or one of the 56 percent of older Americans with more than one condition, this service could act as a supplement to your primary care. Another service called personal operator offers assistance with scheduling rides or making appointments. Overall, the Jitterbug Smart3 is a high-functioning device for those with chronic health conditions or those without.

On-the-Go Medical Alert Systems

Jitterbug Smart3

• 6.2-inch screen
• Includes a camera, brain games, video chat, and voice typing
• $19.99 starting monthly fee
• $149.99 equipment fee (we frequently see lower sales prices)

Jitterbug Flip2

• Flip phone with backlit keypad
• Includes camera, magnifier, flashlight, and Amazon Alexa
• $19.99 starting monthly fee
• $99.99 equipment fee

Lively Mobile Plus

• Traditional mobile device with optional fall detection
• $19.99 monthly fee
• $49.99 equipment fee

Lively Wearable2

• Pairs with your smartphone
• Discreet device that can be worn as a watch or lanyard
• includes a four-month battery, optional fall detection, a step tracker, and daily health tips
• $19.99 starting monthly fee
• $49.99 equipment fee

It probably comes as no surprise that HandsFree Health is a system ideal for techies一it offers WellBe, a smart speaker with voice activation similar to Alexa. A sleek-looking smartwatch connects to WellBe and also includes a pedometer and heart monitor. However, this advanced system is a great fit for those older adults living with dementia and their families, too.

Many of those living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia continue living at home, especially in the early stage of the disease. In a study conducted at John Hopkins Medical Center, researchers found that caregivers who immediately put supports in place to create a safe living environment and strengthen communication were seeing positive changes in their loved ones’ behavior four months later. One support that you might want to consider is a medical alert system.

Programmed Reminders

Let’s dig a little deeper to discover the many benefits for those with dementia and their caregivers. The WellBe voice activation allows older adults to ask questions of its curated health database or call for emergency help. You or your loved one will not need to remember to pick up, locate, or wear a device or how to use it once you do. WellBe can also be programmed to remind you of an upcoming appointment or when it’s time to take your medicine. HandsFree Health includes an app for caregivers to set up reminders and also receive notifications if someone presses the help button or misses a dose of medication.

And let’s not forget the needs of the caregivers, particularly those who have loved one living with dementia. Medical alert systems offer great value to caregivers, according to Neal K. Shah, CEO of CareYaYa, an elder care tech startup that matches families with college-educated caregivers. “At CareYaya, we help many families taking care of loved ones with dementia and Alzheimer’s—and medical alert systems are a godsend for these folks and their families. Proper alert systems enable those with dementia and Alzheimer’s to live at home longer (age in place), help family better manage care, and postpone the need for moving to an assisted living facility,” says Shah.

Wandering Prevention

Even more exciting is the WellBe Bluetooth connectivity. With it, the system can be integrated with other smart medical devices or smart home appliances or devices such as window and door sensors. Through their own smart device, a caregiver is then able to receive an alert if their loved one is attempting to leave the home. This is valuable even for a caregiver who is in the same house but in a different room or the backyard. Because up to 60 percent of those living with dementia wander, any extra security measures are worth it.

Because those with dementia are at a higher risk of falling than other older adults, we need to mention that HandsFree Health does not offer fall detection. If you or your loved one do not live alone, this might be less of an issue. However, some with early-stage dementia may continue to live and function independently. These folks will need to balance the benefits of WellBe against the need for fall detection.

At-Home Medical Alert Systems

WellBe Smart Speaker

• A smart speaker similar to Alexa or Siri
• $189 equipment fee
• Optional $10 monthly fee
• Option available to purchase the speaker without monitoring center access

On-the-Go Medical Alert Systems

WellBe Smartwatch

• Smartwatch includes a heart monitor, pedometer, two-way talk, and GPS location detection
• Connects to the WellBe smart speaker and curated database
• $29.95 monthly fee
• $119.95 equipment fee

Bundled Medical Alert System

WellBe Medical Alert Plus

• Includes the speaker and watch
• $44.95 monthly fee
• $159.95 equipment fee

The Medical Care Alert equipment isn’t fancy and choices are limited, but if it’s high-quality service that you are looking for, you will be a satisfied customer.

Monitoring Centers

Medical Care Alert is known for its monitoring centers. Agents from these centers are the ones who receive emergency calls and put the wheels in motion to get quick information to local emergency personnel and assistance to the older adult in need. These agents are EMT/EMD-certified and undergo a six-week training session certified by the Security Industry Association. They also have completed at least two years of post-secondary education or military service.

In addition, this top medical alert company owns and runs two response centers (an industry standard) and each center has a redundant power system (unique to the industry). Extra support is provided for hard of hearing individuals, and a Spanish-speaking agent is always available. In the event that you have a personal emergency, you can be confident that you will be in good hands.

Customer Service

Medical Care Alert also excels in customer service. The provider receives strong customer reviews, most of the comments commending the service they received. On the Better Business Bureau, all of the 2021 reviewers gave Medical Care Alert 5 out of 5 stars. On Google Reviews the company received 4.8 out of 5 stars. One reviewer described a situation in which her mother, who had vision impairment, received support over the phone to help her understand how to use the system. Her mom was very pleased with the assistance she was given.

Like any system, Medical Care Alert has a few drawbacks. Aside from limited product options, the website is difficult to navigate, and pricing information is incomplete. In fact, we recommend skipping the website altogether and going straight to customer service. In addition, monthly payment plans are not available; you are required to pay quarterly, semiannually, or annually. They also charge a quirky $50 fee if the system is not tested before returning it during the trial period.

At-Home Medical Alert Systems

Home System

• Includes base unit and help button with a 1,000-foot range
• $29.95 monthly fee for landline connection
• $34.95 for cellular connection

Home & Yard System

• Includes a base unit and pendant with two-way talk and a 600-foot range
• Comes with belt clip, clip with a velcro strap, and a lanyard
• $34.95 monthly fee

On-the-Go Medical Alert Systems

Home & Away Ultra

• All-in-one device with a three-day battery, advanced location detection, and optional built-in fall detection
• connects to either AT&T or Verizon cellular
• $39.95 monthly fee

Home & Away Duo

• Includes three-day battery, advanced location detection, and help button with 400-foot range
• Fall detection offered through separate button
• $39.95 monthly fee

On-the-Go Benefits

One of the LifeStation on-the-go systems, Sidekick, contributed to the system’s high ranking for those who are hard of hearing or seeing. We like that it’s an all-in-one device. This includes fall detection (important both for those with hearing and vision loss), which can be programmed directly into the device, eliminating the need for an additional pendant. Those with vision loss will only need to locate one device rather than two.

In addition, Sidekick utilizes WiFi and LTE in addition to GPS for precise location detection. Without the ability to clearly read street signs or maps, individuals with vision loss have a greater risk of losing their way, particularly dangerous during a medical emergency. Sidekick also uses voice prompts, helpful to those with vision loss. Those who are hard of hearing will appreciate its powerful speaker, sensitive microphone, and ability to integrate with Alexa. In addition, vibrations will alert you that the device needs to be charged.

At-Home Benefits

The at-home system is also helpful. For those with difficulty hearing, the base unit has an extra loud speaker and sensitive microphone. It also features several indicators that light up, alerting you to things like a call being sent or cancelled. For those with vision loss, Braille is included on the buttons.

Add-On Services

Finally, LifeStation offers two valuable services. “Find My Loved One” enables caregivers to track the location of their loved one. And, LifeStation partners with Uber, a great transportation option for those with vision or hearing loss. A LifeStation representative will schedule rides for you whenever needed.

At-Home Medical Alert Systems

LifeStation At Home Medical Alert System

• 500-foot range with landline connection and 600-foot range with cellular connection
• $22.95 monthly fee for landline connection
• $30.95 monthly fee for cellular connection

On-the-Go Medical Alert Systems

Sidekick

• Contoured all-in-one device weighing 1.4 ounces
• Includes advanced location detection and optional built-in fall detection
• $37.95 monthly fee

Sidekick Smart

• Slick-looking, black smartwatch with advanced location detection, two-way talk, pedometer, and heart monitor
• $55.95 monthly fee

If you have a known heart condition, add Philips Lifeline to your list of systems to consider. The on-the-go system, the GoSafe 2, is aptly named. While the device is small and discreet, it carries high-value functions.

Location Detection

While most mobile devices include GPS location detection, the GoSafe 2 offers advanced detection using both GPS and WiFi for precision. It also uses breadcrumbs to store regular location history, which further enhances quick location detection. Another feature unique to this system is its audio beacon. Monitoring center agents can activate a loud sound if emergency help is trying to locate you during a medical crisis. Quick response time is vital during any sort of a medical emergency, but especially so during a heart attack or stroke.

Fall Detection

This all-in-one device includes a slightly longer-than-average battery life of up to three days. And while the monthly cost of the GoSafe 2 may appear high, its $49.95 monthly cost includes fall detection, a must-have for most heart conditions. Most providers offer fall detection as an add-on for $5 to $10 per month. Because Lifeline includes fall detection in the monthly cost, the overall price is right in line with the industry standard for on-the-go systems. The monthly cost for the at-home systems, on the other hand, are considerably higher than most other at-home systems.

The one thing this handy mobile device is lacking is a belt clip or carrying case for those who wear a pacemaker. The device includes magnets—as most mobile devices do—which can interfere with a pacemaker or defibrillator. To avoid the interference, older adults are advised to wear a medical alert on a belt or attached to a bag. Still, we think the GoSafe 2 offers enough unique and beneficial features at a decent monthly price to make it worth mentioning.

Be Aware of Fees

We are not crazy about the extra fees that Lifeline charges for its systems. The equipment fee for the GoSafe 2 is $99.95, and a fee of $19.95 for self-installation or $99 for professional installation is included with all three Philips Lifeline systems. At-home systems also require $50 activation fees. That’s a lot of fees! However, if you are okay with the upfront cost for the GoSafe 2, you will receive a system that gives you the confidence to leave home knowing you are safe if an emergency were to occur.

At-Home Medical Alert Systems

HomeSafe Standard

• Includes base unit and waterproof help button
• $29.95 per month for landline connection
• $43.95 per month for cellular connection
• $50 activation fee

HomeSafe with AutoAlert

• Includes base unit and waterproof help button that includes fall detection
• $44.95 for landline connection
• $58.95 for cellular connection
• $50 activation fee

On-the-Go Medical Alert Systems

GoSafe 2

• Advanced location detection
• Waterproof all-in-one system
• $49.95 monthly fee (including fall detection)
• $99.95 equipment fee

A Note about Life Alert

Life Alert is practically a household name due to a commercial nearly 30 years ago that featured an older woman lying on the floor and crying, “Help! I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up!”

If name recognition is important to you, you may want to take a look at Life Alert. In addition to notoriety, the company does offer a price-lock guarantee and TMA Five Diamond–monitoring centers. However, our team of reviewers have taken a good look at Life Alert and concluded that its systems have a few too many drawbacks to make our best medical alert systems list.

Life Alert falls short in many areas: poor customer service, a lack of transparent pricing and product information on the website, limited product offerings, and the absence of fall detection. Equally important is its pricing system. Life Alert is the only medical alert company that we are aware of that requires a membership (with a $198 one-time fee) and a contract (36 months). We think other systems provide more at a far less expensive price.

Of course, no system is perfect, and we do our best to point out the cons as well as the pros with each system so you can make the best choice possible for yourself or your loved one.

What Is a Medical Alert System?

A medical alert system typically contains one or more pieces of equipment including a wearable help button that, when pressed, connects an older adult with a monitoring center agent. Medical alerts are intended to protect older adults or people with limited mobility and provide peace of mind to both the individuals and their caregivers. With a quick emergency response, lives can be saved and independent living can be preserved.

In addition, medical alert providers continue to innovate and are offering more and more features beyond the help button. For example, many devices have fall detection capabilities, GPS location detection, medication reminders, and motion sensors.

Who Should Use a Medical Alert System?

A survey completed by AARP found that 76 percent of older adults in the United States want to age in place. At the same time, 14.7 million, or almost 30 percent, of these individuals live alone. The use of a medical alert device helps decrease the risk of an older adult living alone from suffering a medical emergency and being unable to get the help they need.

Many medical professionals agree, including Debanjan Banerjee, MD, consultant geriatric psychiatrist at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences. “Medical alert systems can keep the elderly and other vulnerable people safe while living alone. With just a push of a button, an elderly person can summon help in times of emergencies, whether it’s a fall, heart attack, or other conditions that may require rescue or a trip to the ER,” Dr. Debanjan said. “There are even alert systems equipped with sensors, which removes the need for an elderly person to push a button in case he needs help. It’s a life-saving device that I recommend for older adults who live alone.”

Medical Alert Device with Fall Detection

If you are one of these seniors, a medical alert device with fall detection is especially important. Some older adults are at a higher risk of falls. For example, for those who have fallen before, the risk of falling again doubles. At the same time, any older adult can suffer a fall, even those with no prior health condition. A medical alert cannot prevent a fall, but it can prevent a long “lie time,” or the length of time between the fall and an emergency response. And it may come as no surprise that the longer someone lies waiting for help, the greater the chance that they will have a long hospitalization or be unable to return to independent living or even die before being found.

Of course, even if you live with a spouse, other family member, or roommate, a fall could occur while you are out and about. This is the reason that most of the best medical alert systems offer on-the-go devices with fall detection in addition to at-home systems.

Another group of older adults who can benefit from medical alert systems are those with one or more chronic medical conditions一and this covers many older adults. In addition to fall detection, many medical alert providers offer high-value functions such as medication reminders, telehealth platforms, partnerships with companies such as Uber, and air quality and home temperature monitors. Of course, one of the most important features of medical alert systems is the one that these systems have used the longest, the help button. The ability to connect to a highly trained monitoring center agent anytime, anywhere can be a lifesaver.

Finally, if you are someone who worries a lot or does not have someone who you can call quickly for help, a medical alert system would be a good fit for you.

The Cost of Medical Alert Systems

The cost of medical alert systems can be separated into four categories: monthly monitoring fees, equipment fees, add-on costs, and hidden costs.

Monitoring Fees

You will find a monthly fee for any monitored medical alert system. Providers typically run two centers in different parts of the country to ensure redundancy in the case of a power outage at one site. The monthly fees cover the cost of maintaining the monitoring centers.

The lowest monthly fee we have seen is $19.95. The one exception is HandsFree Health, but the $10 monthly fee is for a slightly different type of at-home system. From there, monthly fees gradually increase, depending on the type of system. Here’s the general order that medical alert system monthly fees generally follow, from least expensive to most expensive:

• At-home medical alert systems with a landline connection
• At-home systems with a cellular connection
• Traditional on-the-go medical alert systems
• Specialized on-the-go medical alert systems (such as a smartwatch)
• Bundled medical alert systems

Equipment Fees

You can rent or purchase medical alert systems. If you rent equipment, the price is wrapped into your monthly fees. If you purchase equipment, you are required to pay an equipment fee, and you will own the equipment even if you cancel your subscription. Every company operates a little differently, but here are a few guidelines to help you make sense of the price of equipment.

• Equipment fees are found more frequently with on-the-go systems than at-home systems.
• High-tech equipment, such as smartphones, smartwatches or tablets, often require equipment fees.
• You can expect mobile devices that are extra lightweight, include unique features, or are specially designed to include an equipment fee.
• If a specialized medical alert comes without an equipment fee, the provider may compensate for it somewhere else like in a hidden fee or higher than average monthly fee.

Add-On Costs

Most systems offer optional add-on products (like a wall button or extra help button) or services (like a protection plan or telehealth option). Some providers charge a one-time cost for these extras and others charge an additional monthly fee.

Sometimes these accessories can help you keep your costs down. For example, a couple might purchase an extra help button with an at-home system, which would provide them a nearly two-for-the-price-of-one system. However, accessories can also really drive up the price of a system if you aren’t careful.

One add-on we recommend is fall detection. Very few systems include fall detection within the monthly fee, but we think the extra price of $5 to $10 per month is worth it for most people.

Hidden Costs

Hidden costs include:

• Activation
• Installation
• Processing
• Membership
• Shipping fees

Often, these extra costs are not front and center on the providers’ websites. Instead they are hidden from first glance and pop up at checkout. Some of these fees are small一$10 or less, and others may be $50 to $100 or more and put a real dent in your wallet. We recommend asking customer service about hidden fees when shopping. Better to know up front all of the costs before committing to a system.

Features to Look for in the Best Medical Alert Systems

At-Home Systems

Range

Range refers to the distance you can roam from a base unit when wearing a help button with a necklace or wrist band. The highest range we have seen is 1,400 feet. This is nearly the length of four football fields. To determine how much range you need, consider the size of your house, yard, and anywhere else you might want to wander such as your driveway or neighbor’s yard.

Two-Way Talk

With most systems you can speak to a monitoring center agent through the system’s base unit. A few base units enable you to speak directly with a caregiver as well as an agent. With the help button, you typically can press the button to call for assistance but not speak to an agent.

Battery Life

Because at-home systems connect to your home’s electrical system, batteries are used only as a backup. Still, power outages occur, and when they do, you want to remain protected. Most systems offer a battery life between 30 and 32 hours.

Fall Detection

With at-home systems, providers offer fall detection through a separate pendant (usually combined with the help button). If you fall, the sensors on the detection system will send an alert to the monitoring center. The agent will attempt to contact you, but if you are out of voice range of the base unit, or you become confused or unconscious, they will send emergency help.

Caregiver Benefits

Extra features can often be accessed through a caregiver’s app, either for free or for an add-on cost. For at-home systems, this might include activity tracking, the ability to set up medication or appointment reminders, the ability to monitor air quality or home temperature remotely or notifications that are sent if the older adult presses the help button.

On-the-Go Systems

Location Detection

Mobile devices typically include GPS location detection that can be accessed by the monitoring center and sometimes caregivers through an app. Some providers offer advanced location detection, which utilizes GPS, WiFi, and cellular data for greater precision. Location detection is important because if you are away from home and have a medical emergency that renders you unconscious or confused, a monitoring center agent can pinpoint your whereabouts and send help.

Fall Detection

Some systems offer fall detection through a pendant, similar to what you would see with an at-home system. Other providers offer all-in-one devices that include built-in fall detection. Both will likely require an additional $5 to $10 monthly fee. Regardless of whether you are wearing a separate pendant or an all-in-one device, it’s important to wear it from a lanyard around your neck. Nearly all providers agree that fall detection is much less effective when worn on the wrist.

Battery Life

Most mobile devices have a battery life of 24 hours, requiring daily charging. If you are someone who forgets to charge your devices, some providers offer three, five, or seven days of battery life. One provider even offers a battery life that extends up to 30 days.

Caregiver Location Detection

Using this helpful feature, caregivers can track an older adult’s location through the provider’s app, which can be downloaded to a smart device. It’s a great benefit for someone with dementia who might wander or someone with heart disease who has been out longer than expected. It not only benefits the older adult but it provides peace of mind for the caregiver.

How to Choose the Best Medical Alert System

Medical alert systems are like cars. What is perfect for one person may not work for you. To help you determine your best fit, consider the following questions before shopping.

Where will you use your medical alert?

• At-home only
• While out and about
• Both at home and away

How would you describe the type of system that you want?

• High-tech
• Easy to use
• Lots of bells and whistles
• Basic functions only

What are your must-haves in a system?

• Low cost
• Discretion and style
• A high-functioning caregiver’s app
• Quality service
• Lots of add-on products and services to choose from
• Long range

One other tip一to really be sure that you are getting the best fit, try out more than one system. Many (but not all) providers offer a risk-free trial period.

How to Save on Medical Alert System Costs

Lots of deals on medical alert systems exist, you just need to know where to find them. We recommend starting with customer service. Ask a representative if the company is running any deals currently or in the near future. Many providers run sales during holiday seasons.

Below are several other places to find discounts.

Payment Plans

Many providers offer quarterly, semiannual, and annual payment plans. To encourage you to select these plans rather than a monthly plan, they discount the price. Sometimes you may even get a free month of service, free shipping, or a discount on an add-on product or service.

Referral Programs

Check to see if a provider you are interested in offers a referral program. You could receive a free month of service or other discount after your referral signs up for service.

Membership Discounts

Are you an AARP member? A Costco member? If so, you may be eligible for some discounts. We recommend checking the membership benefits page on these websites (which often change), or better yet, contacting customer service to find out.

Veterans Discount

If you are a veteran, you may be able to take advantage of a veteran’s discount offered by two providers (LifeStation and MobileHelp) as well as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans Affairs provides veterans with their choice of one unmonitored medical alert system and one monitored system. Neither is covered in this review. They also provide partial coverage for many other medical alert systems.

Insurance

Let’s start with who won’t cover the cost of medical alert systems一most private insurance companies. The plans that might cover part or all of your system include Medicaid, Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C), and Long-Term Care Insurance. Because plans differ from state to state, call your provider to determine if you have coverage.

Spousal Coverage

If you have more than one older adult in your household, look for at-home systems that offer an additional help button for a low cost and no additional monthly fee. It becomes a two-for-the-price-of-one system. Bundled systems are also designed with couples in mind. Some will even offer two on-the-go devices at a very discounted monthly price.

How We Chose the Best Medical Alert Devices

We picked the top medical alert systems in our list based on:

• Price of installation and monthly service
• Warranties, contracts, and transparency on fees
• Quality of monitoring center communication
• How comfortable the medical devices are to wear
• In-home range of equipment
• Water resistance of wearable devices
• Battery life and recharging capabilities
• How easy the devices are to install and use
• Expert voices weighing in
• Customer service
• Customer satisfaction reviews
• Company reputation
• Special features such as automatic fall detection, smartphone apps for family members, and location tracking

The Bottom Line on the Best Medical Alert Systems

Living with dementia? Try a system with medication and appointment reminders and Bluetooth integration like HandsFree Health. Need a system you can manipulate with shaky hands? Take a look at a smartphone adapted for seniors like the Lively Jitterbug Smart2. And for those who just need to know that they will get the best service around, there’s Medical Care Alert.We are confident that for every health need, there is a system. For every budget, there is a system. And for every style, there is a system.

Before You Shop

First, don’t go it alone. The websites tend to overwhelm with information (or sometimes don’t provide enough). Having a family member, caregiver, or friend wade through the information alongside you is helpful—and so is customer service. Use the chat line that some providers offer online and also speak to the representatives on the phone.And finally, why not try out several systems to find out which one works best for you? Be sure to pick those systems that have risk-free trial periods. Some providers even pay for the return shipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2015). Percent of U.S. Adults 55 and Over with Chronic Conditions.
John Hopkins Medicine. (2021). Safe and Happy at Home.
Alzheimer’s Association. (2021). Wandering.
Bernstein, M. (2000). “Low-tech” personal emergency response systems reduce costs and improve outcomes.