Walmart Medical Alert Systems: A Buyers Guide

Medical alert system providers invite potential customers to purchase through their websites, but you may not be aware that these devices are also available at your local Walmart. With the wide availability of Walmart stores nationwide, it’s easy to walk into a store, browse the selection, and purchase a system to use on the same day.

Before making the trip to Walmart in search of a medical alert system, consider what you are looking for ahead of time. Walmart offers two different kinds of medical alert systems: monitored, which have 24/7 access to emergency operators for a monthly fee, and unmonitored, which are systems that serve as personal communication devices with no monthly fee.

Keep in mind that research has shown every one dollar spent on a medical alert system results in $7.19 in healthcare savings! Research also suggests that alert systems reduce mortality (death) rates by nearly four times and reduce hospital use by 59%.

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each kind of system to see which one will work best for you.

Monitored Systems

Monitored medical alert systems are traditional systems that come with a monthly fee and emergency buttons that connect a user to an operator who is available 24/7. These devices may be home-based or mobile, but typically include a lightweight waterproof wristband or pendant with two-way communication. The following monitored medical alert systems are sold through Walmart’s website (you can also check out our article on searching Walmart’s website for the best alert system):

1. Medical Guardian
2. Thriive
3. Lively Mobile
4. LogicMark
5. Mobi Connect
6. WellBe

While all of these options are monitored systems, Medical Guardian is Walmart’s most reputable monitored medical alert system. It is also the best available system that you can buy in-store (here is our review of it).

These systems are available directly through Walmart, but you can also buy any of the systems online if you’d rather buy directly through the medical alert system provider. Don’t forget that monitored systemshave a monthly fee attached to them, while unmonitored systems usually have a one-time fee upfront.

Medical Guardian

Medical Guardian has been a medical alert system provider for more than 25 years. They offer feature-packed home and mobile devices and a smartwatch that includes the functions of a medical alert device. Features include medication reminders, integrated GPS, automatic fall detection, and mobile app connectivity.

Medical Guardian’s mobile devices with integrated GPS are widely considered the best in their class. On the go devices are popular for their ability to lower the the risk of wandering and injury in adults with memory problems, Alzheimer’s Disease, and dementia.

The Medical Guardian Classic home-based unit is available at Walmart for $49.95. The unit uses cellular technology and does not require a landline telephone connection. Other units may be found at Walmart depending on availability.

Depending on the device and features, Medical Guardian’s monthly plans range from $19.95 to $41.95, which are among the lowest available. Quarterly, semi-annual, and annual payment plans are eligible for discounts. In contrast to most other medical alert providers, which charge an additional monthly fee for a second button, all MobileHelp devices include two free waterproof emergency buttons.

Unmonitored Systems

For users who don’t need ongoing monitoring by trained operators or 24/7 access to emergency services and those who can’t afford the monthly cost, an unmonitored system is a subscription-free option for accessing emergency communication. Unmonitored systems feature two-way communication options. Depending on user commands, the device would connect to a loved one or 911 rather than a call center.

One major drawback of unmonitored systems is that most do not offer fall detection technology. V.ALRT Wireless Personal Emergency Alert Device is one such device that offers automatic fall detection, but the device is dependent on a connected smartphone using Bluetooth. Other devices like the Future Call 2-Way Talking SOS Pendant Phone offer automatic fall detection without smartphone dependency, but the unit costs $195.

Making the Purchase

For the best affordability with the most features from a reputable company, Medical Guardian systems are highly recommended.

Not all medical alert systems or providers are the same. So, it’s important to make the comparisons ahead of time and to determine what is the best choice for you. For a look at the best medical alert systems for 2024, check out the Medical Alert Buyers Guide online.