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Written by: Winny Lee | Updated Jan 5, 2020 | 24 Minute Read
Coronavirus (COVID-19) update: The US government has deemed all medical alert providers as essential services, allowing them to operate without disruption.
We’ve confirmed that all of the recommended companies below have fully operational 24/7 monitoring services during this pandemic. For those with elderly loved ones that are living alone and at risk, rest assured that you can shop with confidence.
Our expert staff compared the most important factors seniors and their families consider in a medical alert system and highlighted the pros and cons, strengths and weaknesses, of each medical alert company. Continue below to see our top providers of 2021.
Disclosure: In order to provide this free service to our visitors, Medicalalertbuyersguide.org may receive compensation if a purchase is made through this website.
Top 5 Medical Alert Systems
| 24/7 monitoring subscription | Add automatic fall detection | Upfront device fee | |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Home Medical Alert | $19.95/mo | + $10/mo | $0 |
| 4G LTE GPS Help Button | $24.95/mo | + $10/mo | $79 |
| In-Car Medical Alert | $29.95/mo | Auto Crash Detection Included | $0 |
| SOS SmartWatch New! | $24.95/mo | n/a | $149 |
Exclusive Offer
Get free shipping and 20% off select plans. 30-day risk-free trial on all new orders.
Bay Alarm Medical Overview
We 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. Our representative was very friendly and informative. Expect to be asked a lot of questions. I was a little apprehensive at first but then it made me feel like they really cared.
Our care rep went through everything from the symptoms my parents were experiencing to what they would be comfortable with and only recommended what we needed, not pushy at all. Trust was easily established with Bay Alarm Medical. 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 using it.
We received the package just a few days after the order was placed. The system was incredibly easy to setup and test. 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 among all of the hardware we evaluated. Each time pushed the button, a warm and friendly greeting was shown from our operator. Definitely made us feel comfortable and protected.
We tested all 3 of Bay Alarm Medical’s full suite including their in-home system (both landline and cellular), GPS device, and fall detection. The in-home system worked flawlessly without any hiccups. With GPS, we were delighted to experience their GPS tracking platform as 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 and didn’t set off any false alarms over the course of two days.
In conclusion we’re very impressed with Bay Alarm Medical’s overall service offering. Very affordable pricing and a wide variety of services that make them our #1 rated medical alert system for 2020.
| 24/7 monitoring subscription | Add automatic fall detection | Upfront device fee | |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Home Medical Alert | from $19.95/mo | + $10/mo | $49.95 |
| Mobile GPS | from $37.95/mo | + $10/mo | $0 |
| Bundle | from $41.95/mo | + $10/mo | $0 |
| SmartWatch New! | $24.95/mo (3 month minimum) | n/a | $349.95 |
Exclusive Offer
Free Lockbox with new subscription ($29.95 value)
MobileHelp Overview
Very few medical alert companies design and manufacture their equipment in-house and MobileHelp is one of them. They offer a full suite of AT&T 3G cellular based systems and also white label their equipment for other brands. If you like the form factor of their equipment, you’re best bet is to go with MobileHelp.
Additionally, MobileHelp offers an in-home landline medical alert. Although hardwired landlines are starting to diminish in the US, it’s still the most reliable source of communication especially during a power outage.This is a great option for rural customers with spotty AT&T cellular coverage.
During our mystery shop, the sales rep was helpful and straight to the point. He asked if my loved one had experienced a fall and when we said no, he asked which service we wanted, to which we answered both the MobileHelp Duo package, and then proceeded to take our information and credit card #. We suppose the lack of a sales pitch was good but the call was a bit too “business”. We like that MobileHelp provides free ground shipping.
Both devices were very easy to setup. By far our favorite thing about the package was their silicone pendant wrist strap. Very comfortable, light and easy to wear. The response time from the moment the button was pushed to hearing someone on the loudspeaker was just a hair slower than Bay Alarm Medical but still fast.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for the latest medical alert technology, MobileHelp is a highly recommended provider. Very good buying experience and a good choice of device options that will fit your loved one’s protection needs.
| 24/7 monitoring subscription | Add automatic fall detection | Upfront device fee | |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Home Medical Alert | from $22.95/mo | + $10.00/mo | $0 |
| Mobile GPS | from $37.95/mo | + $10.00/mo | $0 |
Exclusive Offer
Sign up for annual subscription and get monthly monitoring for $19.95/mo + free month, free shipping.
Medical Alert Overview
Medical Alert by Connect America, one of the nation’s largest providers of personal emergency response systems (PERS) for customers and hospitals, has long been a trusted industry leader in the PERS industry.
Medical Alert has a strong history in the industry. Back in the 90’s and early 2000’s, the industry was dominated by Life Alert, Philips Lifeline, and other companies that all required seniors to sign ridiculous 3-year contracts. Connect America was key in disrupting the industry and making sure their clients could cancel their service at anytime. And as you can see from our top five providers, being able to cancel anytime is now standard practice.
If you’re looking for reliable and simple in-home system, these guys fit the bill. Their in-home systems are easy to install and use. The alert buttons are light and have a long lasting battery. Automatic fall detection can be had for an additional $10 per month.
When it comes to GPS, we would say that there are much better options out there. The company uses equipment from Anelto and although the buttons look sleek, the actual GPS device feels a little cumbersome. Signal strength was a bit comparable though compared to offerings from Bay Alarm Medical and MobileHelp.
In conclusion, Medical Alert is a reputable company that’s been around for quite a long time. And the best part..? Medical Alert provides monitoring services outside of the USA.
| 24/7 monitoring subscription | Add automatic fall detection | Activation fee | |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Home Landline | from $19.95/mo | + $10.00/mo | $49 |
| Mobile GPS | from $37.95/mo | + $10.00/mo | |
| Complete In-Home + Mobile GPS | from $41.95/mo | + $10.00/mo |
Exclusive Offer
Use the link below and get up to 2 free months and a complimentary lockbox when you sign up for select annual plans.
One Call Alert Overview
Although a new entrant into the medical alert space, One Call Alert’s exec team touts a combined 20 years of experience in various functions in the industry to provide their customers with a no frills, simple, and easy to use medical alert solution for seniors that live alone.
If you want to jazz up your medical alert with add-ons and accessories then stop reading and look elsewhere. While you won’t find any bells and whistles with One Call Alert, we appreciate the company for it’s straight forward approach to providing reliable medical alert systems at a fair and affordable price.
In-home and mobile gps systems are priced similarly to other brands but we do see huge value if you’re looking for complete protection that covers mom both inside the house and while she’s out and about. Pricing for that particular bundle starts at $41.95/mo but can get much more affordable if you opt for an annual payment plan that averages out to just $30.79/mo. If this fits your situation we highly recommend looking into it.
To sum it all up, One Call Alert is a great option for those looking for a straightforward and easy-to-use system.
| 24/7 monitoring subscription | Add automatic fall detection | Upfront device fee | |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Home 4GLTE Cellular | $24.95/mo | + $10/mo | From $79 |
Exclusive Offer
Free ground shipping on all orders.
GetSafe Overview
With years of experience in wireless home security, GetSafe is continuing to grow and expand their customer base by adding medical alert systems to their list of protection services.
Right out the gate, it’s clear that GetSafe differentiates itself in two ways. First is how the system is designed.
Got 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 with the use of walls buttons that you stick on your… walls. Additionally, you’ll 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 $25 per month because the additional devices are purchased outright by the customer. GetSafe offers three easy to understand packages that are based off the size of the customer’s home. We like pricing model mostly because the monthly subscription is fixed and the amount of equipment you need simply depends on how much coverage your home requires.
We feel that GetSafe has done a great job by creating an ecosystem that finally allows a customer 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.
2021 Editor's Choice
After countless hours of mystery shopping, cold calls, live chats, real-world equipment and hardware testing, live medical alert emergency calls, and even a few false alarms where paramedics actually dispatched to our office, we’re proud to recommend Bay Alarm Medical as our #1 medical alert systems provider of 2020.
Bay Alarm Medical has chosen to stick with the most reliable and time-tested equipment while making sure their pricing plans fit a variety of budgets – especially for seniors on fixed incomes. But by far the biggest standout were the reps on the other line.
From the start of the buying process, to when the button was tested, all the way up to returning the system, Bay Alarm Medical’s team of ultra-friendly and compassionate staff made it easy for us to award them with our Editors’ Choice Award.
2021 Ranking Criteria & How We Chose the Best Companies
We've gathered the five most important things to consider when searching for the best medical alert system. Use these factors as a guide to determine the best company for you and your loved ones.
Customer Experience
At the end of the day, medical alert providers are selling a service that promises to get you and your loved ones, help at a moment’s notice. Like all services, the customer experience should be paramount.
It all starts with the buying experience. Medical alert companies are no different than any other business and share the same quotas and sales goals that any other organizations will have. And the bigger the company is, the more likely the sales pressures and hard-sells will be higher.
Fortunately for the consumer, in the last decade, there’s been numerous companies that have done very well by going against the grain when it comes to customer buying experience. We’ve seen a huge shift in more of a consultative approach rather than the fear-based, “buy now or your parents are going to die” tactics that has given the industry a negative rep.
During your one on one with a sales rep, make sure you’re doing most of the talking and they’re doing most of the listening. Remember, you’re trying to find the best safety solution for your loved ones and if all the sales person is doing on the other line is jibber-jabbing about how great their company is, it’s time to head for the exits.
Equipment & Ease of Setup
Medical alert systems are all made to be installed as simple as possible. Not only does that benefit the end user, it also allows the companies to not have to pay for technicians, trucks, travel expenses, tools, etc to have to come to your house to install it for you.
All of the top 5 companies on our ranking list have very simple and easy to install step. Once the power is plugged into your wall outlet, you should be up and running no longer than 5 to 10 minutes.
If however you do find yourself struggling with the installation, your medical alert provider should be ready to help walk you through the process. All of our 2020 medical alert companies were helpful and friendly when we called in to seek help.
Monitoring & Response Time
At the heart of any medical alert service is the 24/7 call center whose sole purpose is to get you help the moment a signal is received.
There are many grades of rapid response monitoring stations in the business. The 5 companies that we chose this year all have the following in common.
– All are based in the United States of America
– All are CSAA 5-Diamond Certified
– All are UL-Listed
– All are trained for the sole purpose of communicating and providing help to a medical alert core user base – seniors over the age of 65.
Some companies have quicker response times than others but overall, you can be confident that help will be readily and reliably available.
Cost & Value
Subscriptions for medical alert systems range anywhere from $20 – $40 per month for a traditional in-home device. Additionally, most companies offer prepay options that can save you money in the long-run.
Choosing the right pricing plan will depend on your family’s situation. Are you an active and healthy senior just looking for added protection? If so, you may want to opt for a semi-annual or annual plan that offers a small monthly discount.
On the flip side, maybe mom and dad just got out of the hospital and you want to see if a medical alert system is the right fit for for the home. In this case, going month to month will provide you with greater flexibility.
Whatever the case may be, seek out a company that will provide you with the best pricing plan. And most importantly, regardless of how much they charge, make sure they’re absolutely 100% transparent with their pricing, terms, and refund/cancellation policies.
Reputation
A medical alert’s company is reputation is pretty important as they’re in the business of saving lives. Not only does MedicalAlertBuyersGuide.org provide original real reviews of each company, we also scour the web for various review platforms including the BBB and Google to back up our rankings.
Also, make sure to review a company’s contract, trial period, and refund policy before signing your name on the dotted line as these are all a testament to a company’s reputation.
Believe it or not, in this modern day and age, there are companies out there that still require a death certificate or proof of nursing home residency in order for a family to get out of a medical alert contract (don’t worry, none of our recommended companies have anything like this).
Make sure you avoid companies that require you to commit to a lengthy contract. And if getting a medical alert system is simply a stop-gap, go with a flexible plan that allows you to cancel without having to pay a cancellation fee.
How Does a Medical Alert System Work?
24/7 professional monitoring is the heart of any medical alert service. Regardless of what company or equipment you choose, all medical alert systems will get you help the same way.
Accessorize Your Medical Alert System for Added Protection
Now that you've settled on a favorite provider, it's time to talk about accessories. Cast a wider safety net by exploring the equipment options below. All of our top 5 providers will offer these.
In-Home
Mobile GPS
There are typically 2 types of medical alert systems; ones that stay inside the home and ones that can be taken out wherever you go. Both have their strengths and weaknesses so it’s important to know the difference before purchasing. Or you can do what we did and buy both!
GPS Mobile Tracking
If you decide to go with a GPS medical alert, definitely consider mobile gps tracking.
With GPS becoming more and more common in cellular devices, we recommend choosing a provider that allows for mobile gps tracking. Whether you’re a caregiver, son, daughter, or a close friend, having GPS tracking allows you to pinpoint where your loved ones are if they have the GPS device on their person.
The technology is especially important if you have parents or patients with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Obviously it won’t guarantee that your loved has the device on them but at the very least you’ll have a higher chance of locating their last known whereabouts.
If you’re interested in this feature, Bay Alarm Medical offers Caregiver Tracking with their new 4G LTE Mobile GPS Device.
Medical Alert vs 911
The backbone of any medical alert system is the 24/7 call center that's ready to help YOU.
When a call is placed to 911, the operator’s goal is to get you help asap. It doesn’t matter if it’s a simple fall or life threatening. Regardless, their job is to send EMS to your home whether you like it or not. And because of there’s other emergencies on hold, they’ll hangup and move on to the next call. Furthermore, they don’t have your emergency contact info, medical history, and and medication/allergy information.
Therein lies the true value of a dedicated 24/7 medical alert monitoring station. Should you push your button, a trained medical alert operator will not only ask if you’re okay, but also ask what the problem is and what the level or severity of help you need. Most importantly, they’ll stay on the line with you until help has arrived.
So if you simply took a slip and need help up, they can call a neighbor or family member instead of sending an expensive ambulance to help you. And if EMS is required, they’ll let the firefighters know where to find your Vial of Life and also let them know to not break down the front door.
Find Your Perfect Medical Alert System
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Alert Systems
Are medical alert systems covered by Medicare?
Typically Medicare does NOT reimburse for a medical alert system in either Part A or Part B. A Medicare Advantage or other private insurance plan may sometimes cover these devices, but there’s no standard, so you need to check your own policy. For more information see: Does Medicare Cover Medical Alert Systems.
Does AARP recommend a medical alert system?
AARP does not recommend any specific medical alert system but in general the organization strongly endorses the use of these devices. AARP has called the alert system a potentially life-saving device for seniors. Some makers do offer Medical Alert System Discounts for AARP Members.
How much is Life Alert a month?
Life Alert charges monthly fees ranging from $49.95 to $89.95. This high end matches the fee scale of other systems in the industry, but the lower end can be found for less – as low as the $20 range per month with other systems. Monthly rates are not everything; contract length and hardware costs should also be considered. See more on the Life Alert Medical Alert System.
Does Walmart sell medical alert systems?
Walmart does sell medical alert systems. The store offers both monitored and unmonitored systems, so as always with these devices, you should do some comparison shopping online to find the most suitable system for your needs. See more in our Buyers Guide to Walmart Medical Alert Systems.
Question? What is the best fall detection device?
Many medical alert systems offer a fall detection option. Making the best choice for you means considering the reliability of the fall detection system (no false alarms), and what kind of response it provides to a fall (who should be contacted and at what level of alarm is raised). To see our picks for the best fall detection systems, read our article Compare the Best Medical Alerts With Fall Detection.
