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Written by: Winny Lee
Medically Reviewed By: Sarah Falcone, BSN, RN
Last Updated On: Jan 2, 2024 | 10 Minute Read

Medical alert systems allow seniors to call for 24/7 help with a push of a button. Sometimes referred to as personal emergency response systems (PERS), they allows seniors to maintain their independent lifestyles and avoid costly hospital bills. Research shows high rates of satisfaction among users.

These medical response systems also give families peace of mind. Among older adults , falls are the #1 cause of injury-related death, and the most common cause of injuries and hospital admissions for trauma.

Medical alert systems send help fast when falls happen. The first hour after a fall is called the “golden hour.” That’s because it is vitally important. About 62% of fall victims who do not get medical attention during this critical time won’t be able to live independently after recovery. According to Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Jenny Sanford, “It’s fairly straightforward: a good fall detection system may help save lives.”

In addition to fall response, medical alert subscribers also tend to spend significantly fewer days in the hospital and spend less on health care services. It’s clear that med alert systems are helpful, yet with many options on the market, choosing the right system can be confusing.

Whether you’re looking for affordability, premium mobile features, or services designed to primarily work inside the home, our reviews will help you decide what’s right for you. Enjoy our stay.

Disclosure: In order to provide this free service to our visitors, Medicalalertbuyersguide.org may receive compensation if a purchase is made through this website.

#1
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9.8/10
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MedicalAlertBuyersGuide Recommended

9.8/10

24/7 monitoring subscriptionAdd automatic fall detectionUpfront device fee
SOS Home Landline$24.95/mo+ $10/mo$0
SOS Home LTE Cellular$29.95/mo+ $10/mo$0
SOS All-In-One$39.95/mo+ $10/mo$119 $83.30
SOS Mobile$34.95/mo+ $10/mo$99 $69.30
SOS SmartWatch$34.95/mo+ $10/mo$159 $111.30

Exclusive Offer

Exclusive Deal: 30% 0ff all SOS mobile devices. Get free shipping and a free month with select quarterly and annual payment plans. No hidden fees or long-term contracts.

Click here to get started

Bay Alarm Medical Overview

Our team 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. When we reached out to Bay Alarm Medical, our care representative was very friendly and informative. They also asked many questions to better understand our needs. At first, we were a little apprehensive about the call,  but the care representative made us feel like they really cared.

The care rep went through everything, from the symptoms we were experiencing to what our loved one would be comfortable with, and only recommended what we needed. Seniors can be picky when it comes to wearing a medical alert device . They may like a necklace that is small and hardly noticeable. Others may want a bracelet instead of a necklace. It is nice to know that Bay Medical has different options, and the salespeople want to help you find what is best for you. They weren’t  pushy at all. Bay Alarm Medical quickly gained our trust. 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 with them.

We received the package just a few days after the order was placed. The system was incredibly easy to set up and test. It comes with a Quick Start guide that is easy to read and understand, even for people with vision problems. 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 than other systems we tried. Each time we pushed the button, the operator responded with a warm and friendly greeting. This definitely made us feel comfortable and protected.

We tested all four of Bay Alarm Medical’s products, including their in-home system (both landline and cellular), SOS All-In-One, SOS Mobile and the SOS Smartwatch. The in-home system worked flawlessly without any hiccups. With mobile, we were delighted to experience their GPS tracking platform. 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.over the course of two days it didn’t set off any false alarms .

In conclusion we’re very impressed with Bay Alarm Medical’s overall service offering. Very affordable pricing and a wide variety of services make them our #1 rated medical alert system for 2024. To watch an unboxing video and see the product for yourself, check out this three-minute clip by an emergency room nurse who knows first hand how important medical alert systems are.

#2
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9.5/10
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MedicalAlertBuyersGuide Recommended

9.5/10

24/7 monitoring subscriptionAdd automatic fall detectionUpfront Device Fess
MGHome Cellularfrom $37.95/mo+$10.00/mo$149.95
MGMinifrom $39.95/mo+$10.00/mo$149.95
MGMini Litefrom $44.95/mo+$10.00/mo$149.95
MG Move Smartwatchfrom $39.95/mo+$10.00/mo$199.95
MGClassicfrom $29.95/mo+$10.00/mo$0

Exclusive Offer

March 11 – 24 – Lucky Day For Deals Sale

· 50% off MGMini
· promocode: LUCKYDAY

Medical Guardian Overview

If you are looking for the high-end brand of the medical alert industry, Medical Guardian would be the first to fit in that category. Paired with some of the best devices in the market, the company matches around-the-clock support with state-of-the-art technology to help seniors and those with medical conditions or disabilities to live independently. At the same time, this system provides families and caregivers with peace of mind.

Medical Guardian has both at-home and on-the-go options, depending on your needs. The standouts of their product portfolio are the MGMini and the MGHome Cellular. Both systems require an upfront purchase fee, but we think they are well worth the costs. The devices are premium-looking. We especially like the Mini Guardian for its compact size, battery life, and versatility.

During our research, we took the two-minute Risk Assessment which asks several questions to understand what kind of system will work for you. Medical Guardian is a great solution if you’re nervous about you or a loved one being caught alone in a medical emergency. Industry-leading support, helpful Risk Assessment, and advanced technology, make the Medical Guardian a solid choice for users of all needs and lifestyles.

#3
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9.2/10
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MedicalAlertBuyersGuide Recommended

9.2/10

24/7 monitoring subscriptionAdd fall detectionUpfront activation fee
In-Home Landlinefrom $27.95/mo+ $10.00/mo$79
In-Home Cellularfrom $37.95/mo+ $10.00/mo$79
Mobile GPSfrom $47.95/mo+ $10.00/mo$79

Exclusive Offer

Limited-time sale with annual purchase! Get a free month and free shipping with a complimentary lockbox when you sign up for an annual plan.

Click here to get started

Medical Alert Overview

Medical Alert by Connect America, is one of the nation’s largest providers of personal emergency response systems (PERS) for customers and health systems. It has long been a trusted industry leader in the industry.

Back in the 90’s and early 2000’s, the industry was dominated by Life Alert, Lifeline, and other companies that all required seniors to sign ridiculous 3-year contracts. Connect America was key in disrupting the industry by making sure their clients could cancel their service at any time. And as you can see from our top five providers, being able to cancel anytime is now standard practice.

If you’re looking for a reliable and simple home system, Medical Alert fits the bill. Their home systems are easy to install and use. The help buttons are light and have long-lasting batteries. Fall detection can be added for an additional $10 per month. This feature is a great added bonus and we highly recommend it! In fact, one in four Americans over the age of 65 fall each year. And over a third of those falls result in an injury that requires medical attention.

In conclusion, Medical Alert is a reputable company that’s been around for quite a long time. What’s more, Medical Alert provides monitoring services outside of the USA.

#4
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9.1/10
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MedicalAlertBuyersGuide Recommended

9.1/10

24/7 monitoring subscriptionAdd automatic fall detection
Medical Alert Basic Landlinefrom $29.99/mon/a
Medical Alert Plus Cellularfrom $37.99/mo+ $11/mo
On-The-Go Home + Mobilefrom $39.99/mo+ $11/mo

Exclusive Offer

Get 50% off Fall Detection Monitoring
Plus free 2-day shipping and activation

Use promo code: SAFETY

ADT Health Overview

ADT’s Medical Alert monitoring systems provide 24/7 monitoring and emergency response for seniors and individuals with medical conditions who may need assistance in the event of a fall or other medical emergency.

The system includes a wearable device, such as a pendant or wristband, with a built-in button that can be pressed to immediately alert ADT’s monitoring center. The monitoring center will then assess the situation and dispatch emergency responders if necessary.

ADT’s Medical Alert systems also include features such as fall detection and GPS tracking, which can provide additional safety and security. The system requires a monthly fee, and there are different packages and options available to fit individual needs and budgets.

#5
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9.0/10
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MedicalAlertBuyersGuide Recommended

9.0/10

24/7 monitoring subscriptionAdd automatic fall detectionActivation fee
Homesafe Landline$29.95/mo+ $15.00/mo$99.95
Homesafe Cellular$43.95/mo+ $15.00/mo$99.95
On the Go$49.95/mo+ $15.00/mo$99.95

Exclusive Offer

New subscribers get free activation and free shipping.

Click here to get started

Lifeline Overview

Lifeline offers easy-to-use, reliable alert systems and finds its way into our Best list for 2024. If you’re looking for a household name in healthcare and willing to pay extra for it, look no further than the medical alert offerings from Lifeline.

Always incredibly easy to set up, maintain, and use in an emergency, we also recommend Auto Fall Detection if your loved ones are prone to falling and losing consciousness.

Lifeline is a premium offering with years of time-tested reliability. We have no issue recommending Lifeline and are proud to include them on our best-of list this year.

#6
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9.0/10
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MedicalAlertBuyersGuide Recommended

9.0/10

24/7 monitoring subscriptionAdd automatic fall detectionUpfront device fee
In-Home LTE Cellular$29.95/mo+ $10/moFrom $79

Exclusive Offer

Limited Time Offer: Up to 18% off Equipment + Free ground shipping on all orders.

Click here to get started

GetSafe Overview

With years of experience in wireless home security, GetSafe is growing and expanding their customer base by adding medical alert systems to their protective service lines.

Right out the gate, it’s clear that GetSafe differentiates itself in two ways.

First is how the system is designed. Do you have  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, using wall buttons that you stick on the walls. It is best for people who only need help when they are alone in their homes, since the devices do not work outside of the home.  In addition, you 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 $27.95 per month because the additional devices are purchased outright by the customer. GetSafe offers three easy-to-understand packages that are based on the size of the customer’s home. We like this pricing model because the monthly subscription is fixed. Plus, the amount of equipment you need simply depends on how much coverage your home requires.

We feel that GetSafe has done a great job of creating an ecosystem that finally allows a user 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.

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Bay Alarm Medical: 2024 Editor's Choice

After several weeks of mystery shopping, cold calling, live-chatting with sales consultants, conducting real-world equipment and hardware testing, pushing buttons to initiate live medical alert emergency calls, and even purposely testing a few false alarms where paramedics were actually dispatched to our office, we’re proud to recommend Bay Alarm Medical as our #1 medical alert systems provider for 2024.

Bay Alarm Medical has chosen to stick with the most reliable and time-tested equipment, while making sure their value-based pricing plans fit a variety of budgets – especially for seniors on fixed incomes. Bay Alarm Medical’s team of ultra-friendly and compassionate staff made it easy for us to award them with our Editors’ Choice Award.

How We Chose the Best Companies

Our reviews are based on our own first-person experience involving personal hands-on testing of the product. In total, our ratings reflect over 350 hours of research and testing. Read below to learn about our hands-on testing.
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How We Tested

We purchased the leading medical alerts, installed and evaluated the systems, and performed critical tests of the equipment and its monitoring service.

Our evaluation covers the full customer cycle, including the buying process with a sales rep and evaluating the quality of the company’s service post-purchase. Most medical alert systems have similar features which means that quality of service such as talking to a friendly person who wants to help you often determines who offers the better experience.

For each category of medical alert systems (in-home, mobile, smartwatch), our evaluation included the following checkpoints:

1. Customer Service
2. System Hardware
3. Cost & Value
4. Reputation

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Customer Service

The 24/7 call center is the most important aspect of a medical alert system. It is the backbone that determines the quality of service you get from your chosen brand and may be the most important factor in whether you have a good experience with your system.

With that in mind, we evaluated each company’s level of service across the full spectrum of ownership:

• The purchase process
• 24/7 monitoring and emergency response
• Returns and refunds.

Purchase Process

We looked for companies that offered clear pricing with no hidden fees, no contract lock-ins, no hard sell sales tactics, and a simple, fast returns process.

Each of our tests began with a test call to the company’s sales department, asking a set of pre-determined questions.  We evaluated the replies based on the sales rep’s knowledge, accuracy and friendliness.

24/7 Monitoring

The heart of any medical alert service is its 24/7 emergency monitoring center, whose sole purpose is getting you help the moment a signal is received.

The best companies have a reputable and reliable monitoring station. The companies we ranked as the best 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 its elderly medical alert user base.

Returns & Refunds

This is an area that separates the great companies from the not-so-great.  Companies should offer a return process that is simple, fair, and fast.

We returned each system after our tests and requested a refund.  We then evaluated the complexity of the returns process. Did the company make it easy, or did they put complicated requirements or other barriers in place? How long did it take to get our refund?

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System Hardware

We performed hands-on tests of each of the leading medical alert systems, simulating real-life use of the systems.

Our evaluation and testing covered all parts of the system:

Unboxing & setup:  We set up each system and evaluated the process. Was it easy to get started? Did the system arrive fully charged?  Did the company ask for important health information, such as your existing health conditions and any medications you take? This information lets the company’s operators communicate details with first responders in an emergency.

Features: We tested all system features, including any apps (for smartwatches) and any online caregiver portal. Were the apps and online portal easy to use? Were they useful? Were they reliable?

Emergency alerts:  We activated each system to send an emergency alert. We timed the response times and evaluated the quality of the call center that contacted us. If the medical alert included fall detection, we simulated falls that should trigger an alarm.

Charging & maintenance:  Mobile and smartwatch medical alerts won’t work if their batteries are dead.  For these systems, we checked how long the system held a battery charge. Was it easy to charge the system? Did it warn you about low battery levels?

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Cost & Value

Price is the prime criterion for choosing a medical alert system as a lot of American seniors are on fixed incomes. But pricing can be a complex mix of base cost, add-on options and monthly monitoring fees.  In addition, some companies offer discounts if you prepay for quarterly or yearly service.

We tried to do the hard work for you, clearly presenting the costs of each system and the options available.

Perhaps most importantly, we considered the life cycle cost of each medical alert system.  Some systems have an affordable startup price paired with expensive monthly monitoring fees.  To truly understand the cost of a system, we looked at the 1-year and 2-year cost of ownership.

While price is important, we also considered the overall value of each system. Systems with the most features often charge a higher price, so we assessed the cost/benefit of these extra features.

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Reputation

A medical alert company’s reputation is important, as they’re in the business of saving lives. Not only does MedicalAlertBuyersGuide.org provide original real reviews of each company from our personal testing experience, but we also scour the web for various review platforms, including the BBB, Google, and Amazon (if applicable) to back up our rankings.

Also, we made sure to review the company’s contract, trial period, and refund policy before adding them to our list as these are all testaments to a company’s reputation.

Lastly, we excluded any companies that required customers to commit to a lengthy contract. No company that locks you into a contract deserves to be considered the best in the industry.

Monthly MonitoringDevice FeesShipping FeesTrial PeriodSee PlansRead Review
Bay Alarm Medical$24.95/moIn-Home: $0 - $30
Mobile: $79
Smartwatch: $127
$12 - Free for quarterly & annual subscriptions30 daysSHOPRead Review
Medical Guardian$29.95/moIn-Home: $0 - $149.95
Mobile: $149.95
Smartwatch: $199.95
$12.50 - Free for annual subscriptionsNoneSHOPRead Review
MedicalAlert.com$27.95/moIn-Home: $79 $24.95 - Free for semi-annual & annual subscriptionsNoneSHOPRead Review
ADT Medical Alert$29.99/moNone$0 - Free 2-day shippingNoneSHOPRead Review
GetSafe$29.95/moIn-Home: $79 - $229
$0 - Free Shipping across all products30 daysSHOPRead Review
LifeStation$34.95/moIn-Home: $0
Mobile: $99.95
Smartwatch: $99.95
$12.50NoneSHOPRead Review

Here's How a Medical Alert System Works

A medical alert system is designed to provide quick and easy assistance to individuals who may need urgent medical attention. It works through a combination of wearable devices and a centralized monitoring system. Here's a simple breakdown of how it operates:

Life-Saving Medical Alert Add-Ons. Widen Your Safety Net!

When you select a medical alert provider, you’ll also need to decide on any additional accessories. This can mean requesting additional buttons for safety. Lock boxes and Vials of Life provide additional protection and are recommended by most providers.

In-Home SystemsMobile GPS-Enabled Devices

Depending on your mobility and lifestyle, you’ll want to know about the two types of medical alert systems available. It’s important to understand what they are before buying them.  Here are a few pros and cons for each system.

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ImageGPS Mobile Tracking

One option if you are considering a GPS medical alert system is mobile GPS tracking.

An increasingly common feature in mobile phones and cellular devices, GPS allows a family member or friend to identify where you are should there be a problem. It does require you to have the device with you when you go out.

This level of technology was created for those whose loved ones have conditions such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. It prevents loved ones from wandering off and becoming disoriented. Another available service is geo-fencing, which can alert a family member or friend if the person leaves a particular safe zone.

Again, it’s not fail-proof because the individual must have their device with them. However, if they don’t have the device with them, it still provides information about their last known location, which can make it easier to locate them.

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Calling 911 vs Using Monitored Medical Alert Systems

Using a monitored medical alert system can provide several benefits compared to relying solely on 911 when an elderly loved one falls. Here are some reasons why:

Quick Response Time: A medical alert system is designed to provide an immediate response to a fall or other emergency. Once the system is activated, the monitoring center can quickly assess the situation and dispatch emergency personnel if needed. This can be especially critical if your loved one is unable to get up or has sustained serious injuries.

24/7 Monitoring: A medical alert system is always available, even when you or other caregivers are not present. The monitoring center can provide assistance at any time of the day or night, and can also contact family members or other designated contacts if needed.

Location Tracking: Some medical alert systems include GPS tracking, which can help emergency responders locate your loved one quickly in the event of a fall or other emergency.

Peace of Mind: Knowing that your loved one has access to immediate help in the event of a fall can provide peace of mind for both you and your loved one. This can reduce anxiety and stress for both parties.

Cost-effective: While medical alert systems do require a monthly fee, they can be more cost-effective in the long run compared to relying solely on 911 services. In some cases, the cost of a medical alert system can be less than the cost of a single ambulance ride.

Overall, a monitored medical alert system can provide an added layer of safety and security for your elderly loved one, and can help ensure that they receive the prompt assistance they need in the event of a fall or other emergency.

Find Your Perfect Medical Alert System

Medical Alert Systems: Frequently Asked Questions

Does Medicare cover medical alert systems?

Unfortunately, these types of systems are not covered by either Part A or Part B Medicare plans. However, some private insurance companies and Medicare Advantage plans do provide coverage or discounts for medical alert systems. This means that you must check the details of your coverage because there is no industry standard. To get more information, see Does Medicare Cover Medical Alert Systems.

AARP and medical alert systems

While AARP as an organization strongly recommends that seniors use medical alert systems, it does not specifically endorse any one particular product. The organization does recognize that these systems can be lifesaving for seniors. And some PERS providers even offer discounts for AARP members. See Medical Alert System Discounts for AARP members.

What does Life Alert cost per month?

The fees for Life Alert service can be between $49.95 and $89.95 per month. These costly fees are similar to other providers at the higher end of service. Yet at the lower end, there are providers with services for much less; some offer medical alert services for around $20/month. Monthly costs are not the only consideration when selecting a provider. You also need to look at the cost of the hardware and the length of the contract.  More information can be found here at Life Alert Medical Alert System.

Can medical alert systems be purchased at Walmart?

Yes, Walmart does offer these products. There you can find both systems that are monitored or unmonitored. However, it’s a good suggestion to shop around for the best products for you at the best prices. This includes shopping and gathering information online. For more help, consider this article: Buyers Guide to Walmart Medical Alert Systems.

The right fall detection device – what’s best?

This is an option that many medical alert providers offer. And it is one that most subscribers need. Every 19 minutes, someone dies as a result of a fall.  Falls can be serious—and costly. In fact, the expected healthcare cost related to falls in 2020 was $67 billion.

Picking the right one for you depends on the options you are looking for. Understand the reliability of the system and the likelihood of false alarms. Also consider the type of response that happens when there is a fall or an emergency arises.  This means determining who should be contacted when there is an alert, and what the response level will be if a fall is detected. For more information on selecting fall detection systems, look here Compare the Best Medical Alerts with Fall Detection.