Best Medical Alert Systems: Top 10 Life Alert Devices for Seniors

The best medical alert systems offer a variety of useful features including GPS location tracking, automatic fall detection, medication reminders, and emergency help with the click of a button.

Medical alert systems are suitable for older adults looking to age independently, individuals with long-term health concerns, and anyone who would feel secure with immediate access to emergency assistance.

However, choosing the best medical alert system can feel overwhelming, considering how many options there are to choose from.

To help you narrow down your choices, we’ve reviewed the best medical alert systems on the market. We evaluated each life alert system based on its device options, features, pricing plans, monitoring center, and user reviews.

Here are our top picks for the best medical alert systems of 2021.

Top 10 Best Medical Alert Systems of 2021

• Medical Guardian: Best overall
• MobileHelp: Best value
• Bay Alarm Medical: Best reviews
• Medical Care Alert: Best monitoring center
• LifeFone: Best for free spouse protection
• Aloe Care Health: Best for remote caregiving
• QMedic: Best for high-risk patients
• GetSafe: Best voice-activated system
• Lively: Best mobile app
• Philips Lifeline: Best customer service

#1 Medical Guardian: Best Life Alert Device with Fall Detection

Medical Guardian is our top choice for the best medical alert system for seniors. Medical Guardian has the longest battery life, the farthest signal range, and the most features, and it is rated as the top medical alert system by dozens of independent review sites.

Medical Guardian has been a reputable medical alert company since 2006 and stands out for its array of premium features and top-notch monitoring center. Whether you need an in-home system with automatic fall detection or a mobile device with GPS technology, Medical Guardian has it all.

Device Options

Medical Guardian offers five device options, depending on your needs.  Here’s an overview of each package.

Home Guardian: This medical alert system doesn’t require a landline because it uses a nationwide cellular network to connect to its emergency monitoring center. The Home Guardian comes with an easy-to-install base station and a wearable button that gives you access to emergency help 24/7 when pressed within 600 feet of the base station.

Classic Guardian: This in-home medical alert system is the most affordable option that Medical Guardian offers, starting at less than $1 a day. However, this model does require a landline to connect to the emergency monitoring center. Classic Guardian comes with a base station and a wearable medical alert help button that can be pressed within 1,300 feet of the base station.

Mobile 2.0: This medical alert device comes with a wearable help button that is designed to offer emergency help wherever you are. This life alert device uses advanced location monitoring and can be connected anywhere with cellular service. This mobile device lasts three to five days with a single battery charge and is water-resistant.

Freedom 2.0: This device is a smartwatch with lifesaving capabilities, allowing you to easily summon help via emergency button or touchscreen. Additional features include GPS location, heart rate monitoring, two-way voice communication, and medication reminders.

Mini Guardian: This wearable medical alert button is lightweight and half the width of standard devices. It includes automatic fall detection, five-day battery life, advanced location tracking, and a two-way speaker. It connects to the monitoring center via a nationwide 4G cellular network.

Available Add-Ons

Medical Guardian offers several add-ons including:

Fall Detection: This technology is created to identify a fall and automatically trigger a call to the monitoring center without the need to press the help button.

Wall-Mounted Help Button: Wall-mounted help buttons can be installed anywhere in the home, but they are typically placed in high-risk areas such as the bathroom or kitchen. They are useful in situations where a wearable help button is misplaced or forgotten to be worn.

OnGuard Alerts: This add-on service sends email and text notifications to caregivers so everyone can stay in the loop in the case of a fall.

Customers can also add a lockbox to their medical alert system to maximize their protection. Medical Guardian users can place a key to their homes in these lockboxes and protect it behind a four-digit PIN. When customers call for help, the Medical Guardian monitoring center informs emergency responders of the PIN, preventing them from needing to break into the home.

Things We Like Most About Medical Guardian

Monitoring Center: Medical Guardian has one of the best monitoring centers in the industry with certifications including TMA Five Diamond, ESA Security, FM Approved, and UL Listed.

Customer Care Portal: The new MyGuardian customer care portal brings all your health and safety information together in one place. It is available via desktop or mobile app and provides collaboration between caregivers and emergency contacts. It includes system status, history reports, location tracking, and activity reminders.

No Contracts or Hidden Fees: Unlike other medical alert companies, Medical Guardian has no contracts or hidden fees. It also offers free equipment to new members who subscribe to an annual plan.

Overall, Medical Guardian is a reputable, reliable medical alert company that customers can trust to provide responsive emergency assistance when needed. If you’re looking for a medical alert system, you can’t go wrong choosing one from Medical Guardian.

Click Here to Learn More About Medical Guardian

#2 MobileHelp: Best Value

MobileHelp is a medical alert company that provides affordable, quality services for customers nationwide. The company was the first in the industry to produce a fully integrated mobile medical alert system with GPS technology, showing MobileHelp’s commitment to innovation and convenience.

Device Options

MobileHelp offers five medical alert systems: two in-home systems, one mobile system, and two “Duo” systems that combine the features of home and mobile devices.

The MobileHelp Classic system comes with an in-home base station and a waterproof help button that can be worn in the shower, offering easy access to emergency help when needed. The MobileHelp Classic comes with a 1,400-foot signal range, easy installation, and no landline required.

The MobileHelp Wired system is an affordable life alert that requires a landline connection. It comes with a wearable neck pendant, two-way voice communication, and up to 600 feet of signal range.

The MobileHelp Solo system offers a mobile device that can be worn at home or on-the-go, with access to emergency help with the press of a button. This life alert device also comes with a waterproof help button that can be worn in the shower. This medical alert system comes with GPS tracking, optional fall detection, and cellular coverage.

The MobileHelp Micro system is the lightest medical alert available and comes in a modern and stylish color. This device is water-resistant and comes with a detachable lanyard. This product comes with accurate GPS location tracking, a high-quality audio speaker, and lightning-fast wireless data transmission compatible with LTE and AT&T.

Meanwhile, customers who want the best of both worlds can take advantage of the MobileHelp Duo system, which includes an in-home base unit, a mobile device, and a waterproof help button. This comprehensive system provides the fullest coverage, ensuring that customers have access to help wherever they are.

Pricing and Plans

MobileHelp’s pricing system is affordable compared to other medical alert companies. Its cheapest plans start at under $20 per month, and customers can cancel their subscriptions at any time without penalty. In addition, customers can receive free shipping, a free lockbox, free equipment, and free activation with every plan.

As further evidence of MobileHelp’s commitment to value, the company offers the MobileHelp Connect Premium plan. This plan covers the cost of lost or damaged equipment and may save customers hundreds of dollars each year. Opting into this plan also provides discounts on MobileHelp products, including 25% off all accessories.

Even better, MobileHelp offers a 30-day trial period. Customers can test out their systems for 30 days and receive a full refund if they are not satisfied with their service.

Things We Like Most About MobileHelp

• U.S. based monitoring center with a highly-trained network of emergency responders.
• Optional fall detection included for $10 per month
• Free equipment included while you have an active subscription
• Free lockbox with every order
• No long-term contracts
• 30-day trial period

Overall, MobileHelp is one of the top medical alert companies for its affordable services and wide range of system options. If you’re looking for an alert system on a budget, choosing one of MobileHelp’s systems may suit your needs.

Click Here to Learn More About MobileHelp

#3 Bay Alarm Medical: Best Reviews

Bay Alarm Medical has been helping customers maintain their independence for more than 70 years. Today, the company is one of the top-rated alert companies in the industry and has received thousands of positive customer reviews.

Device Options

Bay Alarm Medical offers the following product types:

• In-home systems
• On-the-go mobile devices
• Bundle packages
• Accessories

The company’s in-home system offers two-way communication through a clear, high-output speaker, allowing customers to feel confident voicing their concerns when they need help. Users can also answer regular phone calls with this system.

Meanwhile, the Bay Alarm Medical on-the-go devices provide users with access to emergency calls wherever they are within the U.S. The company offers both a GPS help button and an SOS smartwatch. The help button uses pinpoint location accuracy, caregiver tracking, and automatic fall detection, while the SOS smartwatch offers a sleek, attractive alternative with similar functionality.

Users looking for both in-home and mobile compatibility can take advantage of the Bay Alarm Medical bundle packages. Having access to both types of devices ensures more 24/7 protection no matter where customers are within the US. They can charge their mobile devices while at home and still have access to emergency assistance through their in-home systems.

Things We Like Most About Bay Alarm Medical

Bay Alarm Medical strives to make its systems as convenient and helpful for customers as possible. For example, the company’s at-home device is movable so that customers can plug it into their vacation residences or any other home in which they happen to be staying with in the country.

Additionally, Bay Alarm Medical offers several accessory products to maximize its customers’ protection. Customers can purchase a Bay Alarm lockbox, a fall-detection device, and optional wall buttons to place throughout their home. They can also add a “Vial of Life” medical information sheet to their subscription for free.

Bay Alarm Medical offers free shipping and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Customers can try out their subscriptions within this time and receive a full refund if they are not satisfied or would prefer a different medical device.

Monitoring Center

When customers call for help using Bay Alarm Medical devices, they connect to a U.S.-based response center that is available 24/7. Bay Alarm works with two monitoring centers—one in Utah and the other in Idaho—to ensure that if one center goes offline, customers are still able to receive the help they need.

Overall, Bay Alarm Medical is a high-quality medical alert service with copious positive reviews to back up its claims. If you’re searching for a customer-favorite alert company, Bay Alarm is an excellent choice to consider.

Click Here to Learn More About Bay Alarm Medical

#4 Medical Care Alert: Best for Rural Areas

Medical Care Alert is a medical alert service based out of Michigan. The company has received an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, the Super Service Award from Angie’s List readers, and several other impressive awards signifying its quality and reliability.

Device Options

Medical Care Alert offers three types of systems, including home systems with landline or cellular connection and a Home & Away mobile device. Both of the home systems allow users to contact help by pressing a large “HELP” button on the base station or through a shower-safe mobile button. The portable button works within a 1,000-foot range of the base station.

Meanwhile, the company’s Home & Away system acts as a miniature cellphone that contacts the help center when users press a button. This system uses GPS technology to locate its users and features a three-day battery life per charge.

Purchasing the Home & Away subscription gives users access to the free RemoteCare 24/7 app. This app includes a feature through which users can locate their mobile devices if they ever misplace them. Customers can also use this location-tracking feature to give friends and family members access to their location 24/7.

Things We Like Most About Medical Care Alert

Medical Care Alert offers several unique features that set it apart from other medical alert companies. First, the company includes a free lockbox with every subscription. This box gives first responders access to a key to the customer’s home, allowing entry without breaking the door or window.

Medical Care Alert also locks in its prices for life. When customers purchase a system, they can rest assured that their pricing will never increase. This guarantee allows customers to incorporate their medical alert systems into their budgets more easily.

Additionally, the company offers an in-home free trial. This offer allows customers to try out their medical alert systems and return them for a full refund. Customers who are unsure of which system to purchase can take advantage of this offer to try these devices without the risk of wasting their money.

Monitoring Center

Medical Care Alert has one of the best monitoring centers of any medical alert company. In 2016, Caring.com recognized the company for having the best medical alert monitoring center of the year.

The company works with two U.S.-based monitoring centers, one in New York and one in California. All the company’s operators are EMT-certified and receive special training on how to work with seniors, giving them the expertise necessary to assist customers in the best way possible. Additionally, both centers have Spanish-speaking operators available on every shift.

When customers request assistance, Medical Care Alert automatically calls and sends text messages to their emergency contacts, a feature exclusive to the company.

Overall, Medical Care Alert is a reputable company with a reliable, professional monitoring center. If you are looking for a company with the best emergency response center available, you won’t go wrong choosing this service.

Click Here to Learn More About Medical Care Alert

#5 LifeFone: Best for Hearing-Impaired

LifeFone is a medical alert company that has been in business since 1976. Customers love LifeFone because of its generous system value, high-quality products, and positive reputation among consumers and professionals alike.

Device Options

LifeFone offers two in-home systems and two mobile devices. Customers who already have a landline can utilize the company's at-home landline system and save a bit of money compared to the cellular system. Both in-home systems offer a 1,300-foot service range from the base unit and a 32-hour backup battery in the case of a power outage.

The company’s At Home & On-The-Go system features a home base system, two waterproof pendants, and a GPS mobile device. The waterproof pendants include a service range of 600 feet from the base station, while the mobile device has an unlimited range.

Finally, the At-Home & On-The-Go, Voice In Pendant system includes a small, high-tech pendant device. This water-resistant device has a long-lasting battery life of up to 30 days and uses Verizon or AT&T cellular service.

Things We Like Most About LifeFone

LifeFone surpasses expectations to provide customers with helpful tools that they may benefit from. For example, the company offers daily check-in calls to make sure its subscribers are alert and doing well each day. It also provides medication reminders to help subscribers remember when to take their medications.

Additionally, LifeFone provides an activity assurance feature. When customers opt in to this feature, they must check in with the monitoring center each day by pressing a button on their base units. If they do not check in, an operator will reach out to them to make sure everything is OK.

All subscribers can also take advantage of free spouse protection with any basic plan. This feature extends coverage to an additional member of each customer’s household, allowing both spouses to feel protected wherever they are.

Further, customers can add automatic fall detection to any plan for a small additional fee. This feature detects any sudden downward movement that could indicate a customer has fallen. When the device detects a fall, it automatically alerts the emergency medical monitoring center.

Monitoring Center

LifeFone works with an accredited, U.S.-based monitoring center to provide emergency assistance to customers. Operators answer calls within 15 seconds, wasting no time getting users the help they need. Additionally, the company’s response center works with both English- and Spanish-speaking care agents to extend accessibility to a broader customer base.

The LifeFone response center is Five Diamond certified, UL certified, and FM approved.

Overall, LifeFone offers the medical alert technology customers can trust and the added features they need to feel confident in their protection. We recommend this company for customers looking for free spouse protection and reliable monitoring services.

Click Here to Learn More About LifeFone

#6 Aloe Care Health: Best for Remote Caregiving

Aloe Care Health is a home health care company based in New York City. The company strives to create technology that keeps older adults seamlessly connected to their caregivers. Unlike other companies on our list, Aloe Care incorporates care collaboration into its broader medical system offerings.

Device Options

Aloe Care offers four unique devices: Mobile Companion, Essentials, Essentials Plus, and Total Care.

First, Mobile Companion is a mobile system that uses 4G LTE cellular service. The device gives users access to a 24/7 emergency call center at the touch of a button and allows for two-way conversations with emergency response providers. It also includes an automatic fall-detection button at no additional cost.

Aloe Care’s three other devices also include an in-home base station. The Essentials system consists of a base station and one care button, while Essentials Plus features at-home and on-the-go coverage. Finally, the Total Care system includes comprehensive coverage and two additional motion sensors.

Things We Like Most About Aloe Care

Along with its medical alert systems, Aloe Care also offers an innovative app that keeps customers connected with their loved ones and caregivers.

The company’s Collaborative Care app tracks customers’ movements through activity monitoring and gives their caregivers alerts such as “Martha was up and moving recently.” These alerts give caregivers peace of mind when they cannot be with their loved ones physically.

Caregivers can also use this app to check in with their loved ones. The app includes a two-way check-in call feature in which Aloe Care delivers a call to a user’s device.

If an emergency occurs, caregivers can use this app to call Aloe Care’s emergency monitoring service. Medical responders provide updates within the app, keeping caregivers informed if they cannot come to the emergency location themselves.

In addition to these care-collaboration features, Aloe Care also offers a few additional measures to help customers even more. Automatic fall-detection and motion-detection features provide alerts when they detect any suspicious activity that may indicate a customer needs help. The company’s help buttons are also voice-activated, improving their accessibility during an emergency.

Monitoring Center

Aloe Care customers can request help by pressing a button or delivering a voice command. In response, the company connects them with a 24/7 emergency call center. This response center has received Five Diamond Monitoring Center certification from The Monitoring Association, allowing customers to feel confident in its professionalism and responsiveness.

Overall, Aloe Care provides impressive medical alert devices and bonus features to help customers stay connected to caregivers. If you are looking for a system that can keep you connected to family members and give them some peace of mind, we highly recommend Aloe Care.

Click Here to Learn More About Aloe Care

#7 QMedic: Best for High-Risk Patients

QMedic is no ordinary medical alert company. This brand offers specialized systems and emergency services designed for customers who have high fall-risk medical conditions, such as those who are blind, disabled, or aging. The company’s devices include added features to keep customers feeling more secure when alone and improve patient compliance.

Device Options

QMedic offers both an in-home cellular system and an outdoor mobile GPS unit. Customers can utilize a wristwatch or pendant mobile device with the in-home system, while the mobile GPS unit is compatible only with a neck pendant.

The company’s in-home base station provides two-way communication and extends its range to anywhere within the home. Instead of needing to remember to carry a button with them throughout their homes, customers can wear their buttons on a wristwatch that they never need to take off, since it doesn't need charging. 

Meanwhile, customers can take the mobile GPS tracking device with them anywhere within the U.S. This device has a 14-day battery life and is water-resistant in the shower and the rain.

QMedic designed its medical alert devices to be comfortable, easy to use, and trustworthy, maximizing their effectiveness for high-risk patients.

Things We Like Most About QMedic

Qmedic’s wristwatch monitoring device is ideal for customers who may have trouble remembering to wear other devices. This wristwatch is completely waterproof, preventing customers from needing to take it off to shower or swim. In addition, the wristband is comfortable and discreet, and customers never need to worry about charging a battery.

QMedic also offers compliance monitoring, which tracks whether customers are wearing their devices. A customer’s caregiver can also view an online dashboard that features activity monitoring, an overview of the customer’s sleep patterns, and other relevant data. When a customer’s device detects unusual activity, it automatically contacts the caregiver.

Additionally, QMedic does not charge any cancellation fees or hold customers to contracts when they subscribe. Customers can cancel their subscriptions at any time and receive a refund for any prepaid services.

Monitoring Center

QMedic works with a UL-listed response center that is available all day, every day. First responders come on the line within 30 seconds of when customers press their help buttons or request assistance. Further, the monitoring response center is in the U.S. and works with bilingual operators to ensure that customers can communicate their requests when they need to.

Overall, QMedic is a reliable, high-tech medical device company ideal for high fall-risk patients. If you are looking for a device with added benefits and compliance-monitoring features, QMedic could suit your needs well.

Click Here to Learn More About QMedic

#8 GetSafe: Best Voice-Activated System

GetSafe is a medical alert provider that takes a unique approach to alert systems. From the parent company Bay Alarm Medical, this provider specializes in creating convenient, hands-free devices that improve customers' access to help in a medical emergency.

Device Options

GetSafe has stayed away from the traditional concept of wearable medical alert buttons. The company believes that these buttons are often more hassle than they’re worth, and when customers forget to wear them or place them out of reach, they become unusable when they need it the most.

Instead, GetSafe offers a standalone medical alert device that provides convenient access to help buttons throughout customers’ homes. Every system includes several wall buttons that customers can place in high-risk locations, such as in the bathroom or at the bottom of the stairs.

GetSafe’s wall buttons offer three methods to call for assistance. Customers can either press a button on the device, pull a cord hanging from the device, or say, “Call 911, Call 911.” These actions connect users with the emergency monitoring provider, increasing customers’ access to help.

The company also offers wearable buttons for customers who prefer these device types. Each of the company’s wearables can include optional fall detection as an upgrade.

Things We Like Most About GetSafe

GetSafe designed its devices with customer convenience and satisfaction in mind. The company knows the stigma surrounding medical alert buttons and wanted to create a solution that helps customers feel more comfortable having access to personal emergency response when they need it.

The GetSafe medical alert system is sleek and attractive, allowing it to work with customers’ existing decor. Each system is also easy to install and works with a cellular connection rather than a landline.

GetSafe’s mobile systems feature high-quality speakers and ultra-sensitive microphones. These measures ensure that customers can clearly vocalize their requests when calling for help, limiting communication interference.

GetSafe also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Customers can try out the GetSafe system during this time and receive a full refund with no penalty.

Monitoring Center

The GetSafe medical alert system connects customers to a U.S.-based 24/7 monitoring center. The company separates its customer support team from its monitoring center to ensure that those who need emergency help receive the fastest response.

Overall, GetSafe is a modern, resourceful company that has crafted a unique in-home medical alert system. If you appreciate GetSafe’s innovative approach to home monitoring and prefer not to wear a button, you may benefit the most from purchasing this company’s personal emergency response system.

Click Here to Learn More About GetSafe

#9 Lively: Best Mobile App

Lively is a medical alert service that takes a modern approach to home medical alert systems. This company operates out of San Diego and has been providing medical alert services since 2005. Today, Lively offers high-tech designs and accessible devices with innovative features.

Device Options

Lively offers several medical alert systems and devices to appeal to customers’ specific lifestyles. The company’s mobile medical alert devices include Lively Mobile+ and Lively Wearable2.

The Lively Mobile+ is a small medical alert device that gives users access to emergency services with the touch of a button. Meanwhile, the Lively Wearable2 is a mobile device that resembles a smartwatch. Lively connects this device to emergency services through the Lively smartphone app.

Along with its mobile medical devices, Lively also sells two cellphones designed with aging adults in mind. The Lively Flip is a basic flip phone from the makers of Jitterbug. This phone features large, easy-to-press buttons and a designated help button that connects customers to the Lively monitoring team.

Additionally, the Lively Smart is a simple smartphone with a large, 6.2-inch screen. This phone features a high-quality camera and includes an urgent response button that is always present on the bottom of the screen.

Things We Like Most About Lively

One of Lively’s most innovative features is its accessible, user-friendly mobile app. This app, which is available for smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches, gives customers an additional way to seek help when they need it. Customers can press an Urgent Response button on the app to connect to a response agent if they forget their Lively mobile device.

Additionally, customers can utilize the Lively app to speak with a doctor or nurse about their health concerns. Be sure that your primary doctor is aware of the conversations had, if using this feature. The app’s Urgent Care feature may give customers an easy, convenient way to seek medical assistance without leaving their homes. Many customers use this feature to get prescriptions for common medications. Speak to your physician about this feature to see how it may be integrated with your current lifestyle.

Customers who already have an Apple watch can simply download the Lively app on their watch instead of purchasing a Lively mobile system.

Lively also advertises that its medical alert system is not only for emergencies. Users can also contact the Lively operators when they are locked out of their homes, when they are lost, or for any other reason they may need assistance.

Monitoring Center

Calling for help through Lively connects customers to the company’s reliable response agents. All of Lively’s agents have received certification from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch, giving them extensive knowledge in emergency response.

When a customer calls for help, their agent can stay on the line until the issue is resolved, providing excellent customer service and care.

Overall, Lively is a comprehensive medical alert provider that offers unique services compared to other companies. If you’re looking for a more modern approach to home medical alert systems, we recommend Lively.

Click Here to Learn More About Lively

#10 Philips Lifeline: Best Customer Service

Philips Lifeline is a trusted name in medical alert systems. This company was the first to provide medical alert service in the U.S. and has the largest subscriber base of any medical alert organization. Customers nationwide rely on Philips Lifeline to provide timely assistance and excellent customer service whenever they need help.

Device Options

Philips Lifeline offers three medical alert systems: GoSafe2, HomeSafe Standard, and HomeSafe with AutoAlert. GoSafe2 is a mobile medical alert system featuring advanced locating technology, automatic fall detection, and two-way communication in a comfortable pendant. The device has a two-to-three-day battery life, and customers can charge it while they are wearing it.

Meanwhile, the HomeSafe Standard system is an in-home medical alert system that uses either a landline or cellular connection to contact emergency services. This system comes with a waterproof help button that has long-lasting battery life. Philips Lifeline will even replace the button for free before its battery wears out.

HomeSafe with AutoAlert is an in-home system that features automatic fall-detection technology. If a customer falls and cannot press their help button, this technology automatically sends an alert to the Philips Lifeline response center.

Things We Like Most About Philips Lifeline

Philips Lifeline customers can take advantage of the company’s Philips Cares platform. This platform, which is available online or through a mobile app, keeps customers connected with family and friends through a custom “care circle.” Anyone within a customer’s care circle can receive notifications about their activity, share notes about their health, and view their device status through this platform.

The Philips Lifeline mobile medical alert systems utilize several technologies to pinpoint customers’ locations when they call for help. These systems use GPS location tracking, WiFi networking technology, and intelligent location-history tracking. Each of these methods helps responders locate customers during a medical emergency.

Additionally, responders can activate an audio beacon on customers’ pendants when they call for help. This feature creates a loud sound that helps responders locate customers during an emergency.

Customers can also rest assured that the Philips Lifeline customer service team is friendly, patient, and helpful. The team is available through a phone call or email and responds quickly to any customers’ questions or concerns.

Monitoring Center

When customers call for help through Philips Lifeline, they connect to trained care specialists who are knowledgeable about emergency response. The company’s response center is available 24/7 and supports multiple languages. Even better, care specialists answer calls within an average of 12 seconds, one of the fastest response times in the industry.

Care specialists also go through 80 hours of intensive training before becoming a part of the response center team. Customers can trust these operators to handle their emergencies with expertise and urgency to provide the best assistance possible.

Overall, Philips Lifeline is a trusted, reputable brand with excellent customer service. If you’re looking for a company  to provide the best service when you need it most, Philips Lifeline is a worthy choice to consider.

Click Here to Learn More About Philips Lifeline

What Is a Medical Alert System?

A medical alert system is a device that gives users access to fast, convenient emergency assistance when they need it. These systems allow users to press a button and almost immediately connect to a monitoring response center. The response center then addresses the situation and sends assistance to the customer.

Some medical alert systems include added features and technology that optimize their protection. Many feature an automatic fall-detection option that sends a signal to the response center when a customer falls, while others provide optional fall detection. Some also include a PIN-protected lockbox that gives emergency responders access to a key to a customer’s home.

Finally, many of the best medical alert systems have begun including collaborative-care technology through an app or online platform. These platforms allow a customer’s caregivers, family members, and neighbors to stay connected about their health, check in on them virtually, and receive alerts when an incident occurs.

The best medical alert systems are ideal for individuals at risk of falling or who may have medical conditions that might require immediate medical attention. Many older adults use these systems as an alternative to hiring an in-home care provider or transitioning to an assisted-living facility. Speak to your physician about medical device options to see what could work best for your lifestyle.

How Do Medical Alert Systems Work?

There are two primary types of medical alert systems: in-home systems and mobile systems. Most in-home systems include a base unit that users plug into an outlet in their homes and a small wearable device that communicates with the base unit. The base unit uses the customer’s landline or a cellular network to connect to the company’s response center.

Users can press a button on their wearable devices when they need assistance, such as after a fall or during a medical emergency, when they can’t reach the phone to dial 911. The device then sends a signal to the base unit, automatically contacting the alert provider’s response center.

Once the unit contacts the response center, an operator reaches out to the customer through two-way communication on the mobile device. They address the situation and send relevant assistance to the customer’s family member, a neighbor, or an ambulance. The operator typically stays on the line until help arrives.

Mobile systems utilize similar processes, except that they act more as standalone medical alert devices. They contain the communication mechanisms within the small mobile unit, allowing customers to contact help from anywhere they have a cell signal in the U.S.. These devices also use mobile GPS location tracking to pinpoint customers’ locations when they call for help. And many of them include movement technology to provide built-in or optional fall detection.

Things To Consider When Choosing the Top Medical Alert System

You can find dozens of medical alert systems across the market, each with varying features and price points. With so many options, identifying the right medical alert system for your needs can feel overwhelming.

If you’re unsure which medical alert system is right for you, consider each of these factors to narrow down your options.

Home-Based or Mobile System?

Before you begin searching for a medical alert system, you should decide whether you need an in-home system or a mobile system.

In-home systems are suitable for individuals who spend most of their time at home or do not leave their homes without a caregiver or family member. These systems tend to be more affordable than mobile ones because their features are more limited.

Meanwhile, mobile GPS systems are better for individuals who spend time outside of their homes and tend to go out by themselves. While these systems cost more than in-home ones, they provide more comprehensive geographic coverage.

To make your medical alert system the most effective, you will want to be sure that you have access to your help button wherever you are. Consider your typical habits before deciding which type of system to purchase.

U.S.-Based Monitoring Center

The best medical alert systems for U.S.-based customers are ones that utilize U.S.-based response centers.

Connecting to a response center within the U.S. ensures that customers will have a clear connection and can speak with fluent English operators. U.S.-based centers also prevent customers from paying additional fees associated with transferring their calls overseas.

Be sure to look for companies that connect customers to a U.S.-based response center to narrow your choices.

In-Home Range of Equipment

If you are planning to purchase an in-home system, you will want to be sure that its range is wide enough to encompass your entire property. Most in-home medical alert systems put out a landline or cellular signal from their base stations, allowing customers to connect to their systems within that range.

A medical alert system’s range can vary from 600 feet to 1,500 feet. Consider the size of your home and the radius you would like the system’s range to encompass before purchasing an in-home system.

Battery Life

Mobile medical alert systems typically run on a rechargeable battery. Some systems have a battery life of up to five days, while others can go months without needing a recharge. Consider how often you will want to recharge your mobile alert system, then search for a system with a battery life that meets your needs.

Additionally, the top in-home systems also include a backup battery that customers can rely on during a power outage. If your home experiences frequent power outages, you may want to look for an in-home system with reliable backup battery.

Monthly Monitoring Fee

Typically, medical alert companies charge monthly fees for their services. Some companies also charge an upfront installation fee or initial purchase cost in addition to their monthly fees. However, monthly fees encompass the majority of the cost of operating a medical alert system. Some services provide optional add-ons, such as automatic fall detection, as well.

Landline-based medical alert systems tend to be the most affordable, while high-tech alert smartwatches are often the most expensive. Consider how much you are willing to spend on a medical alert system, including the monthly cost and any upfront costs, then search for an option that suits your budget.

Customer Reviews

If you’re ever unsure of which product to buy from a list of options, reading customer reviews is an effective way to narrow down your choices.

Customer reviews provide additional information about medical alert systems outside of what you would find on a company’s website. They also give you first-hand insight into the system’s actual effectiveness for real-life customers.

While even the best systems have some negative reviews, you can typically assume a system’s quality by its ratio of positive to negative reviews. If you are interested in a system with an overwhelming number of negative reviews, you may want to move on to another option.

Ease of Setup

Most medical alert providers require customers to set up their systems themselves. However, some systems are easier to set up than others and come with detailed instructional videos to walk users through the setup process.

Looking for a system that is easy to set up can ease your process of transitioning the system into your lifestyle. The top medical alert systems require only that you plug them into an outlet and turn them on with a power switch.

Comfort and Wearability

If you plan to use a mobile wearable device, be sure to look for one that is comfortable and will easily fit into your lifestyle. Wearing buttons in the form of watches and pendants is often more comfortable than carrying a small alert button in your pocket. But if you already wear a watch, you may not be able to incorporate a second watch-like device into your lifestyle.

For medical alert devices to be the most effective, you have to keep them within reach at all times. Consider what type of device will be the most comfortable and wearable for you before purchasing a system. Some brands offer devices that are waterproof or water-resistant so that you may be able to wear them in the shower or the pool, as well.

Additional Features to Consider in a Good Medical Alert System

Many of the most reliable medical alert systems include additional features to maximize customers’ protection and safety. If you’re looking for more than just a basic alert system, consider how purchasing a system with these features could benefit your lifestyle.

Automatic Fall Detection

Automatic fall detection is an innovative feature that many medical alert providers include in their systems. Pendants that utilize automatic fall-detection technology use sensors and software to track users’ movements. When these pendants detect sudden movement resembling a fall, they automatically alert the emergency response center.

While fall detection can be beneficial and even lifesaving, it also results in many false alarms. A system with automatic fall detection could detect what seems like a fall when the user drops their pendant, sits down on the couch, or crouches down. If you are opposed to false alarms, you may want to opt out of this feature.

GPS Location Tracking

When individuals call 911 from a cellphone, dispatchers often have difficulty tracking the caller’s location. While a dispatcher can detect your general vicinity through your cellular network signal tower, identifying your exact location takes time, delaying the help you may desperately need.

However, the best medical alert systems use GPS tracking technology to pinpoint customers’ precise whereabouts. This technology is essential for times when you cannot dictate your location to an operator or are unsure how to describe your location.

Water Resistance

You never know when you may need to call for help. Being able to keep your mobile device or pendant with you at all times is essential to ensuring that you have access to assistance when you need it. As a result, looking for devices that are water-resistant is crucial because you can wear these devices in the shower, in the rain, while washing dishes, and while swimming. Water-resistant and waterproof are not the same, you may want to look into the differences when considering your device.

Caregiver Tracking

If you have family members, friends, or designated caregivers who like to check in on you regularly, you may want to consider a medical alert system with caregiver tracking. These systems allow a customer’s care circle to view their activity through an app. Your loved ones can use this tracking technology to check in with you, when they cannot be with you.

Medication Reminders

If you take several medications each day, looking for a medical alert system that includes medication reminders may be beneficial. However, keep in mind that you can also receive medication reminders through free mobile apps in your smartphone's app store. Talk to your physician to see if this feature will be beneficial for you. 

Wall-Mounted Buttons

If you think you may struggle to keep your medical alert device with you at all times, you may want to opt for an in-home system that uses wall-mounted buttons.

GetSafe, for example, encourages customers to place several wall buttons in dangerous locations throughout their homes, such as in the bathroom or at the bottom of the stairs. These buttons give users access to assistance without needing to carry a device with them.

Two-Way Voice Communication

Two-way voice communication is one of the most important elements to look for in a medical alert system. When you press a button for assistance on your medical alert device, you want to be able to communicate with the operator to explain the situation.

Without two-way communication, the operator may assume that you need emergency assistance when you actually just need help from a family member or neighbor.

Cellular vs. Landline Medical Alert Systems

Most medical alert providers offer in-home systems that use cellular service or ones that use the home’s landline system. If your home has a landline, you may be able to save money by purchasing a landline medical alert system. If not, you will need a cellular medical alert system.

These two system types typically have the same features and specifications—they just operate through different methods.

Should I Get an In-Home System or Mobile Device?

Many customers have trouble deciding whether they need in-home or mobile personal emergency response systems. However, the best way to discern the best medical alert system for your needs is to consider your typical daily habits. Ask yourself questions such as:

• Do I ever leave the house by myself?
• Am I at risk of a medical emergency outside of my home?
• Is my property too large for the service range of a typical in-home system?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might want to consider a mobile system. If you answered no to all of them, an in-home system would probably suit your needs.

However, if you cannot decide between an in-home or mobile system, purchasing a comprehensive package that includes both of these types may be your best option.

How Much Does a Medical Alert System Cost?

Several variables affect a medical alert system's overall cost. These primary cost factors include:

• One-time costs: Some companies charge one-time costs at the beginning of your subscription to pay for your equipment and any activation processes.
• Monthly cost: Most companies charge a monthly fee that gives you 24/7 access to their monitoring centers.
• Upgrades: Some companies allow you to add additional features, such as automatic fall detection, for an extra monthly charge.
• Hidden fees: Some companies incorporate hidden fees into your bill that you may not realize until you make your first monthly payment.

You can find personal emergency response systems across a variety of price ranges, with fees anywhere from $20 to $100 per month. Establishing a budget and looking for systems in your desired price range can help you narrow down your options. However, be sure to factor in all these variables before determining a system’s final price.

If price is a significant consideration for you, you may want to look for a system that offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Several of the systems on our list provide such guarantees, allowing customers to return their systems for a full refund within 30 days of their initial purchases.

Types of Medical Alert Devices

Medical alert companies typically offer several types of alert devices to suit each customer’s needs and lifestyle. The four most common device types include base stations, bracelets, necklaces, and smartwatches.

Base Station

Almost every in-home medical alert system comes with a base station, which provides either a landline or cellular signal to the customer’s wearable device. Base stations typically plug into a traditional wall outlet and provide a signal within a specified radius, such as 600 feet.

Bracelets

Some companies offer wearable devices in the form of bracelets. These devices are often more convenient and comfortable for customers than simply carrying around a help button in their pockets. A few companies have even begun offering stylish bracelet options with jewels and other attractive features, making their devices resemble actual jewelry.

Necklaces

When you think of “life alert” devices, you probably picture a lanyard or cord necklace with a help button pendant. However, some companies have upgraded this design to create more stylish, attractive necklace options. A few have even begun offering gemstones that hide the appearance of the help button, allowing customers to incorporate their devices into their outfits.

Smartwatches

The most high-tech alert devices are ones that resemble smartwatches. These devices typically have a touchscreen and include other features such as heart rate monitoring, step tracking, and medication alerts. Customers looking for a sleek alternative to a traditional help button may want to consider a smartwatch from Medical Guardian or Lively.

Who Should Consider a Life Alert System?

Anyone who would appreciate the protection and security of having access to assistance at their fingertips can benefit from a medical alert system. However, many companies design their systems with the following customers in mind:

• Independent seniors: Seniors who live on their own or follow an independent lifestyle
• Seniors wishing to age in place: Seniors who are not ready to transition to a nursing home but need extra measures in place
• Seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s: Seniors who are prone to getting lost or forgetting to take medications
• Individuals with high-risk medical conditions: Individuals who are at risk of needing medical attention because of existing medical conditions

Many people view home medical alert systems as solutions for seniors, not any other population. While these systems can provide many benefits for seniors who are at a higher risk of falling or needing medical attention, they may also benefit anyone who may occasionally require immediate assistance.

Does AARP Recommend Medical Alert Devices For Seniors?

The AARP recognizes how beneficial these systems can be in assisting seniors during emergencies and providing faster, more reliable responses than cell phones or landlines alone.

To demonstrate their recognition of AARP members, many manufacturers provide them discounts. The AARP partners with Philips Lifeline to offer discounts, and other companies may also offer AARP discounts if you ask their sales representatives.

If you are an AARP member, consider looking through the organization's alert system discounts before purchasing a system. If you are not a member, you may want to become one to take advantage of these deals.

Will Medicare or Insurance Cover Your Medical Alert System?

Basic Medicare plans do not cover medical alert systems. However, some Medicare Advantage plans may cover some of the costs associated with these systems. Be sure to check with your insurance provider.

Additionally, few private insurance plans cover medical alert systems. Insurance companies do not view medical alert systems as medical necessities, preventing them from covering these systems on a customer’s plan.

However, it’s always best to check with your own insurance company to determine whether your plan provides coverage for these systems. Some insurers do offer discounts or referrals that may reduce your purchase price or monthly cost.

Final Thoughts on Medical Alert Systems

Medical alert systems can be highly beneficial for a broad customer base. Whether you are a senior looking to age in place, a person with chronic health conditions, or simply someone who would benefit from the peace of mind and added protection these systems bring, a medical alert system might be your best purchase this year.

Narrowing down your options to one system can be overwhelming, but in reality, all 10 of the systems on our list are high-quality, trustworthy, and protective. You can’t go wrong choosing any of these medical alert systems to help protect you inside and outside your home.

However, the one mistake you may make when purchasing these systems is waiting until you have a medical emergency to take the plunge and buy a medical alert device.

In the best-case scenario, you won’t ever need to utilize your help button. But in the worst-case scenario, you will need access to emergency assistance by yourself and may not have a phone nearby or have a system to help you.

Consider purchasing one of the reliable medical alert systems on our list today to begin experiencing the peace of mind and protection these systems may offer for you or for a family member. Your future self may thank you!