Best Medical Alerts Systems 2018

Choosing the Right Medical Alert System

These are the top medical alert systems on the market today. Read on for in-depth details on features, plans, and pricing.  

Medical Guardian

• No setup, activation, or equipment fees
• 24/7 emergency support 
• Monthly system auto tests
• 10-day free trial

Medical Guardian is a strong name in the medical alert device industry. It offers quality devices, fast response time, and competitive pricing, making it one of the best options for medical alert buttons and watches. For as low as $29.95 per month, you can have the peace of mind that someone is always watching out for you or your loved ones. You can also opt for the annual plan for $329.45 and get a month free. Medical Guardian charges no setup, activation, equipment, early cancellation fees, offers a 10% AARP discount when signing up for the yearly plan, and frequently runs promotional sales that cut the price down even more.

The nationwide monitoring center boasts the fastest response time in the industry, and it’s 100% based in the US—so you won’t have any trouble with language barriers. 

Medical Guardian devices include temperature monitoring, fall detection and great on-the-go mobile GPS options, making them a great choice for seniors wanting to live alone, independently.  The equipment is state-of-the-art with battery life of 3-5 years and a low battery indicator to ensure you are always protected. Plus, the monitors have a 32-hour battery backup in case of power outages. All Medical Guardian buttons and watches are waterproof, so customers can wear them in the shower as well, and monitors can be used with cellular or landline phones.

Another impressive aspect of Medical Guardian is the system tests that are run each month. The tests check that your system is in proper working order and connected to the monitoring center. The best part is that these tests are run automatically, so you don’t have to remember or do anything yourself. 

Read the full review 

Medical Alert

• 24/7/365 helpline
• GPS tracking system
• First month free
• Free second button

Medical Alert has alert systems for people who are at home or on the go, allowing them to move about freely without fear of getting stuck alone and without someone to help if needed. These smart technology devices are available in watch or pendant form, and they’re lightweight and designed for easy carrying.

Medical Alert systems are affordable to anyone, starting at just $19.95 a month, plus a free month to start things off right. You'll also get free shipping for your button and a second button for free. There are no activation or equipment fees, and you don't have to commit to long contracts with Medical Alert.

Buttons are all waterproof and equipped with GPS technology, so you can track the wearer’s location at all times. What’s even more comforting is the fall detection feature. While it’s helpful to know you can get assistance whenever you want with just the push of a button, what about all of those times when you can't even press your pendant? The fall detection feature alerts the help center when the wearer has fallen and can’t reach the button to press for help.

Read the full review 

MobileHelp

• Automatic fall detection
• Activity tracking
• Medication reminders
• Vital signs monitoring

MobileHelp takes medical alert monitoring to a new level with the most advanced equipment and features available today. Users have access to 24/7 medical support, so they’re always just the press of a button away from help in case of an emergency. In-home systems have a range of 600 ft from the base station, but you can opt for a cellular model that goes with you wherever you go. There are no long-term contracts to be concerned about, and all MobileHelp plans are moderately priced.

MobileHelp systems let you set up daily medication reminders, so the wearer never skips a medication because they forgot. With seniors and those with memory problems, this is one of the most important features and one that you won’t find with many other medical alert systems (even the top brands). You can also set up mobile connection alerts so that when your MobileHelp system is pressed, an email or text message notification is automatically sent out to a family member or caregiver. Another important feature is the vital signs monitoring. MobileHelp systems monitor signs like blood pressure, weight, blood oxygen saturation levels, and more.

Read the full review 

What’s a Medical Alert System?

A medical alert system is a device set up in your home with or without a mobile component, which can call for assistance in the event of a health emergency. Typically, this is at the very least a base station for the home, which is plugged into the wall, and/or a pendant button worn around the neck or a wristwatch. 

During a medical emergency, the wearer of this device can press a button and summon emergency help. They can also be paired with a mobile device, which the user can carry with them, in order to have emergency coverage even when out of the house.

Medical alert systems typically are associated with seniors who have mobility and health problems, but they are also used by people far younger who have medical issues which may require unexpected, immediate assistance.

 In-Home vs Mobile Devices

Just about every medical alert system has an in-home station so that the user can be covered when they’re at home, but the limited mobility this provides isn’t right for everyone. With a mobile device, you are covered even outside of the house, typically by way of a pendant or a wristwatch. 

The mobile devices are linked with a cellular company and use GPS and cellular technology to allow the user to travel freely and still be able to call for assistance if needed. These can make a huge difference in quality of life for people who otherwise would feel compelled to stay close to home so that they can be sure to call for assistance. 

Who Needs a Medical Alert Device?

The stigma around medical alert devices has changed. The devices are no longer big and bulky—and just another thing for the elderly to be nervous about. The devices are small and easier to use than ever.

Medical alert systems are ideal for anyone living alone, with heightened medical needs, or anxiety about getting help when they need it. They can also be a fantastic solution for the active aging, who are still living a busy and active lifestyle but understand that they are not as young as they used to be. Medical Alerts for seniors often come with fall detection technology, which means help can be sent in the case of an emergency without even pressing a button, both in and out the home. If you’re buying for a parent, look out for useful options like free spousal coverage, allowing you the peace of mind to know that both your parents have help when they need it.

What Should I Look for When Buying a Medical Alert Device?

The basics of the devices are the same whichever company you choose. Press the button on your medical alert necklace or on the medical alert system, and you will be on the line with a professional in under a minute. But similarities tend to end there. One good example is monitoring. Some companies simply have a 24/7 call center that can dispatch emergency services or call loved ones in the case of an emergency. Others have powerful automatic monitoring of fire/smoke or carbon monoxide.

Intruder alerts or the ability to speak to and get help from board certified doctors are niche features you might be interested in, too. If you have a large home, check that the range suits your needs. This can vary from 400 feet to 1,500 feet, with unlimited range across the United States for mobile solutions. This is especially helpful if you want to choose a medical alert system which allows you to pick up regular phone calls from the medical alert necklace or wristband itself.

While historically many medical alert devices relied on a landline to get up and running, this is no longer a necessity. Both cellular at home options, as well as completely wireless mobile medical alert devices are now popular.

With all of these options and more, it can be difficult to find the right choice for you or your loved ones. So we’ve made it easy for you. Our comprehensive reviews and articles tell you everything you need to know about medical alert systems, helping you find exactly what you’re looking for. Get started now.

What Type of Customer Service Should I Expect?

Any medical alert company worth its salt is going to provide you with reliable customer service that is helpful and can be reached at very flexible hours. Obviously, the emergency response service should be 24/7 regardless, but when it comes to customer service, these representatives tend to be opened during traditional work hours. 

See if the company operates a toll-free helpline, but also a live chat service on their website. The company should also have an online form and/or an email that you can write to for assistance. 

Most companies also include lengthy knowledge bases and FAQ sections that can answer most questions as well. 

You should also read customer reviews that say something about the service reputation of the product, and also, see if the company charges extra for service issues such as repairs or installation, which arguably should be included in the cost. 

How Much Should a Medical Alert Device Cost Me?

Medical alerts are an affordable option if you’re on a fixed budget - but make sure before you make your purchase that you’re not buying a system that includes any features you don’t need.

Prices for the top medical alert companies can be on a monthly, 3-month, annual, or semi-annual basis. Typically these can range in price from as little as around $20 per month to as much as $80 depending on what your plan includes. You should also read the fine print to see if the package also includes shipping or any initial installation fees. 

The main considerations that can affect price include whether or not you want just a stable, home device, or one that also has mobile coverage and includes alert devices you can take with you. Other extras such as a fall detector, medical reminders, and the like, can also increase the price. 

Whatever you pay, you’ll want to ensure first that the company guarantees 24/7 emergency assistance and that you will receive coverage in your location.