Life Alert Reviews
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About Life Alert
Life Alert was founded in 1987, making it one of the first personal emergency response companies in the United States. The company’s systems have a base hub and a help button that can be worn around the neck on a pendant or on the wristband, and the company advertises that its pendants have a 10-year battery life and do not require charging. Monitoring centers are UL-certified and have the Five Diamond designation from The Monitoring Association (TMA).
Pros & Cons
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Pendants do not require regular charging
- Waterproof equipment
- Upfront fees range between $50 and $200
- Requires three-year contract
- Not ideal for online shoppers
Featured Reviews
… I like to wear it when I am driving because it will pick up in the instance of a car accident. The agency calls you through the device, and if there is no answer then they send ...
Read full review… I lost my balance and fell down. I didn’t do any injury to any parts of my body but I had to push the button for Life Alert to get me some help. They were able to contact one of...
Read full reviewLife Alert devices
Life Alert
Life Alert Base unit
Pricing varies as of publishing date
Includes 24/7 monitoring. Backup battery lasts 72 hours. Works on cellular or landline connections.
Life Alert
Life Alert Emergency pendant
Pricing varies as of publishing date
Pendants are fully waterproof and last for 10 years. Works within 1,000 feet of the base unit.
Life Alert
Life Alert Help button
Pricing varies as of publishing date
Waterproof wireless button that connects to the monitoring center. Batteries last up to 10 years.
How Life Alert works
Life Alert offers a medical alert system you can wear as a pendant or bracelet. It connects you to a monitoring center with trained professionals who can help in an emergency.
The pendant has a range of up to 1,000 feet from the base unit, and microphones can amplify up to 150 feet away.
Here's how it works: When you press the button on your Life Alert device, it's like sending up a flare to let the monitoring center know you need help. The button is designed to be easy to use, even if you have mobility challenges or difficulty with your hands.
When pressed, the pendant transmits a signal to the base unit, notifying the monitoring center. Once connected to the monitoring center, you can speak to an operator through the device. Tell the operator what you need, and they'll dispatch help. If there's no response, Life Alert automatically contacts the proper authorities.
Life Alert costs
Expect to pay around $200 upfront to get started. Life Alert’s cost typically ranges between $50 and $100 per month for service. Contact terms are for 36 months, making the total payment between around $2,000 and $3,600. For the most accurate Life Alert pricing information, it’s best to contact the company directly.
How does Life Alert compare?
Compare Life Alert costs and services with similarly rated medical alert companies.
Companies | Monitoring fees | Equipment cost | Activation fee | Fall detection | Trial period |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Life Alert | $49.95 to $69 per month | $0 | $198 | No | No |
Medical Guardian | $29.95-$44.95 | $0-$199.95 | $0 | Yes | No |
Medical Alert | $29.95-$47.95 | $0 | $99.95 | Available | 30 days |
ADT Medical Alert | $31.99-$41.99 | $0 (excludes add-ons) | $99 | Not available with Medical Alert Basic | No |
Lifeline | $29.95 to $58.95 per month | $0 | $79 to $99 | Yes | No |
Life Alert FAQ
Does Life Alert require a landline?
Life Alert can run on a landline or cellular connection.
Does Life Alert have GPS?
Yes, Life Alert offers systems with built-in GPS.
How much does Life Alert cost per year?
Depending on the services you choose, Life Alert costs around $600 to $1,200 per year.
Is Life Alert covered by Medicare?
Life Alert systems usually aren’t covered by Medicare. However, some Medicare Advantage plans might cover some of the cost of Life Alert for seniors — it depends on your provider. You might also qualify for medical alert coverage under your long-term care insurance plan.
What are the alternatives to Life Alert?
For some great Life Alert alternatives, check out our guide to finding the best medical alert companies:
- Our pick for fall detection: ADT Medical Alert
- Our pick for GPS capabilities: Medical Guardian
- Our pick for equipment options: LifeStation
- Our pick for low starting costs: MobileHelp
- Our pick for caregiver tools: Medical Alert
- Our pick for helpful tech support: Bay Alarm Medical
Is Life Alert worth it?
Life Alert offers a valuable service. Most Life Alert reviews on our site are generally positive, highlighting the company’s reliable service and quick response time, though some say it’s difficult to cancel.
While the price is higher than the average cost of a medical alert system, the company has a long reputation for quality service. You can find cheaper systems with more advanced features, like longer in-home ranges and fall detection, but many people might prefer Life Alert's streamlined feature set and easy-to-understand operation.
Life Alert Reviews
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- 4,530,931 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
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- We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
- Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
Life Alert Company Information
- Company Name:
- Life Alert Emergency Response, Inc.
- Website:
- www.lifealert.com