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 wristband. Life Alert advertises that its pendants have a 10-year battery life and don't require charging. Monitoring centers are UL-certified and have the Five Diamond designation from The Monitoring Association.
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Pendants don't require regular charging
- Waterproof equipment
- Upfront fees range between $50 and $200
- Requires three-year contract
- Not ideal for online shoppers
Featured Reviews
Life Alert devices
Life Alert base unit
Pricing varies
Includes 24/7 monitoring. Backup battery lasts 72 hours. Works on cellular or landline connections.
Life Alert emergency pendant
Pricing varies
Pendants are fully waterproof and last for 10 years. Works within 1,000 feet of the base unit.
Life Alert help button
Pricing varies
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 help 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 $200 upfront to get started. One quote for Life Alert’s monthly service ranged between $50 and $100 — meaning a 36-month contract could total roughly $2,000 to $3,600. Pricing can vary, so it’s best to contact the company directly for the most current rates.
How does Life Alert compare?
Compare Life Alert costs and services with similarly rated medical alert companies.
| Company | Monitoring fees | Equipment cost | Activation fee | Fall detection | Trial period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Life Alert | Get Pricing | $49.95-$69 | $0 | $198 |  | |
 Medical Guardian | Get Pricing | $27.95 to $42.95 | $0 | $0 | $10 per month | |
 Medical Alert | Learn More | $27.95 to $47.95 | $0 | $99.95 to $159 programming fee | Available | No |
 ADT Medical Alert | Get Pricing | $31.99 to $41.99 | $0 (excludes add-ons) | $99 | $33 per quarter | |
 Lifeline | Learn More | $34.95 to $44.95 | $99.95 to $159 | $50 | $15 per month | |
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?
You’ll need to pay an activation fee of $198 to get started. A quote at the time of publication placed annual Life Alert costs between $2,000 and $3,600 per year for monitoring, with monthly costs ranging from $50 to $100.
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 top pick overall: Bay Alarm Medical
- Our pick for customer service: Life Alert
- Our pick for in-home safety: MobileHelp
- Our pick for on-the-go use: Medical Alert
- Our pick for a risk-free option: LifeStation
Is Life Alert worth it?
Yes, Life Alert offers a valuable service that most reviewers say is worth it. 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 set of features and easy-to-understand operation.
Life Alert Reviews
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- 4,879,673 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
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- We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
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Life Alert Company Information
- Company Name:
- Life Alert Emergency Response, Inc.
- Website:
- www.lifealert.com
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