Life Alert Emergency Response Reviews
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About Life Alert Emergency Response Reviews
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
Pros
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Pendants do not require regular charging
- Waterproof equipment
Cons
- Upfront fees range between $50 and $200
- Requires three-year contract
- Not ideal for online shoppers
Bottom Line
Life Alert offers reliable 24/7 service and offers low-maintenance devices that do not require regular charging. The company has good response times, but you have to sign a 36-month contract and pay more than $200 to get started. Equipment options are somewhat limited, but devices have a 10-year battery life.
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 Emergency Response
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 Emergency Response
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 Emergency Response
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.
| Life Alert Emergency Response |  Medical Guardian |  Medical Alert |  ADT Medical Alert |  Lifeline | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monitoring fees | $49.95 to $69 per month | $29.95 to $44.95 per month | $19.95-$47.95 | $29.99 to $39.99 per month | $29.95 to $58.95 per month |
| Equipment cost | $0 | $0 to $199.95 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Activation fee | $198 | $0 | $79 | $0 | $79 to $99 |
| Fall detection | No | Yes | Available | Yes | Yes |
| Trial period | No | No | 30 days | No | No |
| Read Reviews | Read Reviews | Read Reviews | Read Reviews | Read Reviews |
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 Emergency Response Reviews
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Reviewed May 2, 2023
Life Alert was right there. I was unable to talk so my nephew was here and did the talking for me. I was having a very hard time trying to breath. Everything was happening so fast. Emergency units were coming up the walk and next thing I was in the emergency room. Finally found out that I had the start of pneumonia. We caught it early, and I made a fast recovery.
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Reviewed May 1, 2023
One night I fell asleep on the couch while watching Television. My Bichon Frise (Joey) was curled up beside me. I didn’t realize that when he moved, he stepped on my Life Alert button on my wrist. I didn’t hear the voice from the central control as I was in a deep sleep. Help arrived from the fire department- two efficient men who were caring and understanding. My people (son and cousin) were notified immediately. I am really satisfied that I have Life Alert. I feel safe, especially since I have multiple health concerns.
Reviewed May 1, 2023
One night I fell asleep on the couch while watching Television. My Bichon Frise (Joey) was curled up beside me. I didn’t realize that when he moved, he stepped on my Life Alert button on my wrist. I didn’t hear the voice from the central control as I was in a deep sleep. Help arrived from the fire department- two efficient men who were caring and understanding. My people (son and cousin) were notified immediately. I am really satisfied that I have Life Alert. I feel safe, especially since I have multiple health concerns.
Reviewed April 24, 2023
I have felt safe wearing my lifeline PERS emergency response system. My device has a GPS tracker in it and so no matter where I travel to my location is picked up on the nearest AT&T tower. It also works well around the house. 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 police, and fire emergency response right away to your location which is detected by the GPS device. Also when there is a false alarm the responder is very polite, and simply re-sets your device. After a false alarm you can also simply reset it by pushing the button down for two seconds.
Reviewed Feb. 13, 2023
My LifeAlert device allows me to live in my own home. I know that help is available with a simple push on the device which I wear around my neck all day, everyday. It is placed within arm's reach by my bed at night, where it charges and I can press it if needed. My family and 2 neighbors would be alerted to my need for help should I press the button and help be necessary. The device is lightweight, I charge it every night. I feel secure should an emergency requiring help occur since I can signal a request for help. There is a phone number on the device that I can call if I have questions.
Reviewed July 31, 2023
Assist to a fall! wonderful, very prompt communication. Thank you Life Alert!
Reviewed July 31, 2023
Loved one fell, couldn’t get breathe - Life Alert got my loved one to the hospital right away.
Reviewed July 28, 2023
Life Alert staff are helpful and courteous. Great having your service, makes me secure. Very good service.
Reviewed July 28, 2023
“I fell and couldn’t get up” not a joke anymore! Thanks Life Alert!
Reviewed July 27, 2023
I have been having problems with serve itching. That night it started about 4 am and I was concerned that it would get worse and take me to death! Thanks for Life Alert, they came and took me to the ER. I survived!
Life Alert Emergency Response Company Information
- Company Name:
- Life Alert Emergency Response, Inc.
- Website:
- www.lifealert.com