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About Lifeline
Lifeline, formerly known as Philips Lifeline, offers medical alert systems with professional monitoring. The company was founded in 1974 and was acquired by Connect America in 2021. Currently, Lifeline specializes in wearable help buttons that can be worn as a wristband or pendant. Typical monitoring fees range from $29.95 to $58.95 per month.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Waterproof equipment
- Caregiver tools
- Fall detection available
- GPS capabilities
Cons
- Upfront fees
- Limited equipment options
- No free trial period
Bottom Line
Lifeline’s home and mobile systems come with standard safety and monitoring features. Its upfront costs are higher than some of its competitors offer, but the Lifeline Cares app makes it easy for families to get notifications about their loved ones.
Top Lifeline Reviews
… The reps at Lifeline are wonderful because we can call in if we need help. I recommend Lifeline to anyone who is disabled or who might be sick and in need of help. I have fallen...
Read full reviewThey have a highly reliable professional staff that is always there. However, if you buy just the cheap plan, which is what I have right now, you're gonna quickly find there are l...
Read full reviewLifeline medical alert systems
Lifeline
On-the-Go
$49.95 per month as of publishing date
All-in-one unit comes with GPS technologies, a charging cradle and a power cord. New customers pay a one-time $99.95 programming fee upfront.
Lifeline
HomeSafe with AutoAlert
$44.95 to $58.95 per month as of publishing date
System includes a two-way voice communication speaker and a pendant. Runs on landline or cellular connections. New users pay an upfront $79 programming fee.
Lifeline
HomeSafe Standard (Cellular)
$43.95 per month as of publishing date
System includes a two-way voice communication speaker and a help button wristband. New customers pay an upfront $79 programming fee.
Lifeline
HomeSafe Standard (Landline)
$29.95 per month as of publishing date
System includes a two-way voice communication speaker and a help button wristband. New customers pay an upfront $79 programming fee.
How does Lifeline work?
Lifeline’s medical alert systems can be used inside or away from home. In an emergency, simply press the help button to contact a response center. Once alerted, a trained specialist briefly discusses the situation with you and reaches out to either emergency services or a personal contact.
The monitoring centers are based in the U.S. and Canada and have an average response time of 20 seconds, according to Lifeline. They have backup systems to keep emergency responders connected even during power outages, cellular disruptions and natural disasters.
Caregiver tools
The Lifeline Cares app serves as a hub to help you share information with your family and friends, including letting them see your device is active. This app also lets you share notes and updates on your well-being, making it easier to keep in touch even when you can't physically be together.
Lifeline Cares is compatible with Apple and Android phones.
Lifeline medical alert costs
With Lifeline, you don’t actually own the system — it must be returned when your contract ends or you cancel service. But there are still upfront costs to consider, even though you don’t technically pay for the equipment.
| Monthly monitoring fee | Upfront programming fee | Shipping fee | Installation (optional) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HomeSafe Standard (Landline) | $29.95 | $79 | $29.95 | $99 |
| HomeSafe Standard (Cellular) | $43.95 | $79 | $29.95 | $99 |
| HomeSafe with AutoAlert (Landline) | $44.95 | $79 | $29.95 | $99 |
| HomeSafe with AutoAlert (Cellular) | $58.95 | $79 | $29.95 | $99 |
| On-the-Go mobile system | $49.95 | $99.95 | $29.95 | $99 |
How does Lifeline compare?
Compare Lifeline to similarly rated medical alert companies.
 |  |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monitoring fees | $29.95-$58.95 per month | $29.99-$39.99 per month | $29.95-$44.95 per month | $49.95-$69 per month |
| Equipment cost | $0 | $0 | $0-$199.95 | Varies |
| Activation fee | $79-$99.95 | $0 | $0 | $198 |
| Fall detection | Available | Optional ($11/month) | Optional ($10/month) | None |
| Read Reviews | Read Reviews | Read Reviews | Read Reviews |
Lifeline FAQ
How reliable is Lifeline’s fall detection?
Lifeline uses AutoAlert automatic fall detection technology, which incorporates accelerometers, barometric sensors and an algorithm that can detect false alarms. (It’s worth pointing out that no fall detection technology catches 100% of falls, but Lifeline reports that AutoAlert detects 95% of “many types of falls” and triggers fewer false alarms.) Fall detection comes with two of the three Lifeline systems.
» COMPARE: Best medical alerts with fall detection
What languages do Lifeline operators speak?
Lifeline hires operators that speak English and Spanish, and they also have access to real-time translation services in 140 languages.
Does Medicare cover Lifeline?
Original Medicare does not generally cover medical alert systems. However, some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans might.
What is Lifeline’s return policy?
You can cancel your monitoring subscription at any time. You have to call or email and return all the equipment. However, if you’ve activated your product or don’t have the original packaging, expect to pay a $50 restocking fee.
Is Lifeline a good medical alert company?
We like that Lifeline’s systems are designed to be used at home or on the go, and with a personalized care plan, you can choose who responds when you call for help. Overall, Lifeline has mostly positive reviews on our site.
“I recommend Lifeline to anyone who is disabled or who might be sick and in need of help. I have fallen a lot, and I wouldn't be without it,” a reviewer in Virginia told us. Another in California said Lifeline is “wonderful” and “the most reliable.”
But it’s worth mentioning that a reviewer in Texas doesn’t think the devices are easy to wear — devices are “too heavy. It’s clumsy and hits everything and then it calls the company and I have to stop wherever I am and what I’m doing for no reason.” A reviewer in Vermont also noted that the batteries don’t last long enough.
Lifeline Reviews
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Lifeline Medical Alert has been wonderful. I've had it for many years and I've never gone ahead and had to worry about getting the bill from it and I really like it. A lot of people have tried to encourage me to get other brands, and I said, "No. I've had more, more happiness with this Lifeline than any other and I'm not going to change it. And they've been very good to me."
Many years ago, I received Lifeline from Sothern Medical Hospital. They had a group there that they opened it up to the local people and I got mine from them, and I had perfect relations with them. They would help me and they'd be there on the phone. It got to the point that I had to call a number out of state and I still get good results. Any time that I have a question, I've always been able to call them and get an answer. The only this is I changed my address to Nevada and I haven't received any mail or billing from Lifeline for a long time. It's so frustrating. I'd like to pick up where my mail is going so I can get that straightened out. Other than that, I would not change Lifeline to another program. It is the most reliable. People have tried to turn me over to another company and I tell them I really am not interested. I'm perfectly satisfied with the way that Lifeline has been with me.
If you purchase a new set now, it will go further than the house. Mine just goes in the house. If I fall in the house, I can get a reply right away by pushing that little button but it doesn't go into the exterior of my property. If it ever did that, I would be very happy. Right now, I'm content with having it around my neck all the time while I'm in the house.
Maureen, thank you for being with us for over 15 years and for providing your valuable feedback. If there is any additional instructions or specific directions, you would like to add to your account please reach out to our Customer Service department at 1-800-635-6156 and we can update this information. Please be well, safe, and take care.
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I take the Lifeline device with me but I can't wear it because the cord keeps popping out. The next thing I know, Lifeline is on the floor because I wear it around my neck. This happened in a restaurant. Also in January when it was freezing out, I just had to go out to feed the cat. I got tangled up in the dog's chain because I had to run and the dog chain went on the run. When I did, I fell down three cement steps onto a cement platform that was all ice and snow. Due to a car accident, it's hard for me to get up when I fall.
I grabbed the dog chain to try to help me up but I kept slipping on the ice. I pushed my Lifeline and I could hear it right in the kitchen. Customer service was asking if I needed help. I did but I could not tell them that. My son who was on the first responder called me to ask if I was okay. If I butt crawled to the driveway to go across the street to my neighbor, I'd have to cross my road. I live on the top of a hill and the speed limit was 35. I was afraid if I got on the road I would get killed. I saw the ambulance go by and nothing. I was yelling, "I'm over here."
Finally, an ambulance came. They had two calls at the same time. I was out there for about 45 minutes. I was soaking wet because my body heat melted the snow. My son came as well and it was about an hour out. If I had not had Lifeline, I would probably be a frozen popsicle. The EMTs tried to make me to the hospital. I said, "I'm very well padded. I'm fine. I'm sore for being out. I'm cold. I just want to get in." I was very weak at this point. But I'm very independent.
I had to call Lifeline again. I was coming in with groceries. In the wintertime, it gets dark earlier. I was putting the groceries onto the front steps and I slipped on some wet leaves in the snow. I fell and I couldn't get up again. I fell in the cellar but I finally was able to get up onto the steps so I could pull myself up. I called a friend and the couple came out. The husband kept slipping on the leaves and the ice and the snow. I called 911 and they came. It took all of them to get me up.
I want Lifeline and the service is necessary. Lifeline saved me. The only thing is that I'm on a fixed income. I'd like my Lifeline bill lowered. I won't go without it because even though it keeps falling off my neck at the most inappropriate time, I still need it. I'll put it in my pocket. I've tried to get my peers to get Lifeline and they say they don't need it. My husband passed away. When you have someone there, you don't need it as much.
Andrea, thank you for providing your valuable feedback with us. We are sorry to hear about your falls. If you ever need help and we are unable to hear you, we will try to call you on the phone number that we have for you on file. If we are still unable to make contact, we will move quickly and call the responders that we have on file for you. We will have one of our representatives reach out to you to discuss your account with you and what options are available to you so that you are completely satisfied. Please never hesitate to reach out to our Customer Service department at 1-800-635-6156 for any questions that you may have, and we are happy to help. Please be well, safe, and take care.
There's always a cheerful person on the line when I inadvertently bump something and set off my alarm. Also, the response has been there very quickly. There was only one difficulty I had and it took me months. I needed to exchange the necklace for a bracelet because the necklace was rubbing my neck and irritating it. I had almost given up getting it. At one point, I had called back and whoever it was that I talked to said they'd take care of it. I waited for it and when my package came, it was nothing more than the band that went with the wrist watch. I just set it aside and started wrapping my necklace around my arm. Then I picked up the phone again and got results. I have the bracelet now but it was an aggravation. It took at least three different calls.
It's nice having the device with me. This works for me here in my apartment and down the hall when I take the trash down. But if I get outside that range, I don't have coverage. I'm in a high-rise apartment building. If I go down to pick up my mail and something happens in the evening, no one's around. That's the only shortfall on this.
Gloria, thank you for taking the time and sharing your valuable feedback with us. We want to apologize for the delay in getting you your replacement equipment and glad the issue was resolved. We are happy to discuss your current service with you and go over any other options that that are available to you and may be a better fit for you. Please call our customer service department at 1-800-635-6156 and we will be happy to assist you. Please be well, safe, and take care.
Lifeline's reps have been very nice. I've never had to use my button, but I call about once a month to check it and the rep I talk to is very nice. If I had a question, she would answer it, but I’ve never had one. I wear my device around my neck and I can't wear it next to my skin. I usually wear a T-shirt or a vest type of shirt underneath either a blouse or another long sleeve shirt, and I wear it between those. My skin is so sensitive and I'm allergic to everything. So, it makes me itch if I wear it on my skin. Also, I hate the black cord. But I like the silver cord and I would rather have it than the black or white ones because the white and the black both stick out, but the silver’s sort of muted. I also like its little round flat size better than the square. Other than that, my device is one of the most expensive ones and I don't like that too well. But I like the service.
Pauline, thank you for taking the time and sharing your valuable feedback with us. I have sent you a private message as well with more information regarding your concerns. Please be well, safe, and take care.
The Lifeline medical alert device rang a lot of times simply because I turned over wrong at night. I finally learned to put the thing on this table and I can just lay it here. It was about six inches from where I sleep and I let the thing hang down and I can just reach it with my hand if I need it. But I've had a lot of those experiences at first and it was so embarrassing. Every time I'd turn around, I'd bump it. I've even been woken up in the middle of the night before I learned to take the call. The reps are concerned and they’ll ask if I’m okay. I’ll say sorry and we'd go through this routine.
The last time I talked to the reps from Lifeline, I was eating. And since I lived by myself, I don't go to the table but I have a bar in the kitchen and I just sit up there and eat. I leaned over to reach and get the salt and must have pressed the device against the edge of the bar and I jumped up, ran in here at the bedroom and apologized. I feel sorry for the people. But they have been so prompt. Occasionally, they’ll call me and say they hadn't heard from me for a while and ask if I’m okay. My son lives in town and he came over one day and said that he'd had a call from Lifeline. They hadn't heard from me for a while. I learned that if I took it off at night, I was ringing it all the time but they called him to ask him if I was okay. That's how concerned they are. My kids are very happy to know that I've got some help because it’s peace of mind and I wear it for that reason. I have a half-acre land and I don't want to get off out here somewhere and fall and lay there.
Nedra, Thank you for sharing your valuable feedback. We are glad to hear that you are satisfied with our service. Please know we are always here for you. Please be well, safe, and take care.
I have a bracelet and the Velcro is not working very well. I now have figured out how to slip it inside the bracelet so it stays better. Also, I have noticed that they used to test me pretty often but I haven't had any testing from them in a long time. I hope it's working properly. But it gives us reassurance, especially my daughter. I found the absence of such a device was bad when my husband needed it.
Gisela, thank you for this valuable feedback and glad this provides you reassurance. If you mean for your monthly test, please know that you can always feel free to test your button at any time. To do this you would press the button you are wearing and when they ask if help is needed you tell them you are testing for the month. You can also reach out to our Customer Service department for a replacement wrist band if needed at 1-800-635-6156. Please be well, safe and take care.
I've had good experience with Lifeline. I wear mine on my wrist. When I test it, I press the button and customer service will know who's calling.
Rodney, thank you for your review and happy to hear this has been good for you. Please be well, safe, and take care.
My Lifeline goes off quite a bit on its own. It's oddly sensitive. They contact me but if I had really fallen down and something was going wrong, that's quite a long time. But I have no issues with wearing it. I’ve also never had to use it.
David, thank you for taking the time and sharing your valuable feedback with us. We are sorry you were not happy with our response time. Our goal is to answer all calls right away and can understand your concern. Please reach out to our customer service department at 1-800-635-6156. We are always happy to answer any questions that you have. We want to be sure that you are 100% satisfied with our service. Please be well, safe, and take care.
I use my button a lot. The reps at Lifeline are wonderful because we can call in if we need help. I recommend Lifeline to anyone who is disabled or who might be sick and in need of help. I have fallen a lot, and I wouldn't be without it.
Margaret, we appreciate you taking the time and sharing your valuable feedback with us. We are sorry to hear you have fallen a lot, but glad to know that we are able to get you the help that you needed. We appreciate all the recommendations for our service. Please know we are always here when you need us. Please be well, safe, and take care.
There were multiple falls and Marian felt security in being able to reach someone with Lifeline. It blinks periodically but I've never even had to reset it or do anything. It's nice to be able to have it should it be necessary.
Valerie, thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback with us. Please know that Marian can always feel free to test her button she wears at any time. When testing the equipment, you can let the person know that you are just checking the equipment for the month. We are happy to hear that our service gives you security and your experience has been good. Please be well, safe, and take care.
Lifeline Company Information
- Social media:
- Company Name:
- Lifeline
- Company Type:
- Public
- Ticker Symbol:
- PHG
- Year Founded:
- 1974
- Formerly Named:
- Lifeline Systems
- Address:
- 111 Lawrence Street
- City:
- Framingham
- State/Province:
- MA
- Postal Code:
- 01702
- Country:
- United States
- Website:
- www.lifeline.com
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