
- Average monthly cost
- $33.28
- Mobile battery life
- Varies
- In-home range
- 1,000 feet
- On-the-go options
- Standard, wrist, smartwatch
Company | Customer rating | Our pick for | Average monthly cost | Activation fee | Trial period | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4.2
3,661 reviews
3,661 reviews
| Best overall | $33.28 | 15 days | Learn More | |
![]() | 4.9
7,893 reviews
7,893 reviews
| Customer service | $99.88 | $198 | Get Pricing | |
![]() | 4.5
300 reviews
300 reviews
| In-home safety | $29.95 | Get Pricing | ||
![]() | 4.4
1,700 reviews
1,700 reviews
| On-the-go use | $39.35 | $99.95 to $159 programming fee | Learn more | |
![]() | 1.5
1,519 reviews
1,519 reviews
| Risk-free option | $41.26 | $0 to $99.95 | 30 days | Get Pricing |
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Medical alert systems are devices that contact emergency assistance when activated. They are often made up of a base unit and an emergency help button, which can be worn on a lanyard or bracelet. However, some systems are contained entirely in the wearable device.
When activated, the system can connect you to a trained emergency response operator, relative or friend.
Medical alert systems are designed for use either at home or both at home and on the go. They can be monitored or unmonitored, come with or without fall detection features and connect to either home-based landline or cellular networks.
Medical alert systems use radio transmitters to send signals to a monitoring center or emergency contacts, either through a base station or a mobile device.
Jump to insightWhile there are upfront and potential monthly fees, a medical alert system is often significantly less expensive than the cost of assisted living facilities.
Jump to insightWhen choosing a device, consider the user's needs and lifestyle, whether they need professional monitoring, their budget and where they'll use the system.
Jump to insightIn a technical sense, medical alert devices generally use small radio transmitters to contact their base stations (if applicable), which use cellular or landline networks to connect with monitoring centers or emergency contacts.
In a more practical sense, here’s what you can expect when using a medical alert device:
Medical alert devices are often used by those at risk of serious falls (such as older people and those with injuries) or with medical conditions that can leave them unable to call for help when it’s needed.
If you or someone you love has an increased risk of needing emergency help, getting a medical alert system (sometimes called a personal emergency response system) may be worth the cost.
A medical alert system may be especially helpful if the intended user:
About 25% of people age 65 or older fall every year, and roughly 10% of falls result in serious injuries. To determine your or your loved one’s fall risk, try answering a few questions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Many medical alert devices also offer additional health or safety features that many people benefit from, including GPS tracking, medication reminders, weather notifications and caregiver aids. If any of these options appeal to you, be sure to keep them in mind as you shop for a medical alert device.
» RELATED: When should your aging parent wear a medical alert device?
While medical alert systems vary in cost, the following fees are typical:
A medical alert system can be a smart investment for anyone who lives alone.
Even though these costs may seem high, a medical alert system is often a smart investment, especially if it can delay a move to a long-term care facility.
If you prefer aging in place to other senior living options, products like medical alerts, walk-in bathtubs and hearing aids can make your home safer and more accessible as your needs change. The cost of aging in place is also relatively affordable compared with the cost of assisted living, which averages around $4,300 per month.
You can learn more about elder care planning by checking out our other buyers guides and resources.
Monitored vs. unmonitored medical alert system costs
- Unmonitored systems generally cost a few hundred dollars upfront. You own the equipment, and there's no recurring monthly fee.
- Monitoring systems have a recurring fee, usually between $20 and $60 per month, and some companies offer packages with free equipment if you have an active monitoring subscription. New customers often get a price break if they enroll in a monitoring contract with a yearly payment plan.
While most types of health care coverage do not cover medical alert systems, there are some possible exceptions, like long-term care insurance, Medicare Part C and VA health care. Contact your insurance company or coverage provider directly to find out if help is available.
Medical alert systems are not covered by Medicare parts A or B or Medicare supplemental insurance. Some Medicare Advantage plans (also called Part C) may reimburse certain patient groups for the cost of a wearable device.
It’s also worth mentioning that ConsumerAffairs can’t direct buyers to Medicaid-eligible systems, and any brand you contact will typically refer you to your Medicaid caseworker for further guidance.
Alternatively, long-term care insurance may also provide reimbursement for medical alert systems.
According to Michelle Rankine, the owner of Right at Home in Lewisville, Texas, a care provider for older adults, one thing to consider when purchasing a medical alert system is your budget.
According to Dr. Rankine, when thinking about features you want in a medical alert system, also consider GPS monitoring, battery life, wearable options such as pendants or built-in watches, activity tracking and whether or not the alert system has app capability for family members to check in.
As you shop for a medical alert system, make sure it’s functional for the person who will be using it most, whether that’s you or your loved one. Think about:
All of these factors can make a difference as you pick the right medical alert system for your situation. You don’t have to know exactly what you want from your device at this stage, but the point is that you keep the intended user in mind as you shop.
For example, the most common type of medical alert system includes a simple push-button pendant worn around the neck or on the wrist, which many people who aren't tech-savvy find easy to use.
If fashion or an active lifestyle is a priority, a medical alert smartwatch might be the right choice. These watches can offer the same response times as home-based systems while being discreet and easy to wear.
They’re also a good choice for those with dementia because authorized caregivers and first responders can potentially track the wearer via GPS if they wander. However, you should keep in mind that these devices may be more complicated for some people to use.
» READ MORE: 8 aging-in-place home modifications for seniors
Medical alert systems either operate without monitoring or with monitoring. Here’s how they differ:
Both monitored and unmonitored systems should include a panic button or an emergency call button, and many offer automatic fall detection.
Because monitored medical alert systems can offer tailored responses and additional services, they’re often a better option if you aren’t sure it’s time for assisted living but still want some extra sense of security.
Total medical alert costs vary based on the system you choose, how you customize that system, what kind of connection you need (landline or cellular) and whether you pay for ongoing monitoring.
Price is a significant factor, especially if you’re on a fixed budget. (About half of seniors rely on Social Security for the majority of their income, according to recent poverty statistics.) However, price shouldn’t be the only factor you consider. Your medical alert system needs to work reliably and be convenient enough that it’s ready to help when you or your loved one needs it most.
“Activation fees (for medical alert systems) will vary,” Rankine said. “One-time costs are about $200 and you can have a recurring fee of about $40 to $60 a month for monitoring.”
Before you buy a system, think about whether you want the option to use the device outside your home. Most medical alert systems fall into one of two broad categories:
In general, mobile systems have more impressive technology, but they also come with a higher price tag than traditional home-based systems. The extra cost is often worth it if you spend a lot of time out in the neighborhood, frequently run errands or make trips to visit with friends, though.
Generally, home-based medical alert systems come with a base unit and a help button you wear around your neck or on your wrist, but mobile systems and smartwatches are self-contained and work without a base station.
No matter which type of system you choose, it’s good to have a help button that can get wet — many accidents happen in or around the shower. Luckily, most medical alert companies manufacture waterproof or water-resistant devices.
Medical alert systems can offer a variety of features and capabilities beyond their basic functions, though. While you likely won’t need or want all of these features, it’s helpful to know what’s out there so that you don’t miss out on something that you would’ve wanted. Here are some additional features, equipment and factors to consider:
It’s important to read the fine print before opting into any monitoring contract — some companies charge high cancellation fees if you terminate services early. You should also look for a company that offers a price-lock guarantee to ensure the system stays affordable.
Here are some other terms to look for:
Once you’ve done your research and you know what you want from a medical alert system, there’s little left to do other than weigh your options and pick one. As with any important purchase, it’s a good idea to read reviews and ask the right questions before buying, though.
Medical alert systems have many benefits, but they also come with some potential drawbacks. Here’s a quick overview to help you decide if a medical alert system is the right choice for you or your loved one:
Compare our top picks across the U.S. to find the best options near your city:
If you’re concerned about making sure help is on the way when you or a loved one needs it most, a medical alert system is likely worth the cost. Receiving fast assistance in case of an emergency can be critical, and it can even save you money in the long run.
Battery lives can vary among systems. For home-based systems that are connected to power, backup batteries are often included, and these can last anywhere from hours to several days. Mobile systems require more regular charging but usually last at least one day.
Response times for medical alert systems are typically less than one minute, with some monitoring centers responding in as little as 21 seconds.
It’s common for medical alert companies to offer discounts and promotions, including for AARP members. For example, at the time of publishing, AARP members can get a 15% discount on Lifeline’s monthly service as well as free shipping and activation on a Lifeline medical alert system.
The IRS doesn’t specifically itemize medical alert systems as eligible for tax deductions, but many medical expenses and aging-in-place home modifications are tax deductible. A tax professional can help you determine if you can deduct a medical alert system in your tax filings.
Medical alert bracelets, also called medical ID bracelets, are common for those with severe epilepsy, diabetes, serious drug or food allergies, or dementia. A medical alert bracelet is an identification tag that includes lifesaving information about any medical conditions that require immediate attention should the wearer be in distress and unable to speak.
These bracelets are wearable tags and are not to be confused with medical alert systems or devices, which can also be worn around the wrist. They're pieces of jewelry that inform emergency responders and medical professionals of certain medical conditions.
While it’s often helpful to handle device and plan decisions for your loved one, it’s also important to keep your loved one informed about what’s going on and what to expect.
Once the system is ready to use, spend some time discussing the use of the system and how it works. Don’t forget to check in regularly to be sure your loved one is utilizing the system appropriately and remembers how and when to use it.
See our video on how to talk to your loved one about a medical alert device at the bottom of this page for more guidance and insights from reviewers that have been through this process.
» LEARN MORE: How to protect your aging parents at home
A medical alert is often safer than a cellphone for seniors. The help button might be more accessible during an emergency, especially in the shower or bath; if the user falls, has a sudden accident or otherwise needs medical assistance, they don’t have to worry about reaching a phone to call for help.
While some voice assistants and smart speakers are able to dial 911 for you, their safety features generally end there. Unlike many medical alert systems, these devices usually don’t have:
To update our top picks, the ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a weighted scoring system that took into account both reviews from ConsumerAffairs users and specific company offerings we researched. We conducted sentence-by-sentence sentiment analysis of thousands of reviews on our site from Nov. 1, 2019, to Oct. 31, 2024, to identify the aspects people care about most — and which companies reviewers are happiest with for each aspect. For medical alerts, these included:
We then carefully selected the most important features consumers should consider before choosing a medical alert device and researched these offerings at each company:
The company with the highest score in each category’s uniquely weighted formula was given the “Our pick for” or “Best for” designation. In some cases where a single company received the top score across multiple categories, the company with the next-highest score was named the winner.
Information in this guide is general in nature and is intended for informational purposes only; it is not legal, health, investment or tax advice. ConsumerAffairs.com makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from its use.
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Company | Customer rating | About | Learn More |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4.7
600 reviews
| In-home systems start between $31.99 and $39.99 per month; mobile systems start at $41.99 per month. No equipment costs or activation fees. Optional fall detection, lockbox and wall-mount buttons. | Get Pricing |
![]() | 2.2
1,103 reviews
| In-home systems start between $31.95 and $38.95 per month; mobile systems start at $43.93 per month. Upfront equipment costs vary. No activation fee. Automatic fall detection and GPS location tracking available. | Get Pricing |
![]() | 1.5
1,519 reviews
| In-home systems start between $32.95 to $44.95 per month; mobile systems start between $37.95 and $44.95 per month. Upfront costs vary by equipment and package. Optional fall detection and lockboxes. | Get Pricing |
![]() | 4.5
300 reviews
| In-home systems start at $24.95 per month; mobile systems start at $34.95 per month. No equipment costs or activation fees. Optional fall detection, waterproof wall buttons and lockboxes. | Get Pricing |
![]() | 4.4
1,700 reviews
| In-home systems cost $27.95 to $37.95 per month; mobile systems start at $47.95 per month. Upfront programming fee is $79. Auto fall detection and mobile app available. 30-day money-back guarantee. | Read reviews |
![]() | 4.9
7,893 reviews
| Monitoring services cost $98.85 monthly (according to our sample quote). Equipment setup costs $198, including installation and activation. Fall detection is not available. All equipment comes with a free lifetime warranty. | Get Pricing |
![]() | 4.2
3,661 reviews
| In-home systems start at $24.95 to $29.95 per month; mobile systems start between $29.95 and $37.95. Options to lease or purchase equipment. No upfront activation fee. Automatic fall detection and caregiver tools available. | Learn More |
![]() | 3.1
5,164 reviews
| In-home systems cost $29.95 to $39.95 per month; mobile systems start at $39.95 and go up to $49.95 per month and the smartwatch ranges from $34.95 to $39.95. Upfront fees start at $99.95. | Read reviews |
![]() | 2.0
24 reviews
| In-home systems start between $29.99 and $49.99 per month; mobile systems start at $29.99 per month. Equipment costs range from $99.99 to $349.99. Optional caregiver app and automatic fall detection. | Read reviews |
![]() | 2.0
1,354 reviews
| All-in-one device regularly priced at $49.99. Professional monitoring plans start between $24.99 and $34.99 per month. Optional automatic fall detection, Nurse On-Call and Care Advocate services available. | Read reviews |
![]() | 5.0
View profile
| In-home systems cost $22.95 to $29.95 and mobile systems start between $31.95 and $39.95 per month with an annual subscription. No upfront equipment fees. | Get Pricing |
![]() | 5.0
View profile
| In-home systems are regularly priced at $41.50 per month; mobile systems start at $47.50 per month. Medication management is also available. Upfront fees vary. Optional caregiver app and automatic fall detection. | Read reviews |
![]() | 2.8
6 reviews
| Smartwatch with monthly or annual payment plans. Upfront costs range from $199 to $299. Device is water-resistant and comes with automatic fall detection. | Read reviews |
![]() | 2.3
1,310 reviews
| In-home systems start between $19.95 and $28.95 per month; mobile systems start between $29.95 and $38.95 per month. Equipment costs range from $0 to $179, and there’s a $19.95 activation fee with all packages. | Read reviews |
![]() | 1.7
1,004 reviews
| Senior-friendly smartphone is regularly priced at $149.99. Monthly fees start at $19.99, with unlimited minutes and unlimited texts. A one-time activation fee applies. | Read reviews |
![]() | 1.0
1,255 reviews
| Senior-friendly flip phones are regularly priced at $99.99. Monthly fees start at $19.99 with unlimited minutes and unlimited texts. One-time activation fee applies. | Read reviews |
![]() | No reviews | No upfront equipment cost. In-home systems start at $24.95 per month; on-the-go systems start between $36.95 and $45.95 per month. Optional fall detection and caregiver app. Smart watch devices available. | |
![]() | No reviews | Provides RPM, TCM, CCM, maternal and population health solutions to hospitals, FQHCs, IDNs and Payors. Services include hardware, software, nurse monitoring, logistics and program management. | |
![]() | No reviews | In-home systems regularly priced at $29.95 per month; mobile systems start at $39.95 per month. Smartwatch systems available. Optional caregiver app and automatic fall detection. | |
![]() | No reviews | In-home and mobile systems start around $34.95 per month. No upfront equipment fees. No long-term contract is required. Optional fall detection is available. | |
![]() | No reviews | Monitoring fees start between $19.95 and $29.95 per month. Requires Fitbit SmartWatch. Optional caregiver app and automatic fall detection are available. | |
![]() | No reviews | Standard monitoring costs $29.95 per month. Optional fall detection is an extra $10 per month. Equipment for In-home systems is regularly priced between $79 and $307. | |
![]() | No reviews | Offers hospital-grade medical alert devices, including wearable pendants and in-home systems. Includes free fall detection on some devices. 24/7 emergency support available in 50+ languages. 14-day trial available. | |
![]() | No reviews | In-home systems start at $300 per year; mobile systems start at $400 per year. No upfront equipment costs. Optional caregiver app and automatic fall detection. | |
![]() | No reviews | In-home systems start at $29.95 per month; mobile systems start at $39.95 per month. No upfront equipment costs. Optional caregiver app and automatic fall detection. |