Medical Alert Reviews
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About Medical Alert
Medical Alert by Connect America is a professional emergency response monitoring company. Its systems come with a wearable lanyard or wristband that connects to a monitoring center. You can set up your monitoring system through a landline or cellular connection, depending on the device you choose.
- GPS Capabilities
- Optional fall detection
- No long term contracts
- Upfront activation fee
- Some devices are large
Featured Reviews
Medical Alert systems
Home Landline System
$19.95 to $27.95 per month
Basic monitoring equipment with a waterproof emergency button. It has an 800-foot range and 30-hour backup battery.
Home Cellular System
$29.95 to $37.95 per month
Cellular monitoring equipment with a waterproof emergency button. It has an 800-foot range and 30-hour backup battery.
Wireless Mobile System
$39.95 to $47.95 per month
Portable access to monitoring centers with a wearable button and GPS technology. It has a battery life up to five days.
Mini Mobile System
Starting at $39.95 per month
Medical Alert's smallest, most lightweight design with advanced GPS location technology.
Smartwatch
Starting at $34.95 per month
Designed to support your healthy, active lifestyle while keeping you connected to assistance 24/7/365. It features GPS tracking, a heart rate monitor, step tracking and optional fall detection.
Fall Detection Pendant
Extra $10 per month
Fall detection technology uses accelerators and barometric sensors to automatically sense a fall.
Connect Mobile App
Included with service
Subscribers and caregivers can view call history, check battery status, contact customer service and more.
How Medical Alert emergency response systems work
Medical Alert’s systems consist of a wearable button or pendant and a base station. When the button is pressed, it sends a signal to the base station, which connects you to a professional monitoring center. A trained operator answers and establishes communication.
They then assess your situation and send the appropriate help, whether that’s contacting emergency services or notifying designated family members or caregivers.
The direct connection to a monitored call center is a plus for many of Medical Alert’s reviewers on our site. A reviewer in Louisiana had a different device before Medical Alert, “but it was not really monitored and the company would alert [her] sister.”
With Medical Alert, “the call goes straight to someone that's monitoring the device and they can call the fire department, which is about two blocks down from my house. So, when I get on the floor and I can't get up, I don't have to crawl to get the number for the fire department. They call for me and that's what I like about it.”
Other notable company features include:
- Waterproof help buttons: Wear the help button around your neck or wrist, including in the shower or tub where slips and falls are most common.
- Personalized response plans: When you press your button, Medical Alert will contact the right person to get you the help you need, whether family, a friend or a first responder.
- Mobile app: All Medical Alert systems include access to the Medical Alert Connect mobile app. You can manage your account, track battery status and receive real-time alerts. The app supports GPS location tracking for mobile systems and allows caregivers to monitor multiple users from one account.
- Fall detection: Fall detection is available for an additional $10/month to automatically sense when you fall and provide fast contact, even if you can't press your button.
- No long-term contracts: Medical Alert's service has no hidden fees or long-term contracts.
About Medical Alert’s monitoring centers
Medical Alert’s U.S.-based monitoring centers are staffed by trained operators 24/7, 365 days a year, including holidays.
Response centers are TMA Five Diamond-certified and UL-certified. SIA-certified multilingual operators are trained to use the International Language Line for real-time translations in 140 languages. The company is also a member of the Medical Alert Monitoring Association (MAMA).
Medical Alert costs
Medical Alert systems start around $28 per month, but you can save money by enrolling in an annual or semiannual plan. Annual plans also include perks like free shipping and a key lockbox, so first responders can enter your home quickly without damaging your property.
There are no equipment costs for most options, but there is a one-time $99.95 programming fee for home and mobile systems. There is a one-time $159 equipment fee for the Smartwatch. Fall detection is available for an extra $10 per month. For an additional $1 per month, you can purchase a protection plan that covers up to $350 if your system is lost, damaged or stolen.
Keep in mind that your rates might go up over time.
| Home Landline System | Home Cellular System | Mobile System | Mini Mobile System | Smartwatch | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month-to-month | $27.95 per month | $37.95 per month | $42.95 per month | $47.95 per month | $39.95 per month |
| Semi-annual plan | $24.95 per month | $34.95 per month | $39.95 per month | $44.95 per month | $37.95 per month |
| Annual plan | $19.95 per month | $29.95 per month | $34.95 per month | $39.95 per month | $34.95 per month |
| One-time programming fee | $99.95 | $99.95 | $99.95 | $99.95 | $159 (device fee) |
How does Medical Alert compare?
The table below compares Medical Alert to similarly rated PERS companies:
| Company | Monitoring fees | Equipment cost | Activation fee | Fall detection | Trial period | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Medical Alert | Learn More | $27.95 to $47.95 | $0 | $99.95 to $159 programming fee | Available | No |
 ADT Medical Alert | Learn More | $31.99-$41.99 | $0 (excludes add-ons) | $99 | Available | No |
 Lifeline | Learn More | $29.95 to $58.95 per month | $0 | $79 to $99.95 | Yes | No |
 Medical Guardian | Get Pricing | $31.95-$46.95 | $0-$199.95 | $0 | Yes | No |
 Life Alert | Get Pricing | $49.95 to $69 | $0 | $198 | No | No |
Medical Alert FAQ
Do I have to sign a contract to get a Medical Alert system?
You need to sign a month-to-month monitoring agreement to comply with privacy laws, but no long-term commitment is required. Paying on a longer-term basis can save you money, though.
How much does Medical Alert cost per month?
Medical Alert costs between $27.95 and $47.95 per month, depending on which device you choose. You can save money by paying annually or semiannually for the monitoring service.
Are Medical Alert devices waterproof?
Medical Alert’s help buttons are waterproof, so you can continue wearing your pendant or wristband in the shower or the bath. However, your base unit may not be waterproof.
What happens if I accidentally press the emergency button?
The monitoring center confirms whether it was a genuine emergency or a mistake. They ask if you're OK and if there is a real need for assistance. If you confirm it was accidental, they update your account records and take no further action.
However, if they can't reach you or receive an unclear response, they may contact emergency contacts or send help to ensure your safety.
Is Medical Alert’s fall detection reliable?
Medical Alert’s sensors use high acceleration sensors to measure force, barometric sensors to detect changes in pressure and an algorithm to distinguish between a real fall and a false alarm. However, no fall detection is 100% accurate.
» COMPARE: Best medical alert with fall detection
Will the cellular system work in my area?
As long as you have adequate AT&T cell coverage in your area, the system should work.
Is Medical Alert a good company?
Yes, Medical Alert is a good and legitimate company. It offers top-rated emergency equipment with three package options: Home System, Mobile System and Smartwatch. Packages include 24/7 professional monitoring, a two-way speaker, a waterproof button and access to the Medical Alert Connect app.
It's important to note that the upfront costs for Medical Alert are higher compared to our other recommended choices. To get started, there is a $99.95 programming fee.
But other companies charge additional fees for similar mobile features — caregivers can easily monitor the status of their medical alert device, update contact lists, conduct system tests and more — so the costs could even out over time.
Medical Alert Reviews
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- 4,768,662 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.
Reviewed Oct. 24, 2025
Poorly run company, poor customer service. Every time we tested the system there was a two minute wait until someone answered. We Cancel our service and then they hit us for a fifty dollar restocking fee.. If you have a loved one who requires immediate assistance if they fall do not use this company.
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Reviewed Oct. 19, 2025
I returned my Medical Alert and was due a pro rated refund. They received it but I have never received a refund. I have called them twice and each time I was told I would get a refund. The one time I needed it they never responded.
Reviewed Oct. 10, 2025
I purchased the "On the Go" pendant in August. It did not work and after several calls to the company when they gave me the run-around about "poor connectivity" in my region (which in fact is by AT&T and is excellent) they finally allowed me to exchange it. Obviously the one they sold me was an old model. The new one works very well and I am quite satisfied. However, I have been constantly (daily) harassed by their "collection team" claiming I owe them money, which I do not since it was paid in full. I finally got that taken care of after many attempts. Now they claim I owe them money from returning the previous pendant.
Today I got through to a supervisor of some kind, who barely speaks English, who said that I am absolutely right and he "assures" me this will not happen again and that in fact will be credited for returning the pendant; we will see. This company makes a quality product, much more expensive than others, but they seem only interested in how to get money out of their customers. Buyer beware!
Reviewed July 9, 2025
Cancelled service for deceased mother & mailed back the equipment. 3 years later discover that the annual charge was not removed from my bank account. Medical Alert acknowledges receiving equipment but claims a pendant & help button were missing but FAILED to notify me of same and continue to bill. I’ve called 4 times to attempt resolution to no avail. POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE-AVOID THIS COMPANY! Spoke to Mace, Wil (hung up on me). Said call was being escalated but never received response. Now will alert every agency possible of this deceptive practice.
Reviewed June 24, 2025
When you try to cancel the service, they run circles around you trying to delay the process as long as possible so they can keep billing you on your automatic credit card payment. They make it difficult to physically return the equipment and then you must wait. Two more weeks additional to follow up with a return call to the billing department where they tell you it could take up to 30 more days to cancel the system. Upon my cancellation, they billed me for an additional six months +2 additional months of service charges. This company is terrible. Do not use.
Reviewed May 9, 2025
This company has the worst customer service I have ever had in my life. You can’t return the product and get a credit. They keep billing and billing. Do not ever buy from this company. Why the company. Target targets and cheats older population because they can get away with it and they do. Don’t use this company under any circumstances.
Reviewed May 6, 2025
3. I returned the equipment unwrapped and did not sign the contract. I was told I couldn't cancel my account until about ten days after the equipment was received.
4. After I canceled, I was told that it take thirty business days (!!) to receive a refund.
5. As of the 30th business day, I had still not received a refund. They finally told me that of the $273 I had paid, my refund would be only $105. This despite my not having signed the contract and my returning the equipment unused and unwrapped. The cited programming fees, shipping, and partial billing charges.
6. The whole affair was a ripoff. Just as their contract heavily favors the company, so too does their refund policy.
Reviewed Aug. 15, 2024
Customer Service is not a priority for Medical Alert. Their billing system is a labyrinth of fabrications, and lacks either transparency or accountability. Once you're in their system, it is nearly impossible to avoid hidden fees, get charged without notice, or receive refunds for overpayments.
Reviewed Aug. 10, 2024
I've had my Medical Equipment and service for about 2 months, and am satisfied with the operation and service of the equipment. I have a regular neck button, which I seldom use, and a fall-detection device that I wear while in my apartment. The fall-detection works, and is tested monthly. I was very happy with the service until I received a call informing me of "upgrades" that I needed to purchase in the form of price lock guarantees and insurance on the equipment. The agent was rude, insistent, and barely comprehensible due to his accent. I was in the hospital at the time, and did not have access to my contract materials. I had paid for the service annually and told the agent I would review the contract and call them back at my convenience. The agent was rude, and our conversation escalated into a shouting match, at which time I hung up. I am looking at other services to switch to when my current contract is up.
Reviewed July 25, 2024
I wear the alert around my neck, & recommended it to friends. One woman fell, PUSHED the alarm button, & in 10 minutes was taken to the hospital, treated, stayed overnight & was able to return to her apartment. I will always wear it, or keep it at my side.
Medical Alert Company Information
- Company Name:
- Medical Alert
- Address:
- 1 Belmont Ave, 12th Floor
- City:
- Bala Cynwyd
- State/Province:
- PA
- Postal Code:
- 19004
- Website:
- www.medicalalert.com
