About Medical Alert
Medical Alert by Connect America offers medical alert devices for at-home and on-the-go use. Systems come with 24-hour monitoring and provide access to emergency response personnel at the push of a button. Medical Alert has multiple products, including a fall detection pendant and a caregiver app. The company is a member of the Medical Alert Monitoring Association (MAMA).
Overall Satisfaction Rating
- 5 stars
- 4 stars
- 3 stars
- 2 stars
- 1 stars
Pros
- Multilingual operators
- GPS and fall detection technology
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- No long-term contract required
Cons
- Additional costs for extra services
- Large mobile device
Bottom Line
Medical Alert has several system options. Just know that costs increase as services are added. Month-to-month service is available, but you can get a discount by enrolling in an annual or semiannual payment plan.
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So far, I’m enjoying my device. It’s nice to know that someone's there at all times with you. Even though I know that nobody is here, Medical Alert is still here… Somebody calls e...
Read full reviewMedical Alert has been great and I can be more independent now that I do have this. Otherwise, I wouldn't be living alone… Once in a while, the device goes off by accident. I just...
Read full reviewMedical Alert systems

Medical Alert
Home System
Starting at $19.95 per month as of publishing date
Provides continuous 24/7 monitoring. Backup battery lasts for up to 30 hours. Safe to wear in the shower or in the bathroom. Can be worn around the wrist or neck. Two-way speakers for clear communication.

Medical Alert
Home Cellular
Starting at $29.95 per month as of publishing date
Provides continuous 24/7 monitoring and most other features of the Home Landline System. Connects to the AT&T network, so a landline is not required.

Medical Alert
Mobile System
Starting at $39.95 per month as of publishing date
Continuous monitoring included. Battery life lasts for up to five days. Pendant and bracelet are interchangeable. A landline phone is not required because the system connects to the AT&T network. Safe to wear when taking a shower or when in the bathtub.
What is Medical Alert?
Medical Alert 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.
About Medical Alert’s monitoring center
Medical Alert’s U.S.-based monitoring centers are staffed by operators who are trained to quickly answer calls. Operators are on staff 24/7, including holidays. Translation services are available in 140 languages to help ensure callers are understood when they need help.
Once connected, operators determine the best course of action, whether that’s dispatching emergency services or calling an approved emergency contact.
Medical Alert caregiver tools
With the Medical Alert Connect mobile app, it's easy for family members, caregivers, neighbors or close friends to keep in touch and monitor the device wearer’s safety.
The app lets any caregiver check your system status and contact list. This lets caregivers be proactive in learning how the wearer is doing, and the entire group can stay in touch and notify one another if help is needed.
Once your account is set up, it automatically updates whenever the company's support team changes your information.
Medical Alert cost
Medical Alert systems start around $20 to $40 per month, and there are no upfront equipment costs. You can save money by enrolling in an annual or semiannual payment plan. Annual plans also include perks like free shipping, a lockbox and a free month of service.
Home Landline | Home Cellular | Mobile | |
---|---|---|---|
Month-to-month cost* | $22.95 | $32.95 | $42.95 |
Monthly cost with annual or semiannual plan* | $19.95 | $29.95 | $39.95 |
Optional fall detection* | $10 per month | $10 per month | $10 per month |
*At the time of publishing
Medical Alert FAQ
How do Medical Alert emergency response systems work?
Medical Alert systems connect you with a response coordinator at its monitoring center during a crisis. When the help button is pushed, an operator will answer and establish communication. Then, they summon help by contacting a family member, caregiver or first responder for you, depending on the situation.
Does Medicare cover Medical Alert?
Original Medicare does not typically cover Medical Alert systems or any similar emergency devices. On the other hand, Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) may cover them.
Do I have to sign a contract to get a Medical Alert system?
You’ll 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.
Are Medical Alert systems 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.
Does Medical Alert offer a warranty on medical alert devices?
You can add a protection plan for $1 per month. The plan covers one replacement of your main system and up to two buttons if your original ones are lost or damaged during any 12-month period.
Does Medical Alert offer a trial period?
Yes, Medical Alert offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can return your equipment and cancel your service for a full refund within that time.
Is Medical Alert worth it?
Medical Alert can help you or a loved one stay safe with a wide range of products. It only takes one button to notify emergency response or family members for assistance, so older adults or individuals with medical issues can continue living independently with the help of mobile and home Medical Alert systems. Plus, Medical Alert’s emergency buttons are lightweight and waterproof, letting users comfortably wear them in the shower.
Medical Alert Reviews
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I'm by myself and my kids said that when I'm by myself, I really should have a Medical Alert device. That's what I did and I got it last spring. I had the necklace and I didn't like it. I sent the necklace back two weeks ago Monday because I’m not using it. Medical Alert sent me an envelope to send it back in. There was a note on it to call in a little over two weeks to make sure that it had gotten back.
I also had a bracelet. The first bracelet was made of a stretchy material. I lost it. When I called Medical Alert to get it replaced, it turned out they had problems with that one because they sent me another bracelet and I really like it. They fasten on my wrist. medical Alert said since it was the first one I lost, they would not charge me anything for the next one. When I'm here by myself, I have my device on all the time. When I go outside, I do too. I accidentally pushed the button twice and the response was very quick. Medical Alert also wants us to call once a month and check in. If I don't, they call me. They're doing everything they can and I appreciate that.
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I was sitting in the kitchen, paying a bill, and I started to write a number on the check. I knew in my head what I needed to write, but my hand wouldn't function. I tried to call somebody. I could just push buttons and it would keep coming back, didn’t call and go through. I remembered that I just got out of the shower shortly before, and where I put that device on the desk drawers. I tried to get up, I could get up and I got to it, pushed the button. I could hear people talking and it was my neighbor talking to Medical Alert's people. They got an ambulance.
I got to the hospital overnight and they boiled the cause down to a stroke. But I could talk. I could use a phone. But I was helpless and in a complete panic, because I knew something was wrong. I knew I couldn't do anything to reach anybody. And I just happened to know right where to put my hand on it. So from then on, I put the device somewhere I can reach it from the shower. For that one particular time that I had to use it, it was wonderful, because I sat here helpless. One time can make a believer out of you. Also, I got my next door neighbor and he has a key. When he opened my back door, he looked like he was going to pass out. It gave him a scare. Because I heard an operator with Medical Alert asking if we needed an ambulance. And his answer was yes.
I've had the whole unit for 12 years, and Medical Alert's customer service has been all right. A couple weeks ago, I mashed my emergency button by mistake, and I had to let them know that it was not an emergency. The people in the office are very friendly and take care of situations if I have any. Everything is right on top, and everybody reports in on time. They were here on time in case I didn't get the alert.
I just got a new fall pendant, and it's very sensitive. When they sent this to me, they did not tell me exactly what to do about it and that's something that needs to be improved. When I took it off and went to bed at night, the alarm went off on its own. They came out here to see me, and I didn't even touch it. It went off two times with me until I finally called in and questioned them about it on the phone. A young lady told me, “Well, you have to put it on something soft.” That's a very important issue, especially when you're 92 years old, and they don't tell you that in the paperwork. They just said, “Put it on your nightstand.” Medical Alert is wonderful, but they should send paperwork that tell you to put your pendant on a soft surface when you take it off, especially when it's for the fall.
I hate all these chains around my neck but somebody said I could get the device for my wrist. I said that wouldn't work out with my small dog because he sits on my lap all the time. I’ve set off the button a couple of times and I told the response team that it was a mistake. I asked them if they could do my monthly check because of that call. They were nice. I've already recommended Medical Alert to a friend who is a lot younger than I am and she lives alone. But she hasn't made any response and doing anything. But it's okay.
I talked to somebody in the billing department because I don't like the way they're doing the service. I added the fall buttons and they added another $5.25 charge and I don't know what that was for. But it comes every month and it comes off my checking account. I don't know when that's coming and my whole checking account is screwed up. I get my statement, and then it'll show that I've had it. But by then, I've written out five more checks. So, I asked them to just send me a bill, and I'll write a check out and pay it. They said they would. I'm very satisfied with Medical Alert. My daughter is coming in the beginning of August and I’m gonna talk to her about it.
I've knocked the device a couple of times by mistake and Medical Alert was very nice when I told them it was a mistake. After I first got the device, they called me to test it, and I tested it. So they told me to tell the guy on the other end that it was just a test. But whoever that was, failed to say it was a test. So all of a sudden, I had two fire trucks here and firemen at my door. We took care of that. But it went through and it worked. It's been a wonderful experience. But sometimes, the device is a pain in the neck because I'm short and it bothers me where it hangs. It gets caught in my underwear or on my bra sometimes. I can pull it up. But it pulls my neck down. Now, I got the device for falling down and I'm not too happy with it. I leaned against the sink and it went off. If I lifted my arms up, they came up too. So that's kind of a pain in the neck. But overall, I feel safer with Medical Alert. Every time I get in the shower, I feel much safer knowing I have it.
My Medical Alert is fine and customer service reps have been wonderful. I know the device is here if I need it.
My mother is 95 years old and she wears the device around her neck. It’s fine. I live almost three hours away from her, so that was one of my concerns. So, Medical Alert makes me feel better.
I wear my Medical Alert around the neck. Sometimes, I don't realize I have it on. I fell one time and by the time I got up, I realized I could get up. I was in my house and getting my first aid stuff out. The firemen were at the door. I ended up I had a splinter in my hand. I could feel it, but I couldn't see it. They removed it. We all laughed about the emergency. And they left.
I charge the device at night. But it doesn't stay, although it stays on the charger while I'm sleeping and not on me. When I pick it up the next morning, it's charged. And I just go along with it. One time, reps called and said that it wasn't charged. But that was silly because I put it on every night. Also, I would like to be able to press my Medical Alert and contact one of my people that got it for me. Because if I press it, it goes immediately to emergency. And it says if this is not an emergency, re-press it. I press it, so they're gone. I can't get my daughter or son.
I wear Medical Alert when I go outside sometimes. It's good.
The reps explained everything and helped me decide what I wanted. I have the little square box that does everything. It has fall detection, and I can use it in the shower or wherever I go. I accidentally bumped it a couple times. Before I could turn around, there was somebody on there. But I don't like that I have to charge it every day. Otherwise, it talks to me and tells me that I have to charge it. I'd also rather have it a little slimmer. I'm supposed to test it once a month but I can't get it to where I can get to the party that's doing the test because every time I push the button like they said I should, I get the emergency system here. I don't know if I'm doing it wrong. You're supposed to be able to test it and get somebody on the other end that says that it's a test and not a medical emergency.
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