Medical Guardian

Medical Guardian Reviews

Medical Guardian Reviews
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Overall Rating3.9 out of 5
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About Medical Guardian Reviews

Medical Guardian offers medical alert devices and monitoring services. Its products include wearable mobile devices and home-based systems with optional fall detection. The company was established in 2005 and is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 24/7 professional monitoring
  • GPS capabilities
  • Smartwatch options
  • Companion app

Cons

  • Some upfront costs
  • No free trial period

Bottom Line

You can customize a Medical Guardian system with a range of devices for at-home or on-the-go use. Upfront fees are required for some products, but you can get a discount if you opt into an annual billing cycle.

Featured Reviews

Verified
Appomattox, VA

I was looking for a medical alert pendant for my mom. Called several companies. Medical Guardian offered the best customer service from the very beginning. The device is small and...

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Verified
Inman, SC

The Mini Medical Guardian that I purchased on Amazon works best for me!!! I tried ADT, MobileHelp, Invisawear and Mini Medical Guardian. ADT's medical alert system and MobileHelp ...

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Medical Guardian alert systems

How Medical Guardian works

Medical Guardian alert systems are designed for at-home or on-the-go use. With either type of system, when you press the medical alert button, you’re connected to a 24/7 medical monitoring center.

Once connected to an operator, you describe your situation. The operator then gets you the appropriate help, whether that means sending an ambulance or contacting people you know for non-emergency support.

If the operator can’t confirm your safety after the alert is activated — for example, if you’ve had a stroke and can’t speak — emergency medical services are automatically dispatched to your location.

Medical Guardian costs

As of publishing, Medical Guardian’s monthly cost starts between $29.95 and $44.95. If you want fall detection, expect to pay $10 more per month. There’s no activation fee, and shipping costs $12.50.

Monthly feeUpfront equipment costsFall detectionIncludes GPS
Classic Guardian $29.95 $0 +$10 per month
Home 2.0 $37.95 $149.95 +$10 per month
Mini Guardian $44.95 $0 +$10 per month
Mobile 2.0 $44.95 $0 +$10 per month
MG Move $39.95 $199.95

Medical Guardian has two system options: You can lease the equipment (Mini Guardian, Mobile 2.0 and Classic Guardian) or purchase it (Home 2.0 and MG Move).

If you opt for leased equipment, you don't have to pay anything upfront. Instead, you pay a monthly fee that covers the equipment lease and monitoring services. Just keep in mind that the equipment belongs to Medical Guardian, so you’ll need to return it at the end of your contract or if you decide to cancel. Failing to do so will result in additional charges.

One thing to be mindful of is the company’s cancellation policies and restocking fee. A reviewer in California said: “I would have to wait 30 days from the receipt of the equipment to refund my money, plus [the agent] mentioned I would have to pay a $50 restocking fee.”

“Even though I called and canceled, they keep charging $49.95 per month,” a reviewer in Ohio said. They disputed the charge with their bank, but the bank “came back saying that [Medical Guardian] proved I agreed to it. I had to cancel the card!”

Additional equipment

Additional equipment — Elite 911, fall detection pendants and wall buttons — are available for purchase. For $6.99 more per month, you can get an MG Protection Plan, which provides extra support and equipment replacement.

  • Fall detection pendant: For an extra $10 per month, you can get a water-resistant fall detection button. It comes with a lanyard and is worn around the neck.
  • Elite 911: For an extra $9.99 per month, you can get a one-button speaker box that automatically connects to the 911 operator nearest you. It works on any cell network and has an unlimited range of coverage.
  • Voice-activated wall button: For an extra $5 per month (per button), you can get a device that automatically calls ADT’s monitoring center if you say "Call Medical Guardian” twice. It’s water-resistant, making it ideal for bathrooms and kitchens.
  • Wireless wall button: For an extra $2.99 per month (per button), you can get an extra water-resistant button. It’s easy to install and works within 500 feet of the base unit.

How does Medical Guardian compare?

Compare Medical Guardian costs and services with similarly rated medical alert companies.

Medical GuardianMedical GuardianMedical AlertMedical AlertADT Medical AlertADT Medical AlertLifelineLifelineLife Alert Emergency ResponseLife Alert Emergency Response
Monitoring fees $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 $49.95 to $69 per month
Equipment cost $0 to $199.95 $0 $0 $0 $0
Activation fee $0 $79 $0 $79 to $99 $198
Fall detection Yes Available Yes Yes No
Trial period No 30 days No No No
Read Reviews Read Reviews Read Reviews Read Reviews Read Reviews

Medical Guardian FAQ

Is Medical Guardian’s monitoring center reliable?

Medical Guardian’s monitoring centers are FM-approved and UL-listed, which means its emergency dispatch services meet specific safety and reliability standards. Centers also have TMA Five Diamond certifications.

Do I have to sign a contract to get a Medical Guardian system?

You do not have to sign any contracts to get a Medical Guardian medical alert system. The company offers monthly, quarterly and annual payment plans.

What is Medical Guardian’s return policy?

Call Medical Guardian and choose the cancellation option. If you haven't purchased the equipment, you must return all equipment and accessories. If you purchased the equipment, the service will be canceled upon receipt of the cancellation letter.

You may be eligible for a prorated refund for any unused prepaid service period, but it’s possible you will have to pay a restocking fee. Please note that the refund process may take up to 30 days after Medical Guardian receives your system or cancellation letter.

Do Medical Guardian emergency response services require a landline?

Only the Classic Guardian package requires a landline. All other Medical Guardian plans can run on a cellular network.

Does Medical Guardian offer a warranty?

Medical Guardian provides a warranty against wear and tear. It also offers a Protection Plan that covers any costs related to a lost, stolen or damaged device. This optional plan can be purchased when you buy the system.

Is Medical Guardian worth it?

Medical Guardian alert systems can be a smart option for those who have a critical medical condition, have a high risk of falling or are in recovery from a significant health event. You can select from in-home, mobile and smartwatch devices.

We like that Medical Guardian has a wide range of equipment options, and its straightforward purchase process is helped along by representatives. It’s also one of our top picks for systems with fall detection and medical alerts with GPS.

All devices are monitored and can connect you to a dispatch center that can get you the help you need 24/7. The Home 2.0 has a range of 1,400 feet — one of the largest we’ve seen on a home-based system.

» LEARN: Questions to ask a medical alert company

Medical Guardian Reviews

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Page 1 Reviews 0 - 5
Verified purchase
Customer ServiceInstallation & SetupStaff

Reviewed Nov. 5, 2022

My mother-in-law has Medical Guardian. If it gets activated and she doesn't respond, then they call us. We have a list of people, and then we would decide if she needs an emergency. Their customer service has been really good. Fortunately, we haven't needed it for an emergency. She activated it once. It was in the couch. It got sat on and she didn't know. She didn't hear anything. So, they called us, and then we got ahold of her on the phone. It's a great product, especially for seniors that live alone.

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    Verified purchase
    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedStaff

    Reviewed Nov. 5, 2022

    My mom is elderly and then my brother is a bit handicapped health-wise. I got them a Guardian system several years ago and they loved it. They've renewed this subscription on their own. Recently, my wife and I pulled the trigger on her mom's Medical Guardian program. She lives 30 minutes away. I went down and activated it, set up the pendant and the base station. We activated it with the help of the company and tested the home phone and then the base station. Both were very quick.

    The contact center service agents were very cordial and went through their process of identifying who I was, because my wife's mom is on the account. I'm on the account as well. But they went through the protocol. It was a good feeling. We also got a package from them. It was not quite right, initially. Their retention team did a fabulous job in making sure that they did make it right the second time. They put me in touch with a guy out of Philadelphia on the retention team and he was very responsive. He listened and was very proactive.

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    Verified purchase
    Customer ServicePunctuality & SpeedFall DetectionStaff

    Reviewed Nov. 5, 2022

    I've only had Medical Guardian now for about a month and I have confidence in the unit when I'm out of my home because this unit is about 1,400 steps away from the base. When I first got it, I accidentally set it off and I just went to the main unit and responded to the call. The response was very quick. I let the person know that it was an accident and that it wasn't an emergency. They reset the unit and then I moved on with whatever I was doing in the home. It's been very pleasant and my confidence level is very high with this unit. I feel safe.

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    Verified purchase
    Sales & MarketingFall DetectionStaff

    Reviewed Nov. 5, 2022

    When I bought the device, the reps were very knowledgeable, and they helped me out. They were selling a product, but it seemed like they were interested in getting me something that I was gonna be comfortable with. It's really a good device. I'm happy enough with it. It has this light that when you're wearing it, it’s almost like a heartbeat. It lights up. They say not to wear them under your clothes, but it’s a little bit bigger than a domino, and so I find that it's noticeable.

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    Verified purchase
    Customer ServiceOnline & AppStaff

    Reviewed Nov. 5, 2022

    When they sent the device to me, it had the options of either wearing it around my neck or wearing it as a belt clip. It has a clip-on on thing. I just wear the thing around my neck. It's not that big a deal. I accidentally bumped it and somebody answered and they asked me if I was okay or if I needed an ambulance. I said, "No, it was an accident." So it works and it's doing what I want it to do. I liked the fact that it can charge for up to five days because there are times when I can't put it on the charger for several days at a time.

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    Customer ServiceDelivery & Shipping

    Reviewed Sept. 11, 2023

    Got service for my mom and everything was fine until wrist strap broke and had to get new one. New one was of poor quality. Went to cancel service and the service is horrible where wait times are up to 30 minutes for answering calls, and they do not stop charging me until equipment is returned as well as having to pay for shipping. Can understand this to a degree, but seems like I need to cancel debit card in order to get control of what they can charge.

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    Verified purchase
    Customer ServiceSales & MarketingFall DetectionStaff

    Reviewed Sept. 11, 2023

    I was in need of a device that was portable to use in case I fell. I called Medical Guardian and a very nice man answered who PROMISED me the watch would work in my area either via AT&T or Verizon. I was told I could send it back for a FULL refund. I received the watch charged it and it would NOT work! I tried calling multiple times and could not get through (over a twenty minute wait or longer). I sent it back and but did not receive a full refund. They charged me $60.45. I fought this for 2 months and ultimately lost.

    This company promises the world and is a scam in my opinion! I am a senior on a limited income. I DO NOT have money to throw around over $60 for re-stoking is ABSURD! They took advantage of me and LIED. Buyer beware of this company. A friend bought me an Apple watch which works and has fall detection and connects to emergency services at a much less monthly cost and no one lied or overcharged me for a product that did not work.

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    Verified purchase
    Customer ServiceBillingDelivery & Shipping

    Reviewed Sept. 7, 2023

    I returned my equipment after realizing it wasn't exactly what I wanted. It was all unused, not activated and returned in its original packaging. They couldn't find it even after I told them it had been delivered. I had to then send in a proof of delivery and n then they required my signature on some obscure form that they took 2 days to email to me. That was 7 days ago and I called a 4th time and asked to speak to a manager. Due to their rigid return policies I ended up being charged $67.29 for equipment I never even used! Ridiculous amount of effort to get my refund. Now she said it will take up to 5 more days for the refunded to our credit card. The refunded total was over $330 and I just don't trust doing business with a company that treats their prospective customers this way.

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    Verified purchase

    Reviewed Aug. 24, 2023

    Haven't had to really test it in an emergency so I can't comment on that. But I am disappointed that I have to charge it every 3 or 4 days for at least 4 hours! That is time I should be wearing it! If I fall, or something else happens during the charge time this unit isn't available. I am looking into other alternatives and may decide to return this unit and go to another provider with less or no downtime.

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    Verified purchase
    Installation & SetupDelivery & Shipping

    Reviewed Aug. 23, 2023

    The Alert unit is for my active 91 year old mother who lives with us. I compared two products recommended. While both would have worked, Medical Guardian had clients in our zip code and guaranteed service in our rural area. The product was easy to order, shipped timely and setup was easy. Now my mother doesn’t need to worry that her tremors may inhibit her ability to dial her phone for help. Help is just a push of a button away.

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    Medical Guardian Company Information

    Social media:
    Company Name:
    Medical Guardian
    Year Founded:
    2005
    Address:
    1818 Market St., Suite 1200
    City:
    Philadelphia
    State/Province:
    PA
    Postal Code:
    19103
    Country:
    United States
    Website:
    www.medicalguardian.com

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