What are the best medical alerts with no monthly fee?
To find the best medical alert systems with no monthly fee, we looked at cost, call features, range and battery life. We only chose systems that are water-resistant and have no hidden fees. These medical alert systems contact 911, in-home caretakers, loved ones or a combination of them.
- Great for caretakers:
SadoTech Model H - Multiple call options:
LogicMark FreedomAlert - Good for budget shoppers:
CallToU Caregiver Pager - Our favorite no-fee medical alert with GPS:
Silent Beacon
Great for caretakers:SadoTech Model H
Unlike unmonitored medical alert systems that call 911, SadoTech’s Model H sends a signal to an in-home caretaker who comes to your aid when alerted. Because it has a range of 500 to 1,000 feet, caregivers can be out in the yard and still hear your call from the second-floor bathroom. The chime device clips to the caregiver’s clothes for easy carrying. Batteries for the chime device are not included. The SadoTech Model H is weatherproof, allowing caretakers and seniors to take portable pieces outside.
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Multiple call options:LogicMark FreedomAlert
If you’re living independently and want the option to call family, friends or 911, the LogicMark FreedomAlert is an excellent option. This no-fee medical alert system is customizable to call up to four contacts and 911. If a caretaker wants to forward your call to 911, they simply dial 911 from their own phone and the system hangs up with the caretaker and calls 911 directly. The system and batteries can be tested. Customers may purchase up to four waterproof pendants to go with a single base station.
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Good for budget shoppers:CallToU Caregiver Pager
At just $21.99, the CallToU Caregiver Pager is a great low-cost option for seniors who have an in-home caregiver. When the button is pressed, the call pendant sounds an alarm in the chime unit, alerting a caregiver of an emergency. The portable push button is waterproof and can be held in a pocket or around your neck. The chime unit has 55 ring tone options. Additional call pendants and chime units can be purchased for wider coverage in your home.
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Our favorite no-fee medical alert with GPS:Silent Beacon
The Silent Beacon is an emergency pendant to take on the go. As long as it's paired with the Silent Beacon app on a smartphone and is in Bluetooth range of that device, a user can take the device anywhere. At the push of a button, the Silent Beacon automatically calls prestored numbers, such as loved ones or 911. The Silent Beacon knows your location, which it shares with call recipients, such as emergency responders. Battery life notifications are available in the app. Though the device requires no monthly fee, users have the option to upgrade to a monthly subscription for additional features.
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What are no-fee medical alert systems?
Medical alert systems with no monthly fees operate similarly to those with monthly fees. The main difference is who receives the call for help in an emergency. Whereas monitored medical alert systems connect to a call center where a representative determines the severity of the emergency, an unmonitored system directly dials loved ones or 911.
Unmonitored medical alert systems are best for older adults who have caretakers nearby who can respond quickly in the event of a call.
There are two main types of no-fee medical alert systems on the market: those that sound an alarm on your property and those that call an external number. The former is typically used by older adults with in-home caretakers while the latter is for those living independently. Some medical alert devices can be programmed to contact certain loved ones in a specific order, with a call to 911 as a last resort. Other devices are not customizable.
“When looking into purchasing an unmonitored medical alert system, it's important to assess how reliable the contacts are who will be notified in an emergency. Make sure that the designated contacts are generally available and can respond quickly,” explained Brittany Ferri, a certified occupational therapist.
Ferri says if your designated emergency contact is no longer able to be listed, don’t forget to update your system’s settings right away to avoid lapses in support. You can do this by manually resetting it yourself or by calling an agent.
No-fee vs. monitored medical alert systems
Both no-fee and monitored medical alert systems are designed to keep older adults safe, but they work in different ways and cater to different needs.
A monitored medical alert system connects the user to a 24/7 call center when the emergency button is pressed. A trained representative speaks with the user, assesses the situation and contacts the appropriate emergency services or loved ones. These systems generally cost between $20 and $60 per month, plus any equipment fees.
In contrast, no-fee systems do not connect to a monitoring center. Instead, they either sound a loud alarm to alert nearby caregivers or automatically call preset phone numbers, such as a neighbor, family member or 911. These systems typically require only a one-time payment of $20 to $300, depending on the features.
Monitored systems are best for individuals who live alone, have medical conditions or want peace of mind knowing a professional will always answer the call. No-fee systems are ideal for those with consistent nearby support, such as live-in caregivers or family members.
What to look for in an unmonitored medical alert system
When shopping for a nonmonitored medical alert system, think about your level of activity. If you spend a lot of time out of the house, find a mobile medical alert with GPS. If you live independently, get a medical alert system that calls external numbers. If you live with a caretaker, a medical alert that sounds an alarm within your home is recommended. Make sure the maximum range of the system is more than what you need in your own home.
Additionally, look for a no-fee medical alert that is comfortable, water-resistant, easy to set up and simple to use. You probably won’t wear a pendant that doesn’t meet this criteria as often as you should, so check all the boxes.
Even if a medical alert device has no monthly fees, be sure to call the company and read reviews, looking for any hidden fees. The best medical alert systems for older adults with no monthly fees have a warranty, trial or return policy so users can return an unsatisfactory product.
» MORE: Find the best medical alert apps
Unmonitored medical alert system cost
Unmonitored medical alert systems typically cost between $20 and $300, depending on the technology of the device you choose. Some systems have the option to upgrade to a monitored system for a monthly fee, but most are fixed at a one-time cost.
Will Medicare or Medicaid cover a medical alert system?
Unfortunately, Medicare won’t cover a medical alert system of any kind. “Navigating Medicare coverage can be difficult at times and currently, Medicare Part B does not typically cover the cost as they are generally categorized as ‘personal comfort items,’” Ferri said. However, according to Ferri, some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans might offer full or partial coverage for medical alert devices.
“If these do not apply to you, look into Medicaid waivers, talk to your local health department for potential programs or grants, and explore non-profit organizations that may provide financial assistance,” Ferri said. “You can also try contacting the medical alert companies directly to ask about any discounts or subsidized programs they may offer.”
Pros and cons of medical alert systems with no monthly fee
Medical alert systems with no monthly fees are not perfect, and consumers should understand the pros and cons before purchasing. Though unmonitored medical alert systems have a fixed, one-time cost, they have quite a few limitations.
Pros
- No monthly fees
- You own the equipment
- Devices are simple and without complicated features
Cons
- No call center to determine your needs
- Caregiver may miss phone call
- Responders don’t have record of medical conditions like call center
- No confirmation that 911 was contacted
» LEARN MORE: Questions to ask a medical alert company
FAQ
What are some low-cost alternatives to medical alert systems?
Alternative low-cost options include medical alert bracelets engraved with health information, mobile apps that provide emergency alert functions and smart home devices with integrated alert features. These options may not offer the full functionality of a medical alert system but can serve as supplemental or temporary solutions for those on a tight budget.
Do unmonitored medical alert systems have fall detection?
Some models of unmonitored medical alert systems have fall detection, but the technology is imperfect. For automatic fall detection, we recommend choosing a monitored service.
Do unmonitored medical alert systems have GPS?
GPS-enabled devices are available with no monthly fees, though this feature is rare. Typically they need to be paired with a cellular device and network, so older adults without an existing cellular plan may not have access to this feature.
Can unmonitored medical alert systems be integrated with smart home devices?
Some unmonitored medical alert systems can integrate with smart home devices, depending on the brand and model. These integrations may allow for voice-activated commands and alerts. Check the product specifications or contact the manufacturer for compatibility details.
Bottom line: Are medical alerts with no monthly fee worth it?
If you are living on a fixed income, medical alerts with no monthly fees are a reasonable option. However, we recommend that you gather quotes from monitored medical alert companies. Your first year of service with a monitored medical alert company may be as low as $220, which is less than the upfront pricing of some unmonitored medical alert systems.
Whether the medical alert system you choose is monitored or not, we encourage you to purchase a medical alert system. There are also inexpensive medical alert bracelets that are engraved with your personal and health information that are low-tech and inexpensive as an alternative to medical alert systems.
“It may be beneficial to discuss and even rehearse a response plan to make sure everyone knows what to do if there is an emergency,” says Ferri. “An unmonitored system can still be a great choice if you have several consistent social supports in place. You should also consider using this alongside other safety measures, such as scheduled check-ins and maintaining a safe, clutter-free living environment to prevent falls."
