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Life Alert Reviews

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Edited by: Justin Martino

About Life Alert

Life Alert was founded in 1987, making it one of the first personal emergency response companies in the United States. The company’s systems have a base hub and a help button that can be worn around the neck on a pendant or wristband. Life Alert advertises that its pendants have a 10-year battery life and don't require charging. Monitoring centers are UL-certified and have the Five Diamond designation from The Monitoring Association.

Visit www.lifealert.com
Pros
  • 24/7 professional monitoring
  • Pendants don't require regular charging
  • Waterproof equipment
Cons
  • $198 activation fee
  • Requires three-year contract
  • Not ideal for online shoppers

Helpful Reviews

Carlsbad, CA
Verified purchase

Signed up and was thrilled with the speed and simplicity of the service. Pricing was fair, value was straightforward and shipping was fast and convenient. My dog loves the food...

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Hampton, SC
Verified purchase
Best investment in a property we've made so far! I especially love having the app and the convenience of knowing when each door opens and closes. Having the peace of mind of being...

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Life Alert devices

How Life Alert works

Life Alert offers a medical alert system you can wear as a pendant or bracelet. It connects you to a monitoring center with trained professionals who can help in an emergency.

The pendant has a range of up to 1,000 feet from the base unit, and microphones can amplify up to 150 feet away.

Here's how it works: When you press the button on your Life Alert device, it's like sending up a flare to let the monitoring center know you need help. The help button is designed to be easy to use, even if you have mobility challenges or difficulty with your hands.

When pressed, the pendant transmits a signal to the base unit, notifying the monitoring center. Once connected to the monitoring center, you can speak to an operator through the device. Tell the operator what you need, and they'll dispatch help. If there's no response, Life Alert automatically contacts the proper authorities.

Life Alert costs

Expect to pay $200 upfront to get started. One quote for Life Alert’s monthly service ranged between $50 and $100 — meaning a 36-month contract could total roughly $2,000 to $3,600. Pricing can vary, so it’s best to contact the company directly for the most current rates.

Life Alert FAQ

Does Life Alert require a landline?

Life Alert can run on a landline or cellular connection.

Does Life Alert have GPS?

Yes, Life Alert offers systems with built-in GPS.

How much does Life Alert cost per year?

You’ll need to pay an activation fee of $198 to get started. A quote at the time of publication placed annual Life Alert costs between $2,000 and $3,600 per year for monitoring, with monthly costs ranging from $50 to $100.

Is Life Alert covered by Medicare?

Life Alert systems usually aren’t covered by Medicare. However, some Medicare Advantage plans might cover some of the cost of Life Alert for seniors — it depends on your provider. You might also qualify for medical alert coverage under your long-term care insurance plan.

What are the alternatives to Life Alert?

For some great Life Alert alternatives, check out our guide to finding the best medical alert companies:

  • Our top pick overall: Bay Alarm Medical
  • Our pick for customer service: Life Alert
  • Our pick for in-home safety: MobileHelp
  • Our pick for on-the-go use: Medical Alert
  • Our pick for a risk-free option: LifeStation

Still have questions?

Is Life Alert worth it?

Yes, Life Alert offers a valuable service that most reviewers say is worth it. Life Alert reviews on our site are generally positive, highlighting the company’s reliable service and quick response time, though some say it’s difficult to cancel.

While the price is higher than the average cost of a medical alert system, the company has a long reputation for quality service. You can find cheaper systems with more advanced features, like longer in-home ranges and fall detection, but many people might prefer Life Alert's streamlined set of features and easy-to-understand operation.

Life Alert Reviews

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    How do I know I can trust these reviews about Life Alert Emergency Response, Inc.?
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    3 featured reviews
    How do I know I can trust these reviews about Life Alert Emergency Response, Inc.?
    • 4,957,941 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
    • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
    • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
    • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.
    Page 1 Reviews 0 - 35
    Verified purchase
    Customer ServiceFall Detection

    Reviewed July 31, 2026

    She was having congestive heart failure so we hit the Life Alert call button. Rescue services were here in about 5 minutes. She was taken to the hospital we chose. We are very happy with the Life Alert Services.

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      Verified purchase
      Fall Detection

      Reviewed July 23, 2026

      I was experiencing dizziness. I pushed the Life Alert button and dispatcher talked with me until the EMT’s arrived. The person kept me calm, let me know when the EMT’s would be arriving.

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      Customer ServiceMaintenanceFall DetectionStaff

      Reviewed July 15, 2026

      I have a spinal cord injury and am not always steady on my feet. Because of that, my family insisted that I get a Life Alert necklace. I had it for about a year before I ever needed it. Then I fell down some steps, breaking seven ribs, puncturing a lung, and injuring my right shoulder. My Life Alert automatically detected the fall and immediately contacted emergency services as well as my family emergency contacts—all without me having to do a thing. Needless to say, I will never be without my Life Alert again. Knowing that help was on the way, even when I couldn’t call for it myself, gave both me and my family tremendous peace of mind. I also received a courtesy call from the Life Alert team to check on me, which was greatly appreciated. Thank you, Life Alert, for being there when I needed you most. Sincerely Gregg

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      Verified purchase
      Customer ServiceFall Detection

      Reviewed June 23, 2026

      My mom fell in her living room. Life Alert was wonderful! They called me and my brother and continued to talk to my mom and ask safety questions until my brother was able to get to the house.

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      Verified purchase

      Reviewed June 16, 2026

      My wife could not straighten up and became very confused. Her condition sent her to a hospital 90 miles away for 11 days and 5 wks. in a nursing ghome. I couldn’t be more pleased with the way it was handled by Life Alert.

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      Customer ServiceCoverageTech

      Reviewed Aug. 13, 2026

      I suppose I should have read the reviews before signing up my mother. This is predatory by nature that you cannot pay the contract out and return the equipment when you want. I am cancelling and have to MAIL a check to the headquarters, which I highly doubt will ever be cashed. BUT I cannot return the equipment until March 6, 2028. I have to call on March 6, 2028 exactly to return the equipment. I am keenly aware of what the contract says. I am happy to pay the remainder of the contract. But for goodness' sakes, let me return the equipment prior to March 6, 2028. My mistake for thinking this was a safe choice.

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      Life Alert
      Response from Life Alert

      Life Alert provides peace of mind to families that help is available at the press of a button for their elderly loved ones. Our goals are to protect the people who need our service, and if their lifestyle changes, we do have a cancellation clause, as what was explained to you. The terms and conditions, length of service, and cost were disclosed to you before you signed up and are part of what allows us to guarantee uninterrupted coverage for every subscriber, including your mother, so she stays safe. Not only is Life Alert a safe choice, but it is also the best choice in keeping your loved one safe and protected. As for reviews, we invite you to read the 67,000+ positive reviews on lifealert.com from our subscribers and their family members, along with all the praises for us on the other review sites, that results in Life Alert being the highest rated medical alert system.

      Verified purchase
      Punctuality & SpeedFall Detection

      Reviewed July 31, 2026

      I had unexplained plans—Life Alert sent paramedics quickly and I was taken to the hospital.

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      Verified purchase
      Fall Detection

      Reviewed July 31, 2026

      The Life Alert works great. It saved my mother from having to lay on the floor till someone found her.

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      Verified purchase
      Customer ServiceMaintenanceFall Detection

      Reviewed July 30, 2026

      Life Alert has served me & my family very well. They respond to my request & sometimes come to my house to check on me when phones do not work.

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      Verified purchase
      Fall DetectionStaff

      Reviewed July 30, 2026

      Great service. I live alone on the top floor. If I fall no one can hear. It’s a comfort for my family who lives far away that I have Life Alert help.

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      Verified purchase
      Customer ServiceFall Detection

      Reviewed July 30, 2026

      I fell and broke my right arm. EMS was called. If it wasn’t for Life Alert I would have sat for a long time.

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      Verified purchase
      TechFall DetectionStaff

      Reviewed July 29, 2026

      Life Alert has sent out help many times to help pick my husband off the floor. The men who come are always so kind and willing to help.

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      Verified purchase
      Customer ServiceFall DetectionStaff

      Reviewed July 29, 2026

      She fell on the floor. The Life Alert dispatcher responded immediately, EMS helped her off the floor, took her vitals and acted very professionally. Very thankful for the assistance.

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      Verified purchase
      Fall DetectionStaff

      Reviewed July 29, 2026

      Was getting out of bed, lost strength in my right foot and was sliding to the floor. Pressed the Life Alert button and they sent help right away.

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      Verified purchase
      TechFall Detection

      Reviewed July 28, 2026

      My mom fell and I was in another part of house; she hit her Life Alert paramedics came out right away.

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      Verified purchase
      Customer ServiceFall DetectionStaff

      Reviewed July 28, 2026

      I’m 97—living alone in my apartment, when I lose my balance and fall, its great to be able to call Life Alert. Life Alert helps me remain independent.

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      Verified purchase
      Fall DetectionStaff

      Reviewed July 28, 2026

      Thank you for your help Life Alert!

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      Verified purchase
      Punctuality & SpeedFall Detection

      Reviewed July 27, 2026

      Life Alert was very prompt. Kept me calm by talking to me until son arrived—very quick service.

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      Verified purchase
      Fall DetectionStaff

      Reviewed July 27, 2026

      Life Alert staff was courteous. They listened and made sure I received the help I needed.

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      Verified purchase
      Fall Detection

      Reviewed July 27, 2026

      I fell, but don’t remember which one because it has been several times. Life Alert are great & I feel so confident with you.

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      CoverageTechPriceFall Detection

      Reviewed July 25, 2026

      I am upset that they want to charge me $20.00 for a new lanyard for my voice pendent, when I already pay $109.00 a month. You would think they could replace it for free. That really seems not to fair. I hope someone gets in touch with me about this. I have had this for 2 years, but when my contract is up I will change to Life Line, they seem like a better deal, and there is no contract you are locked into. Life Alert will lose me as a customer.

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      Life Alert
      Response from Life Alert
      Hi, thank you for reaching out to us. We immediately escalated your concerns to upper management. A manager reached out to you and resolved this matter. Please fee free to contact us anytime you have questions or concerns.
      Best Regards,

      Life Alert

      Verified purchase
      Fall Detection

      Reviewed July 24, 2026

      I have used my Life Alert 2 times and always pleased with the service.

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      Verified purchase
      Customer ServiceFall DetectionStaff

      Reviewed July 24, 2026

      Fell and Life Alert set up EMS to respond. Very professional and skilled Life Alert dispatcher.

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      Verified purchase
      Customer ServiceFall DetectionStaff

      Reviewed July 24, 2026

      I fell … called Life Alert. They made certain of the type of accident and that someone was with me. They notified emergency services who came to my home and helped me.

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      Verified purchase
      Customer ServiceFall DetectionStaff

      Reviewed July 23, 2026

      My mom fell & hit her head. Life Alert called 911 & then called me. Got her the immediate care she needed.

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      Verified purchase
      Customer ServiceFall Detection

      Reviewed July 23, 2026

      I was having chest paints—called Life Alert & they called EMS. Thank goodness—I didn’t end up going into hospital but they checked me out.

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      Verified purchase
      Customer ServiceFall Detection

      Reviewed July 22, 2026

      I tried to get out of bed, but couldn’t move. Called Life Alert they talked to me until the paramedics arrived. Good service, compassionate people on the phones.

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      Verified purchase
      Fall DetectionStaff

      Reviewed July 22, 2026

      I got dizzy and light-headed with the floor spinning. I activated my pendant and got help.

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      Verified purchase
      Fall Detection

      Reviewed July 22, 2026

      I fell, but don’t remember which be because it has been several times. Life Alert guys & gals are great & I feel so confident with you.

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      Verified purchase
      Fall DetectionStaff

      Reviewed July 21, 2026

      Life Alert helped me stay calm until help arrived.

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      Verified purchase
      Customer ServiceFall Detection

      Reviewed July 21, 2026

      Thank you for checking up on my call. I am 88 years old, and I feel very safe with my “alert’ necklace. God’s Blessings.

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      Verified purchase
      Customer ServiceFall Detection

      Reviewed July 21, 2026

      I fell down in the bathroom. My son was there. He couldn’t pick me ups. I called Life Alert. EMS/Fire Department was there less than 5 min.

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      Verified purchase

      Reviewed July 20, 2026

      Fell in hallway at home pressed Life Alert button dispatcher contacted and sent paramedics to my home.

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      Verified purchase

      Reviewed July 20, 2026

      Pushing that button is magical Life Alert get on fast. They help get here so quick & my parent love it.

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      Verified purchase

      Reviewed July 20, 2026

      Suffered extreme vertigo & nausea; “Life Alert” summoned an ambulance quickly & notified my points-of-contact immediately. Thank you for your help!

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      Profile pic of the author.
      Verified purchase
      Customer ServiceFall DetectionStaffBillingMonitoring Center

      Reviewed July 18, 2026

      I sought out Life Alert for my mother. I was sold on the response time, the ease of membership on and the ease of termination. We’ve had Life Alert for two months and needed to terminate the membership due to a terminal illness. I called twice to terminate membership and was told someone would call back in 48 hours. No one did. So I called and was transferred to the billing department. I was then told I needed to send a letter stating the current condition of the enrollee.

      This information was not presented to me in the beginning. If it was, it would have allowed us to shop around and consider other options. Now during a difficult time, I have to focus on getting a letter, instead of my terminally ill mother, just to avoid an upcoming payment. For me, Life Alert did not help. My mother was skeptical, and in her time of need, she was put on hold.

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      Life Alert
      Response from Life Alert

      Thank you for sharing your concerns, and we're sorry for the difficult circumstances your family has been navigating with your mother's care. We've reviewed our records regarding this incident. Our documentation shows contact from you regarding your mother's hospice status, at which point we advised on the standard paperwork required to cancel an account per the service agreement.

      Regarding the pendant activation, your call was not placed on hold, what your family heard was our system's message confirming that the dispatch center had received the signal and was responding — this plays automatically at the start of every activation and is not something a dispatcher can pause or control.

      On the response itself, our dispatcher followed standard protocol. Once the reason for activation couldn't be confirmed with anyone, our safety protocols and paramedics were then dispatched to ensure her wellbeing was verified in person. We understand this coincided with your family already preparing to transport her, and we regret the overlap in timing, but our dispatcher's decision was to prioritize your mother's safety when direct confirmation wasn't possible.

      We are very sorry for the passing of your mother and understand that this is a difficult time for you and the family.
      We hope you can find some peace during this emotional time.
      Sincerely,

      Life Alert

      Verified purchase

      Reviewed July 17, 2026

      I fell and was home alone. I needed help. Life Alert sent rescue to my home they came very quickly.

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      Verified purchase

      Reviewed July 17, 2026

      Life Alert is great! Proud of it!

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      Verified purchase

      Reviewed July 17, 2026

      Can’t remember the date but it was very comforting to have Life Alert with me.

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      Verified purchase

      Reviewed July 16, 2026

      Life Alert staff responded to my emergency immediately & within minutes help had arrived.

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      Life Alert Company Information

      Company Name:
      Life Alert Emergency Response, Inc.
      Website:
      www.lifealert.com

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