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Best Medical Alert Systems

By Macy Sarbacker

When you have elderly loved ones, ensuring their safety while still maintaining their sense of independence can be a challenge. Thankfully, there is a simple answer: purchase a medical alert system.

Medical alert systems are an emergency contact system with which a person can easily call for help with the press of a button. Although these systems have been around for a while, they have evolved significantly over the last five years and there are now many to choose from. Most of them have similar features, but there are a few models that offer more than others. With that in mind, we have done our research to bring you a list of some of the best medical alert systems on the market today. Take a look at our picks and then we will discuss everything you need to know to choose the right system for you or your loved ones.

Top 5 Best Medical Alert Systems of 2021

Reviews of the Best Medical Alert Systems

LifeStation Mobile Medical Alert System

LifeStation Mobile Medical Alert System

Quick Look: 4G connectivity, works on the AT&T 4G network. Lightweight, easy to use. Optional fall detection. Fully waterproof. 5-day battery life. Check Price at Amazon

If you or your loved ones are constantly on the go then it is important to have a medical alert system that will go the distance. With the LifeStation Mobile Medical Alert System, you will have fast access to emergency services no matter where you are. This device functions almost like a cellphone, using AT&T’s extensive 4G network to ensure that you can call for help whenever you need it. You do not need an AT&T plan to use LifeStation, the service comes with the device.

The lightweight device weighs slightly more than a tennis ball and can be worn on a lanyard so it is always there when you need it. It is fully waterproof so you can wear it all day, even when you’re in the shower. The rechargeable battery only takes 3 hours to charge and lasts for 5 days between charges.

When you press the help button your call will be answered by a TMA certified specialist within seconds. They will speak to you through the device and assess the situation. They will then get you the help you need by calling friends or family for non-urgent situations or emergency services for more serious situations.

This device comes with one month of free service. After the initial month, the base service fee is $34.95 per month. There are extra fees for additional services, such as automatic fall detection.

Learn More and Buy Now at Amazon
Assistive Technology Services Medical Alert System

Assistive Technology Services Medical Alert System

Quick Look: No monthly fees. Contacts friends or family before calling 911. Works with a landline. Rechargeable. Waterproof. 600ft. Signal range. Check Price at Amazon

The biggest expense associated with medical alert systems is the monthly service fee. If you want to skip the monthly fees, then take a look at the Assistive Technology Services Medical Alert System. This model works just like a cordless phone, simply plug it into your landline and you’re ready to use it.

This device can be programmed to call up to four friends or relatives before calling 911, saving you money on EMS visits that you may not need. The device can be worn on a lanyard, wristband, or belt clip and is safe for those with pacemakers. It will work up to 600ft away from the base so you can wear it out in the yard or garage.

Although the unit itself is more expensive than other models, it is a one time cost that is less than 6 months worth of service fees associated with many monthly services. Once you’ve made your purchase, the unit is yours to use for life and it can be used with any landline. Going on an extended visit out of town? Simply take your medical alert system with you.

Learn More and Buy Now at Amazon
Medical Guardian On-The-Go Medical Alert System

Medical Guardian On-The-Go Medical Alert System

Quick Look: Uses Verizon’s 4G LTE network. Includes lanyard and belt clip wearability. Rechargeable, 30-day battery life. No activation fee or contract required. Check Price at Amazon

Traveling can be one of the best ways to enjoy your retirement. Do not let the fear of an accidental slip and fall keep you from enjoying your chance to travel. With the Medical Guardian On-The-Go Medical Alert System, help is always just a button-press away.

You can wear the alert device on a lanyard or use the belt clip to discreetly clip it to your clothing or purse. It is also waterproof and safe to use in the shower. Since it works with Verizon’s powerful 4G LTE network, you can rely on this device to work throughout the United States, allowing you to travel the country with the knowledge that help is there if you need it.

This service requires no activation fee and comes with a free month of service. After the first month, it has a monthly fee of $36.95.

Learn More and Buy Now at Amazon
Medical Guardian Classic Medical Alert System

Medical Guardian Classic Medical Alert System

Quick Look: Landline based with 1,300ft. Signal range. Emergency battery backup for power outages. Lanyard and wristband options. Waterproof. No activation fee or contract required. Check Price at Amazon

Do you have a loved one who loves to work out in the garden, but you’re worried they may fall when no one is around? Dispel those worries with the Medical Guardian Classic Medical Alert System. This device comes with a 1,300ft range, providing a strong signal even out to the garden.

This device is lightweight and compact and can be worn on your wrist or a lanyard. It is completely waterproof, so you can wear it while you’re watering the garden without fear of water damage.

The main base for the device is powered by your landline, but it also comes with a 32 hour battery-powered backup in case of power outages. There are no contracts or activation fees required and it comes with a free month of service. For continued service, the base monthly fee is $39.95 with options for additional services.

Learn More and Buy Now at Amazon
GreatCall Lively Wearable2

GreatCall Lively Wearable2

Quick Look: Combination of medical alert system and fitness tracker. Works with your smartphone and Lively App. Lanyard and wristband options. Check Price at Amazon

If you want to encourage your loved one to be safe and stay healthy, why not try this combination medical alert system and fitness tracker from GreatCall? The GreatCall Lively Wearable2 can be worn on your wrist and will track your steps to encourage healthy activity every day.

The Lively Wearable2 works with your smartphone to provide quick access to emergency services. Simply press the button on the device to connect with a GreatCall representative on your phone. The representative will assess the situation and send assistance if required. If you cannot respond, the service will use the GPS on your phone to alert the emergency services of your location. If there is an emergency, the Lively app will automatically send notifications to your chosen friends or relatives.

The waterproof device can also be worn on a special fall detection lanyard if that is preferable. This will activate the device automatically if a fall is detected. GreatCall offers multiple service plans starting at $24.99 per month.

Learn More and Buy Now at Amazon

How We Chose The Best Medical Alert Systems

Since everyone has different needs, we looked for a variety of medical alert systems to give you a good idea of what is available. Even though each of our picks is unique, there are a few things they have in common such as good plan options, quality materials, and ease of use.

Plan Options

Multiple plan options are important when it comes to medical alert systems. Not everyone needs the same amount of coverage or the same features. The best medical alert systems have multiple plan options to fit your needs. That is why we looked for a variety of systems with different plan options so that you would be sure to find a plan that gives you the coverage you need.

Quality Materials

These devices are designed to give you and your loved ones peace of mind, so they must be made out of quality materials that will last. To get the most of your medical alert system, you have to be able to wear it all day, every day, without fear of it wearing out. With that in mind, we looked for models that were sturdy, waterproof, and had long-lasting batteries.

Ease of Use

If you or your loved one experiences an emergency, the last thing you want to worry about is fumbling with a phone or other complicated device. That is why we looked for emergency alert systems that were easy to use, even for those with limited mobility or comprehension issues. We also chose systems that were simple to set up so that they would be convenient for all types of users.

What You Need To Know About Medical Alert Systems

Medical alert systems are meant to provide a potentially life-saving service. With that in mind, it is very important to examine all of the details before choosing the best system for you.

The Fine Print

Purchasing a medical alert system can end up being very costly if you aren’t conscientious about reading the fine print. Many of these systems come with multiple fees and charges that may not be obvious in the beginning. A few of the extra charges may include:

  • Activation Fees
  • Fees for Extra Features, such as fall detection
  • Fees for Suspending Coverage
  • Contract Termination Fees

Not every plan will have these hidden fees, but taking a little extra time to read the fine print could save you a lot of money. Before making your purchase you may want to call the system’s provider and go over these details with a representative for the most up to date plan policies.

Signal Coverage

Every medical alert system has a certain range of coverage. The home models that are powered by landlines will have a specific signal range, such as 600ft. This is plenty of range for a small home or apartment, but may not be strong enough to offer proper coverage in a larger house. Models that use 4G coverage will only work where there is a 4G network, so if you live in a less populated area with weak cell phone coverage, the device may not work. If you are unsure about the cell phone coverage in your area, call the medical alert system’s provider and they should be able to tell you if their device will work in your area.

Call Options

Many medical alert systems use a call center to help users who are experiencing an emergency. These call centers will usually have trained specialists who will assess the situation and then call emergency services if they are required. This is a very helpful service, especially if you are prone to falls, but do not necessarily need an ambulance every time you experience a fall. If you simply need help getting up, the call center can call the person of your choice to come over and help you. Other systems can be set up to automatically call a family member first or possibly more than one person if required. Each person will have different needs when it comes to call options, so it is important to search for a plan that provides the options you want.

How to Choose The Best Medical Alert System For You

All medical alert systems offer the same service but in different ways. The best way to determine which system is right for you or your loved one is to examine your needs, budget, and desired service options.

Your Needs

The first step in finding the best system for you is determining your needs and expectations. To determine what those needs are you should examine a few factors such as:

  • Do you only need the system at home or do you need it on the go?
  • Do you want the system to connect to a call center or a family member?
  • Do you only need a device for one person or do you need one that will work for two people?
  • Do you need a device that will monitor activity or simply one that will be there in case of an emergency?

There are other details that you will want to examine, but going over these questions will help you to narrow your search and improve your chances of finding the system that will best meet your needs.

Your Budget

As we mentioned in the section about reading the fine print, be sure to check all the hidden fees before making your purchase. The last thing you want to do is purchase a device only to find that the service fees exceed your budget. Before committing to a device, call the system provider to get the most up to date pricing information.

Service Options

When you are first setting up your medical alert system you may not be thinking about what you will do when the service is no longer required, but this is definitely something you should consider before making your purchase. The best medical alert systems should be contract-free, but if you choose a device that does require a service contract, be sure to ask about coverage suspension and termination. Choose a plan that offers service suspension so that you will not get stuck paying for coverage when it isn’t required. Also, ask about contract termination fees so you will not have any surprises when the coverage is no longer needed.

Bottom Line

Choosing a medical alert system can be complicated, but do not worry. A simple examination of your needs and budget will help you to narrow your search. Make sure you choose a system that has good plan options, proper signal coverage, and the call options that work best for you. Take the time to carefully examine your needs and expectations to ensure that you choose a system that will meet your requirements. The right medical alert system can be truly life-saving, so the time you spend researching and choosing the best one will definitely pay off in the end. We hope this information has given you the knowledge you need to choose the best medical alert system for you and your loved ones.

It’s hard to go wrong with any of our top medical alert system options, but we recommend LifeStation Mobile Medical Alert System for its energy efficiency and quality materials. Compare all of your options before making a final decision, though, to make sure that you’re choosing the right model for your circumstances.

Top 5 Best Medical Alert Systems of 2021