Best Medical Alert Systems

When entrepreneur Geoff Gross launched Medical Guardian in 2005 with the goal of protecting his grandmother, he wound up helping a great many more people. Originally based out of Gross’s Philadelphia apartment, the company has since built a stellar reputation. Like many competitors, the company offers several devices that include both in-home and on-the-go systems. They distinguish themselves, however, with a broad range of optional add-ons that allow users to tailor packages to suit their unique needs. Medical Guardian has consistently won acclaim for the quality and versatility of its systems, as well as the responsiveness and competency of its certified team. The company has earned stamps of approval from industry standard-bearers as well, including TMA Five Diamond, Electronic Security Association, Factory Mutual Global, and Underwriters Laboratories.

Customization is the name of the game with Medical Guardian: users are first invited to choose the device that best suits their lifestyle–whether a base unit, pendant, smartwatch, or combination thereof. Systems are backed by Wi-Fi, cellular, GPS tracking, and clear two-way communication. In-home devices offer an impressive 1,300-foot range and a battery life of five days. With such solid options, it’s hard to go wrong.

Next, the user may select additional features such as 9-11 alerts that directly activate emergency response; a lockbox to allow emergency personnel to access home keys;  fall detection that senses when a user falls down; caregiver support that provides critical information about the user’s health to select family or friends; voice activation which allows the user to call for help verbally; and other options that meet individual needs for safety and comfort. 

Medical Guardian offers this versatile suite of products at reasonable pricing with flexible payment plans. Month-to-month and annual contracts are available, all without the burden of long-term contracts or activation fees. An easy-to-use customer care portal makes it simple to manage accounts and subscriptions, and to keep health and safety information in one centralized place.

Medical Guardian offers the following plans:

• Classic Guardian for $29.95 per month, which includes an in-home unit that connects with a landline, can sync with a pendant or watch, and offers 1,300 feet of in-home monitoring, voice assist, and caregiver connection
• Home 2.0 for $34.95 per month, which includes an in-home unit that can sync with a pendant or watch and offers 1,400 feet of in-home monitoring, voice assist, and caregiver connection
• MG Move for $39.95 per month and includes a smartwatch with 24/7 monitoring from Five Diamond certified staff, plus fitness tracking tools and optional social apps
• Mini Guardian for $39.95 per month and includes a lightweight, water-resistant help button with 24/7 monitoring, a two-way speaker, and location tracking
• Mobile 2.0 for $39.95 per month and includes a combination pendant/watch with advanced location monitoring and caregiver connection

Other optional features include caregiver support ($5/mo.), lockbox ($2.99/mo.), voice activation ($4.99/mo.), 911 access ($9.99/mo.), and more.

Launched in 2005 by cellular pioneer Arlene Harris, Lively (previously GreatCall) has a long track record of bridging health and technology. Over the two decades, the company has thrived, and its accessibility and design haves earned accolades from numerous organizations and national publications. In 2018, the company was acquired by electronics retailer BestBuy.

With an exclusive focus on mobile products, Lively offers three different devices (including a help button and two phones) with several options for subscription plans. Users who choose a phone can keep their existing phone number and enjoy the usual features like camera, video, and word games along with the peace of mind of knowing crucial emergency services are available, too. 

From personal medical consultation to fall detection to transportation support (in partnership with Lyft), Lively has you covered in a lot of situations. For maximum convenience, some devices integrate with Alexa and Apple Watch.

Lively offers the following plans:

• Lively Mobile+ Basic Package for $24.95 per month, which includes urgent Response featuring 24/7 monitoring, two-way communication, and certified response agents 
• Lively Mobile+ Preferred Package for $29.99 per month, which includes urgent Response 24/7 monitoring, two-way communication, and certified response agents; Urgent Care featuring prescription refills and advice from board-certified medical professionals; Lively Link caregiver response app, and location detection
• Lively Mobile+ Ultimate Package for $39.99 per month and includes urgent Response featuring 24/7 monitoring, two-way communication, and certified response agents; Urgent Care featuring prescription refills and advice from board-certified medical professionals; Lively Link caregiver response app, and location detection; plus Fall Detection

If you're interested in  Alexa/Apple Watch, you can purchase the device separately and then sign up so that they work together. In addition, if you're also in the market for a phone, there are multiple Jitterbug devices that can be added to any package:

• Jitterbug Flip2 Value Talk + Text for $14.99 per month, which includes 300 minutes/mo., 10 cents/text. Simple flip phone with large screen, clear menu, magnifier, Alexa integration, and Urgent Response button. You can enhance this phone with any Lively Mobile+ plan.
• Jitterbug Flip2 Unlimited Talk + Text for $19.99 per month and includes a flip phone with large screen, clear menu, magnifier, Alexa integration, and Urgent Response button. You can enhance this phone with any Lively Mobile+ plan.
• Jitterbug Smart3, which includes a Phone with large screen, clear menu, voice typing, video chat function, and Urgent Response button. Enhance this phone with any Lively Mobile+ plan, then add any data plan ($2.49–$30/mo.).

You can also sign up for a personal Operator service, which can do everything from make calls for you , to schedule rides and, to offer driving directions.  Lively Rides integrates with Lyft to provide transportation.

In addition, Lively requires an initial device fee ($49.99) but it’s a modest one compared with the initial device fee and/or setup cost  of many other companies. With free ground shipping, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and no contract obligation, Lively makes it easy to try the product without hassle. 

Since 1976, LifeFone has been a leader in the healthcare communications space, with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and recognition from such institutions as the National Council on the Aging, WebMD, and the National Institute of Senior Citizens. Over time, LifeFone’s products have evolved to become both technologically advanced and affordable, and the company’s reputation has been cemented.

Offering both in-home and on-the-go options, LifeFone offers easy-to-install, waterproof equipment secured by a lifetime warranty. Devices can be used on a landline (for homebodies) or on GPS or 5G networks (for those with more active lifestyles). The in-home base station features a crystal-clear two-way speaker, an enduring 32-hour backup battery, and a vast 1,300-foot range. The base station is also available with cellular connection and can be paired with either a pendant or smartwatch. Hybrid packages are available, as well.

LifeFone offers the following plans:

• At-Home Landline: $24.95 per month which includes a base station with two-way speaker
• At-Home Cellular: $30.95 per month, which includes a base station with two-way speaker, plus waterproof help button
• At-Home and On-the-Go Voice-in-Pendant: $41.95 per month, which includes a base station with two-way speaker, plus waterproof help button, along with a mobile device with 24-hour battery and GPS tracking
• At-Home & On-the-Go Voice-in-Pendant Active: $36.95 per month, which includes a mobile device featuring 30-day battery, along with GPS and WiFi tracking

Those who want to optimize the already low cost of LifeFone will want to look for special promotions, available online or by calling directly. Also, consider paying annually or semi-annually, which can save money. You can also use your veteran’s or AARP discount to get the best pricing. 

In addition, there are also referral rewards: When you purchase a unit and refer a friend, you’ll earn a free month of service once certain requirements have been met.

Founded in 2005 as a subsidiary of the reputable 70-year-old security company Bay Alarm, Bay Alarm Medical is the largest family-owned alarm company in the United States. Consistently ranked one of the top providers in the health communications industry, the company offers quality medical alert systems at top value.

Offering services that protect users both in and out of the home, Bay Alarm Medical devices can be bundled in a combination that’s right for you. Every in-home system comes with a sleek pendant and convenient wristband-style device equipped with an emergency call button. 

When devices are used in harmony, systems can be customized to include features like GPS location tracking, fall detection, and a wearable help button with 24/7 monitoring. 

Another distinctive offering is the company’s in-car alert system, which connects to any vehicle’s 12V outlet. The device features an impact sensor, internal GPS, help button, speaker, and USB charging port. With the company’s proprietary app, caregivers and family members can monitor the user’s whereabouts while they’re behind the wheel.  This advanced tracking feature can be crucial to help support users with unpredictable health issues.

When it comes to logistics, Bay Alarm Medical makes it easy, offering services with transparent contracts and a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Bay Alarm Medical offers three main types of service, each of which hasve different plans:

SOS Home package offers three plans:

• In-Home Basic for $24.95 per month, which works with a Landline and has 24/7 monitoring
• In-Home Preferred for $29.95 per month, which has everything the Basic plan does, plus a faster connection and easy installation
• In-Home Premium for $39.95 per month and includes everything in the Preferred plan plus an additional wall button package

The SOS Mobile offers three plans:

• Mobile Lite for $29.95 per month and includes 24/7 USA-based monitoring and caregiver tracking
• Mobile Plus for $39.95 per month and includes the same things as the Lite plan, plus fall detection
• Mobile 360 Bundle for $49.95 per month and includes everything in the other two plans plus in-home protection

SOS Smartwatch package which costs $34.95 per month and offers 24/7 USA-based monitoring and , location tracking. You can also get the smartwatch Bundle for $49.95 per month, which includes 24/7 USA-based monitoring, location tracking, and in-home protection.

Founded in 2010 by Sombit Mishra and other alumni of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and funded in part by the National Institutes for Health, QMedic offers advanced protection through a simple, streamlined, no-fuss system. 

QMedic systems include an in-home unit, plus your choice of a pendant or fully waterproof watch-style emergency button. All devices are equipped with compliance tools that allow caregivers and family members to monitor whether the device is being worn. 

With careful monitoring of vital activity including sleep, movement, heart rate, and more, QMedic can offer useful services such as  wellness checks or medication reminders. .As well, caregivers can receive custom alerts via text or email. A second button is available free of charge, although only one set of data is collected per account.

QMedic offers few options and no add-ons, but this seems to be by design, as the simplicity of their system prevents overwhelming choices or unexpected charges. The company offers remote battery testing of all devices and will automatically replace them when needed.

QMedic offers two plans:

• Cellular Plan for $300 per year, which comes with the choice of either bracelet or neck pendant with a waterproof help button. Both options feature 24/7 monitoring, two-way speaker, and caregiver reporting
• Mobile GPS Neck Pendant for $400/year (though there is a promo code available), which comes with a water-resistant pendant for active individuals featuring aes 14-day battery life 

In the decade since its founding, MobileHelp has become a leader in the personal emergency response systems. With eight different packages tailored to suit a range of lifestyles, MobileHelp offers something for nearly every budget and need.

MobileHelp Solo is a solution that supports people without landlines, while MobileHelp Duo was the first medical alert system integrated with GSM/GPS. All devices are integrated with wireless technology to provide medical monitoring services and location tracking for expedited emergency assistance. A newer option, MobileHealth Touch, offers a sleek touchscreen device with state-of-the-art technology that  can provide telehealth appointments, as well as fitness tracking, and more. A caregiver app, MobileHelp Connect, allows loved ones to access information and know the device user is safe.

With low subscription fees, no equipment or activation fees, and no long-term contracts, MobileHelp is a consumer-friendly company that is fairly easy on the wallet. Note that the company offers discounts for advance payments. 

MobileHelp offers several plans, including:

• MobileHelp Classic for $19.95 per month, which comes with an in-home base unit that does not require a landline. It also comes with a waterproof help button, 24/7 monitoring, and 1400-foot range 
• MobileHelp Wired Home for $24.95 per month comes with everything above plus a two-way speaker. It only has a 600-foot range though.
• MobileHelp Micro for $33.95 per month which comes with a mobile device with a sleek waterproof design, GPS tracking, voice guidance, and optional fall detection
• MobileHelp Solo for $37.95 per month, which comes with a mobile unit plus a waterproof help button that provides 24/7 monitoring
• MobileHelp Duo: $44.95 per month that comes with and in-home base unit, plus mobile unit and waterproof help button
• MobileHelp Mobile Duo for $44.95 per month that comes with two-for-one medical alert system and includes two water-repellent help buttons with GPS technology 
• MobileHelp Touch Classic for $54.95 per month that comes with a touchscreen tablet powered by 4G LTE, WiFi, and Bluetooth integrates add-ons like medication reminders, telehealth support, and cognitive games
• MobileHealth Touch Duo for $54.95 that comes with a touchscreen tablet embodies the best and most advanced of all systems, plus includes a  24/7 help button

Launched in 2018, Aloe Care Health strives to provide progressive and innovative solutions in health communication. With a founding team who have themselves served as caregivers, the company is led by people who thoroughly understand the challenges of medical care and communication. Their work has earned accolades from PC Magazine, Today's Caregiver, and MD Tech Review, and beyond. 

Aloe Care’s fundamental offering is Mobile Companion, a 4G LTE device with GPS offering 24/7 access to emergency services. It is fully integrated with a caregiver app that keeps loved ones apprised of the user’s well-being. Aloe Care Essentials includes a smart hub that can connect via 4G LTE or WiFi.  With voice-activated functionality, the hub offers access to 24/7 emergency response along with built-in motion, temperature, and air quality sensors. Access to the Family App and an additional help button are also available. With the Total Care package, Aloe Care offers fall detection and additional environmental and motion sensors.

Aloe Care may have higher initial device fees and monthly subscription costs than some companies–but itstheir services are top-of-the-line, and the resulting peace of mind for both users and caregivers is priceless.

Aloe Care Health offers four plans:

• Mobile Companion for $24.99 per month and includes a secure app for caregiver teams, fall detection, Two-way conversations with emergency response professionals, location updates
• Essentials for $29.99 per month and includes all features of Mobile Companion plus voice-activated feature, motion and temperature sensors, motion-activated night light, unlimited 4G for app-to hub calls
• Aloe Care Essentials Plus for $39.99 per month and comes with all features of Essentials Plan, plus mobile personal emergency response
• Total Care for $49.99 per month and includes all features of Essentials Plus, plus fall detection, motion sensors