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10 Best Medical Alert Systems of 2024

Which medical alert company is right for your needs?
Here are our top-rated picks for 2024.

Living independently at home is important to tens of millions of seniors. According to a recent poll by the AARP, 77% of adults over the age of 50 prefer to “age in place” or remain in their homes as they get older. For many, medical alert systems are important safety devices that help them continue living independently.

Medical alert systems are home-based or wearable devices that allow seniors to send a signal that they need help in the event of a fall, or many other types of emergency situations. They also provide comfort to caregivers, since they can monitor seniors’ whereabouts and daily activity in the homes.

Choosing the best medical alert system can be difficult since there are dozens of providers. Modernize created this list of the 10 best medical alert systems to help caregivers and seniors choose a system that best meets their needs.

Best Brands at a Glance

10 Best Medical Alert Systems of 2024

Our list of the 10 best medical alert systems was compiled by our expert team who examined many important aspects of medical alert devices, including monthly costs, brand reputation, service response times, available add-on features and more.
  1. Medical Guardian
  2. Philips Lifeline
  3. LifeStation
  4. MobileHelp
  5. OneCallAlert
  6. LifeFone
  7. Bay Alarm Medical
  8. Medical Care Alert
  9. ADT
  10. Lively Mobile+ and Lively Wearable2
1

Medical Guardian

5/5
  • Starting Monthly Fee: $29.95
Best For: Comprehensive Coverage

What We Love

Medical Guardian, established in 2005, stands out with its impressive average response time of 8 seconds, ensuring rapid assistance when needed. Catering to over 175,000 active subscribers, it offers a versatile range of systems to accommodate various senior needs, including a GPS-enabled smartwatch and features like fall detection and medication checks.

Cost Information

With a starting monthly subscription of $29.95, Medical Guardian positions itself averagely in the market. Notably, the brand provides opportunities for savings through discounts on annual subscriptions, balancing cost with comprehensive medical alert services.

Best Feature

The standout feature of Medical Guardian is its exceptionally quick monitoring response time, which is the fastest among all systems reviewed. This swift action in emergencies underscores a reliable and efficient support system for seniors, ensuring immediate help and peace of mind.

Over 175,000 U.S. monthly subscribers
In-home landline, mobile, and GPS options
In-home range up to 1,300 ft.
Higher starting costs
Additional fees for some features
2

Philips Lifeline

4.5/5
  • Starting Monthly Fee: $29.95
Best For: Brand Reliability

What We Love

Philips Lifeline, established in 1974, brings extensive experience as one of the longest-standing providers in the medical alert system industry. With a dedicated approach to senior needs, their call center operators undergo specialized training, ensuring adept handling of senior-specific issues and emergencies. Boasting the highest number of U.S. subscribers in the industry, Philips Lifeline has become a trusted name in providing reliable emergency response services.

Cost Information

Philips Lifeline doesn’t disclose pricing on its website, which can be a drawback for potential customers seeking transparent cost information upfront. However, their diverse offerings, from in-home landline to cellular and GPS-based models, suggest a range of pricing options to cater to varied user needs and budgets.

Best Feature

Impressively, Philips Lifeline maintains an average response time of just 12 seconds, providing swift assistance in emergencies. Coupled with features like fall detection, location checks, and a waterproof help button, the brand ensures a robust safety net for seniors, prioritizing rapid response and comprehensive support.

Most U.S. subscribers
Landline, cellular, and GPS options
In-home range up to 800 ft.
Activation fee
No fall detection in basic plan
3

LifeStation

4.5/5
  • Starting Monthly Fee: $22.95
Best For: Simple Usability

What We Love

LifeStation, a family-owned company since 1977, has solidified its reputation through decades of consumer satisfaction and reliable service. Operating U.S. call centers in Texas and New Jersey, the brand demonstrates a commitment to local, accessible support for seniors. Their unique partnership with UberHealth, providing seniors with transportation to appointments, showcases a holistic approach to senior care and mobility.

Cost Information

Offering one of the more budget-friendly options in the market, LifeStation has a low monthly subscription fee of just $22.95. This cost-effective approach, paired with their initial 30-day refund policy, provides a financially accessible and risk-free entry for customers exploring medical alert system options.

Best Feature

LifeStation doesn’t just provide medical alert systems but also extends support to family members through its “Find My Loved One” feature, allowing text location checkups. With an impressive emergency response time of around 20 seconds and fall detection available in premium packages, LifeStation ensures rapid, reliable support in critical moments.

Decades in business
Partner with UberHealth
In-home range up to 500 ft.
Limited equipment variety
Additional charges for extra features
4

MobileHelp

4.5/5
  • Starting Monthly Fee: $19.95
Best For: Mobile Monitoring

What We Love

MobileHelp, established in 2009, has rapidly gained a reputation for its reliable and customer-focused medical alert solutions. Offering a lifetime warranty on all products, it ensures users have dependable devices for the long term. The company also provides a comprehensive suite of online management tools, offering caregivers and family an efficient means to oversee the well-being of their loved ones, all with an average response time of 26 seconds.

Cost Information

MobileHelp stands out for its budget-friendly options and does not bind users to a long-term contract, providing financial and commitment flexibility. This approach makes it a suitable choice for those who may need a medical alert system for varying durations or on a short-term basis.

Best Feature

The remarkable in-home range of 1,400 feet is a standout feature of MobileHelp, ensuring consistent connectivity and assistance across larger living spaces. Available in landline, cellular, and GPS options, the devices ensure users have access to help whenever needed, supported by features like fall detection and 2-way voice connectivity to medical professionals.

Comes with lifetime warranty
Online management features
In-home range up to 1,400 ft.
Limited landline options
Higher tier plans can be pricey
5

OneCallAlert

4.5/5
  • Starting Monthly Fee: $19.95
Best For: Budget-Friendly Options

What We Love

OneCallAlert, boasting an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, offers a variety of low-cost medical alert systems tailored to diverse senior needs and lifestyles. With no necessity for a lengthy service commitment and an impressive emergency response time of 22 seconds, it stands out as one of the top choices in the medical alert system market today.

Cost Information

The company provides affordable medical alert systems, ensuring that seniors across various financial spectrums have access to vital emergency services. The absence of a requirement for a long-term service commitment further enhances its cost-effectiveness and appeal to a wider audience.

Best Feature

OneCallAlert shines with its in-home models offering a substantial connectivity range of 1,400 feet, ensuring reliable assistance across expansive living spaces. The systems, available with landline, cellular, or GPS connectivity, are complemented by features like fall detection, medication reminders, and 2-way voice connectivity, providing a comprehensive safety net for users.

A+ rating from Better Business Bureau
Lifetime subscription price lock
In-home range up to 1,400 ft.
No automatic system tests
Additional pendant costs

Compare top-rated medical alerts pros in your area.

Read real homeowner reviews, explore qualifications, and view promotions. Modernize makes it easy to browse professionals and find one that will be perfect for your project.

6

LifeFone

4/5
  • Starting Monthly Fee: $29.95
Best For: Customizable Plans

What We Love

LifeFone, with over 40 years of experience, consistently achieves high ranks for customer satisfaction across various review platforms, offering both at-home and on-the-go systems. Esteemed for its no-contract policy, lifetime price-lock guarantee, and a 30-day money-back guarantee, it provides a reliable safety net for users whether they are at home or out and about.

Cost Information

LifeFone prides itself on financial transparency and user-friendly policies, offering no start-up fees and free spouse coverage, ensuring its top-tier services are accessible without hidden costs. The brand stands out for its commitment to stable pricing, safeguarding customers from unexpected price hikes with its lifetime price-lock guarantee.

Best Feature

Noteworthy for its robust feature set, LifeFone offers an impressive in-home connectivity range up to 1,300 feet and a swift emergency response time of 25 seconds. The optional fall detection, medication checks, and waterproof wearable help button, alongside 24/7 emergency personnel availability, underscore its dedication to user safety and support.

Great customer service
Lifetime subscription price lock guarantee
In-home range up to 1,300 ft.
Extra cost for fall detection
Equipment fees for some plans
7

Bay Alarm Medical

4/5
  • Starting Monthly Fee: $21.95
Best For: Multiple User Monitoring

What We Love

Bay Alarm Medical, with call centers in Utah and Idaho, is celebrated for its comprehensive emergency coverage across the U.S. and adherence to stringent Underwriter Laboratories testing. The company’s commitment to customer satisfaction is evident through its 30-day risk-free trial, free activation, and shipping, along with a plethora of glowing consumer reviews.

Cost Information

Customers appreciate the financial transparency and flexibility offered by Bay Alarm Medical, which includes a price-lock guarantee and no long-term contracts. The company ensures that users can access their services without being burdened by hidden costs or unexpected price increases, aligning with their customer-first approach.

Best Feature

With a remarkable 10-second response time, Bay Alarm Medical ensures rapid assistance in emergencies. The company offers a wide array of features such as fall detection, location and caregiver tracking, and 2-way communication, all within a connectivity range of up to 1,000 feet in-home models, available through landline, mobile, and GPS devices, ensuring seniors are always within reach of help.

Free activation and shipping
Location tracking for caregivers
In-home range up to 1,000 ft.
Additional fees for fall detection
Limited range for in-home system
8

Medical Care Alert

4/5
  • Starting Monthly Fee: $27.95
Best For: Senior Independence

What We Love

Medical Care Alert distinguishes itself in the medical alert system domain by ensuring all its 24/7 call-center operators, located in New York and California, are certified EMTs or EMDs with specialized training in senior medical alert monitoring. The brand has garnered acclaim for its stellar customer service and proficient call center operations, ensuring seniors are in capable hands during emergencies.

Cost Information

While specific pricing details are not provided, Medical Care Alert offers various features and connectivity options, allowing users to select a plan that best aligns with their needs and budget. The availability of different wearable devices and system options provides flexibility, ensuring that users can choose a system that is both financially and functionally suitable for them.

Best Feature

With a commendable 30-second response time, Medical Care Alert ensures swift assistance in times of need. The brand offers a suite of features like fall detection, free text message notifications to caregivers, and water-resistant wearable devices, ensuring safety and communication are always accessible. The in-home systems, which have a range of up to 1,000 feet, alongside various connectivity options, ensure comprehensive coverage for users.

Certified EMT or EMD responders
Landline, mobile, and GPS options
In-home range up to 1,000 ft.
Three-day wait for setup
Limited smart features
9

ADT

4/5
  • Starting Monthly Fee: $29.95
Best For: Home Security Integration

What We Love

ADT, with its impressive 145-year history in home security, extends its expertise to medical alert systems for seniors, offering a robust safety net. Homeowners can integrate an ADT medical alert system with their existing home security setup, ensuring a comprehensive safety solution. With multiple U.S. call centers and a lifetime warranty on all products, ADT stands out for its reliability and commitment to customer satisfaction.

Cost Information

ADT offers a stable and transparent pricing model with its ADT forever rate, starting at $29.95 per month, which promises no rate increases, ensuring long-term affordability. The absence of long-term contracts provides flexibility for users, making it a financially accessible option for various households.

Best Feature

ADT’s medical alert systems boast a swift 20-second emergency response time, ensuring rapid assistance when needed. The systems come equipped with waterproof wearable options, fall detection, and home temperature monitoring, providing a multifaceted approach to user safety. With in-home models offering connectivity up to 600 feet, ADT ensures a reliable safety net for seniors at home.

Top-rated brand
Lifetime warranty included
In-home range up to 600 ft.
Higher monthly rates
Installation fees
10

Lively Mobile+ and Lively Wearable2

3.5/5
  • Starting Monthly Fee: $19.99
Best For: Active Seniors

What We Love

Lively, previously known as Great Call, caters to active seniors with its compact, waterproof mobile medical alert device, ensuring safety on the go. The device, which can be worn various ways or tucked into a purse, provides 2-way communication, fall detection, and enhanced GPS tracking, offering a versatile safety net for seniors wherever they are.

Cost Information

Lively presents an affordable safety solution with its medical alert systems starting at a low monthly cost of $19.99. A notable advantage is that a base station is not required to operate the mobile devices, making it a straightforward and cost-effective option for users who are frequently on the move.

Best Feature

With a remarkable 13-second response time, Lively ensures rapid assistance in emergencies. The unlimited connectivity range, thanks to the built-in cellular connection, guarantees that help is always reachable, providing peace of mind for both users and their loved ones.

Great for active seniors
Mobile and GPS options
Unlimited cellular connectivity range
Limited at-home options
Additional device costs

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the best medical alert system?

Choosing the best medical alert system requires a bit of research on your part. Key things to consider include initial and ongoing costs, features, and whether you or your senior are better off using a mobile or in-home medical alert system. Lastly, consider using the reviews above to help sift through the various providers and find a company whose offerings best meet your needs.


How much do medical alert systems typically cost?

The answer to this question is something everyone researching medical alert systems wants to know. The truth is, medical alert system costs vary by provider, but they can be broken down into three main categories: systems, subscriptions and added features.


The cost for a medical alert system is anywhere from $20 for a simple necklace to around $100 for a complete system with base unit, wall buttons and wearable signaling device. Monthly subscriptions range from a wallet-friendly $20 to $90 or more depending on the provider. Add-ons such as activity monitoring, fall detection or GPS monitoring, which can prove extremely useful, typically start at an additional $10 to $20 per month for each feature.


What types of medical alert systems are available?

There are two main types of medical alert systems: in-home and mobile. Both systems can either be monitored or unmonitored depending on your needs.


In-home systems include a base station, wearable device such as a pendant, and strategically located wall buttons that allow you to signal the monitoring center for help if necessary. Mobile systems – usually a watch or necklace – provide monitoring for times when your senior travels outside of the home. They usually come with GPS tracking.


Which is the best type of medical alert system for seniors?

The best medical alert system for seniors is the one that meets all your needs at a cost that falls within your monthly or annual budget. Most systems offer the same or a similar suite of features and service options.


A good place to start is to first decide if you need a home-based or mobile system. Then decide if you or your senior should have a monitored system, so they can get in touch with a dispatching center with the push of a button. Lastly, compare features and choose the options that work best for the situation. After that, examine costs and make a decision.


Are there any medical alert systems to be avoided?

You can use the rankings on this page as one way to determine the best medical alert system providers. There are many other online rankings that can help prospective users get a sense of the top companies. That is not to say companies not listed are not reputable providers, however. Best advice: Read reviews and make a decision for yourself.


Where can I buy a medical alert device?

Big box retail stores often sell both monitored and unmonitored medical alert systems. You also can find them at online retailers, through specialized medical alert brand websites, and directly from medical alert device manufacturers. Modernize can also help you connect with local medical alert system providers who can help you get started.


What are the top medical alert features to look for?

Medical alert systems can come with a variety of features or add-ons that may prove valuable to users. Top medical alert features include automatic fall detection, wall alert buttons for higher-risk users, GPS tracking, and activity monitoring. You can even have your medical alert let you know when it’s time to take your medications, or notify loved ones about your whereabouts.


Are medical alert systems tax deductible or covered by insurance?

Medical alert systems typically do not qualify for a tax deduction by the IRS because they are not listed as medically necessary equipment, like oxygen or blood glucose monitoring systems. In some instances, however, you may be able to deduct the cost and ongoing expenses if your alert and monitoring service is for necessary medical care or to help you cope with a chronic medical condition. Take a look at your options in terms of insurance coverage for medical alert systems.


How do I find a reliable medical alert company?

It can be difficult to sift through so many different medical alert system providers to determine which one is best for you. Fortunately, Modernize has done a ton of legwork to investigate best medical alert systems, costs, features and much more. Looking through our additional medical alert system guides should help you narrow down your choices and safely age in place.


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