The 7 Best Medical Alert Systems & Medical Alert Devices: Compare Top-Rated Brands [The Charlotte Observer]

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For those living alone and the people who love them, knowing help is just a button press away in the case of an emergency is a tremendous comfort that could save a life. Use this guide on the best medical alert systems and medical alert devices to help you make an informed decision about which system and device are right for your situation.

Best Medical Alert Systems and Medical Alert Devices: Find Quality, Affordable Options

1. Bay Alarm Medical – Most Budget-Friendly Medical Alert Systems and Devices

Pros of Bay Alarm Medical Alert Systems and Devices:

Cons of Bay Alarm Medical Alert Systems and Devices:

With a lower price tag and a wide range of features, Bay Alarm Medical is a solid choice for those looking for a budget option that still boasts quality caregiver support.

Cost of Bay Alarm Medical Alert Systems and Devices: 4.8/5

Bay Alarm Medical stands out for its lack of activation fees. That alone can save you up to $100, making it a great option if you’re looking for a home-based system on a budget. With the 30-day free trial, you can try out its services without committing if you are on the fence.

If you want to use the SOS Smartwatch, however, a steeper cost is in store. The watch will set you back $179 for the device itself and then an additional $29.95 monthly service fee. Its mobile GPS button costs an extra $99, as well, making Bay Alarm Medical a more expensive option if you’re looking for a cheap mobile medical alert system and device.

Bay Alarm Medical Alert Features: 4.6/5

Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS Smartwatch is an excellent choice for users on the go with its sleek interface, excellent connection signal and even a step tracker. The device’s dedicated SOS button allows the user to contact emergency dispatch 24/7 with two-way communication.

If necessary, caregivers are also contacted alongside 911, and users don’t have to have a smartphone to use the Smartwatch.

Bay Alarm Medical Caregiver Support: 4.7/5

The impressive caregiver support app includes weather updates and battery life monitoring. Caregivers can see the wearer’s location and history, as well, making it a solid option for those caregivers who do not live nearby but still want to remain aware of the user’s health and safety.

Overall Score of Bay Alarm Medical Alert Systems and Devices: 4.7/5

Protect yourself with Bay Alarm Medical.

2. GetSafe Medical Alert System – Best In-Home Medical Alert Systems and Devices

Pros of GetSafe Medical Alert Systems and Devices:

Cons of GetSafe Medical Alert Systems and Devices:

While its on-the-go option is more expensive, for those looking solely for a good in-home medical alert system, GetSafe is an excellent choice with extra measures taken to ensure emergency services can administer the necessary protocols in an emergency.

Cost of GetSafe Medical Alert Systems and Devices: 4.7/5

One of the most affordable in-home medical alert systems, GetSafe starts at around $80 upfront with a $24.95 monthly fee. Unlike many of its competitors, GetSafe charges you the same flat rate regardless of how many devices or accessories you have.

GetSafe does become pricier if you purchase a Mobile GPS Help Button. These feature costs an additional $20 a month, with an extra $5 per month if you want caregiver tracking and $5 per month if you would also like fall detection.

GetSafe Medical Alert System Features: 4.8/5

Like other medical alert systems, GetSafe comes with an emergency call device and home station with each package it sells. It stands out, however, by offering a voice-activated wall button in its starter package. For most systems, this feature is an added expense.

GetSafe also takes some extra measures in ensuring emergency services handle situations as well as possible. Their Vial of Life is a plastic-protected booklet with vital health and emergency information about the device wearer that first responders can consult in an emergency.

GetSafe also offers a lockbox to hold a spare key. GetSafe can provide the code for this lockbox in an emergency. This helps save time when emergency responders need to access the home and prevents damage that might occur to the home if entry has to be forced.

GetSafe Medical Alert System Caregiver Support: 4.5/5

Caregivers using GetSafe have two advanced options for monitoring: the Caregiver Tracking app for Mobile GPS and Caregiver Tracking + Fall Detection for GPS.

The former costs $5 extra per month and allows caregivers to track the medical device user’s location. The latter costs an additional $10 a month and provides location monitoring and fall detection features. While these are fine options, they aren’t as comprehensive as those offered by many of GetSafe’s competitors.

Overall Score of GetSafe Medical Alert Systems and Devices: 4.6/5

See what GetSafe Medical Alert can do for you.

3. LifeFone – Best Medical Alert System and Device Customer Service

Pros of LifeFone Medical Alert Systems and Devices:

Cons of LifeFone Medical Alert Systems and Devices:

LifeFone has many features that make it an attractive option, including impressive mobile coverage, outstanding customer support and a range of caregiver support capabilities.

Cost of LifeFone Medical Alert Systems and Devices: 4.6/5

While LifeFone’s base price of $24.95 is more expensive than many of its competitors, the cost is offset by the low price tag for other features, such as its $5 per month fall detection service. Unlike some other companies, LifeFone has no hardware or activation fees, meaning you pay only for the services that LifeFone affords you. A discount is applied when you pay annually.

LifeFone Medical Alert Features: 4.7/5

LifeFone offers excellent mobile coverage by utilizing two 4G carriers instead of one. By embracing both Verizon 4G and AT&T, it allows extra assurance for those users who enjoy traveling and worry their device might not have service.

Setup is also incredibly easy: simply plug the device in, turn the base on and push the wearable button. This establishes a link with the monitoring center, and the device is good to go from there.

LifeFone Caregiver Support: 4.8/5

The caregiver app for LifeFone allows caregivers to have a detailed look at the user’s day. Within the app, caregivers can review the user’s location, history of steps and even the first motion of the day.

The device’s battery life and any history of the button being pressed are also shared with the caregiver, making this one of the best options on the market when it comes to caregiver monitoring capabilities.

Overall Score of LifeFone Medical Alert Systems and Devices: 4.7/5

Is Lifefone the right choice for you?

4. Medical Alert – Best Medical Alert System and Device Support From a Large Company

Pros of MedicalAlert Systems and Devices:

Cons of MedicalAlert Systems and Devices:

For those who like to deal with established companies with large support systems, Medical Alert is an appealing option that comes with many perks, including international coverage that many other systems lack.

Cost of MedicalAlert Systems and Devices: 4.8/5

An affordable option, Medical Alert’s in-home system starts at $19.95 a month. Both landline and cell phone services are available, with mobile options starting at $39.95 per month if paid annually. If you choose to pay on a monthly basis, that cost goes up to $42.95 each month.

MedicalAlert System Features: 4.6/5

Setup with Medical Alert is a breeze, with only a button push required to confirm the system’s activation. Monthly system checks are encouraged by Medical Alert to ensure the system and device are working well without using bandwidth for actual emergencies.

Unlike many of its competitors, Medical Alert allows users to cancel emergency calls, which can be helpful in the case of accidental contact or if the user decides the situation is less worrisome than it originally appeared.

MedicalAlert System Caregiver Support: 4.7

Medical Alert’s free app for caregivers uses push notifications to alert caregivers to emergencies. Using its GPS monitoring capabilities, multiple caregivers can access the app at once. The app also includes automatic updates and allows caregivers to contact customer support directly.

Overall Score of Medical Alert Systems and Devices: 4.7/5

Check out Medical Alert!

5. Medical Guardian – Best Variety of Medical Alert Systems and Devices

Pros of Medical Guardian Medical Alert Systems and Devices:

Cons of Medical Guardian Medical Alert Systems and Devices:

For those shoppers looking for a number of options to choose from with no consequences for changing or canceling if things don’t work out, Medical Guardian’s medical alert system and devices may be a good fit.

Cost of Medical Guardian Medical Alert Systems and Devices: 4.3/5

Medical Guardian systems begin at $27.45 a month. To get the lowest price, sign up for a semiannual or annual plan, and don’t worry about the long-term obligation. Medical Guardian doesn’t charge a cancellation fee and even offers prorated refunds for unused days.

Medical Guardian Medical Alert Features: 4.9

When it comes to home-based systems, Medical Guardian provides the best range of options in today’s market.

Unlike many of its competitors, Medical Guardian offers the discreet MiniGuardian for those who would prefer not to advertise their medical alert device. As it comes with both a belt clip and magnetic lanyard, it may be worn around the neck or attached to clothing or accessories.

Medical Guardian’s Mobile 2.0 device easily attaches to clothing or accessories and syncs with the included wristband or necklace. This allows users to enjoy the freedom to move about without the bulk of many traditional devices, affording the wearer both discretion and privacy.

The company’s wearable devices offer two-way communication, and device batteries can last up to five days, which allows wearers to go longer without charging. These devices are also water-resistant and use GPS tracking, allowing both caregivers and users to feel safer when traveling outside of the home.

Medical Guardian Caregiver Support: 4.8

Medical Guardian has a very helpful app for caregivers that allows them to see the user’s location, device status and usage history. This lets caregivers keep track of their users not only during emergencies but at all times.

Every product Medical Guardian offers comes with access to the MyGuardian portal, which connects caregivers with their designated Care Circle. Billing information and review history are also available on the MiniGuardian and Mobile 2.0 devices.

Overall Score of Medical Guardian Medical Alert Systems and Devices: 4.6/5

Compare Medical Guardian to the competition.

6. MobileHelp – Best Overall Medical Alert Systems and Devices

Pros of MobileHelp Medical Alert Systems and Devices:

Cons of MobileHelp Medical Alert Systems and Devices:

Depending on where you are located, MobileHelp may be the best option available, with overall high ratings in all categories.

Cost of MobileHelp Medical Alert Systems and Devices: 4.8

MobileHelp offers a variety of budget-friendly packages that can be shared with a spouse or partner for a discount.

MobileHelp Classic is the cheapest option, starting at $19.95 per month and covering up to 1,300 feet. MobileHelp Solo is priced at $37.95 per month with nationwide coverage. Discounts can be applied when users enroll in quarterly, semi-annual and annual plans.

A number of bonus features are also available for the low cost of $5 per month. These include device replacement protection, serious discounts on accessories and half off on add-ons such as medication reminders and activity tracking. This extra monthly fee also ensures you keep the same price for 24 months, meaning you are immune to any changes in cost over that period.

MobileHelp Medical Alert Features: 4.9/5

MobileHelp boasts a number of features that make it incredibly flexible for users and caregivers alike. All devices that MobileHelp offers are integrated with GPS, wireless voice and data technology. In addition to an impressive range of location and fall detection features, MobileHelp also offers medication reminders which can be an important draw to some users.

When a medical emergency occurs, MobileHelp’s highly-trained operators receive a signal. They then open up two-way communication and use their expertise to assess the circumstances. After determining the needs of the user, the operators will contact emergency services or a family member or caregiver, depending on the situation.

In addition to its larger medical alert device, MobileHelp offers MobileHelp Micro. Designed to be worn around the neck, this small device is compatible with AT&T and LTE networks and is waterproof so that it can be worn even in the shower.

MobileHelp Caregiver Support: 4.8/5

Using the MobileHelp mobile app, caregivers are able to locate the medical alert device and its user 24/7. In addition to precise GPS coordinates that allow the caregiver to track the wearer’s movements, the app also indicates the user’s level of activity.

Caregivers can even set alerts for when the user exhibits particularly low or high activity levels for additional peace of mind. When the device transitions to low-battery mode, the app receives an alert. Medication reminders are also available.

Overall Score of MobileHelp Medical Alert Systems and Devices: 4.87/5

Find out more about MobileHelp.

7. OneCallAlert – Best Medical Alert Systems and Devices for Monitoring Multiple Users

Pros of OneCallAlert Medical Alert Systems and Devices:

Cons of OneCallAlert Medical Alert Systems and Devices:

If you are looking to work with a company that can handle multiple users, OneCallAlert is a standout option that offers a very reasonably priced double-plan option.

Cost of OneCallAlert Medical Alert Systems and Devices: 4.7/5

OneCallAlert’s in-home landline system has a monthly fee of $24.95 with a 600-foot range. The in-home wireless plan, through AT&T, begins at $19.95 per month with a 1,400-foot range and requires a $49.95 start-up fee. The mobile option costs $37.95 per month, but there is a discount if you pay annually.

Where OneCallAlert really shines, though, is its plan for multiple users, which starts at $44.95 per month.

OneCallAlert Medical Alert Features: 4.1/5

While OneCallAlert has a solid base plan, many of its extra features come with a corresponding price tag. These include fall detection, GPS capabilities, 24/7 monitoring and more. It does not offer activity tracking or smart device options.

OneCallAlert Caregiver Support: 3.5/5

Caregivers may sleep better knowing that medical alert device wearers have the help within reach, but OneCallAlert does not have the caregiver monitoring features that many competitors do. This may make it a no-go for those looking for a way to monitor their loved one’s activity.

Overall Score of OneCallAlert Medical Alert Systems and Devices: 4.1/5

Check out OneCallAlert.

How We Selected the Best Medical Alert Systems and Medical Alert Devices

Selecting the best medical alert systems and devices comes down to several important factors. Cost, available features and caregiver support took priority. Using these criteria, we examined options to see which ones boasted the best features at reasonable costs.

Best Medical Alert Systems and Medical Alert Devices Buying Guide

Use these FAQs to help better inform your decision about which medical alert systems and devices are right for your situation.

What Are the Best Medical Alert Systems and Medical Alert Devices?

Medical alert systems and devices are tools designed to help people in need get the help they require. They often come in the form of a necklace, bracelet or button that a person can press if they become distressed.

When pressed, the button will contact a monitoring center or designated individual to alert them that help is needed. In some cases, pushing the button will connect the wearer to emergency services directly.

What Kind of Emergency Services Will You Receive?

The type of emergency help you receive when you alert the system depends on the specific device that you have and the circumstances of your emergency.

In some cases, your device will connect you to a monitoring center where you will speak with an individual that can assess your situation and dispatch the correct help for your situation. This could include contacting a family member, ambulance, fire station or other emergency services.

Who Can Use the Best Medical Alert Systems and Medical Alert Devices?

Anyone who would appreciate an extra measure of safety can benefit from a medical alert system. These tools can be particularly useful to seniors or individuals with a chronic illness or limited mobility who live alone and may be more likely to experience a fall.

For many families, medical alert systems and devices give them the peace of mind to know their loved ones are able to get the assistance they need even when they can’t be there with them.

Can You Use the Best Medical Alert Systems and Devices Outside the Home?

Where a medical alert system and device can be used depends on the type of device that it is. Some medical alert systems are based in the home and require users to stay within a certain range to still transmit a signal. For example, a person may be able to move within 1,000 feet of the system and still use the medical alert device comfortably.

Other systems and devices are designed with greater mobility and traveling in mind. These use technology to allow seniors and other individuals using medical alert devices to lead the lifestyle they desire while still having access to the services they need.

Will Insurance Pay for the Best Medical Alert Systems or Devices?

In most cases, health insurance providers do not cover medical alert systems or devices. They are more likely to be covered by long-term care insurance plans as this is specifically intended to help support you as you age.

Medicare Parts A and B usually do not cover these systems, but Medicare Part C plans may cover the cost partially or in its entirety. Contact your insurance provider to review your plan and see what options are available for medical alert systems and device coverage.

Which Medical Alert System and Medical Alert Devices Are Best for Me and My Situation?

What medical alert system and device you should choose depends on many factors. If you are hoping to use insurance to help pay for your system and device, you may be limited to the options that they provide for you.

If you are frequently moving outside of the home and are concerned about falls while you travel, a system that only allows you to access help within a set distance from the system would not be the best fit for you, and you should instead opt for a more mobile option.

Where you live and the kind of access it has to satellites can also impact the availability of medical alert systems that will work for you.

Top 7 Best Medical Alert System and Medical Alert Devices Comparison Guide

Bay Alarm Medical

GetSafe Medical Alert System

LifeFone

Medical Alert

Medical Guardian

MobileHelp

OneCallAlert

Final Thoughts Before Deciding Which Medical Alert System and Medical Alert Devices Are Right for You

What medical alert system and medical alert devices are best suited to your situation can depend on a number of factors. Discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your insurance provider and loved ones if you need assistance in determining the right option.

Whatever medical alert system and device you choose, you and your loved ones will all rest easier knowing you have taken steps to ensure your continued health and happiness.

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