Medical Alert Review

flag Comprehensive coverage
  • Optional fall detection & location tracking app

  • 30-day trial

  • Stays on the line until help arrives

  • GPS sends help to wherever you are

Pros & Cons

  • US based 24/7 responders offering fast response times
  • Lightweight, waterproof wearable systems
  • No fitness tracking

Plans & Pricing

Medical Alert offers a variety of at-home and mobile options. Each medical alert system is available with a monthly plan, semi-annual plan, or annual plan. You’ll get the best deal when you decide to sign up for an annual contract as the prices are discounted.

At-Home

Medical Alert offers two options for users who want an at-home medical alert system. You can choose whether you prefer an at-home medical alert that connects via landline or one that connects via cellular network. The cellular option works with AT&T, but there is no need to sign a separate contract with them. Both options come both with a base station as well as a wearable button that can be worn on the wrist or as a necklace. The base station contains a two-way speaker for users to communicate with emergency response operators. The landline at-home medical alert option is less expensive, starting at just $19.95 per month with an annual plan. Medical Alert’s at-home cellular plan starts at $29.95 per month with an annual plan.

On-the-Go

Medical Alert’s On-the-Go system comes in a convenient, all-in-one design. A button and two-way speaker are combined so there is no need to carry a separate mobile unit with your button. Advanced GPS location tracking enables emergency responders to find you anywhere, even if you’re unsure of your exact location. You can choose whether you’d prefer an On-the-Go system with two-day battery life or with five-day battery life. The alert has a 5 -day battery life starts at $39.95 per month with an annual plan.

On-the-Go + Button

Medical Alert’s On-the-Go + Button system is the same as the On-the-Go one described above. The only difference is that it comes with an extra button that you can choose to wear around your wrist or as a neck pendant. You’ll need to keep the mobile unit with you, as it contains the two-way speaker that allows you to communicate with emergency response operators. Battery life on this model lasts for up to five days, and the unit comes with a carrying case. Prices start at $39.95 per month for an annual plan.

At-Home Landline
from $19.95/mo
At-Home Cellular
from $29.95/mo
On-the-Go 5-Day Battery
from $39.95/mo

Overview

Medical Alert by Connect America is the nation’s largest independent provider of personal medical alert systems. Trusted by hundreds of thousands of customers, Medical Alert is used by hospitals and other healthcare organizations throughout the country due to its variety of features: affordability, easy set-up, money-back guarantee, smartphone app, GPS, and device options.

 

Rating

  • "Price"
    8.5 /10
  • "Features"
    8.5 /10
  • "Ease of Use"
    9 /10
  • "Help and Support"
    8.5 /10

Features and Functionality

Options for every lifestyle

Whether you’re seeking security in the comfort of your own home or you‘re looking to support your or your loved one’s active lifestyle, Medical Alert has you covered.

With all of Medical Alert’s products, a simple push of a button connects you instantly to a trained safety coordinator who assesses your situation and immediately sends the help you need. So whether you’ve suffered a serious injury or just want to notify a caretaker of your whereabouts, help is standing by.

Pricing Features

  • Equipment warranty
  • Free shipment

At-home systems

With a two-way speakerphone alarm base that works with or without a landline and a water-resistant wrist and neck help buttons, Medical Alert’s Home systems help you feel safer than ever. Just press the help button on any system, and a safety coordinator will respond immediately.

Landline-free protection

Rest assured you’ll get the help you need wherever you go with a handheld mobile system, water-resistant wrist and neck lanyard, carrying case, charging cradle, and charging cord. Just press the help button on any of the systems to reach a trained operator.

Optional Fall detection

An essential for seniors, this invaluable feature ensures an emergency responder is immediately notified if you fall – even if you can’t press your button.

Smartphone monitoring for caregivers

Medical Alert has an optional smartphone app that uses GPS monitoring to track your whereabouts. This means you maintain your independence while ensuring your loved ones have the ultimate peace of mind that you’re safe wherever you go.

24/7 response center

Operators are available day or night, and you’ll never wait long for a response. All emergency responders are specially trained, and your safety is their priority.

Waterproof wearables

Since many falls happen in the shower, Medical Alert’s pendants and fall detection buttons are all waterproof, which means you’ll stay safe in the shower, bath, and even the pool.

Total dependability

When time is of the essence, you need crystal clear two-way communication with an operator. In addition, you’ll get reliable cellular connectivity and battery backup for power outage protection.

30-Day Money-back guarantee

If for some reason you aren’t 100% satisfied with your Mobile Alert product, you can cancel your plan any time. If you cancel within 30 days, you’ll get a full refund.

Extended Coverage

Medical Alert has a broader coverage range than most medical alert system providers and offers protection plans at little cost with options for replacement buttons, extra batteries and more. In addition to covering the entire 50 states, Medical Alert is also fully functional across Canada, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

Ease of Use

Medical Alert’s products are easy for all ages to set up and use. Installation is a breeze, thanks to the simple step-by-step instructions included with your shipment. Additionally, Medical Alert offers complimentary installation guidance for those who need it. Using the neck or wrist help buttons couldn’t be easier. Simply press your help button, and a highly trained safety coordinator will respond immediately.

Customer support

Medical Alert understands that emergencies don’t just happen during normal business hours. That’s why emergency responders are available 24/7. Whether you’re experiencing a medical emergency, fire, or break-in, someone is always standing by to help.

You can reach out to someone via phone or email, and Medical Alert also has a good FAQ section right on the site. Users can ask for help installing the system, downloading the free mobile app, or using the system itself, as well as any other questions, and the Medical Alert staff will help. There are even product guides with detailed instructions for each of the systems online.

 

  • 24/7 Help & Support
    The company’s agents can be reached at any time.
  • Phone Support
    The emergency responders and the sales team can both be reached via phone.
  • Email
    You can also email the company for support or answers.
  • Video Tutorials
    A few videos are present on the company’s YouTube channel.
  • FAQ
    A FAQ section is also present on the company website.

Final Word

With affordable options to suit every lifestyle, a superior support team available 24/7, and a full money-back guarantee, it’s no wonder Medical Alert is one of the leading independent providers of emergency medical alert systems. Enjoy the independence you love and the security you need knowing that help is always just a button push away.

 

Disclosure
This website is an informative comparison site that aims to offer its users find helpful information regarding the products and offers that will be suitable for their needs. We are able to maintain a free, high-quality service by receiving advertising fees from the brands and service providers we review on this website (though we may also review brands we are not engaged with). These advertising fees, combined with our criteria and methodology, such as the conversion rates, our team of reviewer's finding and subjective experience and product popularity, impact the placement and position of the brands within the comparison table. In the event rating or scoring are assigned by us, they are based on the position in the comparison table, or according to other formula in the event specifically detailed by us. See our How we Rate page and Terms of Use for information. The reviews, rating and scoring are provided “as-is” without guaranties or warranties regarding the information contained in our website, which shall not be considered as endorsement. We make the best efforts to keep the information up-to-date, however, an offer’s terms might change at any time. We do not compare or include all service providers, brands and offers available in the market.
amy
Amy Sullvian
author

Amy has been working in the medical field since she qualified as a paramedic. She now works as a private consultant in geriatrics. She is a regular contributor to medical magazines and is currently working on a book dealing with geriatrics.

We make the best effort to present up-to-date information; however, the terms of each offer can be revised according to the service provider’s discretion. The above shall not be considered as an expert or professional advice for any matter.
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Questions & Answers

Guest
dorothy fevelo

is there a charge for accidentally setting off the alarm?

answer
The user would be responsible for any potential fees associated with emergency personnel being dispatched, even if it was a false alarm.
Guest
Amy Sullivan

The unit that integrates with the landline: The person is outside a lot. There is about an acre of land here. What is the range for device? If there should be an emergency on the far end of their property. About 250 feet

answer
The landline device should work for distances up to about a football field length, or around 360 feet.
Guest
david marrs

What is the cost of the base equipment that must be installed in the home?

answer
You're essentially renting the equipment and need to return it at the end of your contract. If you don't return it or return it in poor condition, it costs $350.
Guest
Ron

Can MedicalAlert contact my friend or relative instead of sending an ambulance?

answer
Depending on what your situation is, MedicalAlert can contact a relative or neighbor for you. If it is an emergency, however, they will dispatch an ambulance or police.
Guest
Sally

Is fall detection automatically included with MedicalAlert?

answer
Like other medical alerts, MedicalAlert devices include fall detection capabilities but you have to subscribe for this feature in order to activate it.
Guest
Mary

can the wrist button call the local emergency service instead of being connected to a person with your company?

answer
The button connects you to the operating center and they determine what type of help you need and send the appropriate aid. This could be the local paramedics, fire department, or even a neighbor or family member (if you've given permission to share this information first).
Guest
Nonya

Our Family and Church Family is quite large, is there a limit to how many people can use this GPS app once it is all set up?

answer
Each person who wants to be covered by the GPS medical alert should have their own.
Guest
Laura Owens

How far from the base can you be heard by the emergency team.amd/or speak through wrist watch?

answer
The wrist button is just that - a button. The speaker is located in the base station itself. There is a test button on the base station so you can test its range in your home.
The on-the-go device has a two-way-speaker within it. This device is designed to be worn around the neck.
Guest
LuAnn

Can the wrist button include the fall alert? Some companies don’t.

Admin
Gila

Yes, the wrist button includes the alert fall.

Guest
Janet

What carrier is used? We have a system that uses AT&T, but doesn’t work inside the house, because there aren’t any AT&T towers near by

answer
Medical Alert uses AT&T 3G Network for its mobile unit. If your concern is limited to inside the house, there is a standard option that uses a landline instead of AT&T.
Guest
Morton Stahl

Can I suspend my service for several months while I’m out of the country?

answer
MedicalAlert does not have any long-term contracts, and they allow you to cancel at any time. However, you will still be charged a fee until you return their equipment. You should contact MedicalAlert directly to determine whether it would make more sense for you to return the equipment now and re-install it in several months, or if you should keep the equipment while you're traveling. You can find their phone number here.
Guest
Lauren

Do I need a landline to use MedicalAlert?

answer
MedicalAlert has options for people with and without landlines.
Guest
Louis Rubin

Does a pacemaker interfere with your device

answer
We recommend speaking with your doctor who is familiar with your pacemaker to ensure it can work with a medical alert device.
Guest
Ana Celia Grijalva

Do Operators answer in Spanish, for spanish customers?

answer
Yes, they also have translation services for 140+ other languages.
Guest
Walter

My wife has a stomach and can’t project her voice, if she can talk at all. What do you provide for mute people?

answer
You can provide her medical background to the Medical Alert service and request they send help when she pushes the button since she cannot talk.
Guest
Bruce Kubin

Can this unit call my son specifically in the event of a fall? Does it do so automatically or does it require that a button to be pushed or some sort of verbal communication be related to the unit in question?

Admin
Top5 Team

There are several medical alerts that can call your son or a loved one directly, it just needs to be arranged as such that he is your emergency contact.

Guest
Margaret Reese

Is Wi-Fi required with this system?

Admin
Top5 Team

Nope! Most medical alert systems use cellular networks to transmit signals

Guest
Donna Reed

My sister 70 years age, has Parkinson’s. Has a metallic allergies. Can only wear gold. What is offered from your company.?

Admin
Top5 Team

Medical Alert offers the Classic Pendant that’s made of plastic and comes in a selection of colors – this could make a good option for your sister.

Guest
Virginia Carrott

I got an email saying you had processed my order, but not one word about all the charges, etc. that you supposed to sign me up for. A receipt would have all that information on it. Why???

Admin
Top5 Team

We’re not quite sure, Virgina and would suggest following up with the company themselves if you still haven’t received the receipt for your purchase.

Guest
LAIRD CONFER

WILL THIS UNIT WORK WITH A PACMAKER

Admin
Top5 Team

Yes, the devices use a low-power radio frequency signal that isn’t harmful to pacemakers, but you should also double check with your doctor just in case.

Guest
LuAnn

Is there fall alert included in the wrist button? Some companies only have it in the necklace

Admin
Gila

Yes, the button is interchangeable between the necklace and bracelet.

Guest
Pat Miller

How are emergency personnel supposed to get into my house if I were to fall and be unable to unlock the door? My son would be my contact and might be out of town.. There only seems to be one company that mentions a lock box for a key which would be accessible with a code..

Admin
Top5 Team

If there was an emergency and everything is locked, they could break the door down or come in through a window

Guest
James Phillipps

Does the battery in the pendant need re- charging or replacing?

Admin
Top5 Team

It depends on the specific device you’ve chosen

Guest
Jose

Does your Medical Alert system provide assistance for residents of Puerto Rico?

Admin
Top5 Team

They do! Most of our top-rated brands including Mobile Help, Lifefone and Medical Alert are all available in Puerto Rico

Guest
Susan Beatty

Is there a way to charge it in the auto?

Admin
Top5 Team

Yes! Medical Alert offers a car charger as an optional accessory for select devices, including the Medical Alert Classic, Medical Alert Classic Plus, Medical Alert Mobile & Medical Alert Mini

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