We reviewed top-rated mobile medical alert systems to help you find the best solution to protect yourself or your loved ones at home and on the go.
Mobile medical alert systems use cellular and/or GPS technology to provide users with 24/7 connectivity to an emergency call center from any location. Mobile medical alert devices come in various styles, including compact necklaces, bracelets and clip-on pendants. There are even smartwatch-style devices packed with convenient features.
Whatever your preference, all mobile medical alert devices provide quick access to emergency assistance from virtually anywhere, so you can confidently enjoy all the things you love to do.
What Is a Mobile Medical Alert System?
A mobile medical alert system, also known as a personal emergency response system (PERS) or a medical emergency response system, is a small mobile device that enables a person to connect to medical help quickly in the event of a health emergency.
Mobile medical alert systems typically include:
- A compact wearable help button device. Choose from pendants, necklaces, bracelets or smartwatches that feature an easily accessible emergency button and a speaker for quick connection to a trained operator, wherever your location.
- GPS location tracking. Most mobile medical alert devices have built-in GPS technology, allowing emergency responders or loved ones to locate the user in an emergency. GPS tracking is especially helpful for those with cognitive impairments or those prone to wandering.
- 24/7 monitoring. Mobile medical alert devices allow users to call for help in a medical emergency anytime and from anywhere. With the push of a button, the user can connect to a trained operator who can dispatch emergency services and alert family members or caregivers as needed.
- Fall detection. Some mobile medical alert devices have fall detection sensors that detect when the user falls and automatically alerts emergency services or caregivers.
- Water-resistant design. Many mobile medical alert devices are water-resistant, allowing users to wear them during workouts, recreational activities and even in the shower or bath without water damage.
- Long battery life. Mobile medical alert devices typically have a long battery life, allowing users to go days in-between charges.
Many systems also offer in-home medical alert systems that monitor your home 24/7 and connect you to dispatcher who can send for assistance in the event of a medical emergency.
How Do Mobile Medical Alert Systems Work?
If you have a medical concern or emergency, press the help button on your mobile medical alert device. The device sends a signal to your medical alert provider, connecting you with an emergency response expert at the call center. Often, the operator will connect you with the family member, caregiver or friend listed in your contact information, notifying them that you need help. In an emergency, they help dispatch an ambulance, the police or the local fire department to your location using GPS tracking technology, if needed.
Who Is a Mobile Medical Alert System for?
Most mobile medical alert systems are designed for older adults, especially those who go about their day-to-day activities alone or have active lifestyles or cognitive challenges. Whatever the need, mobile medical alert systems combine freedom and independence with safety and peace of mind for both the user and their loved ones.
Mobile medical alert devices provide a quick and easy way for the user to call for help in a medical emergency, regardless of location. The GPS location tracking feature also allows emergency responders or loved ones to quickly locate the user, providing an extra layer of safety and security. Some even offer geofencing features that alert caregivers or family members if the user wanders outside a predefined safe zone.
Mobile medical alert systems are also an appropriate solution for anyone—regardless of their age—who is at risk of experiencing a medical emergency and wants easy access to help wherever they are.
Important Features of Mobile Medical Alert Systems
Live 24/7 Monitoring
To get the most protective value from a medical alert system, opt for one that offers live 24/7 monitoring. That way, no matter when you have a medical concern and press your emergency button for help, you’ll always be connected with a live emergency response agent.
Compact and Water-Resistant Wearables
Convenience is key when it comes to mobile medical alert devices. Designed as small wearables, such as pendants, bracelets or smartwatches, mobile medical alert systems are made to fit into your lifestyle. Most are water-resistant, so you can enjoy recreational activities and sports indoors and out without giving up access to help if needed.
Automatic Fall Detection
Typically for an additional monthly fee, medical alert system makers offer automatic fall detection. As its name suggests, this feature automatically notifies the call center when your wearable device senses—using technology like accelerometers and processors—that you had a fall and don’t move for a period of time after the fall. It’s designed to help in the event of a serious fall that renders the user unconscious, unable to press their help button manually or unable to communicate verbally with the emergency response expert at the call monitoring center.
GPS Tracking
Medical alert systems that offer live location tracking via GPS may be helpful for active seniors and those with memory loss. These systems are meant to alert family members directly and quickly of their loved one’s locations.
Activity Monitoring
Similar to automatic fall detection, this feature tracks the user’s movement. It notifies family members and friends if their loved one hasn’t shown signs of movement for an extended period.
Medication Reminders
Some medical alert systems offer medication reminders. These scheduled notifications can help keep aging adults compliant with the care plan prescribed by their health care professionals.
What Is the Most Important Medical Alert System Feature?
According to a recent Forbes Health survey of 2,000 U.S. adults conducted by OnePoll, respondents value many of the features offered by modern-day medical alert system providers. However, three in particular stand out among the rest: features like activity monitoring and medication reminders (49%), GPS or cellular connectivity for 24/7 assistance (44%), and extras like voice-activated wall buttons and lock boxes for home systems (43%).
How Much Do Mobile Medical Alert Systems Cost?
Monitoring services for a mobile medical alert system can cost as low as $14.95 per month and as much as $61.95 per month. These prices don’t necessarily include the initial cost of the device itself—some medical alert companies charge a one-time upfront fee for the system devices.
In addition to upfront device fees, some medical alert system providers charge a one-time connection fee required at the time of setup, and these fees can vary significantly.
Add-on features typically come with additional charges, too. Automatic fall detection often increases a monthly bill by $10. If a caregiver app is available as part of the system, it may be free, though some cost a small amount to download to your smartphone.
The lower end of the price spectrum typically includes the most basic medical alert system equipment and connectivity. Meanwhile, the more you spend, the more features and functionality you get, such as automatic fall detection, live location tracking, caregiver app access and more.
Unfortunately, some medical alert system providers have less-than-transparent pricing structures. For instance, they may not lock in a subscription price when you sign up, ultimately raising rates without notice after a year of service. Others might not clearly disclose connection or activation fees until you reach the final steps of purchasing a system and enrolling in a monitoring subscription service.
How to Get a Medical Alert System for Free
Your ability to get a free medical alert system largely depends on your financial circumstances and insurance coverage. Those who are eligible for Medicaid, for example, are often eligible for other waiver programs that can help cover the costs associated with medical alert systems. Veterans often have access to benefits that make medical alert systems more affordable as well.
Annual vs. Monthly Subscriptions
If you’re concerned about the total cost of a medical alert system, consider how much you’d spend on a system when you pay annually for the monitoring service versus paying monthly.
Depending on the medical alert system you choose, the company may offer an annual subscription with a price that averages less monthly than a standard monthly subscription cost. You have to be comfortable paying the full amount up front, but the discount can be significant in the long term.
What Insurance Covers Medical Alert Systems?
Only a select few private insurance providers pay for medical alert systems. But in some cases, the devices can be considered tax deductible if they’re deemed “medically necessary equipment” and prescribed by a doctor.
Does Medicare Cover Medical Alert Systems?
Typically, traditional Medicare (Medicare Part B) doesn’t cover the purchasing or monthly subscription costs of medical alert systems because they are not usually deemed “medically necessary” durable medical equipment (DME).
Meanwhile, some Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C), which are offered through private insurance companies, may provide partial or full coverage of medical alert systems. If you’re insured by a Medicare Advantage plan, ask your provider about their coverage policies regarding medical alert systems.
Where to Purchase a Mobile Medical Alert System
Most mobile medical alert systems can be purchased directly from manufacturers via their websites. You can also call their customer service lines to speak with company representatives directly and place your order over the phone. If you prefer shopping in person, retailers like Walmart and Best Buy sell medical alert systems, as well as pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens.
Choosing the Right Mobile Medical Alert System
The right medical alert system depends on you or your loved one’s activity levels and preferences. For instance, someone who spends a significant amount of time away from home or is prone to wander will likely benefit from a mobile medical alert system. However, someone who rarely leaves their house might be well served by an in-home system with a mobile-style wearable help button. That setup provides call button coverage throughout the home and surrounding areas, such as garage, patio and yard.
Think about how you or the person you’re shopping for typically spends time and focus on medical alert systems specifically designed for those lifestyle factors. A simple mobile alert help button necklace, bracelet or clip-on might be ideal for some, but highly active individuals might enjoy a feature-packed smartwatch mobile medical device, like the Medical Guardian Move Smartwatch, below.
Sources
References
- Appeadu M, Bordoni B. Falls and Fall Prevention In The Elderly. StatPearls Publishing. 2021.
- Durable medical equipment (DME) coverage. Medicare.gov. Accessed 6/8/2021.
- Medical Alert Devices. Consumers’ Checkbook. Accessed 6/8/2021.
- Life Alert Cost Comparison and Review. Senior Safety Reviews. Accessed 6/8/2021.
