We reviewed top-rated medical alert systems to help you find the best solution to protect yourself or your loved ones at home and on the go.
Medical alert systems connect users to a dispatcher who can send for assistance in the event of a medical emergency. Some systems are designed for in-home use while others offer security on the go, but all are designed to reassure people who are medically vulnerable and often living alone—as well as their loved ones.
What Is a Medical Alert System?
A medical alert system, also known as a personal emergency response system (PERS) or a medical emergency response system, enables a person to connect to medical help quickly in the event of a health emergency. Most systems include a transmitter device, an emergency call center and a console that uses landline telephones, cellular networks and/or GPS to connect the transmitter with the monitoring center.
Transmitter devices are often wearable pendants, necklaces, bracelets or smartwatches that feature an easily accessible emergency button and a speaker for quick connection to a trained operator.
How Do Medical Alert Systems Work?
If you have a medical concern or emergency, press the help button on your medical alert system. 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 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 home.
Who Is a Medical Alert System for?
Most medical alert systems are designed for older adults, especially those living alone.
While a medical alert system cannot prevent a fall or subsequent injury, it can help the person access emergency services for much quicker assistance. In addition to a manual emergency button, many systems offer automatic fall detection, sensing when the user falls and notifying emergency services shortly thereafter.
Falls aside, medical alert systems can support safe aging in place with features like medication reminders, activity monitoring that checks in on the user every 12 hours or so and live assistance for when the user experiences any other pressing medical concerns.
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 reassurance that they can easily access help.
The Different Types of Medical Alert Systems
In-Home Medical Alert Systems
In-home medical alert systems typically feature two components:
- A stationary base device that contains a speaker and microphone that connects the user to the company’s call center. These devices use either a landline connection or a cellular connection.
- A wearable element, such as a pendant or bracelet, with a button the user can press to activate the base device in the event of an emergency. The button’s range of use, meaning the maximum distance it can be from the base device to still activate a call when pressed, varies significantly from product to product.
Mobile Medical Alert Systems
Mobile medical alert systems use cellular service and GPS technology to help the user connect with the call center both inside and outside. Most of these units are all-in-one devices of varying sizes and efficiency. Typically, the more compact the device or the more features it offers, the shorter its battery life, making frequent charging important.
Important Features of 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.
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.
Wall Buttons
Many medical alert systems allow you to purchase additional wall buttons for the higher-risk areas of your home, such as the bathroom, kitchen and stairwells. Just like a wearable pendant, when pressed they send a signal to the base station, which communicates with the call center. Wall buttons are useful for people who forget to wear or dislike wearing their devices.
Lockboxes
Some medical alert system makers encourage you to add a lockbox to your device purchase. It’s intended to hold an extra key for emergency responders so they don’t have to break down a locked door to come assist in an emergency event. The location and access of your lockbox is often noted in your profile with the medical alert system, so the call center employee can share those details with emergency responders when necessary.
Water-Resistant Wearables
If you want to be able to keep the wearable component of your medical alert system on your person or nearby while bathing or showering, it’s important for the device to hold up well to water and humidity.
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 (43%).
How Much Do Medical Alert Systems Cost?
Monitoring services for a 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 equipment 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 or installation 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, and additional wall buttons and lockboxes can come with small add-on fees as well. 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.
Choosing the Right 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. But someone who rarely leaves their house might be well served by an in-home system that covers the square footage of their living area.
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.
Where to Purchase a Medical Alert System
Most 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.
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.
