The Best Medical Alert Systems for Seniors

When shopping for a medical alert device for yourself or a loved one, you have an ever-increasing number of companies from which to choose. However, the quality of the systems and their price points can vary significantly between different companies. We took a look at 14 of the major medical alert companies and ranked them based on affordability, so you know which companies provide high-quality systems at the most reasonable prices. We only included companies that scored a 7.0/10 or higher in our list of the most affordable medical alert systems.

Our research shows that MobileHelp, Bay Alarm Medical, and Medical Guardian offer the most affordable medical alert systems. All three companies help customers keep costs low with some of the industry’s lowest monthly monitoring costs, included and discounted add-on features, and excellent cost transparency. Other standout companies include Medical Alert and QMedic.

The Best Medical Alert Systems

1. MobileHelp: 10.0
2. Bay Alarm Medical: 9.5
3. QMedic: 8.5
4. Medical Alert: 8.3
5. Alert1: 8.0
6. Medical Guardian: 7.7
7. LifeFone: 7.6
8. Medical Care Alert: 7.4

An Overview of Our Ranking Methodology

Our rankings are based on the following core metrics, each of which made up a percentage of every company’s final score:

• Starting Costs (10%): Does the company charge any one-time or startup fees, such as activation or shipping?
• Cost of In-Home Systems (30%): What is the company’s least expensive in-home system’s monthly cost?
• Cost of Mobile Systems (30%): What is the company’s least expensive portable system’s monthly cost?
• Cost Transparency (20%): How easy is it to find cost information on the company’s website? Is all information listed on the website accurate?
• Cost of Add-Ons (10%): How much does the company charge for common add-on devices and extra features?

Top 8 Most Affordable Medical Alert Systems

MobileHelp is the most affordable medical alert company reviewed, earning the highest score in several rankings categories. Its in-home systems and add-on features are the most affordable of any company, and it also received the second-highest score for the affordability of its mobile devices. Our research and ranking confirm that MobileHelp offers systems at a low price compared to competitors and is entirely upfront with customers about its costs and fees.

Overview of MobileHelp’s Medical Alert Systems

Classic
The MobileHelp Classic is a standard in-home system that uses a cellular connection rather than a landline. The wearable help button is showerproof and waterproof, and the base station has a range of 600 feet and a 30-hour backup battery. 

The Classic costs just $19.95 a month, making it one of the most affordable in-home systems on the market in general and by far the least expensive in-home system with a cellular connection. Those who choose to pay for the device monthly must pay a one-time startup fee of $49.95. This fee is waived for customers who choose quarterly, semi-annual, or annual payment options. 

Wired Home
The Wired Home is a landline-compatible version of the Classic system. It includes a waterproof personal help button and a base station with an impressive range of 1,300 feet. When paid for on a month-to-month basis, the Wired Home costs $24.95 per month. Customers may also choose to pay quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. 

Solo
Solo is a portable system that uses AT&T’s cellular network to connect to the monitoring center, so users are protected everywhere with cellular service. The device is waterproof and showerproof and has a battery life of 24 hours. 

Solo costs $37.95 a month with a monthly payment plan. Customers can save several dollars per month with a quarterly, semi-annual, or annual plan. 

MobileHelp Duo
The MobileHelp Duo is a bundled package that includes both Solo and Classic devices. It is designed for seniors who spend a lot of time on-the-go but still want extra protection in the home. The system costs $41.95 a month with a monthly plan. Quarterly, semi-annual, and annual plans are slightly less expensive per month. 

Duo
The Duo plan contains two of the Solo devices for only $7 more per month. This 2-for-1 plan is one of the industry’s best deals for mobile devices.

MobileHelp’s Cost Report

The second most affordable company on our list is Bay Alarm Medical. The company received high scores for the affordability of both its in-home and mobile systems and the cost of add-on devices. With its bundled packages of medical alert devices and compatible accessories, Bay Alarm Medical makes all-around protection affordable to a wide range of customers, no matter what specific type of device they’re looking for.

In-Home Systems
Bay Alarm Medical offers two in-home systems. One requires a landline to connect to the emergency monitoring center, and the other uses a cellular connection. Both systems have a 32-hour backup battery and a range of 1,000 feet. The landline-based system costs $19.95 a month, and the system with cellular connection costs $29.95 a month. 

GPS Help Button
This all-in-one portable device uses AT&T’s cellular network to connect to the monitoring center and includes GPS location tracking. It costs $24.95 a month, and fall detection is available for an additional $10 a month. The device has a built-in two-way speaker, and is waterproof and showerproof. The battery lasts for up to three days between charges.

In Home + GPS
This hybrid plan offers both in-home and on-the-go emergency coverage. It includes one of Bay Alarm Medical’s in-home systems, either with or without cellular connection, and a portable GPS Help Button. This package costs $39.95 a month with the landline in-home system, offering savings of $10 a month compared to paying for the in-home and mobile devices separately. It costs an additional $10 a month for the cellular in-home base station, and fall detection also costs $10 a month.

Bay Alarm Medical’s Cost Report

QMedic Review

QMedic keeps things simple with its easy-to-understand website and pricing structure, made even simpler by a small device catalog of just two systems. Ranking fourth overall for affordability, QMedic received perfect 10/10 scores for Starting Costs and Cost Transparency. Customers interested in QMedic do not have to worry about any surprise fees appearing on the bill. Any prospective customers should be aware that QMedic only offers annual payment, so those interested in a month-to-month option should look elsewhere.

In-Home
QMedic’s In-Home device comes standard with a cellular connection- the company does not offer a landline-enabled option. The system includes a base station with a range of 800-1,000 feet and a 24-hour backup battery, and one waterproof personal help button. Users have their choice of a pendant or wristband for the help button. 

Mobile GPS
QMedic’s only mobile device, the Mobile GPS, costs $400 a year, which breaks down to $33.33 per month. The portable device’s battery can last up to 14 days between charges, and is water-resistant so it can get wet in the rain without damage (however, it is not showerproof).

QMedic’s Cost Report

Rounding out the top five most affordable companies is Medical Alert. Medical Alert offers a simplified product catalog of one in-home system, available with either landline or cellular connectivity, and one mobile device. The company earned a perfect 10/10 score in the Cost Transparency category and ranked in the top two for the affordability of its in-home systems. Medical Alert can be an excellent option for those looking to keep things simple and avoid any surprise fees.

Home Systems
Medical Alert offers two in-home systems, one that requires a landline and one that uses a cellular connection. Other than the connection type, the two in-home systems offer identical features. The complete Home system includes a base station with a range of 400 feet and a 36-hour backup battery, and one wearable help button. The personal help button is waterproof and showerproof and may be worn as either a pendant or wristband. The landline version costs $22.95, and the cellular version has a $10 upcharge.

Mobile System
Medical Alert’s mobile option is an all-in-one device that integrates a personal help button and two-way speaker for easy use. Users only need to have one device on them to be protected, compared to other companies that have two separate components for their mobile systems. Its battery lasts 5 days, and it comes equipped with GPS location services. This device costs $42.95 a month when paid on a monthly basis and $39.95 per month when paid for on a semi-annual or annual basis. Fall detection is an additional $10 a month.

Medical Alert’s Cost Report

Alert1 Review

Alert1 offers five medical alert devices, all at prices around or below the industry average. It ranked in the top 3 for the affordability of its in-home systems and mobile devices, giving prospective customers looking to keep costs low plenty of options. Although some Alert1 devices do carry an activation fee, it offers discounts on all of its systems for customers who prepay for 10 months of service, helping keep its systems affordable.

Home
Alert1 offers two in-home systems: Home and Home Fall Detection. The basic Home system costs $28.95 a month when paid monthly or $19.95 a month when prepaid for 10 months. Cellular service for the base station is included, so no landline is required. The base station has a range of 600 feet and a 24-hour backup battery, and the wearable help button is waterproof and showerproof.

Home Fall Detection costs $38.95 a month, including fall detection and cellular service.

On-the-Go
This portable system costs $38.95 a month when paid monthly or $29.95 a month when on the 10 month subscription plan. It is an all-in-one portable device with a two-way speaker and built-in personal help button, so users only need to carry one device. On-the-Go is waterproof and showerproof, and has a battery that can last up to 30 days between charges.

On-the-Go Fall Detection
This device offers fall detection included in the monthly price of $48.95. Like Alert1’s other mobile systems, the On-the-Go Fall Detection is an all-in-one, waterproof device. It uses Verizon and AT&T cellular networks, and has a battery life of 5 days. Prepaying for 10 months saves users almost $100 annually, bringing the cost to $39.95 per month.

On-the-Go + Home Fall Detection
This bundle option includes a portable device with fall detection, plus an in-home fall detection pendant and wristband. When at home, users place the portable device in its charging station and wear one of the in-home personal help buttons, essentially turning the portable device into a base station. All devices are waterproof and may be enabled to use either Verizon or AT&T’s cellular network. This plan costs $58.95 a month when paid monthly.

Alert1’s Cost Report

Medical Guardian offers five medical alert systems, all of which may be paid for on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis to give customers flexibility. Ranking in 7th overall for affordability, its prices tend to be slightly higher than some competitors. But, Medical Guardian offers high-quality systems with several premium add-on features, making the minor extra cost worth it for some. The company has a very informative and intuitive website so it’s easy for customers to find the best devices for their needs and budget.

Classic Guardian
The Classic Guardian is a basic in-home system. It requires a landline connection, so it is not an option for those without a working landline in their homes. The system includes a base station with a 32-hour backup battery and range of 1,300 feet, and one waterproof and showerproof wearable help button. The Classic Guardian costs $29.95 when paid for on a monthly or quarterly basis. With the annual payment plan, the device costs $27.45 a month.

Home Guardian
Medical Guardian’s other in-home option is the Home Guardian. The system uses AT&T’s cellular connection, so no landline is required. The base station has a range of 600 feet and a 30-hour backup battery, and the waterproof wearable help button may be worn as a pendant or wristband. Home Guardian costs $34.95 a month with a monthly or quarterly payment plan, or $32.04 a month with an annual plan.

Mini Guardian
Medical Guardian’s newest device, the Mini Guardian, packs a lot into a small package. The device is half the width and half the weight of a standard medical alert system, but doesn’t sacrifice any features. The portable device uses 4G LTE cellular connectivity to provide unlimited range and location tracking. It is waterproof, has a battery life of 5 days, and comes in three different colors. The Mini Guardian costs $39.95 per month, and prospective customers should be aware that there is a one-time equipment cost of $124.95.

Mobile Guardian
The Mobile Guardian costs $39.95 a month plus a one-time device fee of $124.95. The portable device uses AT&T’s cellular network and has built-in GPS technology. Mobile Guardian can be used as a standalone portable device, but it comes as a two-part system. Included in the service plan is a small portable device that can be worn by itself or function as a mobile base station and a waterproof wearable help button. Users can choose whether to use both portions of the system or just the portable Mobile Guardian.

Active Guardian
The Active Guardian is another portable device that uses AT&T’s cellular network. In addition to GPS, this device also uses WiFi signals to aid in location tracking. It is a waterproof, all-in-one device with a built-in two-way speaker and personal help button, and a battery life of 5 days. The Active Guardian costs $44.95 a month with monthly and quarterly payments, or about $41 a month with an annual plan. There is no equipment fee.

Medical Guardian’s Cost Report

LifeFone offers six medical alert systems and numerous add-on features and devices. It ranked as the 8th most affordable company on our list and earned a perfect score for Cost Transparency. Though its prices may be slightly higher than average, with LifeFone, customers will have a clear idea of the costs they’re facing and do not have to worry about surprise charges.

Overview of LifeFone’s Medical Alert Systems

At-Home Landline and At-Home Cellular

LifeFone offers two in-home devices, one which must connect to a landline and one which uses a cellular connection. Both of the systems include a base station with a 32-hour backup battery and range of 1,300 feet, and a waterproof and showerproof wearable personal help button. The landline system costs $24.95 a month, while the cellular system costs an extra $6 a month, bringing the monthly price to $30.95. 

At-Home & On-the-Go

This system costs $36.95 a month, and includes both an in-home system and a mobile device. The in-home system has a range of 1,400 feet from its base station that comes with a 32-hour backup battery. The portable On-the-Go device works anywhere with cellular service and is small enough to be worn on a belt clip or placed in a pocket. Users must still wear a personal help button in addition to keeping the mobile device within 600 feet of their body. The mobile device battery lasts 24 hours, and the device is waterproof and showerproof. Customers who choose this plan also receive an At-Home Cellular system. 

At-Home & On-the-Go Smartwatch Active

This smartwatch functions as a GPS-enabled medical alert device and has a large face with a high-resolution display so users can easily navigate between its different features. These include the option to call for emergency help as well as monitor heart rate, view weather forecasts, and track steps. The smartwatch will also send out an alert when its battery is low. At-Home & On-the-Go Smartwatch Active plans start at $45.95 a month. Fall detection is available for an additional $5 a month.

At-Home & On-the-Go, VIP Active

The At-Home & On-the-Go VIP Active is an all-in-one mobile device that is worn around the neck. There is no additional base station or portable device that users must carry with them. The pendant is GPS-enabled, allowing approved responders to determine user location and LifeFone representatives to locate lost or misplaced devices. The device also has a battery life of up to 5 days, and is water-resistant and showerproof. The VIP Active plan costs $39.95 a month.

At-Home & On-the-Go, VIPx

At-Home & On-the-Go, VIPx is a small, lightweight portable medical alert system. The all-in-one system is showerproof, has a long-lasting battery with up to 16 days of power, and has advanced location tracking using cellular, WiFi, and GPS signals. It costs $41.95 a month and fall detection is available for an additional $5 a month. The VIPxx device is compatible with the VIPx Caregiver Mobile App, allowing caregivers to monitor a VIPx user’s location and receive notifications when the help button is pressed or its battery is low. Use of this app costs an additional $8 a month.

LifeFone’s Cost Report

Medical Care Alert Review

Medical Care Alert offers three medical alert systems, including in-home and mobile options, all at affordable prices. It ranked ninth overall and earned its best scores in the Starting Costs and Cost of Add-Ons categories. Though its monthly costs may be a bit more expensive than competitors, the company offers a price lock guarantee so users can rest assured that their medical alert expenses will never increase.

HOME Systems
The HOME device is available both as a landline-based system as well as with cellular connection. The landline system costs $29.95 a month, and the HOME-LTE cellular system costs an additional $5 a month, bringing the price to $34.95. The HOME system also includes an extra waterproof personal help button; the HOME-LTE includes just one wearable button. The base station for both systems has a range of 1,000 feet and a 72-hour backup battery.

HOME & AWAY ULTRA 
HOME & AWAY ULTRA is a waterproof, all-in-one device with a built-in speaker and personal help button. The system uses AT&T cellular network and GPS location services, and has a battery life of 3 days. It also includes free access to the Remote Care 24/7 app for caregivers. HOME & AWAY ULTRA costs $39.95 a month, and is compatible with automatic fall detection for an additional $10 a month.

Medical Care Alert’s Cost Report

Other Companies to Consider

GreatCall Lively Mobile

GreatCall is a top medical alert company that provides mobile solutions for seniors looking for emergency medical alert protection. It was ineligible for our rankings because it does not offer any in-home systems, so we could not accurately compare it to companies that do. 

Its GreatCall Lively Mobile Plus device provides coverage on-the-go, and some of the service plans include additional features like on-demand health and wellness advice and activity tracking.

Device and Plan Options

Rather than offering several different systems, GreatCall offers one device only: the GreatCall Lively Mobile Plus. This portable system uses Verizon cellular network, so users are covered anywhere in the United States that has cellular service. The device is waterproof and showerproof, and it has a battery life of 24 hours. 

GreatCall requires all users to purchase their device, rather than lease it. The one-time purchase fee for the GreatCall Lively Mobile is $49.99. Users then select one of three service plans:

• Basic: The basic plan is the most bare-bones option and the least expensive at $24.99 a month. This plan covers emergency monitoring services with GreatCall’s 5 Star Urgent Response Service monitoring center. Extra features like fall detection and activity tracking are not available with the basic package. 
• Preferred: The preferred plan costs $29.99 a month, and includes some extra features beyond emergency monitoring. Customers who choose the preferred plan have access to Urgent Care, an on-demand health and wellness advice center, and GreatCall Link, a companion mobile app. Fall detection is not available with this package. 
• Ultimate: At $39.99 a month, the Ultimate plan is both the most comprehensive and most expensive service package. It includes all of the same features as the Preferred plan, plus fall detection and a device replacement plan that covers replacement of the device if it is lost, stolen, broken, or damaged for any reason. 

Starting Costs

GreatCall Lively Mobile customers do have to pay several one-time fees. In addition to the purchase fee of $49.99, users must pay $35 for device activation. Users must also pay for shipping, which costs $10. 

Extra Features

GreatCall offers several extra features that are included with Preferred and Ultimate packages. Add-on features include:

• Urgent Care: Urgent Care is an on-demand, 24/7 phone line that connects GreatCall Lively Mobile users with registered nurses and doctors. Users simply call the Urgent Care number at any time, and can ask medical professionals for health and wellness advice or information. They can also have common prescriptions refilled and sent to their pharmacy. 
• GreatCall Link: This is a companion mobile app that allows loved ones of GreatCall Lively Mobile users to track the user’s activity levels. They can also use the app to check the device’s call history and battery level.

Pros and Cons of GreatCall Lively Mobile’s Medical Alert Systems

RescueTouch

Like GreatCall, RescueTouch was excluded from our rankings due to its all-mobile product offerings. All RescueTouch service plans use one device, which is programmed according to the plan the customer selects. Both monitored and unmonitored service plans are available to meet the needs of a wide range of users.

Device and Plan Options

RescueTouch’s mobile SOS pendant is waterproof and showerproof, and has a battery life of up to 5 days. All RescueTouch users buy their device rather than lease it, so the equipment is guaranteed to be brand new. The purchase fee if $99 for a single device, and $178 for a twin pack. Customers also choose between four different service plans:

• 9-1-1 Direct: The 9-1-1 Direct plan is unique in the medical alert industry, as it actually does not connect users to an emergency monitoring center. Rather, when users press their personal help button, they connect directly to their local 9-1-1, bypassing the monitoring center. This is a no-frills plan, and does not include fall detection. The 9-1-1 caller costs $40 a month, making it the least expensive RescueTouch plan.
• Family Response: The Family Response plans are unmonitored, meaning that users are connected with friends and family when they press their personal help button rather than the emergency monitoring center. RescueTouch users may program up to five personal contacts to alert during an emergency. These contacts also have the option of initiating contact with their loved one through the device, and tracking the device’s location via GPS. This plan costs $45 a month.
• Family Response- Fall Detection: This plan includes the same features as the standard Family Response, with the addition of automatic fall detection. It costs $50 a month for a single device, or $75 a month for the Twin Pack plan which includes two devices that may be used to communicate with one another as walkie-talkies.
• “The Whole Shabang”: RescueTouch’s “The Whole Shabang” plan connects users to emergency monitoring centers when they press their personal help buttons. Once connected with the monitoring center, users then have the choice of dispatchers alerting their personal contacts or emergency services. This plan includes automatic fall detection and costs $60 a month for a single device, or $85 a month with a twin pack.

Staring Costs

RescueTouch users must initially buy their device for $99, or $178 for two devices in a twin pack. There are no other one-time fees such as activation, and shipping is included with all plans.

Extra Features

RescueTouch does not offer any add-on features at this time.

Pros and Cons of RescueTouch’s Medical Alert Systems

Companies That Did Not Make the Top 8

LifeStation

LifeStation tied as the tenth most affordable company on our list with an overall score of 5.5/10. Its in-home device is one of the least expensive on the market, and its mobile system is priced slightly better than average. But an outdated and confusing website, expensive add-on devices, and a device activation fee bring down its overall score.

LifeStation received average and above average scores in the In-Home System and Mobile Systems categories, but it charges a $50 activation fee for the mobile device. It fares poorly in Cost Transparency- information on its website is limited and sometimes contradictory, and detailed cost information is not available without calling a customer service representative.

ResponseNow

ResponseNow tied with LifeStation as the 10th most affordable medical alert company. Its product offerings include one in-home device and two mobile devices, all of which are priced slightly higher than average.

ResponseNow received average and slightly below average scores in all ranking categories. It performed its best in “Cost of Add-Ons” with 5.6/10 points. Though fall detection is slightly more expensive than most companies’ services at $11.95 a month, the Belle+ device includes on-demand location tracking in the monthly cost.

Rescue Alert

Rescue Alert’s devices are priced higher than most other companies we reviewed, ranking at number 12 on our list. However, the company received a perfect score in the starting costs category, helping offset the higher monitoring costs.

As mentioned above, Rescue Alert earned a top score in the Starting Costs category. It does not charge any one-time fees; even free shipping is included for all customers. It received a low score of 2.5/10 for the high cost of its in-home systems, and ranked poorly for Cost Transparency as its website lacks some crucial information about service contracts and the company’s return policy.

Philips Lifeline

Philips Lifeline ranked 13th out of 14 companies we reviewed for affordability. While its medical alert systems are of very high quality, the high device prices, multiple one-time fees, and costly add-on devices make them much less affordable than other companies we reviewed.

*The cellular model costs an extra $14

Philips Lifeline scored the lowest out of all companies for its starting costs. It is the only company we reviewed to charge multiple high one-time fees, which range from $50 to $149 for activation. Additionally, all customers pay between $19.95-$99 for device installation and shipping. Philips Lifeline also charges more than any other company for automatic fall detection, at $15 a month.

Life Alert

Life Alert received the lowest overall ranking of the companies we reviewed. It consistently received the lowest ranking in several categories, including for the cost of its mobile systems and add-on devices.

Life Alert is also the only medical alert company that we reviewed that requires users to sign a long-term contract. Upon signing up for service, users must sign a 3-year contract that may only be broken for “qualifying circumstances” such as moving into a nursing home. Customers who wish to end their contract without a qualifying circumstance may be responsible for paying for the remaining months of the agreement. None of this information, or any pricing information, is available on the company’s website.

Full Explanation of Our Metrics

Starting Costs

We examined the one-time fees customers may have to pay upon signing up for service with a medical alert company. This metric made up 10% of the final score because the fees can add up and impact customers’ overall cost, but will have less impact than recurring monthly fees. Other than shipping, most one-time fees are uncommon. We looked at the following starting costs: 

• Device Fees: Are customers required to pay a fee to use the medical alert equipment? 
• Activation Fees: Are customers required to pay a fee to activate their device before they are able to start using it?

• Installation Fees: Are customers required to pay for a technician to come install their device? 
• Shipping Fees: Do customers pay for delivery costs for their device, or is the cost included with their monthly monitoring fee?

In-Home Systems

For this metric, we considered the monthly cost of an in-home system. This made up 30% of the overall ranking because it is a recurring payment and makes up the bulk of the overall system cost. We broke down our scoring into the following submetrics:

• Monthly Cost: The monthly fee for monitoring service all customers must pay. If a company offers more than one in-home system, we used the least expensive option. 
• Available Discounts: Does the company offer discounts on the monthly fee for longer pay periods (quarterly, semi-annual, annual payments)? We used a yes/no system for this category. 
• Extra Fee for Cellular Connection: Does the company change an extra fee each month for a cellular in-home system versus using a landline connection? If so, how much per month?

Mobile Systems

Mobile systems also accounted for 30% of the overall ranking, as monthly monitoring fees generally comprise the majority of one’s medical alert system expenses. Specifically, in this category we looked at:

• Monthly Cost: Again, if a company offers more than one mobile system, we used the cost of the least expensive device. We used the price for customers who pay monthly, rather than quarterly, semi-annually, or annually.
• Available Discounts: Does the company offer discounts on the monthly fee for longer pay periods (quarterly, semi-annual, annual payments)? We used a yes/no system for this category. 

Cost Transparency

For this metric, we evaluated the ease with which we could find cost information on a company’s website. This made up 20% of the overall ranking because while cost transparency does not directly affect the amount one pays, a lack of transparency can cause customers to pay more than expected. High cost transparency also signals honesty and consumer-friendly company policies. We looked at the following factors related to transparency:

• Base Prices Available Online: Are the monthly monitoring fees for each of a company’s devices clearly stated on the website?
• Contract Information Available Online: Are the company’s policies regarding contracts, service agreements, and cancellation fees clearly stated on the website?
• Return Information Available Online: Is the process for returning equipment and any associated fees clearly listed on the website?
• All Fees Listed: Are any additional fees such as activation, installation, shipping, or extra fees for in-home cellular connection clearly stated on the company’s website?
• Ease of Finding Information on Website: Is all of this information easy to find and listed upfront, or do customers need to search the website to find it? Is there a FAQ section, and is it detailed and helpful?

Cost of Add-Ons

In addition to medical alert devices, most companies offer some add-on devices such as wall-mounted help buttons and lockboxes. We examined the cost of several common add-on devices for this metric. This category makes up the final 10% of the overall scores, because although add-ons can be fairly costly, they are optional. The add-on devices and features we included are:

• Fall Detection: How much extra does it cost per month for automatic fall detection?
• Caregiver Portal and On-Demand Location Tracking: Does the company offer an online or mobile portal for caregivers? Is on-demand location tracking available? Do either of these features carry an additional fee, and if so, how much is the fee? 
• Lockbox: How much does the company charge for a lockbox? Because some companies offer these for purchase and others for monthly lease, we looked at the two-year cost. 
• Wall-Mounted Buttons: How much does the company charge for a wall-mounted button? Like the lockboxes, we looked at the two-year cost to adjust for the differences in pricing structure between different companies. 
• Available Discounts/Deals on Accessories: Does the company offer any discounts or special deals for these add-on features and devices? We used a yes/no scoring system for this submetric.

How to Find an Affordable Medical Alert System

In addition to looking at our rankings and scores, we recommend using the following strategies to find an affordable medical alert system.

Understand the Pricing Structure

When looking at the overall cost for a medical alert system, one needs to consider three main types of payments that contribute to the total cost. These fee types are explained below. 

One-Time Fees

Some companies charge one-time startup fees that customers must pay upon signing up for monitoring service. This includes device, activation, installation, and shipping fees, and for some companies, they can total over $100. Other than shipping, these are fairly uncommon, so if you are trying to avoid costly startup fees you do have options. Additionally, a few companies have users purchase their devices rather than lease them. While this does raise the system’s overall cost, it ensures that equipment is always brand new. 

Ongoing Costs

These are payments that you will have to make each month (or quarterly, semi-annually, or annually, should you choose one of those payment plan options). This typically includes the monitoring service fee, as well as any additional monthly costs such as automatic fall detection or an extra fee for cellular in-home connection.

Cancellation Fees

Most companies have customer-friendly contract and cancellation policies that allow users to cancel their service at any time without paying a penalty. However, for companies that do still charge a cancellation fee, the cost can be extremely high. Some companies also may not charge a direct cancellation fee, but can penalize customers for cancellation by charging restocking fees for leased devices. Many also require that customers pay for return shipping when returning their devices, although this fee rarely exceeds $15. 

Watch Out for Hidden Fees

Although the companies we reviewed in our Most Affordable Medical Alert Companies ranking do not engage in sneaky tactics to overcharge customers, some companies in the industry do. Cost transparency is key to fully understanding what you are signing up for and how much you will be billed each month.

Ideally, a company should have all costs related to monitoring service, startup fees, and the cost of add-on devices or features clearly listed on their website. You may also want to call a company to confirm the prices on the website are accurate or to get more clarity before you sign up for service. Honest companies will be very direct and forthcoming with this information when you ask. 

If the pricing structure is very confusing, it is not listed anywhere on the website, or the customer support representative tries to dodge your questions about specific fees and costs, it is a sign that the company may not be completely honest about their pricing. One way that companies can trick customers into hidden fees is through their contracts and cancellation policies, so be sure you are clear on those before signing up for service. 

Consider the Long-Term Cost

In our rankings of the most affordable companies, we looked at long-term cost by including a company’s contract and return transparency, taking available discounts for longer payment periods into account, and placing the heaviest weight on the monthly cost for the systems. 

For example, take a look at the following example: 

Company A has a monthly monitoring cost of $30 for the first year, no startup costs, and offers a wall-mounted help button for an extra $10 a month. Additionally, the company offers the first month for free when you pay for a year at a time, so the total starting cost is $0. However, after the first year, the promotional pricing drops off, and the monthly cost goes up to $40.

Company B charges $35 a month, but it requires startup fees of $75. A wall-mounted help button costs another $50, for a total startup cost of $160.

Here’s what you could expect to pay over 5 years for both companies. 

While Company A’s total cost for year 1 was about $100 cheaper, by year two the amount of money paid to Company A was about $80 more than the amount paid to Company B. By the 5-year mark, Company A charged over $600 more than Company B. 

As you can see, it’s important to think about the long-term cost – you can use the principles below to evaluate the overall affordability of any medical alert company you are considering. 

The monthly cost of monitoring is the most important factor. 

When looking for an affordable medical alert system, the monthly cost should be the most important factor (unless it is one of the few companies with very steep one-time fees). This will have the biggest impact on your long-term cost because it is the most significant portion of your monthly payments and continues over time, unlike startup costs. It may be worth choosing a company with some startup costs, like shipping, and a very affordable monthly monitoring fee, over a company with free shipping but a higher monthly cost. 

Accessories are cheaper in the long-term if you can pay a one-time fee. 

It is also worth looking into the payment structure for accessories and add-on devices, like lockboxes and wall-mounted help buttons. Some companies lease these items to customers and have them pay a monthly fee, while others have customers purchase these accessories for a one-time fee. Although the accessories for purchase may seem more expensive at first, our calculations found that they were actually less expensive when considering the cost over a two year period. Monthly leasing fees for these accessories added up to be more expensive than purchasing the device in just 24 months, and in some cases the difference is significant. 

Watch out for promotional pricing. 

Lastly, it is always a good idea to check whether your monthly monitoring rate is price-locked over time. It is a common sales tactic in some industries to offer customers a very affordable rate for the first year, then raise the cost significantly in the future. By choosing a medical alert company with a price-lock guarantee, you ensure that your monthly monitoring cost will remain the same for years to come. 

Even if a company doesn’t offer a price-lock guarantee, ask whether your monthly cost is a promotional price, and whether it will go up after a year or two. You may still end up choosing a company that offers promotional pricing, but be sure to base your decision on the long-term cost, rather than just the cost for the first year.

More About Medical Alert Systems

For more information about medical alert systems, read the helpful guides we have created below. Included are FAQ’s, in-depth reviews of medical alert systems and devices, and head-to-head comparisons.