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Medical alert systems are important medical devices designed to assist in an emergency event by connecting 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.
Read on to discover the best medical alert systems available in 2024.
Why You Can Trust Forbes Health
The Forbes Health editorial team prioritizes the accuracy and integrity of the data collected. Our ranking is based on quantitative data and is free from conflicts of interest. We carefully fact check the information featured in our ranking and are committed to producing rankings and supplemental content about medical alert systems that readers can trust. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our medical alert systems methodology for the rankings below.
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Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS In-Home Medical Alert system compares well with competitors with its reasonable pricing, 30-day trial period and straightforward return and cancellation policies. The system includes a base unit, wearable buttons that are interchangeable as a bracelet or necklace, and a “vial of life,” a plastic coated information sheet containing the user’s medical information for emergency response teams. A magnetic strip is also attached to the sheet, making it easy to place on a person’s fridge for emergency access. A lockbox is also available for an additional charge of $30.00.
To learn more about Bay Alarm Medical’s products and services, read our review here.
Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS All-In-One with Fall Detection system works on a 4G LTE network, which provides the higher bandwidth needed for more accurate location tracking and better coverage nationwide. The system includes an automatic fall detection button, a neck lanyard, a wearable button with a magnetic attachment and a wristband. The wearable button is lightweight and compact enough to fit comfortably on a keychain, or as a bracelet or necklace.
To learn more about Bay Alarm Medical devices and services, read our review.
LifeFone has provided emergency support for older adults since 1976. This particular system features a base unit with a high-output speaker and microphone for two-way communication during emergency events, a waterproof mobile device and wearable options in either necklace or bracelet form. The system also features a 32-hour backup battery in case of a power outage.
To learn more about LifeFone’s medical alert system services and offerings, read our review here.
One Call Alert’s Complete Protection system offers comprehensive coverage with GPS-enabled tracking, waterproof wearable emergency buttons, 24-hour monitoring service and 32 hours of backup battery protection in the event of a power outage. The system also includes a free lockbox and a 30-day free trial.
To learn more about One Call Alert’s products and services, read our review here.
Have you considered Medical Guardian Classic Guardian?
Medical Guardian Classic Guardian is the dependable and easy-to-use medical alert device that keeps you safe and connected to help whenever you need it. Here's why we chose it:
Connects to your landline telephone
1,300 ft (about 3 football fields) of protection
Up to 32 hours of backup battery power
The MobileHelp Duo offers a substantial signal range, maximizing protection and safety throughout the user’s home. It also boasts a 30-day money-back guarantee, free ground shipping (for most plans), free activation and a free lockbox (for purchases over $29.95) with every order. Plus, MobileHelp requires no long-term contracts and provides access to the MobileHelp Connect app for users and caregivers to receive system status alerts, non-emergency and emergency alerts and use the “locate the mobile device” feature. MobileHelp’s U.S.-based emergency response operators are certified by the Security Industry Association.
To learn more about MobileHelp’s medical alert system options, read our review here.
This GetSafe medical alert system features a discreet wearable device that’s waterproof and can be worn as a lanyard. Meanwhile, the system’s two-way, voice-activated wall button provides additional security in the event of an emergency. GetSafe also offers 24/7 live monitoring to enhance peace of mind and provides around-the-clock assistance.
GetSafe’s wall button designs offer three ways to call for help. Users can either pull a cord, press a button or use the voice-activated feature to call 911 in an emergency.
To learn more about GetSafe’s products and services, read our review here.
Have you considered Medical Guardian Classic Guardian?
Medical Guardian Classic Guardian is the dependable and easy-to-use medical alert device that keeps you safe and connected to help whenever you need it. Here's why we chose it:
Connects to your landline telephone
1,300 ft (about 3 football fields) of protection
Up to 32 hours of backup battery power
LifeFone claims its on-the-go pendant is the smallest, lightest and most advanced mobile medical alert device on the market. Plus, it’s water resistant and can be worn in the rain and shower for continuous protection. This system is powered by either Verizon or AT&T 4G LTE cellular service, depending on LifeFone’s service provider in the user’s area.
To learn more about LifeFone’s products and services, read our review here.
The Mobile 2.0 medical alert system from Medical Guardian features “advanced location monitoring” via 4G LTE, Wi-Fi and GPS technology to ensure accuracy and quick connection speeds. According to Medical Guardian, this model is “the only mobile medical alert device on the market that provides protection even while the unit is charging.”
Read our review to gain more insight into Medical Guardian’s products and services.
Alert1’s On-the-Go Medical Alert System with GPS and Fall Detection offers comprehensive coverage for any active, independent adult. The system’s mobile button boasts a battery life of up to five days, meaning you won’t have to worry about daily charging. Meanwhile, the button’s integrated GPS and fall detection capabilities enable it to contact help quickly in the event of a fall or other emergency.
To learn more about Alert1 Medical offerings and devices, read our review here.
Have you considered MGMini Lite?
MGMini Lite is the ultimate safety companion for you or your loved ones with advanced GPS tracking technology and a reliable 4G LTE cellular connection. Here's why we chose it:
Smarti voice assist technology serves as a 1-stop hub for essential device information
Advanced hourly location monitoring via LTE, WiFi and GPS
Long-lasting 5 day battery & water-resistant design
This mobile-friendly medical alert system was designed for active adults who spend lots of time away from home, which can help reassure family members when their loved one is out and about. This mobile system features Medical Care Alert’s AutoFall technology, which alerts emergency response operators after detecting a fall. What’s more, the water-resistant pendant helps detect falls in the shower. Its location services are powered by either AT&T or Verizon 4G LTE cellular service, as well as Wi-Fi and GPS technology.
Learn more about Medical Care Alert’s devices, offerings and services by reading our review, here.
Have you considered MGMini Lite?
MGMini Lite is the ultimate safety companion for you or your loved ones with advanced GPS tracking technology and a reliable 4G LTE cellular connection. Here's why we chose it:
Smarti voice assist technology serves as a 1-stop hub for essential device information
Advanced hourly location monitoring via LTE, WiFi and GPS
Long-lasting 5 day battery & water-resistant design
To determine the best medical alert systems ranking, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on nearly 40 products across approximately 20 companies, with each product’s star rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, including its range of use, ability to detect falls automatically, real-time connectivity to an emergency response person and cost. Medical alert systems for home use and mobile-friendly medical alert systems were evaluated slightly differently based on their distinct use cases.
In-home medical alert systems received top points for having the longest in-home range across product options. Meanwhile, mobile-friendly medical alert systems received top points for the longest battery life of mobile devices and the inclusion of GPS connectivity. Automatic Fall Detection More points were awarded to systems offering automatic fall detection, as this feature can be a critical component of quick care if a serious fall renders the user unconscious.
We addressed whether the medical alert systems’ response centers monitor calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We gave additional points to systems that immediately connect with a live agent during an emergency and even more points if the agents answering the calls are multilingual. Lastly, we awarded points to devices that sync with smartphone apps.
We allocated extra points to systems that include voice-activated buttons and the option to add extra alert buttons and lockboxes to a service bundle.
Last but not least, most medical alert system users are budget-conscious, so we awarded the most points to systems with the lowest initial base equipment costs, the lowest starting monthly subscription fees, the shortest minimum contract lengths and the longest free trial periods.
All prices are accurate as of the publication date.
Read more about our medical alert systems review methodology.
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 used by the person in need of medical assistance and are often wearable pendants, necklaces, bracelets or smartwatches that feature an easily accessible emergency button and a speaker for quick connection to a trained medical response operator.
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 operator, 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 home.
Most medical alert systems are used by individuals who are frail and have an increased risk of falling. Older adults are the largest population of medical alert system users, especially those living alone. Falls, a prevalent concern in this demographic, contribute to a substantial portion of older adult’s injuries. Over 30% of people over the age of 65 fall every year, and nearly half of this group experiences recurrent falls. Meanwhile, about 40% of adults at least 85 years old fall annually, and 10% of these falls result in serious injuries ranging from hip fractures to traumatic brain injuries. The costs of a fall increase rapidly when hospitalization is required.
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.
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In-home medical alert systems typically feature two components:
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.
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.
Typically for an additional monthly fee, medical alert systems 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Your ability to get a free medical alert system for free 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. And AARP members can save 15% on select medical alert services, as well as receive free shipping and waived activation fees.
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.
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.
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. Live Your Life With Confidence Age in place for less than $1 a day with Medical Guardian's Classic Guardian system. It protects you anywhere in your home and even covers you up to 1,300 ft (about 3 football fields) from the base unit. Shop Now On Medical Guardian's Website
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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.
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.
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%).
Based on cost, range of use, automatic fall detection technology, real-time emergency connectivity and more, our top picks for the best medical alert systems include LifeFone At-Home and On-the-Go, Bay Alarm Medical SOS In-Home with Fall Detection and Bay Alarm Medical SOS All-In-One with Fall Detection. However, the best medical alert system for you depends on your budget, lifestyle factors, personal preferences and more.
According to the results of a Forbes Health survey, many older adults find medical alert systems to be worth the investment. Of those who use a medical alert system for themselves or the adult they care for, 86% say the device has saved them (or the person they care for) from an incident.
Most medical alert systems require a landline connection, a Wi-Fi connection, a cellular connection or a combination thereof to maintain feedback with the company’s emergency monitoring center as the user moves through their daily life. Home-based devices can use any combination of those three connections while mobile-friendly options most frequently rely on cellular connectivity and GPS technology. As you explore your medical alert system options, review their specific connectivity requirements to make sure they’re a good fit for you and your lifestyle.
Yes, some medical alert systems ask users to provide an emergency contact list of loved ones during initial system setup. In the event that they press their emergency call button, the representative at the monitoring center responds to the user in distress and notifies those listed on their emergency contact list that their loved one called for help. Medical Care Alert is a good example of one of these systems.
AARP (the American Association of Retired Persons) doesn’t recommend specific medical alert system products, but rather encourages people to consider their or their loved one’s specific needs and abilities in determining which one would be most suitable. With that said, AARP members can save 15% on medical alert systems from Philips Lifeline, as well as receive free shipping and waived activation charges for their products.
Each medical alert system connects with a call center, many of which are active 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Most companies staff these call centers with emergency response experts, who are primarily responsible for answering all incoming alert calls from these systems.
The amount of time it takes to connect with a call center employee once pressing the emergency button on your system can vary. Some systems have an average wait time of less than 30 seconds while others can take nearly three times as long, according to third-party testing from Consumers’ Checkbook.
Once you select a medical alert system, test it a few times. These calls will give you the best sense of what to expect from the system in your area.
Typically, unmonitored medical alert systems require a landline connection as opposed to cellular service. When the wearer presses the emergency button, the system either dials 911 directly or a preset personal contact via that landline connection. When a person calls 911 from a landline, the call center can immediately see their home location, which can expedite the emergency dispatch, a clear benefit to the person using the medical alert system.
Compliance is an incredibly important factor in how well a medical alert system will help your senior relative. After all, if they refuse to wear or carry the button in their pocket, they will have a much harder time calling for help when they need it, and automatic fall detection services will be rendered pretty much useless.
While many family members and caregivers want to give medical alert systems to their aging loved ones as gifts, we suggest having a direct and open conversation instead if possible. Discuss your concerns and why you think a personal emergency response system might be a good idea. Ask them what features are most important to them.
You and your loved one might even pick out the device and complete accompanying paperwork together, designating yourself as an emergency contact. Involving your loved one in each step of the process can help lead to successful adoption of and long-term compliance with their medical alert system.
LifeAlert is one of the most widely recognized makers of medical alert systems, thanks to the iconic “Help! I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” television commercials. However, there are several reasons it didn’t make our list.
Product information on the website is scarce. You must call the company directly to receive a free brochure and navigate the purchasing process. Upon further investigation, you learn LifeAlert locks users into a three-year contract, has startup costs that can reach as high as $300, has one of the highest monthly subscription costs and doesn’t offer automatic fall detection.
In contrast, every medical alert system manufacturer considered for our rankings was clear and upfront with product and subscription details online, making it easy for prospective users to conduct thorough research and make an informed purchasing decision.
Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.
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Alena is a professional writer, editor and manager with a lifelong passion for helping others live well. She is also a registered yoga teacher (RYT-200) and a functional medicine certified health coach. She brings more than a decade of media experience to Forbes Health, with a keen focus on building content strategy, ensuring top content quality and empowering readers to make the best health and wellness decisions for themselves.
Jessica is a writer, editor and media professional who has spent her career working with some of the most influential names in media. Prior to joining Forbes Health, Jessica was the manager of creative communications at Hearst, where she specialized in high-level production and project management. As a freelance writer, Jessica has written across a range of topics, including entertainment, travel and career. Her work can be found in Variety, Paste Magazine, The Muse and on her personal website (jessicamlester.com).
Personal Saftey Alarm Patricia C. Heyn is the founding director of the Center for Optimal Aging at Marymount University and a clinical associate professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. She also serves as the deputy director of the Cochrane US Network University of Colorado Affiliated Center. She has been involved in gerontological and rehabilitation research for more than 22 years. Heyn has a doctoral degree in applied exercise physiology and gerontology, followed by two post-doctoral fellowships in 1) neurologic and cognitive rehabilitation and 2) geriatric medicine research supported by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The goal of her research is to improve the person’s healthspan, well-being, and everyday function by preventing the development of chronic diseases with lifestyle behavior interventions and applying early detection approaches that target key risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular disease. Her investigations include healthy aging, health disparities, aging with a disability and investigating factors that drive premature aging models. Heyn also serves as a consultant for several national and international health organizations.