How to Choose the Best Medical Alert System

Choosing the right medical alert system can be crucial for ensuring safety and peace of mind, whether for yourself or a loved one. Medical alert systems are designed to provide immediate assistance in emergencies, such as falls or medical crises, ensuring help is just a button press away. However, with numerous medical alert companies available, all offering varying products, features, and services, making an informed decision can seem overwhelming.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key considerations to help you select a medical alert system that offers the best combination of reliability, convenience, and peace of mind, based on your, or your loved one’s, needs and preferences.

Types of medical alert systems

Before navigating the medical alert research process, it’s important to have a basic knowledge of how medical alert systems work and what types of systems are available. This knowledge can guide your research and narrow down choices based on your, or your loved one’s, lifestyle, needs, and preferences. 

Medical alert systems are designed to quickly connect users with an emergency response center that will then contact and dispatch emergency responders. To facilitate quick emergency response, most medical alert systems are equipped with an emergency button, typically worn on the person, that immediately connects the user to an emergency response center when pushed. 

While most medical alert systems function similarly, it’s important to recognize that there are two main types of medical alert systems that are available:

• In-home systems — In-home systems typically include a communication device that is either connected to the home’s wireless network or landline — this device is stationary and typically requires a wall outlet for power. In conjunction with this device, the user will receive a medical alert pendant or wristband with an emergency button, meant to be worn on the person at all times.
• Mobile systems — On-the-go medical alert systems have become more popular over the last few years and advanced technology has made them a great option for individuals who lead an active lifestyle. Devices include a GPS tracker, ensuring that you can receive emergency assistance wherever you are (in-home devices are typically limited in range and may not offer coverage far from home). In addition, these devices are typically more discreet and often include other capabilities, such as fitness tracking, messaging, and more.

With this knowledge, you’ll be better prepared to choose a medical alert system that meets your needs or those of a loved one.

Steps to choose the best medical alert system

With some basic medical alert knowledge under your belt, you’re prepared to dive into researching different medical alert company and device options. To help guide you through this process, we’ve compiled a list of steps to assist you in choosing the best medical alert system for your needs:

1. Assess your needs
2. Evaluate fall detection technology
3. Consider medical alert system range
4. Examine monitoring services
5. Check medical alert system battery life
6. Evaluate caregiver features
7. Understand medical alert system costs
8. Read medical alert reviews and ratings

1. Assess your needs

The most important thing to consider when choosing a medical alert system is your, or your loved one’s, lifestyle, needs, and preferences. It can be helpful to consider some of the following questions as you assess your needs:

• Does the medical alert system user have an active lifestyle?
  • If the user leads an active lifestyle and isn’t often spending most of their time at home, a mobile medical alert system might be a good option.
• Is the medical alert system user at risk of falling?
  • If there is a greater risk of falling, it might be important to focus on devices with fall detection technology — fall detection technology is designed to alert emergency services without pressing a medical alert device button.
• How tech-savvy is the medical alert system user?
  • In-home medical alert systems don’t require any tech-savvy beyond initial set-up — the systems would only require the individual to press the button on their pendant or wristband in an emergency. Some mobile medical devices (but not all), on the other hand, can include other capabilities, similar to a smartwatch, that may cause confusion for some users.
• What features are included for caregivers?
  • If you’re caring for a loved one, you’ll want to ascertain what features are available for caregivers, ensuring that you can also receive alerts and updates on the health and safety of your loved one.

While the questions above aren’t necessarily comprehensive, they can provide a good place to start in considering the needs of the medical alert user, whether that’s yourself or a loved one.

2. Evaluate fall detection technology

Fall detection is a critical feature for many medical alert users. Fall detection technology is meant to automatically detect falls and alert emergency services without requiring the user to press a button. Most medical alert companies boast high rates of response to circumstances where a fall occurs without a button being pushed, providing greater peace of mind for both medical alert users and caregivers. In most cases, medical alert devices are so fine-tuned and advanced that false alarms are limited, although they can still occur.

It’s important to note that fall detection technology doesn’t work 100 percent of the time. Thus, if a fall occurs you should always press the help button anyway.

3. Consider medical alert system range

For at-home systems, it can be important to check the range between the base station and the wearable device. You’ll want to ensure that the device range covers the entire home and yard, if necessary. Some devices offer ranges that extend beyond the home, offering coverage to nearby conveniences. At-home medical alert systems offer ranges from 200 to 1,400 ft. While the high-end system range is quite large, it’s important to note that these systems are designed primarily for users who spend the majority of time at home. 

It’s worth noting that if range is a concern, most mobile medical alert devices are equipped with a GPS tracker, ensuring that the user can receive help wherever they are at the press of the help button.

4. Examine monitoring services

A reliable medical alert system should provide 24/7 monitoring with trained professionals ready to respond to emergencies — the majority of medical alert companies offer around-the-clock monitoring services, but it’s still something to be mindful of when researching medical alert systems.

In addition, medical alert companies typically have their own monitoring centers that receive calls/alerts from devices and then dispatch the police, EMTs, fire department, and/or mental health services, based on the circumstances. Most medical alert company monitoring centers have specific certifications, ensuring that operators are highly trained and equipped to help in any situation. Common certifications to look out for when comparing medical alert companies include the following:

• Underwriters’ Laboratory
• The Monitoring Association — commonly referred to as TMA Five-Diamond Certification
• Electronic Security Association

Many medical alert companies are TMA Five-Diamond certified, ensuring a level of training and quality. While additional certifications can provide greater peace of mind to both medical alert users and caregivers, they aren’t necessarily a reflection of service and/or quality.

5. Check medical alert system battery life

Long battery life is essential for both at-home and mobile medical alert systems. Look for devices with extended battery life and easy recharging options.

Most medical alert systems that include a wearable device are rechargeable and should come with a charging unit, whether it’s a device charging cradle or cord. It’s important to note that battery life will vary by device — some devices may need to be charged every day, some devices may need to be charged every few days. No matter how long a device’s battery life is, it’s important to note that medical alert devices must be charged regularly to ensure optimal use.

6. Evaluate caregiver features 

If you're a caregiver for someone using a medical alert system, you may want to be mindful of specific caregiver features that are included with some medical alert devices. Many medical alert company monitoring centers will contact listed caregivers in the case of an emergency, ensuring that you are kept informed if your loved one falls or experiences any other type of medical or physical emergency. However, some medical alert companies offer additional device features that are designed especially for caregivers.

For example, Medical Guardian’s mobile medical alert devices include caregiver tracking, ensuring that you can keep an eye on your loved one’s location, especially during an emergency. Similar tracking capabilities, particularly with mobile medical alert devices, can offer greater peace of mind to caregivers.

In your medical alert system research as a caregiver, you may also want to keep an eye out for medical alert companies that offer mobile apps. In most cases, mobile apps will connect to a medical alert device, allowing the user and you, as the caregiver, real-time alerts and updates regarding the device and its use.

7. Understand medical alert system costs

When researching medical alert systems, it is important to understand how medical alert pricing typically works and what costs and fees are included with medical alert service. 

Medical alert systems are usually available in different plans that combine product and monitoring costs into one manageable payment. These plans are typically available in annual and monthly formats, providing you with some flexibility in how you pay for your medical alert system. 

Medical alert system costs are typically broken down as follows:

• Product costs — Whether you’re purchasing an at-home or mobile medical alert system, you’ll typically be responsible to pay for the associated system devices.
• Monitoring service costs — The main thing that you’re paying for with a medical alert system is the monitoring service itself. These costs are typically rolled into different annual or monthly payment plans.
• Add-on feature costs — Most medical alert companies offer additional features (fall detection, lock boxes, additional pendants, and more) at a separate rate that would be charged at the time of your overall plan payment.

Some medical alert companies seek to make their services more affordable and attractive by offering plans with no equipment fees nor activation fees. However, you’ll still be paying a set rate for service; thus, it’s important to compare medical alert system pricing, even if attractive offers like no activation fees are available.

It’s also important to consider that some medical alert companies may require you to sign a contract, wherein you agree to pay for service for a specific amount of time, while other companies may offer a more flexible pay-as-you-go system.

Whatever type of medical alert system and payment plan you choose, it’s recommended to ensure the cost fits your budget without compromising on essential features.

8. Read medical alert reviews and ratings

Research customer reviews and ratings to gain insights into the reliability and effectiveness of available medical alert systems.

Based on customer reviews and ratings, the top medical alert systems on BestCompany.com include the following:

• Medical Alert
• MobileHelp
• Life Alert
• Medical Guardian

Medical Alert

Medical Alert is one of the largest providers of personal emergency response systems in the nation. The company offers an affordable range of medical alert devices to meet the varying needs of individuals with no activation fees nor long-term contracts.

On BestCompany.com, 80 percent of Medical Alert reviews are four or five stars. Satisfied customers frequently highlight the following about their experience with the company:

• Immediate monitoring center response times — including contacting appropriate emergency responders as well as caregivers
• Affordable pricing
• Small and discreet devices

Read Medical Alert reviews

MobileHelp

MobileHelp is a trusted name in the medical alert industry that offers one of the most versatile ranges of medical alert systems, including both at-home and mobile system options. MobileHelp seeks to make its medical alert systems affordable and offers service with low monthly monitoring fees, no equipment fees, and no activation fees.

On BestCompany.com, 90 percent of MobileHelp reviews are four or five stars. Satisfied customers frequently highlight the following about their experience with the company:

• Immediate monitoring center and emergency response
• Devices that are easy to use and offer peace of mind
• Reliable system coverage — device range and GPS capabilities are reliable and effective

Read MobileHelp reviews

Life Alert

Life Alert is a pioneer in the medical alert system industry and has been serving customers for nearly four decades. The company focuses on providing customers with reliable medical alert devices that include cutting-edge technology.

On BestCompany.com, 81 percent of Life Alert reviews are four or five stars. Satisfied customers frequently highlight the following about their experience with the company:

• Reliable devices and monitoring service
• Simple and easy medical alert system set-up
• Excellent customer service — helpful and professional company representatives who work with each customer

Read Life Alert reviews

Medical Guardian

Medical Guardian has grown to become one of the most trusted names in the medical alert industry. The company offers a range of devices that are backed by reliable monitoring services that ensure immediate connection with emergency responders.

On BestCompany.com, 87 percent of Medical Guardian reviews are four or five stars. Satisfied customers frequently highlight the following about their experience with the company:

• Immediate emergency response times — including alerting emergency responders and caregivers
• Excellent customer service — representatives stay on the line with you until help arrives
• Durable and reliable medical alert devices

Read Medical Guardian reviews

The final word

Choosing the right medical alert system involves careful consideration of various factors, including the specific needs of the user, the reliability of the technology, and the quality of monitoring services. Whether opting for an at-home or mobile system, features like fall detection, battery life, and customer support play a crucial role in ensuring safety and peace of mind. 

By considering the steps listed above, you can feel more confident that your selected medical alert system offers comprehensive protection and supports the user's independence and well-being.