How Much Does a Medical Alert System Cost?

Medical alert system costs typically include a one-time equipment or setup fee as well as a monthly or yearly subscription. Users pay between $20 and $100 for monthly subscriptions and $100-200 for equipment fees depending on the brand, features, and monitoring costs. 
 
Additional features such as fall detection, equipment protection, GPS tracking can be an additional cost, depending on the provider. 

Average Medical Alert System Cost 

Medical alert system costs vary based on a number of factors, including device type, setup and equipment costs, monthly subscription fees, and additional features such as fall detection. 

Setup and Equipment Fees

Initial fees vary based on brand, device, and service type. There are usually one-time fees to get your equipment set up or installed, and you can anticipate costs to be around $100 for the initial setup. 

Subscription Fees 

Medical Alert companies tend to charge users a monthly fee based on desired service type and device. Additional features such as fall detection often raise your monthly costs. Below, we’ve broken down the costs based on device type and features. 

Home-Based Devices

Home devices either connect to a landline telephone or integrate with cellular service connections. These devices usually include a water-resistant wearable button on a lanyard or wristband. Seniors can press the button to let a monitoring center know when they need assistance. For landline devices, this works by sending a signal to the base unit in the user’s home, which then sends the alert to the monitoring center. 

Monthly cost by landline or mobile device: 

• Landline: $20-$100 per month depending on extra features.
• Mobile: typically $40 monthly for GPS and monitoring.

Unmonitored Medical Alert System vs. Monitored Alert System Costs

Monitoring systems are a must for many seniors who want to keep their independence while knowing there is always a way to receive emergency support. Medical alert device monitoring systems start at about $20 monthly, and prices rise as users add additional features to monthly plans. 
 
Unmonitored medical alert devices usually do not incur monthly fees, but users will still have to pay any initial equipment and setup costs to install devices that connect to a landline and alert 911 in the case of an emergency. 

Fall Detection 

Medical alert system companies offer fall detection as an add-on or a separate service, which costs about $10 a month. These devices recognize sudden falling motions. 

Medical Alert Device GPS Tracking 

Many medical alert systems provide these optional features at an extra cost:

• Physical activity tracking for things like heart rate, steps taken, and sleep.
• Two-way communication with monitoring centers.
• Medication reminders to keep seniors on track with medicines. 

Factors Affecting Cost 

Medical alert system costs vary depending on many factors, including: 

• Monitoring: You will pay more for monitored devices that connect to a support center.
• GPS: Mobile systems that track location to send emergency services directly to you can incur additional costs.
• Protection plans: You can pay an additional $10 or more each month for device protection.
• Contracts: Some device providers that require a contract may charge additional fees for cancellation. Some companies will not allow users to cancel except for extreme circumstances such as death of the user. It is a good idea to carefully consider the terms of any contracts required for your medical device.
• Device replacement: Daily wear can damage devices over time, and devices that do not include a warranty or protection plan could incur replacement fees.
• System type: Costs vary depending on whether you buy a landline-compatible medical alert button, mobile device, or smartwatch.

Medical Alert System Costs by Brand 

When choosing between popular medical alert system brands like MobileHelp, Medical Alert, and Medical Guardian, be aware that systems come with features such as GPS, water resistance, and mobile, wearable buttons. Below is a description of each brand and the monthly subscription fees for each device as well as any one-time fees users can expect to pay. 

MobileHelp 

MobileHelp is a leader in medical alert system technology, offering various landline and cellular packages depending on your needs. Classic packages for MobileHelp’s Classic Cellular and Classic Landline are available for a $24.95 monthly subscription fee, with no equipment charges. MobileHelp Solo, a landline-free button that works both at home and on the go, comes with a $34.95 monthly subscription. The MobileHelp Micro costs $34.95 a month and offers a smaller button with a detachable lanyard that can be worn in the shower. The Home Duo bundle comes with a base unit and wearable button for $44.95 per month. MobileHelp’s Mobile Duo costs $49.95 per month for two water-resistant help buttons. Users will pay more for shipping, fall detection, protection plans, and emergency contact alerts. 

Explore reviews from real homeowners on MobileHelp's services.

Medical Alert 

Medical Alert offers home and mobile systems as well as smartwatches, fall detection, and an app. Costs start at $20.00 per month plus one-time programming or device fees with no long-term contracts. Medical Alert’s Home Cellular System starts at $29.95 per month plus a $99.95 programming fee for a help button that works with the user’s cellular service. Semi-annual and annual plans include a free lockbox and shipping. The Home Landline System starts at $19.95 per month with a $99.95 programming fee, featuring a waterproof button that connects to the user’s landline. Medical Alert’s mobile system includes a standard model, which starts at $34.95 each month, and a mini system starting at $39.95 per month. Both require a $99.95 programming fee. For users that want to monitor physical activity, Medical Alert’s smartwatch starts at $34.95 monthly with a $159 device fee. Medical Alert’s app is included with subscriptions. Users can expect to pay extra for fall protection. 

Explore reviews from real homeowners on Medical Alert's services.

Medical Guardian 

Medical Guardian provides high-quality, affordable options with a lifetime warranty and no setup fees or long-term contracts. Most of the equipment comes at no charge, apart from the Freedom Guard smartwatch and the Mini Guardian. The company offers many packages, starting at less than $1 per day with a $32.95 monthly subscription fee for the MGClassic, a system that connects to a landline in your home using a wearable, waterproof medical alert button. Medical Guardian’s MGHome Cellular has a $149.95 one-time equipment fee, with a $37.95 subscription fee for a wireless, wearable button that is not dependent on a landline. The MGMini offers a smaller, sleeker help button in various colors, with a $39.95 monthly subscription fee and a one-time equipment fee of $149.95. The MGMini features water resistance, GPS tracking, and five-day battery life. MGMini Lite, a smartwatch that provides 24/7 protection, comes with a $149.95 equipment fee and $44.95 monthly subscription. Medical Guardian’s newest smartwatch costs $39.95 a month with a one-time equipment fee of $199.95. Expect to pay more for shipping as well as additional features such as a lockbox, fall detection, and device protection. 

Explore reviews from real homeowners on Medical Guardian's services.

The Bottom Line 

Medical alert devices can be a necessary expense for seniors who want to continue to live independently. Devices from the brands we have outlined in this article give caregivers and families peace of mind knowing that their loved one has access to support services. 
 
When purchasing a medical alert device, users should look at which device fits into their lifestyle best. From wristbands to necklaces and smartwatches, there are plenty of options for in-home and on-the-go monitoring. 
 
Families should expect to pay $100 for equipment fees and set up as well as a monthly subscription for 24/7 monitoring, in the range of $20-$100 each month. Features such as fall detection, GPS, and device protection can cost extra and add to monthly subscription costs.