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Life Alert

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6.7

Overall Score

LAST UPDATED: March 28th, 2024

Life Alert Emergency Response has been a pioneer of the medical alert system industry since its start in 1987. Popularized by its "Help! I've fallen and I can't get up!" ad campaign, the Life Alert system has become a household name; the brand is so synonymous with medical alert systems, that many know the medical alert industry simply as the Life Alert industry.

Below we have provided you with the Good, Bad, and Bottom Line about Life Alert in order to give you a quick breakdown of the facts to help you decide if Life Alert is the right medical alert system for you or your loved one.

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The Good

  • CSAA Five Diamond Certified
  • Free Shipping and Equipment Warranty
  • Life Alert Monitoring Center
  • Successful Services
  • Family Notifications
  • Multiple Emergency Services

CSAA Five Diamond Certified

Most medical alert companies should be CSAA five diamond certified if they want their monitoring center and services to be as safe and efficient as possible. The certification implies the company maintains a high-quality call center service.

It's not a requirement to obtain this certification in order to operate, so many medical alert providers aren't certified. It's comforting to know Life alert is certified and cares about taking those additional steps to ensure its medical alert services are exceeding standards. 

Free Shipping and  Equipment Warranty

Life Alert offers free shipping and a free equipment warranty. However, the duration of the warranty is unclear, so you may need to pay for an equipment replacement after a certain period of time. 

Life Alert Monitoring Center 

Being one of the largest medical alert companies in the industry, Life Alert operates its services with its own monitoring center. A significant amount of medical alert companies will contract with a third-party monitoring center. Having the response center be under Life Alert's direct attention likely makes for a more hands-on approach, which could be comforting to medical alert users and their loved ones. 

Successful Services

Since 2008, Life Alert's services have helped save more than 500,000 people. Having a successful medical alert service for so long and having the live-saving statistics to prove it is comforting to potential customers looking to put their safety in Life Alert's hands. 

Family Notifications

At the push of a button, the customer's emergency contact, along with an emergency dispatch unit, will be immediately notified of the problem. Your selected contact can be anyone, whether that is a family member, a caregiver, or a trusted neighbor.

Multiple Emergency Services

Life Alert also offers services for a host of situations aside from an occasional medical emergency. These include fire protection, carbon monoxide gas protection, home intrusion, mobile tracking through GPS, and a cell phone app. These services aren't just for seniors, either. 

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The Bad

  • Three-Year Contract
  • Expensive Service 
  • No Automatic Fall Detection
  • Few Equipment Details

Three-Year Contract

With a three-year contract, Life Alert locks customers into one of the longest contracts in the industry. Top competitors offer contracts that operate from month to month, which provides consumers the peace of mind of not having to buy out of a contract.

Having such a long contract in an industry that doesn't typically require them is concerning. The company's contract is also one of the most common Life Alert complaints among the majority of its customer reviews. Overall, consumers on our site are not happy with the long-term contract, and they find it difficult — and sometimes impossible — to get out of Life Alert's contract. 

Expensive Service

Because Life Alert is so well established in the industry, the company does not frequently rely on or offer discounts on its products and services. Although the company lists that it offers free equipment, shipping, and a warranty on its website, the Life Alert cost is one of the more expensive on the market.

Many medical alert companies have a similar offering of free equipment, free shipping, and a free warranty, but they also include no long-term contracts, free activation, and affordable monthly monitoring (as little as $19.95 per month). Life Alert, on the other hand, requires a three-year contract, charges upwards of $70 per month, and calls for a hefty activation fee of nearly $100.

Many Life Alert reviews also note that the company increases its prices without notice and relies on locking customers into a long-term contract of three years. We suggest making sure a long-term contract isn't something that is a deal-breaker for you if you're interested in Life Alert's services.

No Automatic Fall Detection

Many medical alert systems in the industry today offer automatic fall detection. Automatic fall detection is a medical alert capability that will immediately notify the medical alert company's monitoring center if a pendant wearer experiences a fall, even if they cannot press the button themselves. It's a way to give users peace of mind that they do not have to do anything on their part if they experience a fall; as long as you have on the wearable device, the fall will trigger help and the medical alert company will take care of contacting emergency responders.

Life Alert does not currently offer any products with fall detection capability. This is definitely a con of Life Alert, especially since most medical alert companies offer fall detection features. 

Few Equipment Details

The website offers next to no information on equipment details or company policies. In comparison to other companies that offer transparent details on multiple medical alert devices, this is concerning. 

According to the company's website, a Life Alert medical alert device does include the typical base station and a help button that can be worn as a pendant or a wristband, a backup battery life of 72 hours, and a U.S.-based monitoring service. It's also noted you have your choice of landline or cellular service, but no additional details are listed regarding package or equipment details.

There is no information on other medical alert service features such as two-way communication or a GPS unit built in for tracking. The website says there is on-the-go protection if you push the button on a "special cell phone button" but it's unclear what that is and if it is just referring to the Life Alert app you can navigate from your own mobile device.

To find additional information, you need to request a brochure. You can't request the brochure online or have it emailed to you; you instead have to call the company, talk to a representative, and request that a brochure be sent to you in the mail. By the time you receive the brochure, you could've already heavily researched, ordered, and received a medical alert system from another company that is more transparent about its services and has a more up-to-date process.

Most medical alert companies are upfront about their equipment and offerings online, even allowing orders to be made directly online, so it is worrying that Life Alert is selective about what little information it does share on its website and it's impossible to order unless you call the company. Unfortunately, if you're looking for convenience, that doesn't seem to be Life Alert's strong suit. 

View Best Medical Alert Companies

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The Bottom Line

While Life Alert as a company has many positives such as the respected CSAA Five Diamond Certification, it does carry a high installation fee, hefty long-term contracts (three years), and average system features. 

Life Alert's business model seems to be similar to what it was when it first began. As technology has advanced and other capabilities have surfaced with other medical alert companies, Life Alert seems to instead be keeping its medical alert services similar to what it's always been rather than trying to improve and expand its offerings. For example, other medical alert providers have things such as automatic fall detection, advanced equipment with medical reminder functionality, medical alert smartwatches, etc.

Although its services are clearly effective and get the job done, for how much the company charges, we wish the company would expand its business model to include better services for a cheaper price point, as its competitors have done. 

Read Life Alert reviews below to see what customers have to say about Life Alert's medical alert systems and customer service. 

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Life Alert Frequently Asked Questions

Are Life Alert's medical alert devices waterproof?

All Life Alert pendants and buttons are fully waterproof to ensure you can use them in the shower/bathtub or outdoor on a rainy day. Life Alert also developed an exclusive Shower/Help Button for better protection in the shower, bathtubs, bathrooms, and bedrooms. In addition, all pendants and buttons do not need to be ever charged, or plugged in, so you are safe with them in the shower.

When will I receive my Life Alert system?

Life Alert offers free UPS ground shipping. The shipping can be upgraded for a fee for a 2-day or overnight delivery at customer request.

How much does Life Alert’s equipment cost?

There is no need to buy the equipment. It is given for free for the duration of the service. In addition, the UPS ground shipping is also free of charge.

How often do I need to charge the pendants and On-the-Go devices?

Life Alert is the only company that offers pendants, buttons and on-the-go devices with GPS that never need charging. They last up to 10 years. That means you are truly protected 24/7.

Star Rating

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4.9

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491 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

67%

4 grade

4%

3 grade

1%

2 grade

2%

1 grade

25%

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Quality

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Service

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Review Source

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Mary Esperance, NY

I feel the operators answering the phone could talk a bit slower, as I was having a hard time understanding them. I'm setting this up for my mother and worry she won't be able to understand

1 month ago

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Lester Hardesty Los Angeles, CA

The people that explained the product were very nice and informative. In the beginning it felt a little pushy and I was defensive but after I reviewed the literature and asked questions believe the product and services will be a good fit. We haven’t received the products yet but if given a chance will review actual products after a couple months of use.

3 months ago

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Jim Dermody Cocoa, FL

Audio from Life Alert device speakers is difficult for Dolores to understand. She can understand audio from her cell phone. I hope Life Alert can provide cell phone quality audio in the future.

2 months ago

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Review Source

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Jimmy Lee Wilson Kissimmee, FL

The on hold time was way too long. I frankly became discouraged. Thinking of this is what it takes so I have an emergency I’m in trouble. Then I realize it was not the emergency number so I’m OK. But it still was too long once I got to Bonnie, she and your dispatch team did an incredible job, helping me set up and test my equipment.

3 months ago

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Yesenia Tatiana

In the stillness of the night, I used to lie awake, plagued by worries and the fear of the unknown. But then Life Alert entered my life, like a guardian angel granting me peace of mind. With its presence by my side, I drifted off to sleep knowing that help was just a button press away. No longer did I fear the unexpected. Whether it was a medical emergency or a sudden fall, Life Alert was there, ready to summon assistance at a moment's notice. With every peaceful slumber, I realized the true power of this remarkable tool, ensuring I slept better and dreamed sweeter. I'm giving 4 stars because i like to leave it open for improvement... so far so good and im 1 year in :)

8 months ago

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Randy Lalano Seattle, WA

As a 25-year-old, I never imagined needing Life Alert so early in life. But after a car accident left me with mobility challenges, my days became a mix of determination and caution. A friend suggested Life Alert, and honestly, it's been a game-changer. It's not just for seniors. Whether I'm home alone recovering or pushing myself with physical therapy, I know I've got a backup if things get tough. It's given me the confidence to heal and rebuild without feeling helpless. For anyone young facing temporary or long-term challenges: Life Alert can be your unsung hero.

7 months ago

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Philip Edward Datuin Atlanta, GA

Probably my favorite medical help company so far, because i actually used it. I have about 20 different monitoring systems, fancy that the most old design is actually the sturdiest. -1 star because i don't want to jinx myself. I'll always leave room for improvement but, i had an ambulance to me within 4 minutes... literally like they lived next door.

8 months ago

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Review Source

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Sebrina Lamont Moultrie, GA

I like that this could help my mother in case of emergency. I don't like the costs but life is not free.

1 month ago

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Dominic Cron Charlotte, NC

Life Alert has significantly reduced my stress about my parents' safety. Falls are a real concern, but with Life Alert, they can get help quickly. It's a comfort to know that they're protected even when I can't be there physically.

6 months ago

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Derrick Atterberry Salt Lake City, UT

Life Alert has proven to be a savior for my elderly parents. When my father had a medical emergency, Life Alert's swift response ensured he received immediate attention. It's a silent yet reassuring presence that's always there when needed. As their son, I am indebted to Life Alert for preserving my parents' safety and well-being.

6 months ago

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Nolan Renzington Santa Ana, CA

Pretty satisfied overall with they way they treate me. They answered my phone calls, and questions, so far so good, ive been a customer now for 3 months. But i am satisfied for now, i actually got them from watching better call saul, i realized i needed to be more careful in my old age.

7 months ago

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Mark Dunlap Greenville, NC

It has easy set up with a lady staying on the phone until entire process is done.

1 month ago

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Jim Seattle, WA

We're two years into the three year contract. My parents (both in their 80's) live in their home in southern California, while I'm way up in Seattle. They've activated the system twice after falls, and all worked exactly as described. LifeAlert's dispatcher contacted emergency services, and paramedics were onsite in minutes. I received a notification call in both cases, keeping me informed. This service allows my parents to stay in their home, where they prefer to be. Worth every penny for peace of mind. Their website and ability to interact online (for billing changes, etc.) is a bit underwhelming.

4 years ago

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Jeanne Gravitt

I love both of my Life Alert "buttons". I love the fact that they tell you to test your equipment once a month too. It is a little expensive, $69.95 a month, but so far not matter here I go, it has been there if I need it. I have found that it takes a few minutes to get a live person, and hope that if I can't talk, they will still send someone sent to find out what's wrong. I also like the fact that if I am on the road, they are suppose to be able to get help, that's why I chose them over the Guardian. Life Alert was the only one I found that had the "travelling pager" It's heavier like the old pagers as far as weight goes, but you can talk to it and get a response, and while it's expense, it's been worth it for my peace of mind.

7 years ago

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Review Source

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Amanda Welch Orlando, FL

The agents we have spoken with have made sure that we understand everything we've gone over, and have pleasant phone presence.

3 months ago

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URMILA KUMARI Phoenix, AZ

Found them to be tasteful and within the bounds of good. I feel they are god fearing the way they do service with me. In the end, only god can judge, and these people seem christian. Bless them for getting me the ambulance so quickly. Without them, i do not feel that i'd still be here.

8 months ago

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Charles Uzordin Zoetermeer, ZH

I normally do not like tooting the horn onlien. Life alert for us was heaven sent. Both of my grandparents have it, and they are split up so it is two systems. We feel ok sleeping at night and so do they that when we are not there we have a little angel over the shoulder. 5 years and running. No battery issues, nothing!

9 months ago

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rasfigo louis Los Angeles, CA

The device worked well for me, i found their service to be good, and although its an older company, they really impressed me. I would use them again, unfortunately my grandparent is no longer with us, but the device literally got the call out within 5 seconds of her falling.

9 months ago

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James Hayes Summerville, SC

Thoroughly done just had a problem at times with the connection making hearing clarity difficult.

2 months ago

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Joseph Los Angeles, CA

Got Life Alert for my parents as they live alone and I thought it was a good idea just in case. They are both very happy, as they already used it one time, thankfully everything is ok.

10 months ago

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fiestymom128

so far I have no complaints, they answer the phone they do what you ask

7 years ago