LifeFone
check_circle VerifiedSince 1976, LifeFone has been helping people to live active, independent lives. Its systems and services offer independence and safety for any lifestyle. LifeFone’s reliable, affordable systems work at-home and on-the-go. LifeFone also offers mobile apps and care tools that help with aspects of daily living. Over the years, the LifeFone medical alert systems have earned the recommendation of hospitals, area agencies on aging, home health care providers, and geriatric care managers as an integral part of a customer's overall care program.
The company offers five different medical alert systems that range from $24.95 per month to $39.99 per month. All systems and plans include a base station, panic button, 24/7 emergency monitoring, easy installation, and optional fall detection. Additional highlights include no activation or equipment costs, a lifetime subscriber price and equipment guarantee, free protection for spouses, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can canel LifeFone's service anytime and you only pay for the time you used.
If you want to learn more about the customer experience, read LifeFone reviews below.
The Good
- LifeFone Cost
- Variety of Medical Alert Packages
- Equipment
- No Contract
- Lifetime Equipment Warranty
- Monitoring
- Customer Service
- Lifetime Price Guarantee
- Caregiver Tools
- Mobile Apps
LifeFone Cost
Depending on the package, LifeFone's monthly fee is between $24.95 and $39.99 for various nonstop monitoring and emergency dispatch services. There is no activation fee or equipment fee associated with setting up the account. Spouses are protected for free with the basic service, but automatic fall detection costs an additional $5 to $10 per month for most systems. LifeFone's pricing is on par with other top-rated medical alert companies.
Variety of Medical Alert Packages
Medical Alert has a variety of packages to appeal to consumers with a multitude of lifestyles. Package details for each Medical Alert plan are as follows:
At-Home Landline — $24.95 per Month
This medical alert plan is best for consumers who are looking for precaution and emergency assistance primarily in their own home. This package includes 24/7 service, and the base range signal goes up to 1,300 feet. The base station includes a 32-hour backup battery in the case of a power outage, and batteries for the medical alert pendant is monitored in Medical Alert's call center by the on-staff emergency responders. There is a two-way communication capability between the pendant and the monitoring center, which is especially ideal for anyone who is hard of hearing because the microphone is highly sensitive. You can add fall detection for an additional $5 per month.
At-Home Cellular — $30.95 per Month
The At-Home Cellular package is similar to the At-Home Landline package. The only difference is the At-Home Cellular plan uses a cellular connection instead of a landline connection, so you do not need a landline in order to use this package. This plan has the same 24/7 monitoring service, base range, and equipment available. Fall detection for this emergency button is also available with this plan for an additional 5$ per month.
At-Home & On-the-Go GPS — $36.95 per Month
This at-home service package is different from the two above because it can be used anywhere in the U.S. as long as there is AT&T cellular coverage where you are. It is equipped with a base station for your home and a mobile medical alert device you can take with you wherever you go. For an additional $10 per month, you can add a waterproof fall detection pendant to your plan that automatically sends an alarm signal to the Emergency Response Center if you fall or press the button.
At-Home & On-the-Go GPS, Voice-in-Necklace — $39.99 per Month
This medical alert system is a two-way voice pendant with built-in GPS. You can take the pendant anywhere in the United States (as long as there is Verizon cellular service where you are). The pendant is a lightweight necklace, and there is no other equipment you need to carry with you. The pendant also has a 30-day battery life.
For an extra $5 per month, you can obtain the fall detection to your pendant. You can take the pendant anywhere in the United States (as long as there is AT&T cellular service where you are), and it has a 5-day battery life.
Equipment
Lifefone offers a variety of different equipment, including in-home medical alarm systems and on-the-go alarm systems. Every system has a base unit and a medical alert pendant with a panic button of some sort. The basic at-home landline system ($24.95 per month) features a standard base unit with an alert button that functions as a wristband or pendant. The On the Go Voice in pendant ($39.99 per month) features a two-way voice pendant with GPS service that protects you 24/7 both in your home and anywhere you go in the U.S. An optional additional necklace or wristband to activate Voice in pendant while in the charging cradle is also available. All systems have fall detection capabilities, customized emergency care plans, and a backup battery life up to at least 30-32 hours.
A full side-by-side comparison table can be found on the company's website. Also, Lifefone offers a complete home package that includes the medical alert system and devices for fire detection, smoke detection, and carbon monoxide detection for $39.99 per month with an annual contract.
No Contract
LifeFone offers members the option of a monthly, quarterly, or yearly subscription service with no long-term contract. If members wish to terminate the service, they can do so at any time at no charge under LifeFone's lifetime warranty. If members have prepaid for their service, they will receive a refund on any unused prepaid service. This will provide peace of mind to any customers worried about buying out of a contract.
Lifetime Equipment Warranty
Every LifeFone unit is backed by a lifetime equipment warranty, which includes no-charge equipment replacement for any medical alert service device. This can give customers peace of mind that they won't have to pay for repair or replacements if a piece of equipment breaks or malfunctions.
Monitoring
LifeFone offers 24/7 monitoring and provides optional fall detection with each of its systems. The company's fall detection pendants have built-in sensors that will detect a fall and instantly contact LifeFone's call center for help. Having 24/7 monitoring ensures the medical alert owner has protection 100% of the time in the case of an emergency.
Customer Service
LifeFone's professional emergency care agents are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. So you never have to worry about an emergency going unanswered. LifeFone reviews also attest to exceptional customer service and a caring and attentive staff and monitoring service. Consumers can have peace of mind knowing LifeFone is a quality medical alert company that provides a positive customer experience. You can read LifeFone reviews below to see what past and current customers have to say about the medical alert provider.
Lifetime Price Guarantee
LifeFone offers a lifetime price guarantee, which means that the price customers pay for alarm systems upon signup will not be changed for the duration of the plan unless they switch to a new plan or product. This means no hidden fees or unsuspected changes on your monthly bill.
Caregiver Tools
LifeFone can help customers with some of the more routine but important aspects of daily living to ensure their wellbeing. The company offers additional care tools such as check-in services, medication reminders, system status alerts, and subscriber location service for those who subscribe to its on-the-go systems.
Mobile Apps
LifeFone offers two smartphone apps, Mobile Alert™ and Family Guard™. The Family Guard app gives families and/or caregivers the ability to configure family monitoring and tracking for the individual, while the Mobile Alert app allows the individual to get help anywhere in the U.S. through their cellular network service.
The Bad
- Lack of Certification Information
Lack of Certification Information
Although LifeFone's monitoring team has undergone extensive training, it is difficult to determine whether or not these employees are EMT-certified based on the information provided on the company's website. However, LifeFone reviews below reference quality service and quick and efficient response times.
The Bottom Line
LifeFone is a well-respected company within the medical alert system industry and has a long history of providing helpful service. The company offers a number of different medical alert systems that should meet the needs of anyone looking for a basic in-home system to a versatile mobile system. LifeFone's medical alert service includes competitive pricing, no contracts, a lifetime equipment warranty, around-the-clock monitoring, two-way communication, and a variety of caregiver tools. Read LifeFone reviews below to get a better sense of how customers feel about the medical alert company.
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LifeFone Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I choose LifeFone?
LifeFone offers our customers the following key advantages:
1. We put your safety first, starting with the equipment we provide to you. Many systems we see advertised today don’t pass LifeFone’s internal quality reviews. We offer you the same level of safety and equipment coverage that we would want for our own loved ones.
For example, our At-Home & On-the-Go GPS system comes with both a mobile unit and a base unit for the same price as others charge for just the mobile unit. This way, you have better range and protection in your home. And if there’s a second person in the home, you can both be protected at no additional cost.
2. We have customer-friendly policies. The following LifeFone policies are designed to give you financial peace of mind:
- No activation fees
- No equipment fees
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Lifetime customer price guarantee
- Lifetime customer equipment guarantee
- Spouses protected for free with basic service
- Just $5–$10 more per month to add automatic fall detection
- Cancel at any time and pay only for the time you’ve used
How long has LifeFone been in business?
LifeFone has been in business since 1976 and is rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau.
Do I need a cell phone to use LifeFone’s at-home cellular system?
No. LifeFone’s At-Home Cellular System works with LifeFone’s cell phone service, not yours. It works using AT&T's cellular network. To learn more about AT&T coverage in your area, use the AT&T Coverage Viewer. You can also call us at 1-800-882-2280.
Does LifeFone offer automatic fall detection?
Yes. Automatic fall detection is an optional feature available with all of our systems.
What if I subscribe to LifeFone and I need to cancel my service?
All of our systems come with a 30-day risk-free trial. Return the equipment to us within 30 days, and we will give you a full refund. After your first 30 days, you can still cancel at any time for any reason and get a refund of any unused, prepaid service once you return the equipment to us.
Note: Should your needs change over time, there is no fee to switch to a new service. Your billing plan will be adjusted to match the rate for the service you choose.
When does the LifeFone 30-day money-back guarantee begin?
Your 30-day money-back guarantee starts three business days after your system is shipped.
Does LifeFone have a contract?
You make NO time commitment when you subscribe to LifeFone’s personal emergency response service, but we do ask you to sign a service agreement that clearly states the terms of service that we provide to you and your responsibility to pay for the service you receive, to provide us with your emergency contacts, etc. We ask you to sign that agreement as a responsible business practice.
You can cancel at any time for any reason. Just notify LifeFone by phone, email, or physical mail that you intend to cancel. LifeFone will stop billing you once we receive the equipment provided to you at no charge, and we will prorate a refund to you of any amount you have pre-paid.
Note: LifeFone’s Complete Home System, which includes a medical alert system, Fire/Smoke and CO Protection, does require a one-year commitment.
Does LifeFone charge equipment, activation or cancellation fees?
No. You pay only for your monitoring service. There are no additional fees and no minimum time commitments. And as your needs change over time, there are no switching or restocking fees if you change to a new system or add or subtract a feature such as automatic fall detection. You simply pay the new rate for the service you now have. LifeFone’s uniquely customer friendly policies are an important reason why people choose our services.
Message from
LifeFone
User Reviews
Star Rating
77 Reviews
Review Breakdown
Sentiment Criteria
Charlie Mulgrew
This is one of the worst companies I have ever dealt with- in any industry. The salesman was not interested in anything but another sale, the administration team had no clue and my billing was never accurate and, WITHOUT A SIGNED CONTRACT, utilized my credit card info against open disputed billing! GO ELSEWHERE FAST
Reply from LifeFone
Jun 19, 2020
We’re so sorry you had such a negative experience. We certainly strive to provide great service to all our customers but we recognize that every industry and every company has problems from time to time. We are fortunate to have many satisfied customers and again, we apologize that your experience was not a positive one.
Verified Customer
Jacquelyn Nyquist
They are always there for me if needed. Last month I had a bad fall and the ambulance and fire engine were there very quickly.
Reply from LifeFone
Jun 16, 2020
We are so happy to be there when you need us. Thanks for your input.
Verified Customer
Corinne Yelton
They have always been efficient and professional when my Mother has needed them
Reply from LifeFone
Jun 08, 2020
Thank you, Corinne. We are happy we've been able to help your Mother.
Verified Customer
Patricia Wingert
Always answer immediately. Calls ambulance when needed.
Reply from LifeFone
Jun 02, 2020
Patricia, Thanks for allowing us to be of service when you need it most. If you ever have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out! LifeFone
Verified Customer
Susan Zimmerman
The LF responders are always patient and reassuring.
Reply from LifeFone
Jun 02, 2020
Hi Susan, We are so happy that we can provide this service to you. In an emergency, being patient and offering you the support you need is our wish. Feel free to reach out if you have questions or concerns.
Verified Customer
Frank Ciulla
They respond quickly and are very practical about handling semi-emergency situations.
Reply from LifeFone
Jun 02, 2020
Hi Frank, In emergencies, handling an issue effectively is so important! We're always here if you need anything! Thanks for being a subscriber of LifeFone. We appreciate you!
Verified Customer
Eileen
It's always there if I need it. Sometimes I don't fall but they call me about that and I'm not falling but I do appreciate that they're doing what they should have to do.
Reply from LifeFone
May 20, 2020
We want to be sure that you are safe when your system sends an alert. If you want to have a further discussion about this our customer service department can be reached at 1-800-882-2280.
Verified Customer
Theresa
Customer service is good and she doesn't dislike anything. We have tested the device.
Verified Customer
Stephanie
I've had a good experience with the issues that my grandmother had. There was not a delay in receiving medical attention. What I dislike is when I've been notified, the phone number doesn't come up as LifeFone, it just comes up as a 1-800 number.
Reply from LifeFone
May 20, 2020
Hi Stephanie, We are happy you've had a good experience. With regard to the phone number showing up as LifeFone, we have backup call centers so it's difficult to have each location show up with LifeFone in the caller ID. If it's a problem again in the future, perhaps you can save the number as LifeFone. Also, our call center representatives always leave a message to announce where they are calling from and how to get back in touch with us. Thank you. LifeFone
Verified Customer
Judith
They've been very responsive when I've called and they check on us to make sure our equipment is working if we haven't done a test in a while. Our device hasn't had any breakdowns of any sort. When we tested it, they answered after a minute or so to see if everything is okay.
Reply from LifeFone
May 20, 2020
Hi Judith, Typically our response time is much, much faster than a minute or two. Not sure if this experience was recent or longer ago so I'm unable to provide a precise reason but this isn't the norm. If you have a concern in the future, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Best, LifeFone
Verified Customer
Uretta
I like it pretty well. I've got a replacement already when I needed it right away. I test it every month. They respond quickly.
Reply from LifeFone
May 20, 2020
So glad you like it. Testing it provides peace of mind, especially to those that don't need to use if often. If you ever have a question or concern, don't hesitate to reach out to us.
Verified Customer
Nadine
It does what it's supposed to and has not failed. It's easy and we've used it for an emergency. Every time we've needed them they have responded quickly.
Reply from LifeFone
May 20, 2020
Thank you! Fast response times are important in an emergency and our goal is to help you get the necessary assistance as fast as possible.
Verified Customer
Rose
They are very, very good. They react in a split second and get soembody here when we need help.
Reply from LifeFone
May 20, 2020
Thank you Rose. A fast response is important in an emergency and we're glad we can help provide that.
Verified Customer
Virginia
I like the security of having the device on me. Eery time I push the button either by emergency or accident, they were right on the phone right away with me.
Reply from LifeFone
May 20, 2020
Wearing the device is so important and we're very happy to be there for you when needed.
Verified Customer
Thomas
Anytime I've called them they've been able to answer my questions right on the spot. I test it every month and the response was very quick and somebody from my phone trying to call us back.
Reply from LifeFone
May 20, 2020
Please feel free to contact us any time you have a question. We want to be sure our subscribers feel safe and protected.
Verified Customer
Anonymous
They've done a good job and it notified me when complications or problems came up. It's been very helpful with me.
Verified Customer
Anonymous
I've had good service. Everytime that anything has happened they've been real quick to find out what is going on. It's easy to use and convenient.
Verified Customer
Darlene
There's been a couple of times we've tested it and they responded back that they cannot hear us and we try to talk to us but they cannot hear us. They've been really good anytime we had any questions or anything.
Verified Customer
Cindy
It just gives me peace of mind to know my mother has it. Any time we've ever had an issues and we call everybody is very helpful. I wish you all could come out with a wireless one she could wear further away from the phone.
Verified Customer
Joyce
When we tested it, they were very prompt to call us back and see what was going on. She's fallen a few times and she just pushes the button and if they can't communicate with her, they just immediately send help and I'm really glad. Customer service has always been very fast in their response.
Reply from LifeFone
May 20, 2020
A personal response plan helps us maintain the best communication flow. If you ever need to update your plan, you can contact us at 1-800-882-2280. Thank you for providing us with the information needed to keep your loved one, you and your family safe and informed.
Verified Customer
Cindy
He did use it once and that was fine, everything works well. We had a problem when we tested it. It doesn't seem like they can hear very well.
Reply from LifeFone
May 20, 2020
Hi Cindy, thanks for the information. We will try to determine why there was a problem with volume when you tested it. Next time you choose to test it again, if you still have an issue please let them know or reach out to customer service at 1-800-882-2280.
Verified Customer
Anonymous
The last time I used it was when I fell in my bedroom. It's been very good.
Reply from LifeFone
May 20, 2020
We hope you stay safe and are very glad we were able to help when you needed it!
Verified Customer
Doris Alderfer
They have always responded quickly and really make me feel safe.
Reply from LifeFone
May 20, 2020
Thank you! Your safety is important to us. Feel free to call us if you have any questions or concerns.
Jeanette Long
I have no experience except when I call every month to test the system Works like a charm and the person answering the phone is always nice.
Reply from LifeFone
May 06, 2020
We encourage our subscribers to test they system if they haven't used it for an emergency. While it isn't necessary or required, it gives a sense of ease and peace of mind.
Anita Blackwell
I have never had a problem getting life phone when I pushed the button. They are always pleasant & helpful. Very professional . I have had several people ask me about it and I recommended it and told them all about it, even strangers.
Reply from LifeFone
May 06, 2020
Thank you so much for recommending our service to others and we're so happy that you're satisfied.
Linda A
I like the detailed info I have received. I’ll probably be purchasing the service soon. There has been good follow up by representatives. Sounds like the best program I’ve looked at so far.
Reply from LifeFone
May 06, 2020
Hi Linda, we're so glad that our representatives followed up with you! We appreciate the feedback.
Andrew
I recently switched my mom over from MobileHelp to LifeFone all in 1 pendant with GPS with 2-Way communication. I avoided the Fall-Detection only because of the frequent charging requirements. I don’t want her taking it off every 5 days to charge and forgetting about it, (which is unfortunate because I REALLY would prefer to have it). She has gotten dizzy and fallen more than once. It’s a tough decision to continue paying or not. Keep in mind that iPhones have an “SOS feature”. If you press the right hand button 5 times it will call 911 for you, and it will provide dispatch with your location, (if they have a reason to pull it up). It will also connect her directly to dispatch without having to wait on a call center. So iPhone will essentially do the same thing as a medical alert pendant. However if my mom were in distress or unable to speak clearly there is no guarantee how police dispatch would react. If they couldn’t hear or understand they would probably hang up and try to call her back. And while dispatch will have access to her location , they will not know specifically who is calling, what she looks like and her medical conditions, what kind of car she’s in etc... If she’s in distress at least the person at the call center will know exactly what to tell dispatch and have no trouble communicating. The fact that LifeFone has all of this information about her, and the fact that the operator will not be in distress. Those are the 2 reasons to keep the expanded service. It makes perfect sense to have it in the home since people don’t always have their phone handy. But keep in mind it starts to become a bit impractical when out of the home, since you will probably have your phone handy. Keep that in mind before getting “go-anywhere GPS” service. If I could have Fall-Detection it would make all the difference, but she won’t be mindful enough to make sure she always has it if she’s always taking it off to charge. LifeFone should provide 2 separate detachable, rechargeable batteries so that one can charge while the other is being worn. If they offered me that I would pay substantially more and maintain the service indefinitely. But right now I’m borderline considering dropping the service. I can’t have Fall-Detection and so it doesn’t do very much more than an iPhone. Those are the reasons for my low-rating. Aside from that customer-service has been decent and the response time is pretty good when testing. It seems to function consistently in its intended capacity. LifeFone should address the poor recharging frequency so that forgetful people can have Fall-Detection too. It would be a very simple modification and would make all the difference in the world.
Reply from LifeFone
May 06, 2020
Hi Andrew, we want to let you know that you can have the all in one pendant and place it on the charging cradle when she sleeps. It only needs 4 hrs of charging and can put it back on when she gets up. You can reach us at 800-940-0262 if you want more information about this.
Leah
So far the only thing I don’t care for at all is the cord that goes around my neck. It is very unattractive. Is there any other choice or is this it?
Reply from LifeFone
May 03, 2019
Hello Leah, I'm glad that I was able to better assist you today and help you to get the system that best suits your needs. We appreciate you and your business and glad that you are continuing to be part of our LifeFone Family!
Verified Customer
Patricia Celaya
Customer Service is excellent. Their representatives are attentive and caring.
Reply from LifeFone
May 06, 2020
Thank you for your comments. We are so glad that you are pleased with our reps!
Verified Customer
Karie
Very helpful people. Easy set up and quick response when needed.
Reply from LifeFone
May 06, 2020
Thank you Karie! We know it's important to make our service helpful and easy for our subscribers. We really appreciate your comments.
Verified Customer
Linda
In comparison to other companies found LifeFone to be a great value for the service
Reply from LifeFone
May 06, 2020
Thanks for being a subscriber. We offer a lifetime price and equipment guarantee so that our service remains affordable.
Verified Customer
Joan Pattison
I feel very secure knowing how fast they respond to an alarm.
Reply from LifeFone
May 06, 2020
While we hope you don't need to use the service very often, we do agree that fast response is important.
Verified Customer
Monica
They are right there when I test it, so I am sure they will be there if I really have a need.
Reply from LifeFone
Feb 06, 2019
Thank you, Monica! We appreciate the time you took out of your schedule to share your feedback, and we will be there in your time of need. We are committed to providing perfect service for each of our customers.
Verified Customer
GJO
On 3 different occasions,they have saved my life. Very efficient and professional.
Reply from LifeFone
Feb 06, 2019
Great feedback, GJO! We genuinely appreciate it and we're glad to hear that you're happy with LifeFone and our service!
Verified Customer
C N
Would like it and rate it better if there was Japanese speaking operators
Reply from LifeFone
Feb 06, 2019
CN, thank you for providing feedback about your service! We appreciate the opportunity to improve our customer experience. We're glad that you enjoy the service and will use this review to improve our service.
Verified Customer
Linda Snow
Because I get a response no matter where I am.
Verified Customer
David
Ease of use , security and communication with emergency assistance
Verified Customer
Diane
Excellent response time, courteous employees, ease of use
Reply from LifeFone
Feb 06, 2019
Hello Diane, Thanks for your review. We are delighted that you are enjoying the wonderful service that LifeFone strives to provide each of our subscribers.
Verified Customer
Sandy
Good response to pushing the button. But they don't call if you fail to check in monthly
Verified Customer
Jim
Great so far and works as advertised. I feel safer about my parents having instant help if ever needed.
Verified Customer
Carole A.
Have had no problems. Customer care reps are very friendly and helpful. Had one instance my Mother needed help when she fell. The system worked exactly as promised.
Verified Customer
Poor customer service
I returned the pendant two months ago and I'm still awaiting the refund or at least a confirmation of some sort
Verified Customer
Earl
Takes a little long, wife set off 3 times they kept repeating questions to fast got her extremely upset. Thank God Someone walked to include me. She won't wear necklace anymore.
Verified Customer
Ethel
Very efficient. Very friendly. Very trustworthy.
Verified Customer
Ruth
Very quick response very courteous saved my life 3 times
Verified Customer
Deborah
Very responsive! and a good service value
Reply from LifeFone
May 06, 2020
Thank you Deborah! We're glad you're happy with the service.
Verified Customer
Richard
It has been a while since we actually got it. All the other devices we were looking at were close in price. Their salesman talked to us about the three units that they have and the travel part of it. In the end, we just got it. I never really had to use it, thank god, but we tested it periodically and it always worked. The device satisfied my needs. They do what they are supposed to do.
Verified Customer
Verna
It was something that was available in my area at the time. They are right on the ball, though I haven't had to use it yet. I still have to go and take care of an address change that I just had.
Reply from LifeFone
May 06, 2020
Thanks Richard!
Verified Customer
Larry
My mom needed one of those, so I got it for her. She has used it a couple of times. On one occasion she kind of tripped and fell. The emergency guy came out right away and everything worked out very well. It's a good investment for elderly people. Everybody should have one. It's worth every penny.
Verified Customer
Margaret
My daughter got it for us since we're old and she was worried about us falling. Fortunately, I've never had to use it, but I do wear it and take it into the shower with me. It gives me some security, I feel better having it.
Reply from LifeFone
May 06, 2020
Thanks for your review of LifeFone. We want to provide the best service to our valued subscribers!