Medical Guardian vs Bay Alarm Medical
Medical Guardian and Bay Alarm Medical are two of the most prominent medical alert systems on the market.
Bay Alarm Medical is a leading medical alert company that offers a wide range of personal emergency response systems for seniors and those with disabilities. The company's products are designed to provide peace of mind and to ensure that help is always available in an emergency. With 24/7 monitoring from certified emergency operators, Bay Alarm Medical systems are quick to respond and provide assistance in any emergency. The products are easy to use, reliable, and come with a variety of features such as GPS tracking, two-way communication, fall detection, and more. Bay Alarm Medical also offers additional services such as medication reminders, wellness check-ins, and daily health tips to help keep their customers safe and healthy.
Medical Guardian is a medical alert company that provides innovative medical alert systems for seniors and other individuals who wish to stay safe and connected to their families and medical professionals. Medical Guardian’s product line includes a variety of medical alert systems, including on-the-go GPS devices and in-home systems with fall detection, two-way communication, and a U.S.-based 24/7 monitoring center. With Medical Guardian, seniors can remain independent and secure in their homes, while families can be assured that their loved ones will be safe and connected in the event of an emergency. Medical Guardian also offers a customer portal and an app to help manage medical alert systems and other features, so family members can stay informed and connected with their loved one’s medical needs.
Both companies offer a variety of medical alert systems and services, but they differ in pricing, features, and other offerings. To determine which of the two companies has better offerings, it is important to compare them side by side.
Overview
Medical Guardian
$29.95 - $44.95
Varies
None
None
Lifetime
1,400 ft
19 Years
Bay Alarm Medical
$24.95–$39.95
$99 or $159
None
None
5 year
1,000 ft
78 Years
Ratings
Medical Guardian
Bay Alarm Medical
Reviews
Medical Guardian
Reviews
Bay Alarm Medical
Reviews for Medical Guardian
Helpful Favorable Review
Juanita
March 19th, 2024
Sparta, TN
DETAILS
Verified Customer
Review Source
The wait time for an operator to respond when my mother fell was longer than expected. The call number from medical guardian showed as spam on our cell phones when my mom fell. We finally received a call on a landline from the local 911 dispatch letting us know what was going on with our mother.
Helpful Critical Review
Steve kelly
March 26th, 2024
DETAILS
The service, when needed was adequate. However, the cancellation was not straightforward and I continued to receive bills two years after the customer (a family member) passed away, despite multiple efforts to cancel including their formal cease and desist submission. When you file their cease and desist, you are not provided with a confirmation number so make sure you take screenshots and document all conversations with their customer service department. Even with multiple attempts to cancel they are still sending me bills and threatening to send to a collection agency!
Reviews for Bay Alarm Medical
Helpful Favorable Review
Elaine
May 12th, 2019
North Arlington, NJ
DETAILS
I have had a great experience with this company. Customer service has been excellent. Cost is very affordable at about $1.00 a day. It doesn't matter if you go with a three month, six month or one year plan. No high pressure sales pitch or activation or standard shipping fees. We paid next day air vs standard ground shipping as we needed one installed immediately. Very happy with Bay Alarm.
Helpful Critical Review
color me unhappy
May 26th, 2022
Detroit, MI
DETAILS
Edited June 13th, 2022
Purchased unit April 4, 2022, was not compatible with cell service in this area. REturned unit, still in box, 4.22.2022 via UPS/ Received in Concord, Ca. on 4.28.22. I have no refund and customer service message via Gmail on 5.24.22 brought no response. I WANT MY MONEY!!!! Update: My issue was resolved after several email exchanges and 5 weeks waiting for a credit to my credit card. This should not be happening but it seems to be common for this company. Only after sharing links to the BBB's sites did they pay attention to my concerns.
The Final Word
Pricing
Monthly Fee
When it comes to pricing, Medical Guardian offers a variety of different packages for customers to choose from. The most basic package, called the Classic Guardian, starts at $29.95 per month. This package includes a base unit, as well as a wristband or neck pendant. The most expensive package is an on-the-go device called Mobile 2.0, which starts at $44.95 per month. This package includes a lightweight medical alert device that has a 5-day battery life, advanced location monitoring, and access to MyGuardian. MyGuardian is a portal where customers can manage billing information, set emergency contacts, add contacts to an emergency call list, and chat in real-time with Medical Guardian's customer care team.
Bay Alarm Medical also has multiple medical alert packages available. The most basic package, called the SOS Home, starts at $24.95 per month. This package includes an in-home base unit, a medical alert button you can wear around the neck or on your wrist, a Vial of Life (an information sheet to give emergency workers your medical information during an emergency) magnetic strip. You can add on a lock box for an additional fee. The most expensive package, called the SOS All-In-One, starts at $39.95 per month. This package includes a mobile device that has fall detection capabilities, a wearable button (for your wrist or around your neck), caregiver tracking using Bay Alarm Medical's app, a charging cradle, and a lanyard and belt clip.
Upfront Fee
Medical Guardian's most expensive upfront fee is if you choose the MG Move, which is a medical alert smartwatch. The upfront fee will cost you $199.95. Medical Guardian's cheapest plan has no upfront equipment fee.
Bay Alarm Medical's most expensive fee is also for its medical alert smartwatch. The watch package will require a $159 equipment fee. The cheapest package won't cost you anything in upfront fees.
Equipment Features
Medical Guardian’s products are equipped with a range of features, including two-way audio communication, a help button, and a 24/7 monitoring service. The two-way audio communication allows customers to speak to a medical alert operator without having to use a phone. The help button allows customers to easily call for help in an emergency. The 24/7 monitoring service ensures that customers have access to help at any time, day or night.
Bay Alarm Medical’s products include similar offerings, such as two-way audio communication, a help button, and a 24/7 monitoring service. Like Medical Guardian, Bay Alarm Medical’s two-way audio communication allows customers to speak to a medical alert operator without having to use a phone.
Medical Alert Smartwatch
Medical Guardian's MG Move smartwatch, is similar to a cutting-edge smartwatch. It has a large touchscreen easy to read but simple to tuck away if you don't want it out. You can call for help with the touch screen or you can push the SOS button on the side of the watch. The watch also has a built-in cancellation that allows you to cancel an emergency call within 30 seconds if you push the button accidentally. There is a built-in step tracker that allows you to set goals, and you can also set calendar updates to remind you of doctor visits or other important events. You can also check the weather on the device. Lastly, with text-to-speech technology and GPS tracking, you can contact family members at any time and they can locate you wherever you are. The charge lasts 24 hours and you're able to charge it on a magnetic charging cradle, so you don't have to fuss with chords.
Both companies offer a medical alert smartwatch. Bay Alarm Medical's smartwatch has a stylish and simple design, a large touchscreen, a built-in microphone, and a battery life of up to 18 hours. To call for help, there's a red SOS button on the side. The watch is GPS-enabled so emergency responders can find your exact location. The watch is water-resistant and has a built-in step tracker.
With a longer battery life and a few additional features, Medical Guardian's smartwatch medical alert system is the winner.
Customer Reviews
When it comes to customer reviews, Medical Guardian and Bay Alarm Medical both have overwhelmingly positive ratings. Customers of Medical Guardian praise the company for their reliable service, quick response times, helpful customer support, and easy-to-use products. Customers also appreciate the various features and services that the company offers.
Customers of Bay Alarm Medical appreciate the company's quality equipment, flexible payment options, and quick delivery.
Payment Options
Both Medical Guardian and Bay Alarm Medical offer flexible payment options. With both companies, you can opt for monthly, quarterly, or annual payment packages.
Contract and Money-Back Guarantee
Bay Alarm Medical and Medical Guardian do not require contracts. Both also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Equipment Warranty
Medical Guardian offers a one-year warranty on all medical alert systems. This includes the base station, pendant, and wristband, as well as any other accessories. Medical Guardian will replace or repair any defective or malfunctioning equipment free of charge, as long as it was purchased through the company. After the one-year warranty period, customers can purchase an extended warranty for an additional fee.
Bay Alarm Medical offers a lifetime warranty on all of its medical alert systems. This includes the base station, pendant, and wristband, as well as any other accessories. Similar to Medical Guardian, Bay Alarm Medical will replace or repair any defective or malfunctioning equipment free of charge. Again, as long as it was purchased through them.
Battery Life
Medical Guardian's medical alert devices have an average battery life of up to 36 hours. The company offers several devices with rechargeable batteries, allowing users to easily recharge the batteries when necessary.
Bay Alarm Medical's medical alert devices have an average battery life of 24 hours. The company also offers replaceable batteries when necessary.
Range/Distance from Base Station
Medical Guardian's medical alert systems have a range of up to 1,400 feet from the base station. This range is one of the longest in the market and allows users to safely go outside the home and still have coverage. This range makes Medical Guardian a great choice for those who are looking for an extensive range and want to stay active outside of the home.
Bay Alarm Medical's medical alert systems have a range of up to 1,000 feet from the base station. This is still a competitive range but a shorter range than Medical Guardian offers.
Automatic Fall Detection
Bay Alarm Medical and Medical Guardian are both medical alert systems that offer automatic fall detection capabilities.
Bay Alarm Medical's fall detection uses advanced motion sensors to detect falls and automatically alert the monitoring center. In addition, it has a built-in two-way speakerphone that allows users to communicate with the monitoring center directly.
Medical Guardian's fall detection has a combination of motion detectors and pressure sensors to detect falls that automatically send an alert to the monitoring center. It also has a built-in two-way speakerphone and additional personal help buttons that can be worn around the neck or wrist.
Both companies charge $10 extra per month for fall detection. Overall, both Bay Alarm Medical and Medical Guardian offer reliable automatic fall detection features. However, Medical Guardian has the edge with its combination of motion detectors, pressure sensors, and personal help buttons.
Safety Certifications
Bay Alarm Medical is UL-certified and meets rigorous safety standards, as well as being certified by the FCC and FTC. Medical Guardian is also UL-certified and meets the same safety standards. Additionally, Medical Guardian is certified by the FDA and HIPAA compliant, ensuring that patient data remains secure.
Medical Guardian vs Bay Alarm Medical
When it comes to medical alert systems, both Medical Guardian and Bay Alarm Medical offer a variety of products and services. Both companies have overwhelmingly positive customer reviews, and they both offer a variety of features and services, such as a variety of medical alert packages, a medical alert smartwatch, two-way audio communication, and 24/7 monitoring.
The main differences between the two companies are their pricing, the range from base station, the battery life of products, additional safety certifications, etc. Ultimately, the choice between the two companies will depend on the customer’s individual needs and budget. However, looking objectively at the two offerings side-by-side, Medical Guardian comes out on top.
