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Life Alert

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6.9

Overall Score

LAST UPDATED: November 20th, 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. 

View Best Medical Alert Companies

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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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710 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

75%

4 grade

4%

3 grade

1%

2 grade

2%

1 grade

18%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

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Quality

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Service

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Featured Review

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Sunday Ordinson Los Angeles, CA

These people should get a medal of honor. They saved my Nana's life, and it was because they were so fast to get to the door. Her button got the ambulance there super fast... those precious seconds the doctor said if she would of been unable to get to hospital any slower, she would not of made it. She had a stroke... shes doing ok now but the thing is buying time with my nana is priceless... im just so thankful.

1 year ago

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Featured Review

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perla Barrios Canyon Country, CA

I cannot emphasize enough how much Life Alert has helped me and my family. My mother is getting older and has mobility issues, so we were always concerned about her falling when she was home alone. We tried other medical alert systems, but they just didn't provide the level of reliability and peace of mind that Life Alert has.

1 year ago

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Marcia J Treinis

The service agents were absolutely excellent. When I thought I had a question, they answered it before I even asked. Where do you get that kind of service not that I ever had. I think the life alert. Family were making it easier for me to service. My needs. Thank you very much Marcia J T.

2 days ago

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Barbara Nista

Ingrid was awesome!!! She’s professional,personable and very easy to work with. I’m not too savvy when it comes to setting up equipment but she walked me thru it and was very patient with me I hope I never have to use this but I already feel that I made the right decision in getting life alwrt

3 weeks ago

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Jo

Scott G. was terrific. Told him he should be President of the company. So enthusiastic and sincere about his product. And so patient answering all my questions in numerous telephone conversations over a period of probably several years. I’m loving the pendant I wear around my neck. I was concerned that it might be heavy and uncomfortable, but it is so light that I don’t even realize I’m wearing it.

1 month ago

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Serena Lee

All the reps who helped me throughout the entire process, from before purchase to the purchase and then the set-up were very courteous and answered all my questions. They were all ready to go when I phoned in the day we received the devices. The contract and forms had a prepaid envelope ready for pickup. The whole organization was very professional and organized. I’m very impressed with how thoroughly everyone explained everything to me. Talk about peace of mind!

2 months ago

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Claire Bennett

When you are going through a stressful time with aging parents helpful and clear information means the world. Joshua D. gave diamond level service. He was thorough, clear, and compassionate walking me through the service and details of features. I feel informed about how it works and what to expect. I feel a sense of relief after my time working with Joshua.

2 months ago

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Peter Gianatiempo

Mr Paul C. was a representative I dealt with since day one ordering Life Alert for my mother in law who is a 3 time cancer survivor. This gentleman checked on me every other day, not bc of the sale of Life Alert, but bc of my families well being. I am beyond myself! Especially in the days we live in now, he was so compassionate & caring. I can use many positive adjectives, but I could write a book about what a man he is. Life Alert should be THANKFUL he is an employee for you and if the world had many people like him in the world, the world would be a better place. A total gentleman, compassionate, caring, and twice a week he would check on us! Please recognize his outstanding dedication for what he does!

3 months ago

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Kathy Giese

Matthew was extremely knowledgeable and helpful in assisting my sister and I with setting up Life Alert for our parents. Highly recommend Life Alert and Matthew!!

2 weeks ago

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Kathleen Dobbyn

Donna was professional, loaded with info of every detail I needed, and quickly. Everything will be set up right on time for my moms return. All I did was worry, she fell 3xs that we kno of. Let's cross our finger n pray it won't happen again.

2 months ago

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ANGELO LOGRANDE

the person who helped me was very professional and pleasant to talk too an asset to your team

5 days ago

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Cesar Gonzalez

Robin was thorough and courteous; explained all details and answered all my questions.

5 days ago

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Elana Kelley

George was very helpful and caring! Went through everything with patience with me and mom. Was a pleasure speaking to him!

2 weeks ago

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Dianne Edgar

Clear information from very nice people and good communication between members of your staff. Kathleen is a warm and human sales person and was very honest with me.

1 month ago

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Claudia Castillo

Haven't had a chance to use Life Alert in an emergency situation yet, so I don't have a review on the product, But I do feel more secure having it with me 24/7.

1 month ago

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Chachi

Lori M. was extremely pleasant, kind,helpful and very informative. My family used Life Alert with my Father before he passed away a year ago. I cannot imagine using another company. Thank you so much!

2 months ago

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Cheryl Beers Cullen

Staff was wonderful getting us set up and testing. I think it was Heather. She was wonderful. The people we called for the test were kind and explained everything. The call-back person went through step-by-step and gave us our code word and phone numbers. God bless you all!

3 months ago

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Idell Dollison

I did like the procedure and instructions as I will be moving within this week or next week to a new location. I will contact life lock as soon as I am at my new address. I thought this would be difficult but the process was excellent! Thank you!

3 months ago

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Jamie McCue

Aaliyah was wonderful and assisting me on testing each of the products that were sent to us. She clearly explained what each device would be used for and where we should be placing them. I was very appreciative of all the help that she offered.

3 months ago

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Joan Livezey

The process was easier than I thought thanks to Elizabeth's help.

1 day ago

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Susan G. Mick

I felt that on my test it took to long for someone on the other side to answer. I could here calling the response person three times before there was a voice,40 seconds. That is almost a minute to answer. I would of like botton pushed and someone was there. When a person needs life help you have three minutes to start CPR. 40 seconds means you now have 2.20 seconds left. Also was hard to hear dispatch.

5 months ago

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Barbara Adams

So far a 5. Only had it for a day. Hope its everything its suppose to be.my family is happy about it.

3 weeks ago

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Alison P

The service of enrolling in the system has been excellent. The assistance given in setting it up was amazing and I am so thankful to all involved.

1 month ago

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Scott Prange

Every pertinent piece of info was quickly communicated clearly. There were no questions to ask. Y’all have an incredible product, company, and system in place!

2 months ago

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Ronald Long

Every good telephone set up service walk through. Very informative and thorough. They left no question unanswered and felt very confident by the end of the call

2 months ago

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Deborah Sefcik

Forced into long term contract with the inability to cancel other than nursing home or death. Service is over priced and mediocre. I didn’t provide a pin,so they called my friend and told her I had a heart attack, which caused her husband to race over here. So now none of my friends will believe you. Your call center people are assholes to do this. Disgusting company. I would have had immediate service if I dialed 911 myself. If I couldn’t speak they would have come anyway. With you, it appears if I can’t speak and my friends aren’t available minutes would be wasted. I just no longer trust you. I feel I have been taken advantage of at my weakest time.

2 months ago

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Ellen Bednar

Matthew was extremely helpful however, when I purchased this service, I told them it would be a few weeks before we could hook up instead we had numerous phone calls and was told that we had to get it done within a certain timeframe because of software updates would’ve been better if I’ve been notified of this in the beginning

3 months ago

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Les Mcneil

Very helpful and understanding &curtious

1 day ago

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Donna Dreese

Stephanie was very helpful and patient with my many questions. She was easy to talk to and willing to fully explain how everything works. I appreciate being able to work with the same person each time I have questions and I’m glad it will be Stephanie.

4 months ago

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Gina Hughes

Great customer service from Thelma in helping to test unit & pendants for the first time.

2 weeks ago

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Cathy Nickens

Explanation by salesman initially and help in setting up by Elizabeth who was patient and kind

3 weeks ago

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Sara Sweeney

Everyone I spoke with while setting up the activation for my in-laws were very helpful and friendly

3 weeks ago

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Patrick Caputo Staten Island, NY

My Mom called first. She could not say enough about Lauren who answered Mom’s every question. I followed up and had the pleasure of speaking to Lauren as well. I run the service division for a large corporation so I know great service when I experience it. I feel compelled to say that Lauren provided us both with the best customer service I have ever encountered. Outstanding! This employee exemplifies what customer service should be. Pleasant, Knowledgeable and Precise Lauren explain ed life alerts terms and conditions with ease. I am looking forward to receiving the equipment and working together with Lauren and the team to provide Mom with a More confident and safer lifestyle with life alert on her side.

10 months ago

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Larnell Flannagan

Explanation of services was well done. Presentation was thorough, but didn't need the unnecessary "short talk" to get acquainted.

2 months ago

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Edward Wojtkowski

Despite some issues getting the pendant and help button working, the tech rep was patient and persistent. It's working now and we are satisfied.

2 months ago

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Shari

Stephanie pretty much anticipated all my questions and concerns and answered them all with great patience and thoroughness.

2 months ago

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Joyce Mcguire

I liked the customer service Representative! Very helpful! The volume and fast talking of the people that did testing of the the 3 units talked too fast though. 2. Fast.

2 months ago

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Steele Lovell

Well explained. Everything arrived just as they said it would. Everyone with customer service and sales has been very friendly and helpful. Life Alert even called me to let me know that the package had been delivered

4 months ago

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Charlotte Huckabay

I set this system up for my mom, and it gives me the peace of mind to sleep knowing she is safe. My mom lives alone now that my dad has passed, she’s only 67 and had a heart attack and luckily I was there, but now I don’t feel so alone having this installed and my mom has said she likes the support also.

5 months ago

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Bonnie Dean

I like the safe feeling of knowing that I can get help quickly. The unit was so easy to set up. My wife stepped out for a few minutes and I got up and lost my balance and went down. If we had Life Alert, she would have been alerted to come home. That is when we decided that we needed it.

6 months ago

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Donna Dragoo

Adam was very professional and answered all my questions. He even talked to me after hours to set everything up. When I got my second call to confirm everything the lady was also very professional and explained everything very clearly. I would recommend life alert.

6 months ago

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Kathy Smith

I love about my first call today with life alert was they were very knowledgeable and helpful in explaining everything I needed to know to get started with Life Alert. Very helpful,caring people and very knowledgeable and very nice.

6 months ago

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Judy Kowalski

EveryonebI spoke with especially Elizabeth was a big help setting the unit up.

2 weeks ago

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Joyce Paul

The service was satisfactory once the financial situation was cleared up.

2 weeks ago

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Joan Ward

Arlene s. Was a perfect rep. Very knowledgeable about the product and service.

2 weeks ago

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Pastor Hunter

Excellent and patient CSR. Made it easy to understand the services offered.

3 weeks ago

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Stephanie Cicilline Given

After the sales call with credit card provided for equipment shipment, too many calls to confirm shipping info. A workday in a classroom. Wasn’t able to answer calls. One call with message requesting confirmation of info, would have been helpful. So many calls to confirm again, was not helpful. Testing units was easy. Dispatchers were professional and pleasant. Rep who worked me through testing- Cassidy, was knowledgable and patient. A pleasure!

9 months ago

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Blue Montgomery, AL

The life Alert agent, Julie C, was so helpful in answering all our questions. She made the experience of learning about the service and how everything works and getting the service ordered a pleasant one. It also reflects well that the company employees have such a helpful attitude and demeanor amongst all the various people I have talked with during this decision making process.

10 months ago

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Lisa Spates

The consultant was very knowledgeable and very pleasant to talk with as well as patient.

1 month ago

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Danielle

Matthew was very helpful and thoroughly explained the life alert products and how it all works.

1 month ago