The 5 Best Medical Alert Systems for 2022 Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Senior Health Best Medical Alert Systems for 2022Medical alert systems are wearable devices that contain a call button. In the event of an emergency, such as chest pain or a fall, the wearer can press the call button. The best medical alert systems are staffed 24/7 by well-trained, empathetic individuals who can immediately jump into action and provide appropriate support.Facebook TwitterPinterestCopy LinkBy Corey WhelanMedically Reviewed by Liam M. Fry, MDReviewed: January 4, 2022This content is researched and written independently of the views or opinions of Everyday Health's editorial team. Everyday Health may earn a commission from purchases of featured products in this article. Best OverallMedical GuardianMultiple devices to choose fromNo landline requiredSee Packages Best Customer ServiceBay Alarm MedicalIn-Home and On-the-Go plans availableAverage answer time is 12 to 15 secondsSee Packages Best Non-WearableGetSafeVoice-activated wall buttons rather than a wearable deviceOperators call contacts first before emergency servicesSee Packages Best for No LandlineMobileHelpFirst to offer mobile medical alert systemComes with MobileHelp Connect, a device tracking appSee Packages Best for BudgetMedical AlertNo contract required30-day, money-back guaranteeSee Packages Aging in place is a high priority for many older adults, but concern about injury or an emergency at home is a significant deterrent. Arming yourself with a reliable medical alert system, or personal emergency response system, can help you or a loved one age in place independently, without constant in-person supervision. Here are the best medical alert systems to give you peace of mind at home and on the go. Top Medical Alert Systems for 2022Best overall: Medical GuardianBest customer service: Bay Alarm MedicalBest non-wearable: GetSafeBest for no landline: MobileHelpBest for budget: Medical Alert Medical alert systems empower people to retain their independence without compromising on personal safety. These are the top medical alert devices to give you peace of mind. Why You Can Trust Us Our experts have spent more than 450 hours conducting in-depth research on medical alert systems. In addition, we’ve consulted geriatric internal medicine physicians as well as gerontologists and adult caregivers to accurately identify the needs of adults aging at home and the medical alert devices to meet those needs. To choose the best medical alert systems available, we examined these qualities in each system: ease of use, device wearability, and safety features, such as:Overall quality of systemCall center reliabilityAnswer timeDevice rangeCostEase of useDevice wearabilityWater resistanceContract lengthGPS trackingMedication remindersFall detectionButton size and ease of useBattery life All the systems listed provide immediate access to a reliable, 24/7 call center, staffed with well-trained, friendly personnel. We looked at costs, including hidden costs that might catch buyers by surprise and the fine print in long-term contracts. We eliminated emergency alert systems that seemed to charge more than they were worth. We also analyzed consumer reviews for key features such as customer service, length of response time, and reliability. Since many falls happen in the bathroom, we only included waterproof or water-resistant devices that can be worn in the shower or bathtub. Compare the Best Medical Alert Systems for 2022 Brand Monthly Cost Range Fall Detection Medical Guardian $29.95 and up 600 ft (Home) 1,300 ft (Classic) $10 per month Bay Alarm Medical $24.95 and up 1,000 ft $10 per month GetSafe $24.95 and up 1,000 ft $10 per month + $25 one-time feeMobileHelp$19.95 and up600 ft$10 per month Medical Alert $19.95 and up 400 ft $10 per month Best Overall Medical Guardian Medical GuardianMultiple devices to choose fromNo landline requiredSee PackagesMedical Guardian offers multiple medical alert devices, so you can pick the type best suited for your needs. You can choose from several products for in-home, such as the Classic or the Guardian, and use the Mobile Guardian on the go, which uses GPS tracking. The Mini, Active, and Freedom Guardian all use GPS and Wi-Fi triangulation for superior tracking capability. Plus, for a fee, you can add special features like a wearable wrist button, a mobile app for family members, voice-activated wall-mounted buttons, and automatic fall detection. The Classic and Home systems are Medical Guardian’s two at-home systems. The Classic uses a landline connection and has a range of 1,300 feet, while Home uses a cellular connection and has a 600-foot range. The Mini Guardian, an on-the-go device, is very lightweight. It measures around half the width of most traditional devices. If you enjoy outdoor activity and want a discreet device, this one might work nicely. If you’re looking for an all-in-one wearable device with both GPS and Wi-Fi capabilities, then consider the Active Guardian or the Mini Guardian. While the Mobile Guardian is also an all-in-one wearable device that has an alert neck button or a wrist button equipped with GPS functioning, it does not use Wi-Fi. But if you prefer a medical alert device that doesn’t look like one, the Freedom Guardian Medical Alert Watch might be a good choice. It looks sharp, and it includes a few extra features:Medication remindersCalendar alertsText-to-speech messagingA weather forecaster Most importantly, these devices provide a sense of security for users and their families: “I feel so much better knowing I can reach someone if needed. I live alone. Having Medical Guardian gives me peace of mind. I even ordered one for my older sister with fall protection.” — Brenda B., verified purchaser, MedicalGuardian.com) ProsFree lockbox with an annual subscriptionOne month free with an annual subscriptionNo additional equipment fee for most devicesMonitoring center is TMA Five Diamond certifiedFree neck pendants and wristbands with the subscription priceDoesn’t require a landline; cellular service included with the personal emergency alert system ConsMobile systems are more expensive than similar models offered by competitorsSeveral optional upgrades, such as a voice-activated wall button and car charger, but the extra fees can significantly increase the monthly costLimited to the cellular coverage the device comes withNo longer offers a car charger Price PlansClassic Guardian: starts around $29.95 per monthHome Guardian: starts around $34.95 per monthMini Guardian: starts around $39.95 per month with a one-time fee of $124.95Active Guardian: costs about $44.95 per monthMobile Guardian: costs about $49.95 per monthFreedom Guardian: starts around $44.95 per month with a one-time estimated equipment fee of $179.95 (price may vary)Family Guardian: starts at $79.95 per month Add automatic fall detection to any plan (except for the Freedom Guardian smartwatch) for $10 per month. Read our full Medical Guardian review. Get a Medical Guardian alert system at Medicalguardian.com or call 877-228-8416. Best Customer Service Bay Alarm Medical Bay Alarm MedicalIn-Home and On-the-Go plans availableAverage answer time is 12 to 15 secondsSee PackagesThe Bay Alarm Medical device consistently ranks high for customer service and satisfaction, as well as reliability and response time. Rather than a one-size-fits-all system, Bay Alarm Medical offers the option of three types of packages, so you can match the system to your lifestyle.In-HomeOn-the-GoBundle packages that include both in-home and outdoor protection The In-Home package is the company’s most popular system. This medical device system comes with a base unit and a pendant that can be worn around the neck or wrist. Fashion-conscious customers will enjoy the Bell Charm collection — a stylish charm you can use interchangeably with the emergency button. Bay Alarm in-home products use either a landline or cellular service. There’s no activation fee or hidden fees for things like false alarms; the call center operators are trained to respond in less than a minute, but the average answer time during 2019 and 2020 was 12 to 15 seconds. The On-the-Go systems are designed to keep you safe when you're away from home. Bay Alarm offers three options:GPS Help ButtonSOS Smart WatchIn-Car Alert ProsBay Alarm Medical doesn’t require a contract of any length.It comes with a 30-day risk-free trial.TMA Five Diamond CertificationCustomer reviews consistently mention easy installation and setup.It includes free spouse coverage.The call center can patch in a translator for many languages other than English.The monthly subscription price is guaranteed never to increase.This system can be used with a traditional telephone landline or cellular network. ConsSeveral optional upgrades are available, but the extra fees can significantly increase the monthly cost.Some customers mention how small the reset button is and wish it were larger.On-the-Go plans require additional device fees. Price PlansIn-Home Medical Alert: $24.95 per month for basic protection, $29.95 per month for preferred protection, and $39.95 per month for premium protectionOn-the-Go Mobile Devices: $29.95 per month + $99 device fee for GPS help button and $34.95 per month + $159 device fee for SOS smartwatchBundle Package: $39.95 for In-Home + GPS or In-Home + SOS smart watch Add automatic fall detection to any plan for $10 more per month. Get a Bay Alarm Medical alert system at Bayalarmmedical.com or call 877-232-0452. Best Non-Wearable GetSafe GetSafeVoice-activated wall buttons rather than a wearable deviceOperators call contacts first before emergency servicesSee PackagesMedical alert systems, or emergency alert systems, are better than cellphones because they’re worn and always accessible. But not everyone wants to wear a device all the time. In some instances, a strap or wristband might irritate sensitive skin, making the device more of a hindrance than a help. The GetSafe system overrides this problem by relying on voice-activated wall buttons instead of a wearable device. GetSafe offers three price plans based on the size of your living space. The Starter plan is appropriate for small, one-bedroom condominiums and apartments. The Standard plan is made for homes with two to three bedrooms, and the Select plan is a great option for larger homes with four to five bedrooms. GetSafe operators are trained to call family members or contacts first, before getting medical emergency help, when appropriate. The call center operators are professional, personable, and get high marks from users: “Sharisse treated me as if I was the only person she had to attend to. She was extremely gracious and professional, showed compassion and much patience. I felt enormous relief after speaking with her.” — B. Cusack (verified purchaser, Getsafe.com) ProsIt comes with a 30-day, risk-free trial.No contract is required.GetSafe is owned by Bay Alarm Medical and provides the same level of customer service and quick response time.Small monitors can be placed strategically throughout your home in the most accident-prone areas, like the bathroom or stairs.It has a 4G LTE base unit that doesn’t require a landline hookup.It comes with a wearable lanyard help button at no extra cost, so you have the option of wearing an alert device in addition to your home monitors. ConsYou must purchase equipment to use the medical alert monitoring service. Equipment prices range from $79 to $229.GetSafe uses a cellular network to operate, so it may not be a good option for areas with poor cell service.Caregiver tracking, GPS tracking, and fall detection all cost extra. Price PlansStarter: $24.95 per month + $79 equipment costStandard: $24.95 per month + $149 feeSelect: $24.95 per month + $229 equipment fee Get GetSafe medical alert systems at Getsafe.com or call 877-242-1796. Best for No Landline MobileHelp MobileHelpFirst to offer a mobile personal emergency alert systemComes with MobileHelp Connect, a device-tracking appSee PackagesMobileHelp has at-home, on-the-go, and complete-protection systems to choose from. It was the first company to offer a mobile medical alert system and is still a leader in the field. The MobileHelp company distributes its technological model to other medical alert companies. Every device comes with MobileHelp Connect, a tracking platform that provides accessibility to caregivers and family members of subscribers. The MobileHelp Connect app allows family to log in to the portal to locate your device, and the device can send notifications to family members. Since MobileHelp uses cellular connectivity, there is no need to rely on a landline for service. This is good news for people who made the switch from a home phone to a cellphone. That said, they do offer MobileHelp Wired Home, an affordable landline medical alert system. Plus, MobileHelp consistently receives praise about the product and customer service. ProsIt includes a risk-free, 30-day trial.No additional equipment fee is required.Each device uses cellular connectivity. No landline is required.Comes with both at-home and on-the-go equipment and subscription.Provides emergency monitoring service through Rapid Response, a well-established emergency response team. ConsMobileHelp Connect has a $5 fee per 30 additional location requests.Medication reminder and activity tracker each cost an additional $5 per month.Some plans are more expensive than other medical alert systems on the market. Price PlansMobileHelp Classic: starts at $19.95 per month.MobileHelp Wired Home: starts at $24.95 per month.MobileHelp Touch Classic: starts at $54.95 per month.MobileHelp Solo (on-the-go): starts at $37.95 per month.MobileHelp Duo: starts at $44.95. Add automatic fall detection to any plan for $10 more per month. Get a MobileHelp alert system at Mobilehelp.com or call 877-596-4243. Best for Budget Medical Alert Medical AlertNo contract required30-day, money-back guaranteeSee PackagesThe Medical Alert system is a good choice for budget-conscious shoppers looking to buy a medical alert device. With monthly prices starting at $19.95, it's an affordable way to improve your safety while at home and on-the-go. It’s also ideal for a caregiver keeping track of multiple alert-device users. A mobile app provides location tracking and push notifications about each device’s status, so you’ll know immediately if an emergency occurs. It also includes a testing schedule for each device and the contact list of each user. The Medical Alert system is available in at-home and on-the-go package options. ProsNo contract is required.It comes with a 30-day, money-back guarantee.GPS technology provides coast-to-coast location tracking information, making it a good option for people who travel extensively within the United States.You can choose between a wearable pendant, a bracelet, or a discreet clip-on device.This system can be used with either a cellular network or a traditional landline.The Medical Alert response center staff includes native speakers of multiple languages. Each operator is also trained to use the International Language Line for instant, real-time translation in more than 140 languages. ConsFall detection is an additional $10 per month.Enhanced emergency notifications cost $2.99 per month.You must select a semi-annual or annual plan to get the lowest monthly cost.It doesn't have as many extra features and accessories as other medical alert systems. Price PlansAt Home: starts at $19.95 per monthOn-the-Go: starts at $34.95 per monthOn-the-Go + Button: starts at $39.95 per month Add automatic fall detection to any plan for $10 more per month. Read our full Medical Alert review. Get Medical Alert systems at Medicalalert.com. Technological Developments in Medical Alert Systems Medical alert systems have been around for several decades, but recent developments in medical alert technology have led to an improved quality of life for their users. New technology has made these powerful tools more effective by helping minimize risks and setting family members’ minds at ease. Here are some of the top recent technological advances in medical alert systems. Mobile Devices Mobile medical alert systems are an important technological upgrade for active seniors. A mobile medical alert system is one that incorporates cellular technology to help users stay connected when away from home. These mobile devices are conveniently sized and generally easy to use. In the event of an emergency, users press the medical alert button, either on the base of the device itself, or on their pendant or smartwatch. Some medical alert smart watches come with extra features such as health tracking or the ability to communicate with the monitoring center directly from the watch. GPS Tracking GPS technology in medical alert systems works by identifying the user’s location via satellite frequency technology. In the event of an emergency, users press the emergency button and operators know where to send assistance or family members. GPS trackers give users more security at any moment whether they’re on the go or alone at home, enabling them to live the fuller lives that come with peace of mind, knowing they have access to emergency help at all times. Fall Detection Falls are a frequent concern among seniors. According to the CDC, more than one out of four older people fall each year. Fall detection technology helps minimize the danger involved in falls. This technology notifies operators faster and helps emergency services arrive quicker. Fall detection has made it possible for seniors to receive immediate attention and faster care. For example, fall detection means the user doesn't have to press the emergency button; the sensor is automatically activated if the user suffers a fall. But every technology has limitations. A study review published in 2020 in the journal BioMed Research International discovered that the algorithms used to detect falls have varying levels of accuracy and may not function in real-life situations. Algorithms depend on the position of the fall, the movement of the user and even the placement of the sensors, so verifying that every medical alert system with fall detection will prove 100 percent reliable is not always possible. Other Medical Alert Systems We ve Reviewed In addition to evaluating these medical alert systems on the basis of our research and hands-on testing, there were several more that we reviewed to ensure which finalists could make the cut:LifefonePhilips LifelineMedical Care AlertRescueAlertFreedom AlertQMedicBlueStar Senior TechOne Call Alert Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Alert SystemsWhen is the right time to buy a medical alert system?Don’t wait until a fall or medical emergency occurs. The medical bills and copays may far outweigh the cost of an alert system. If you or a loved one is becoming physically vulnerable in any way, it’s time to consider getting a medical alert system. If you have a health condition such as diabetes or heart disease, a medical alert system can be a lifesaver.How much does a medical alert system cost? The cost of a medical alert system includes the standard monthly fees, equipment costs, and sometimes annual fees. You may also have additional monthly fees for extra services. On average, you can expect to pay between $19.99 to $49.99 per month for the monthly monitoring service charge. Equipment and additional start-up costs depend on the brand and can range from $50 to over $200. Additional monthly charges like fall detection, medication reminders, and caregiver notifications can add $10 to $30 to the monthly fee.What features are most important in a device for someone who has dementia? Look for medical alert systems that provide pinpoint location tracking in case your loved one wanders. Some devices also send geofencing alerts to the call center and a specified contact if your friend or family member leaves a specifically defined location. Reminders to take medication and charge the device's battery may also be helpful for people with dementia.Do I need professional installation for a medical alert system? Most alert systems are easily installed and don’t require mechanical knowledge or expertise. Many simply require being plugged in. Even so, if you’re concerned about installation, choose a company that provides this service for free or nearly free.Are medical alert systems always worn around the neck? Many people balk at wearing a device around their neck. For that reason, medical alert devices can also be worn around the wrist like bracelets or watches. Others provide a clip-on option. You can get an alert system placed on your home’s walls or in your car instead of on the body.Does Medicare pay for medical alert systems? Medical alert systems are not covered by Medicare Part A or Part B. In some cases, Part C plans, also called Medicare Advantage plans, may cover a portion of your fees, so it’s important to check with your insurance provider before purchasing a medical alert system.Does insurance cover a medical alert system? Unfortunately, most health insurance plans do not cover medical alert systems. That said, you may have a plan that includes a benefit for covering medical alert devices, but you will likely need to prove medical necessity with a diagnosis and verification from your doctor. It is always a good idea to call your health insurance company to get exact coverage details before you purchase a medical alert system.What phone services do medical alert systems require? Most at-home medical alert systems can operate through a landline. You can also connect through a cellular service like AT&T or Verizon. The carrier you use will depend on the medical alert company, but medical alert systems like GetSafe include it in the package, so no need to purchase your own line.