Best Medical Alert Bracelets: Key Takeaways

• Medical alert bracelets are a discreet way to stay connected to your medical alert system and 24/7 monitoring center during an emergency. You can contact the monitoring center by pressing the bracelet button within a certain range of your medical alert system (about 600–1,400 feet, depending on the model).
• Also known as life alert bracelets, medical alert bracelets are lightweight and roughly the size of a watch. They are included with most medical alert systems at no extra cost.
• Most medical alert bracelets do not support fall detection. You must purchase a separate fall detection necklace or lanyard for all brands featured here.

Calling for help is as simple as pushing a button when you have a medical alert system—and most at-home and mobile medical alert systems include a medical alert bracelet as an additional safety accessory.

Also known as life alert bracelets, medical alert bracelets are wirelessly connected to your medical alert system. Even if you’re hundreds or more than a thousand feet from the system, all you have to do is press the bracelet button to contact the 24/7 monitoring center.

If you’re an older adult aging at home, have a chronic disease, are at risk for falling, or experience reduced mobility, these devices were designed for you. Research shows ^[1]
Stokke, R. The Personal Emergency Response System as a Technology Innovation in Primary Health Care Services: An Integrative Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research. July 14, 2016. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4965612/ that using a medical alert system and knowing help is only a button away can help provide a sense of security and independence.

We researched and tested a variety of the best medical alert bracelets to help you find the best medical alert bracelet for you or your loved one. See our top medical alert bracelets and why we picked them.

Our top medical alert bracelet picks

• Medical Guardian: Best At-Home Range
• MobileHelp: Best for Partners or Roommates
• Bay Alarm Medical: Best Mobile Option
• Alert1: Best Style Options

Why you can trust our expert review

2,500+

Hours of Research

1

Surveys Deployed

13

Brands Tested

9

Experts Consulted

Our team spent more than 2,500 hours conducting in-depth research on medical alert systems. During our process, we:

• Engaged in ongoing independent research
• Consulted with licensed adult caregivers, doctors, and nurse practitioners who specialize in older adult care
• Mystery shopped 13 medical alert bracelet brands
• Surveyed 1,000 medical alert system users
• Tested various medical alert systems
• Read hundreds of verified customer reviews from trusted third parties, such as Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot

Read more about our medical alert review methodology.

Comparison of the best medical alert bracelets, as of 2025

Medical Alert Bracelet with the Best At-Home Range

Best Medical Alert Bracelet for Partners or Roommates

Best Mobile Medical Alert Bracelet

Medical Alert Bracelet with the Best Style Options

What are medical alert bracelets?

A medical alert, or life alert, bracelet is a silicone wristband with a button connected to your at-home or mobile medical alert system. The center button is often called a help button. You can usually switch your help button from an adjustable bracelet to a necklace, if the necklace is included with your system.

While most medical alert bracelets have the same design and function, there are some distinguishing features to keep in mind when shopping around, including:

• Connection distance between the bracelet and medical alert base unit (if it’s an in-home unit)
• Bracelet battery life
• Battery alert system
• Replacement policy

Medical alert bracelets vs. medical ID bracelets

Medical alert bracelets and medical ID bracelets are not the same thing, although they are often used interchangeably.

Medical ID bracelets display important medical information needed during an emergency, such as the wearer’s blood type, allergies, chronic conditions, and current medications. Unlike medical alert bracelets, medical ID bracelets are not connected to a 24/7 monitoring center and can’t be used to call for help.

John Landry, BS, RRT, a registered respiratory therapist with HCA Healthcare in Memphis, Tennessee, added, “Medical ID bracelets can also be useful for people who take multiple medications or have complex medical histories, as they can provide a quick and easy way for health care providers to access this information.”

Medical ID jewelry is also becoming more common for those with Alzheimer’s disease, according to Christopher Norman, a geriatric nurse practitioner based in New York state. “ID jewelry is being increasingly used for people with this disease that might be prone to wander or get lost in familiar places,” he said.

Medical ID bracelets can be paired with a medical alert bracelet, especially if you or your loved one have any chronic conditions or health concerns. By shopping for a medical alert bracelet, you’re already taking a proactive step for you or your loved one’s safety.

Alert1 offers medical ID bracelets as an add-on accessory with your medical alert system for $34.95 each.

Pros and cons of medical alert bracelets

How do medical alert bracelets work?

When you push the bracelet button, your medical alert system contacts the monitoring center. You’ll speak to monitoring center staff through the base station or mobile system speaker since medical alert bracelets don’t have built-in speakers. The staff member will dispatch emergency services and contact your loved ones if you confirm it’s an emergency or you’re unresponsive.

Your medical alert bracelet must be within range of the main system to connect to the monitoring center. We recommend testing your bracelet at the maximum distance from the system when you first receive your package.

For example, the Medical Guardian MGHome Cellular has an advertised range of 1,400 feet from the base station, but what does that distance look like in and around your home?

Caregiver tips for testing the bracelet range: You can test the bracelet’s range using an online conversion tool that converts feet to steps (MGHome Cellular’s 1,400-foot range converts to approximately 560 steps). Count out the steps with your loved one while they’re wearing their medical alert bracelet. While you return to the base station, they should stay put and press the bracelet button to test if the base station connects to the monitoring center. If it does, let monitoring center staff know you’re testing the system. If it doesn’t, tell your loved one and have them move a few feet closer to the base station. Continue testing the medical alert bracelet until it contacts the monitoring center.

Medical alert bracelets don’t need to be charged—they have built-in batteries lasting about three to five years, depending on how often you use them.

Waterproof vs. water-resistant bracelets

Medical alert bracelets are usually waterproof or water-resistant. A waterproof medical alert bracelet can be completely submerged in water without getting damaged. A water-resistant bracelet can get wet, but it can’t be submerged for a long time.

Most medical alert brands list their medical alert bracelets as waterproof or water resistant on their site’s product pages. You can also contact customer service to check if a bracelet is waterproof or water resistant.

How much do medical alert bracelets cost?

Medical alert bracelets usually have starting costs of $20–$30 per month. The cost of your medical alert bracelet is bundled into your monthly monitoring fee unless you’re purchasing additional bracelets. Your monthly monitoring fee varies by the system, features, and any additional costs.

Standard in-home medical alert systems cost about $20–$30 per month. More advanced systems like mobile systems, smartwatches, or systems with smart technology may cost $40 to more than $50 per month.

Equipment and activation fees

Some medical alert brands charge a one-time equipment or activation fee on top of the monthly monitoring fee. When you pay an equipment fee, you’re purchasing the product. You won’t have to return your medical alert equipment even if you cancel your monitoring service.

MobileHelp and Alert1 are the only brands in our review that don’t charge equipment fees, meaning you’re renting the equipment instead of purchasing it. If you cancel your subscription, you’ll be asked to return the equipment according to the company’s return policy instructions.

An activation fee is a one-time charge to “activate” the medical alert system. Alert1 is the only brand featured here that charges an activation fee ($19.95) for all monthly subscription packages.

Add-on features and accessories

Fall detection, GPS tracking, medication reminders, and other add-on features are usually an additional charge each month. Medical Guardian, Bay Alarm Medical, and Alert1 charge $10 per month for fall detection, while MobileHelp charges $11 per month.

Optional accessories like extra medical alert bracelets, wall buttons, and lockboxes will either be an additional one-time fee or a monthly charge, depending on the brand.

How to save money on medical alert bracelets

Fees for medical alert systems can quickly add up. Fortunately, many medical alert companies run discounts on equipment, features, and other costs throughout the year, which can help you save money on your medical alert bracelet.

Some brands offer a lower monthly monitoring price and waive certain fees if you choose an annual, semiannual (pay twice a year), or quarterly (pay four times a year) subscription.

As of writing, all brands covered offer a subscription discount:

• Medical Guardian: Save 16% on your monthly monitoring fee, receive a free lockbox, and free ground shipping with an annual subscription.
• MobileHelp: Receive a discounted monthly monitoring fee and 50% off fall detection with an annual subscription.
• Bay Alarm Medical: Receive free shipping with a quarterly subscription plus a free month of monitoring with an annual subscription.
• Alert1: Receive a discounted monthly monitoring fee and waive the activation fee with an annual subscription.

Does Medicare cover medical alert bracelets?

Traditional Medicare, also known as Medicare Part A and B, does not cover medical alert bracelets. Medicare Advantage plan (Medicare Part C) may cover some or all medical alert equipment costs, but your coverage depends on your plan. Contact your insurance provider to confirm coverage.

Learn more about your Medicare coverage options and how to maximize your benefits with the comprehensive Medicare Guide on NCOA’s Age Well Planner.

Who could benefit from a medical alert bracelet?

Medical alert bracelets connect users to emergency services at any time of the day or night with the push of a button. This service was designed for older adults aging in place, as well as individuals with chronic conditions or physical or visual limitations.

Keep in mind the medical alert bracelets in this guide don’t have fall detection sensors, a crucial safety feature for many medical alert users. (The Medical Guardian wrist-based MGMini Lite and MGMove are exceptions; both have optional built-in fall detection.)

You can still press your bracelet button to connect to the monitoring center after a fall, but a fall detection necklace provides more safeguards if you’re unconscious or unable to reach your bracelet. If your fall detection necklace senses a fall, it will automatically trigger a call to the monitoring center.

“Necklace/pendent devices may be more accurate [than bracelets] because they sit closer to a person’s center of gravity and are at a greater distance from the floor than a wrist device would be,” said Jessica L. Israel, MD, a geriatrics and palliative care physician and chief medical officer at Complete Care Management in New Jersey.

Research shows that fall detection is not 100% accurate. This 2020 research survey ^[2]Ramachandran, Karuppiah. A Survey on Recent Advances in Wearable Fall Detection Systems. Found on the internet at https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2020/2167160/ found an average accuracy rate of 93% for fall detection devices, but numbers vary. This 2017 study ^[3]Aziz, et al. Validation of accuracy of SVM-based fall detection system using real-world fall and non-fall datasets. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5498034/ found an average accuracy rate of 80%, and a 2018 review of 22 different studies ^[4]Broadley, et al. Methods for the Real-World Evaluation of Fall Detection Technology: A Scoping Review. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6068511/ found that in order to arrive at a standard accuracy rate of fall detection systems, more real-world research is needed. Generally, researchers agree it’s not 100% accurate, but very close.

Assess your risk for falls with NCOA’s Falls Free CheckUp and learn how to create a safer home environment with fall prevention tips from NCOA.

Best medical alert bracelets: bottom line

Medical alert bracelets are a comfortable, discreet way to stay connected to a 24/7 monitoring center inside and outside your home. After researching and testing the models, our team recommends Medical Guardian, which has a fast response time and an impressive 1,300- to 1,400-foot connection range between the base station and medical alert bracelet.

MobileHelp is a great option if you want to protect two people in the same home. The company has multiple medical alert system bundles to cover you and a loved one. You’ll receive two medical alert systems, but remember to purchase an additional wristband so both you and your partner have a medical alert bracelet to connect to each device.

Bay Alarm Medical SOS All-in-One mobile system paired with a medical alert bracelet is excellent for on-the-go protection if you travel independently and enjoy spending time outside your home. Finally, Alert1 is our pick if you’re looking for simple protection at home.

While the Unaliwear Kanega Watch isn’t a standard medical alert bracelet, we wanted to mention it here since it’s one of the only wristband-style medical alert smartwatches with built-in fall detection. The Kanega Watch is slightly bulkier than a medical alert bracelet because of its large watch face and rechargeable batteries.

• Monthly subscription: $69.95 monthly monitoring fee plus $299 equipment fee
• Annual subscription: $59.95 monthly monitoring fee plus $199 equipment fee

Frequently asked questions

What is the best medical alert bracelet?

Medical Guardian, MobileHelp, Bay Alarm Medical, and Alert1 are our top picks in this guide because of their bracelet connection range, battery life, device options, and overall brand reputation. But ultimately, the best medical alert bracelet depends on your lifestyle, budget, and other personal considerations.

What are medical alert bracelets?

Medical alert bracelets (also called life alert bracelets) pair with an at-home or mobile medical alert system and connect to a 24/7 monitoring center. When you press the bracelet button, monitoring center staff will answer the call through your base station and dispatch emergency services to your location if you confirm it’s an emergency or you’re unresponsive.

How much is a medical alert bracelet?

Medical alert bracelets are not standalone accessories, so the price will depend on the medical alert subscription you choose. Medical alert system monitoring fees range from $20 to more than $50 per month. You can also purchase additional medical alert bracelets for about $3 each per month.

Can I get a free medical alert bracelet?

You won’t be able to get a free medical alert bracelet through most insurance providers, but there are local and national programs that may be able to help cover your medical alert bracelet and system costs. The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a long-term care program that covers medical alert systems and medical alert bracelet costs. You must live in a PACE service area and qualify for long-term care to be eligible.

Are medical alert bracelets covered by Medicare?

Traditional Medicare (Medicare Part A and B) does not cover medical alert bracelets and medical alert systems. Some Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) may cover partial costs, but coverage will differ in each plan. Call your plan provider to check your coverage. Learn how to get the most out of your Medicare benefits with the Medicare Guide on NCOA’s Age Well Planner.

What conditions qualify for a medical alert bracelet?

Medical alert bracelets are a good choice for anyone with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and Alzheimer’s disease. Those with physical or visual limitations may also consider wearing a medical alert bracelet. Speak with your health care provider if you or your loved one are hesitant about purchasing a medical alert bracelet.

Are medical alert bracelets the same as life alert bracelets?

Yes, medical alert bracelets are the same as life alert bracelets. Our guide uses both terms interchangeably. To learn about the brand name, check out our Life Alert review.

Can a medical alert bracelet detect falls?

Yes. All of the brands on our list offer fall detection as an add-on option, ranging in price from $10-$11 per month.

Does insurance cover medical alert bracelets?

Most insurance plans don’t cover the cost of medical alert systems, including bracelets. In some cases, private insurance or Medicare Advantage may offer some coverage. Contact your insurance provider to see whether your medical alert bracelet is covered. 

Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org

Sources

1. Stokke, R. The Personal Emergency Response System as a Technology Innovation in Primary Health Care Services: An Integrative Review. Journal of Medical Internet Research. July 14, 2016. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4965612/
2. Ramachandran, Anita and Karuppiah, Anupama. A Survey on Recent Advances in Wearable Fall Detection Systems. BioMed Research International. Jan. 13, 2020. Found on the internet at https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2020/2167160/
3. Aziz, Omar, et al. Validation of Accuracy of SVM-Based Fall Detection System Using Real-World Fall and Non-Fall Datasets. PloS One. July 5, 2017. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5498034/
4. Broadley, Robert W., et al. Methods for the Real-World Evaluation of Fall Detection Technology: A Scoping Review. Sensors (Basel). June 27, 2018. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6068511/
5. NCOA Medical Alert System Survey. 1,000 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched Nov. 11, 2022