4 Best Medical Alert Systems of 2023: Expert Tested & Reviewed

Some people might still associate medical alert systems with bulky, outdated buttons and the “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” slogan from nightly infomercials. Fortunately, today’s medical alert devices are modern, discreet, and full of high-tech features, like voice recognition, step tracking, and health vitals monitoring. And most importantly, a 24/7 connection to a monitoring center.

These devices are valuable safety tools for older adults, people at risk of falling, and anyone living alone.

Our Reviews Team researched and tested the top medical alert systems on the market to help you make an informed decision for yourself or your loved one. Let’s take a look at our picks for the best medical alert systems in 2023.

Our comparison table below allows you to easily compare prices and features of the best medical alert systems of 2023. When comparing medical alert systems, pay special attention to connection type, device range, and battery life.

With so many medical alert systems available, our Reviews Team wanted to refine and shorten our top recommendations to help you find the right one for you or your care recipient. We chose the above brands based on our testing experience as well as various price ranges, features, and device options.

GetSafe and Aloe Care Health are not our top picks, but we wanted to mention them here. Both have unique features that may be right for you or your care recipient.

GetSafe

GetSafe is a medical alert system you don’t have to wear. Instead, you place voice-activated and standard wall buttons that are connected to the base station throughout your home. You contact the monitoring center with your voice (say “Call 911” twice), pressing the wall button, or pulling the cord.

GetSafe may be a good option for users who don’t always remember to wear their medical alert system or find the devices uncomfortable. Packages are grouped by the size of your home; they range from one bedroom to four to five bedrooms.

GetSafe drawbacks:

• High equipment fees ($79–$307)
• No landline option for at-home system
• Mobile system can’t be purchased separately

GetSafe full review

Aloe Care Health

Aloe Care Health is an excellent choice for caregivers who want to closely monitor their care recipient. The base station, called the Smart Hub, includes a motion sensor as well as air quality and temperature monitoring. Caregivers can use the motion sensor to track the user’s daily activity and they’ll receive activity notifications through the caregiver app.

One of our favorite Smart Hub features is two-way calling. The user can make and receive hands-free calls to designated caregivers directly from the base station. Users can also contact the monitoring center with their voice if they’re within range of the Smart Hub by saying “Emergency” two to four times.

Aloe Care Health drawbacks:

• High equipment fees ($99.99–$249.99)
• Only 200-foot range from base station
• No landline option

Aloe Care Health full review

A medical alert system is a device that connects to a 24/7 monitoring center with the press of a button. Monitoring center staff can dispatch emergency services, care recipients, or both to the user’s location.

Medical alert systems can foster a sense of security and independence for older adults, those with health conditions, or anyone living alone who may require immediate assistance. ^[2] Stokke, Randi. The Personal Emergency Response System as a Technology Innovation in Primary Health Care Services: An Integrative Review. JMIR. July 2016. Found on the internet at https://www.jmir.org/2016/7/e187/

“Medical alert services can help reduce the risk of living alone—increasing independence for older adults and providing peace of mind for their caregivers,” said Liron Sinvani, MD, director of the geriatric hospitalist service at Northwell Health in the New York City area. “In the event of a fall or medical situation, an alert system makes help available at the push of an emergency button.”

Christopher Norman, a geriatric nurse practitioner based in New York state, urged us to remember that calling for help instantaneously and the time it takes for help to actually arrive are very different things, and they can vary depending on location.

“Urban versus rural locations are going to have different response times, and connectivity may be an issue in rural settings,” said Norman. “People should have appropriate expectations going into buying any medical alert device. They can be incredibly useful, but they’re not magic.”

How do medical alert devices work?

A medical alert system connects to a 24/7 monitoring center when activated. Depending on the medical alert device, your device may use a button, fall detection sensors, or voice commands to connect to the monitoring center.

Not all medical alert systems have the same connection type—some only connect to landlines, while others use Wi-Fi or cellular connections (such as AT&T or Verizon cellular, which is the same technology your smartphone uses). On-the-go systems, for instance, connect via a cellular network, meaning you’re able to contact the monitoring center anywhere cellular service coverage is available.

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” reason to use a medical alert system. Caregivers and care recipients may choose to purchase a medical alert system for a number of reasons. Maybe you or your care recipient experienced a fall or other medical emergency and weren’t able to get help right away.

Developing a chronic disease, injury, or recent medical condition that affects your mobility and overall health may be another reason to consider 24/7 medical alert monitoring.

Adults age 60 and older are disproportionately affected by chronic conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. Nearly 95% have at least one chronic condition, and nearly 80% of have two or more. ^[3] National Council on Aging. Chronic Inequities: Measuring Disease Cost Burden Among Older Adults in the U.S. A Health and Retirement Study Analysis. Page 5, Figure 2. April 2022. Found on the internet at https://ncoa.org/article/the-inequities-in-the-cost-of-chronic-disease-why-it-matters-for-older-adults

A medical alert system with fall detection A fall detection necklace has a built-in sensor that detects downward motion. It automatically contacts the monitoring center if it detects a fall, even if the user didn’t press the help button. is a good match for anyone with a condition that increases their risk of falling, like Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, diabetes, COPD, and impaired vision or hearing, said Sinvani. For those with a known heart condition, some medical alert devices are specifically designed for people with pacemakers or defibrillators.

People using four or more prescription medications every day should also consider a fall detection device. Research shows that taking four or more prescribed medications per day can double your risk of falling. ^[4] Ming, Yu and Zecevic, Aleksandra. Medications & Polypharmacy Influence on Recurrent Fallers in Community: a Systematic Review. Canadian Geriatrics Journal. March 21, 2018. Found on the internet at https://cgjonline.ca/index.php/cgj/article/view/268/381

Those living with dementia can also benefit from using a medical alert system. Some companies offer Bluetooth-enabled products that can be integrated with smart home devices, like window and door sensors. These products can alert a caregiver through their smartphone if their care recipient wanders away from home.

We asked Natali N. Edmonds, a board-certified geropsychologist and founder of Dementia Careblazers, what specific features a caretaker for someone with dementia should look for in a medical alert system.

“Some people with dementia might not remember to use the medical alert device after a fall,” she said. “Having a system that automatically detects the fall can help with this possibility.”

Edmonds added that the device should connect to an app so the caregiver can receive alerts and check in on the person with dementia while they’re away.

Note: A medical alert system should supplement in-person caregiving—not substitute it.

So, how do medical alert systems work? Learn more about at-home and on-the-go systems below.

At-home medical alert systems

At-home medical alert systems have a base unit that contacts trained staff at a monitoring center and a portable help button that connects to the base unit. You plug the base unit into an outlet in a central location, such as the living room or kitchen, and wear the portable help button as a medical alert necklace or wristband, or carry it in your pocket. This allows you to contact the monitoring center from a different room, and even from outside as long as you’re within range of the base station. Base units also include a battery backup in case of a power outage.

Most at-home systems are available with a landline or cellular connection.

On-the-go medical alert systems

An on-the-go system uses a mobile device with a cellular connection, enabling you to call for help when you’re away from home. Some systems also use a lightweight help button that communicates with the mobile device. You can carry the on-the-go system in your purse or on your belt while wearing the help button around your neck or wrist.

On-the-go medical alerts come in a variety of sizes and styles. Unlike at-home systems, mobile systems don’t need to stay plugged in. They have rechargeable batteries and include a charging cradle that plugs into an outlet.

Many mobile systems are about the size of a pager and can be worn as a necklace or clipped to your pocket or purse. Many brands, like Medical Guardian and Bay Alarm Medical, now offer medical alert smartwatches as an on-the-go option.

Learn more about common medical alert system features.

• Range: This is the longest distance an at-home base unit can connect with your help button. Device ranges are typically between 200–1,400 feet. Range is not a factor you need to consider with on-the-go systems.
• GPS Tracking: Location detection on medical alert devices is a feature that only applies to on-the-go systems. GPS GPS technology uses satellites to provide users with positioning, navigation, and timing services. -enabled medical alerts allow monitoring center staff to quickly determine a user’s location during a personal emergency. GPS tracking also allows caregivers to view the user’s real-time location when they’re wearing the device. This is an extremely helpful feature for those caring for someone prone to wandering.

We tested GPS accuracy of on-the-go systems by traveling to different locations and contacting the monitoring center to verify our location.

• Fall detection: Using sensors such as accelerometers, which detect motion, fall detection devices are designed to identify a fall and then send an alert to the provider’s monitoring center. Nearly every provider includes a disclaimer on its website stating that no device is 100% accurate. Be aware that false positives (when the device mistakenly detects a fall that hasn’t happened) can occur from things like dropping your device or the device falling off a table.

We tested necklaces with fall detection by dropping each one from shoulder height and recording whether the monitoring center was contacted.

Research from 2021 and 2023 shows that fall detection devices are more accurate when worn around the neck than on the wrist. Remember this when considering wrist-based fall detection devices like the Kanega Watch or Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch. In the event of a false fall detection alarm, the company will verify whether you need assistance. ^[5] Javier González-Cañete, Francisco and Casilari, Eduardo. A Feasibility Study of the Use of Smartwatches in Wearable Fall Detection Systems. Sensors. March 23, 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/21/6/2254 ^[6] Lee, Yongkuk, et al. Experimental Study: Deep Learning-Based Fall Monitoring among Older Adults with Skin-Wearable Electronics. Sensors. March 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/23/8/3983

If fall detection is a feature you’re interested in, see our best medical alert systems with fall detection review.

• Help buttons: Depending on the system you choose, you’ll receive a help button that can be worn as a necklace or emergency life alert bracelet. The help button is lightweight, comfortable to wear, and connects to the monitoring center for 24/7 coverage.

• Battery life: Since at-home systems are plugged into an outlet, they have backup batteries that typically last 30–32 hours if there’s a power outage. On-the-go systems come with chargers and typically last one to five days on a single charge.
• Activity tracking: Tracking your daily activities is a great way to track your steps and ensure you’re getting enough movement throughout the day. Many on-the-go devices now include step trackers that allow you to view your daily steps in your online portal or app. Caregivers can also use activity tracking to monitor a user’s well-being. Drops in normal activity levels could indicate falls, a long lie A long lie occurs when a person falls and is unable to get up from the floor for an hour or more. Long lies have been associated with several types of long-term health complications. , a medical condition, or other issues that can be noticed and acted on through caregiver activity tracking.
• Caregiver app: Many medical alert systems include a free caregiver app. Features vary by brand, but many apps allow caregivers to track the device’s location, set medication reminders, check battery status, and view a log of monitoring center calls.

Our Reviews Team evaluated how simple it was to place on-the-go systems in their charging cradles and how long they took to charge.

In our Reviews Team survey of 1,000 medical alert system users, automatic fall detection was the top feature our survey respondents wanted with their medical alert system, with 60% of respondents indicating that this feature was important to them. Automatic fall detection was followed by a mobile app for caregivers and GPS location tracking, with 55% and 53% of respondents indicating this feature was important, respectively. ^[1] NCOA Adviser Medical Alert Systems Survey. 1,000 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched November 2021

The cost of medical alert systems, also known as personal emergency response systems (PERS), depends on a few different factors. For example, some brands charge an upfront equipment fee, while others rent the equipment to you, waiving the equipment fee.

Starting monthly fees generally range from $20–$35. That doesn’t include one-time equipment fees, which can range from $50–$350, and activation fees of up to $200.

Some systems come with the option to add extra products or services, which can mean added costs, while others might include a few freebies.

Take a look at the four major cost categories below.

Monthly fees

The monthly cost of your system depends on the type you choose. At-home systems tend to be the least expensive, with monthly costs running between $20–$30. On-the-go systems usually cost about $30–$40 per month, but some may cost $50 or more. Bundled systems, which include two medical alert systems, can cost $40 to more than $50 per month.

Here are the lowest starting monthly prices of the best medical alert systems:

There are also medical alert systems with no monthly fees that don’t connect to a 24/7 monitoring center. Instead, an unmonitored medical alert system connects directly to 911 or your personal contacts during an emergency. Most don’t offer fall detection, GPS tracking, and other important caregiver features. We don’t recommend these systems.

Equipment fees

You either rent or purchase medical alert system equipment. If you’re charged an equipment fee on top of your monthly fee, you own the equipment and don’t need to return it if you cancel your subscription. High-tech devices like medical alert smartwatches, mobile systems, and smart tablets often have an equipment fee.

Most at-home systems are rentals and don’t include an equipment fee. Unlike purchased devices, you must return rental equipment when you cancel your subscription.

Add-on features

Optional features are a great way to customize your medical alert system to your care recipient’s or your needs. Some popular add-on features include:

• Automatic fall detection: We recommend purchasing fall detection if available. The average cost of fall detection is $10 per month.
• Lockbox: Some companies offer a free lockbox Typically attached to the outside of your home, a medical alert lockbox is a common add-on accessory that stores a house key, giving emergency responders access to the home. with your medical alert system, while others charge a small monthly fee (about $3) or a one-time fee of up to $30. Monitoring center agents can give the lockbox code to emergency services.
• Medication reminders: Many medical alert systems now offer medication reminders. You can usually set medication reminders in the corresponding caregiver app or online portal. Some brands allow you to add the medication name and dosage to your reminders, while others display a general reminder like, “Take medication.” Depending on your system, medication reminders may come through your phone, display on the medical alert screen or base station, or be a simple beeping sound.
• Multi-person monitoring: You can purchase an extra help button for about $3 per month or a $30 one-time fee to monitor your partner or roommate under the same medical alert system. If you and your partner have different schedules and activity levels, consider a bundle package with two separate systems for one monthly fee.

Hidden fees may include additional activation, initiation, processing, and membership fees. Most top brands will not add in these fees, but it’s best to confirm with a customer service representative when shopping around.

How to save money on medical alert systems

Unfortunately, Traditional Medicare (Part A and Part B) doesn’t cover medical alert systems, and private health insurance rarely does. Here are some potential ways to save money. ^[7] Medicare.gov. What Part A Covers Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/what-part-a-covers ^[8] Medicare.gov. What Part B Covers. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/what-part-b-covers

• Medicare Advantage (Part C): Some Medicare Advantage plans may cover partial or full medical alert system costs, but plans vary. Check with your insurance provider to see if coverage is available. ^[9] Medicare.gov. How do Medicare Advantage Plans work? Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/types-of-medicare-health-plans/medicare-advantage-plans/how-do-medicare-advantage-plans-work
• Flexible spending account (FSA) or health saving account (HSA): Money in an FSA or HSA can be used to pay for a medical alert system. These accounts allow you to set aside money before taxes to help pay for medical expenses and are usually available through an employer. They do have strict limitations, though: FSA funds can’t be used once you’re retired, and you can’t contribute to an HSA when you’re enrolled in Medicare.
• Quarterly or annual payment plans: Some companies lower your monthly fee if you choose a quarterly (pay four times a year) or annual payment plan. For example, the Medical Guardian Home 2.0 has a $37.95 monthly fee, but if you choose an annual plan and pay for a year of service in advance, the monthly fee breaks down to $34.79.
• Seasonal discounts: Medical alert companies may offer discounts around the holidays or other times throughout the year, such as waiving an equipment fee or offering a free service month.
• Organization discounts: You may also qualify for discounts through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or organizations like AARP. Some local area agencies on aging may offer discounts or partial coverage for a medical alert system. Use the area agencies on aging directory to find available programs in your area by typing in your ZIP code.

The best medical alert system for you will depend on your situation and lifestyle. Thinking about your budget and the factors that are most important to you in a device can help you narrow down the options.

These factors will be different for each shopper, but the majority of our survey respondents agreed that fast response time is the most important quality in a medical alert system. This was followed by the system being easy to set up and use, with price ranking as the third most important consideration. ^[1] NCOA Adviser Medical Alert Systems Survey. 1,000 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched November 2021

As a starting point, refer back to Table 1 to compare the features and costs of the top medical alert brands. Then use the following tips as a guide when researching the best medical alert systems:

• Evaluate your needs: Consider your day-to-day activities. Do you drive independently and keep an active lifestyle outside your home? If so, a mobile system is probably best for you. If you’re accompanied by a caregiver whenever you run errands or visit family and friends outside your home, you may need an at-home system. We also recommend adding fall detection whenever available.
• Evaluate the providers: Start by reviewing a company’s website. Is pricing information transparent? Can you learn about available features online? Many medical alert brands have an online chat feature, which is a great way to answer quick questions. If you’re more comfortable finding out information over the phone, call customer service to learn more about device features, the trial period, and the brand’s cancellation policy. You can also learn from real customers’ experiences on verified third-party review websites such as Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot.
• Evaluate the products: Take advantage of a company offering a trial period. This way you can make sure you’re comfortable with the medical alert system before committing to it. Confirm the trial period window with a customer service representative before ordering the device. Ask them to clarify if your trial period starts as soon as you order the device or as soon as you receive it.

If you’re a caregiver shopping for a medical alert system, it may be difficult to talk about medical alert systems with your care recipient, especially if they aren’t receptive at first. We asked Sean Marchese, a registered nurse with more than 20 years of patient care experience, how to navigate this conversation.

“Understanding someone’s main concerns for not using a medical alert device is the best way to learn why they’re hesitant,” said Marchese. “Consider discussing the topic with a health care provider present who can also answer questions and assuage worries.”

Considerations when shopping for a medical alert system

Even if you’ve narrowed down your choices to two or three medical alert system companies, you still have multiple models and features to choose from.

Keep the following considerations in mind to help you narrow down your choices.

Medical alert systems are not one-size-fits-all devices. Older adults and caregivers have different needs, preferences, lifestyles, and budgets, so the right medical alert system will vary for each person.

Medical Guardian has both impressive at-home and on-the-go systems, making it our top pick. Its at-home systems have some of the farthest ranges in the industry, and there are three discreet mobile system options available: a necklace, bracelet, and smartwatch.

If you’re looking for a high-quality system with lower monthly fees, consider Bay Alarm Medical. We were pleased with the brand’s mobile system options, as well as its packages with two systems for one monthly price.

For those wanting to skip a high equipment fee, MobileHelp may be the best option. While the UnaliWear Kanega Watch has a higher price than most medical alert systems, its unique fall detection technology may be worth it to some shoppers.

If you’re shopping for a medical alert system for your care recipient, involve them in the process as much as possible. Ask your care recipient what styles and features they prefer. You can also frame the trial period as a chance for them to try the device and give you feedback before deciding on a brand. Help them feel empowered by deciding on the right medical alert system together.

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

1. NCOA Adviser Medical Alert Systems Survey. 1,000 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched November 2021
2. Stokke, R. The Personal Emergency Response System as a Technology Innovation in Primary Health Care Services: An Integrative Review. July 2016. Found on the internet at https://www.jmir.org/2016/7/e187/
3. National Council on Aging. Chronic Inequities: Measuring Disease Cost Burden Among Older Adults in the U.S. A Health and Retirement Study Analysis. Page 5, Figure 2. April 2022. Found on the internet at https://ncoa.org/article/the-inequities-in-the-cost-of-chronic-disease-why-it-matters-for-older-adults
4. Ming, Yu and Zecevic, Aleksandra. Medications & Polypharmacy Influence on Recurrent Fallers in Community: a Systematic Review. Canadian Geriatrics Journal. March 21, 2018. Found on the internet at https://cgjonline.ca/index.php/cgj/article/view/268/381
5. Javier González-Cañete, Francisco and Casilari, Eduardo. A Feasibility Study of the Use of Smartwatches in Wearable Fall Detection Systems. Sensors. March 23, 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/21/6/2254
6. Lee, Yongkuk, et al. Experimental Study: Deep Learning-Based Fall Monitoring among Older Adults with Skin-Wearable Electronics. Sensors. March 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/23/8/3983
7. Medicare.gov. What Part A Covers. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/what-part-a-covers
8. Medicare.gov. What Part B Covers. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/what-part-b-covers
9. Medicare.gov. How do Medicare Advantage Plans work? Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/types-of-medicare-health-plans/medicare-advantage-plans/how-do-medicare-advantage-plans-work