Medical Guardian Review 2023: Cost and Features

By Zach Riggs
Medically Reviewed by Amber Snow, MSN, APRN, AGPCNP-C
Reviewed by Kathleen Cameron, BSPharm, MPH, Senior Director, NCOA Center for Healthy Aging
Fact Checked

• Medical Guardian offers a variety of medical alert devices that can be used both at home and on the go.
• Benefits include free activation, no contracts, and the option to customize your system with wall buttons and wearable devices.
• Identify your personal needs and budget before making a purchase to ensure it’s right for you.

This Medical Guardian review covers everything you need to know before making a purchasing decision on a medical alert device.

More than one in four Americans over the age of 60 live alone, according to the Pew Research Center.¹ If you’re in this category or you take care of a loved one who lives alone, you may wonder if a medical alert system would be useful.

Medical alert systems connect you with emergency services should you or your loved one have an accident. “For [older adults] who are living either as a couple or single, medical alert devices offer peace of mind as an ‘insurance policy’ for assistance if the need should arise,” said Sachin Nagrani, MD, medical director for Heal, a primary care provider offering home doctor visits. “For older patients who have fallen in the past or have dementia, medical alert systems can be tremendously beneficial.”

While there are many medical alert companies to choose from, Medical Guardian leads the way as a top provider. Not only does Medical Guardian offer a variety of models and prices, but you don’t have to sign a long-term contract like with some other medical alert systems. You can cancel and get a refund at any time if you decide the Medical Guardian system is not a good fit.

Our Reviews Team researched Medical Guardian, tested its devices, and compared it to other medical alert companies to help you choose the best medical alert system for your needs.

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

• Researched and tested each system independently
• Consulted with licensed professional caregivers and doctors who specialize in caring for older adults
• Mystery shopped 13 medical alert system brands
• Surveyed medical alert system users
• Read hundreds of verified customer reviews from trusted third parties, such as Better  Business Bureau (BBB) and TrustPilot

Read more about our medical alert systems review methodology.

Pros:

• Special offers: Medical Guardian often has special promotional offers, such as a free month of service, free ground shipping, and a free lockbox during Heart Health Month.²
• Fast response time: Our Reviews Team tested Medical Guardian devices and found an average response time of 1–15 seconds, which is well below the 30-second industry average, based on our internal testing.
• Refund policy: If you cancel your policy before the end of your service period, Medical Guardian will give you a refund for the days that aren’t used.
• Power outage backup: Medical Guardian in-home systems use backup batteries, giving you up to 32 hours of continuous protection in a power outage.
• System customization: Customize your system to fit your needs by adding wall buttons, wearable devices like necklaces or medical alert bracelets, and automatic fall detection. Medical Guardian’s newest model, the MGMove, also offers upgrades that give you reminders and the ability to text loved ones.

Cons:

• Most devices have equipment fees: Depending on the system you choose, you may have to pay a one-time equipment fee up to $149.95.
• Extra notifications cost more: You can add an extra emergency notification (called OnGuard Alert) that notifies your loved ones in an emergency rather than just calling the monitoring center. OnGuard costs $2.99 per month on top of your system price.
• No smoke or carbon dioxide detection: For people looking for an all-in-one alert system, this could be a drawback.

Medical Guardian costs between $30–$40 per month and offers several different payment options. Depending on the system you choose, you can opt for monthly, quarterly, or annual payments. Choosing an annual payment plan will help you save the most, and your subscription includes one free month of service, a free lockbox, and free shipping.

Overall, Medical Guardian is more expensive than other medical alert system companies. Most companies have starting monthly prices of $20–$25. When we reached out to the company for comment on why its prices were above average, a representative said that Medical Guardian holds itself to higher standards and touted its “industry-leading customer experience.” To achieve those higher standards, the representative said the company doesn’t cut corners, which means Medical Guardian ends up being more expensive.

Medical Guardian accepts payments in the form of check, credit card, or check by phone.

Medical Guardian makes several different devices that are either in-home (designed only for use around your home) or on-the-go (designed to be worn outside your home).

In-home devices work with a base unit that syncs to any wall buttons or wearable devices such as a necklace or wristband. Medical Guardian wearable devices for in-home systems have a range of 1,400 feet from the base unit. If you’re farther away than 1,400 feet from the base unit, pressing the button on your wearable device will not work. All base units have a two-way speaker that allows you to communicate with the Medical Guardian monitoring center.

On-the-go devices use Wi-Fi or LTE connections, which is the same wireless technology your cell phone uses, to give you an unlimited range and no need for a base unit (except for the Mobile 2.0 device, which uses a base unit and has a range of 500 feet). This lets you go anywhere with your on-the-go device and still be connected to the monitoring center, provided the Wi-Fi or LTE connection is reliable.

All Medical Guardian devices connect to the company’s monitoring center, which is a TMA Five Diamond Certified facility³, meaning the operators have undergone extensive training. Monitoring center operators are the people who respond when you push your device’s button and alert local emergency services should you need assistance. When our Reviews Team tested Medical Guardian devices, we found an average response time of 1–15 seconds, which is well below the 30-second industry average, based on our internal testing. This is an important factor: Respondents to our proprietary survey chose response time as their most important consideration in choosing a medical alert system.

Here’s what you need to know about each Medical Guardian device:

Classic Guardian

• Monthly fee: $29.95
• Device type: In-home
• Device range: 1,400 feet (ft.)
• Device dimensions: 6 inches x 6 inches x 2.8 inches (length x width x height)
• Device weight: 1.23 pounds
• Connection type: Requires landline connection
• Battery life: 32 hours with backup battery
• Location tracking: No
• Voice activation: No
• Water resistant: Yes
• Caregiver alerts: Yes

The Classic Guardian is Medical Guardian’s least expensive option. It connects to your landline, making it a good choice for anyone who doesn’t have a cell phone or strong cell service. The system includes a necklace and wristband. Both are water-resistant, so you can wear them in the shower or while working outside. Be aware that they are not waterproof, so you shouldn’t submerge them in water.

The Classic Guardian’s lower price comes with fewer features. The necklace and wristbands do not have a two-way speaker like every other Medical Guardian device—just a help button. Two-way speakers let you talk directly to the monitoring center from your device. You can still speak to the monitoring center using the two-way speaker on the base unit, and if you press the help button on the base but don’t say anything, the monitoring center staff will assume you need help and send it your way.

Home 2.0

• Monthly fee: $37.95
• Device type: In-home
• Device range: 1,400 ft.
• Device dimensions: 6.4″ x 2.3″ x 3″ (length x width x height)
• Device weight: 1.27 (oz)
• Connection type: Wi-Fi and LTE cellular networks
• Battery life: 32 hours with backup battery
• Location tracking: No
• Voice activation: No
• Water resistant: Yes
• Caregiver alerts: Yes

The Medical Guardian Home 2.0 device is a step up from the Classic Guardian. It also comes with a wristband and necklace, but it doesn’t need a landline like the Classic Guardian. Instead, it connects through LTE and Wi-Fi. And unlike the Classic Guardian and other home-based systems, the Home 2.0 device is portable. If you travel for vacation or stay with loved ones, you can bring your wearable device and base unit with you. All you have to do is contact the customer service department, so they can update your address. When you return home, you’ll need to call customer service to change your address back to your full-time residence.

Though you can’t activate the device with your voice alone, you can press the small “information” button on the base unit (not the larger “help” button), which triggers Voice Assist technology. Voice Assist gives you updates on your device’s battery and cellular network strength.

Mini Guardian

• Monthly fee: $39.95
• Device type: On-the-go
• Device range: Unlimited
• Device dimensions: 2.72″ x 1.38″ x 0.57″ (length x width x height)
• Device weight: 1.3 oz
• Connection type: Wi-Fi and LTE cellular networks
• Battery life: Five days
• Location tracking: Yes
• Voice activation: No
• Water resistant: Yes
• Caregiver alerts: Yes

If you want a small, discreet device, the Mini Guardian may be the right choice. Although it’s small, the Mini Guardian includes powerful features like advanced location tracking and a two-way speaker. Unlike the previous models, the Mini Guardian has no need for a base unit, meaning the device will work anywhere, provided the Wi-Fi or LTE connection is reliable. The device is also water-resistant, so you can wear it in the shower.

However, like the Home 2.0, the Mini Guardian doesn’t come with voice activation—it’s the only on-the-go Medical Guardian device lacking this feature.

Use “NCOA” at checkout for $50 off the Mini Guardian.

Mobile 2.0

• Monthly fee: $44.95
• Device type: On-the-go
• Device range: 500 ft.
• Device dimensions: 2.6″ x 1.5″ x 0.62″ (length x width x height)
• Device weight: 1.7 oz
• Connection type: Wi-Fi and LTE cellular networks
• Battery life: Three to five days
• Location tracking: Yes
• Voice activation: Yes
• Water resistant: Yes
• Caregiver alerts: Yes

The Mobile 2.0 is similar to the Mini Guardian. They’re both the same price and include advanced location tracking. The Mobile 2.0 has more features yet a shorter device range.

The Mobile 2.0 comes with a lightweight mobile base unit with a help button in the center, necklace, and wristband. Unlike the Mini Guardian, the Mobile 2.0 system connects to an optional wall-mounted help button for extra protection in your home. It also comes with voice activation.

The Mobile 2.0 has a shorter battery life than the Mini Guardian (3–5 days compared to five full days). It’s also larger than the Mini Guardian (1.5 inches wide compared to the Mini Guardian at 1.38 inches), so it may be more noticeable. And it has a shorter device range at 500 feet compared to the Mini Guardian‘s unlimited device range. That’s because the Mobile 2.0 device functions as the mobile base unit that you sync to the included necklace or wristband. The Mini Guardian has no included necklace or wristband, so it doesn’t function as a base unit. The Mobile 2.0 base unit comes with a clip that lets you fasten it to your belt, clothing, or bag. If you’d prefer an on-the-go system with no base unit, we recommend considering the Mini Guardian or MGMove.

MGMove

• Monthly fee: $39.95
• Device type: On-the-go
• Device range: Unlimited
• Device dimensions: 1.25-inch-diameter watch face
• Device weight: 2 oz
• Connection type: GPS, Wi-Fi, and LTE cellular networks
• Battery life: Up to 24 hours
• Location tracking: Yes
• Voice activation: Yes
• Water resistant: Yes
• Caregiver alerts: Yes

The MGMove is an on-the-go medical alert system in the form of a smartwatch, so no one even needs to know you have an alert system. Respondents to our survey chose smartwatches as the most desired type of wearable medical alert system.

The MGMove is also the most advanced on-the-go system from Medical Guardian. It includes GPS tracking, voice-to-text messaging, and several apps that allow you to:

• Track your fitness goals
• Keep in touch with friends and family
• Get medication and appointment reminders

Since it’s an on-the-go system, it has an unlimited device range. With a touch of the alert button, you can contact the Medical Guardian monitoring center from anywhere provided the connection is reliable.

However, the MGMove is the only system from Medical Guardian that does not have the option to add fall detection. Because it’s a smartwatch, the advanced features may be difficult to manage for those who prefer simple technology or who have dexterity issues, as the buttons are smaller.

You can add the following optional devices and services to your system for an extra cost:

OnGuard Alert

OnGuard Alert provides you and your care network (such as caregivers) with real-time emergency notifications. You can get alerts by text or email. This feature costs an extra $2.99 per month, and lets you add up to four contacts.

Wireless wall button

Wireless wall buttons make it easier to quickly call for help in rooms without a base unit, such as bathrooms and kitchens. By pressing the button, you can contact the monitoring center in an emergency. Like OnGuard Alert, wall buttons cost an extra $2.99 per month.

Voice-activated wall button

With the voice-activated wall button, you can call for help by saying the key phrase, “Help me, help me!” The button then alerts the monitoring center as long as you are less than 500 feet away from your base station. This feature is an extra $4.99 per month.

Protection plan

The protection plan provides repairs and replacement on devices damaged by wear and tear, accidents, spills, or power surges. The protection plan also includes unlimited technical support and costs an extra $6.99 per month.

Fall detection

Almost all Medical Guardian devices (except for the MGMove) come with the option of adding fall detection for an extra $10 per month. If you fall, the system detects it and automatically notifies emergency services. However, the company does caution that fall detection does not detect 100% of falls, and, if the user is able, they should always press the help button if they fall. Devices with fall detection should only be worn around the neck as this is the most accurate way to detect falls.

When our Reviews Team tested the Medical Guardian fall detection option, we found it successfully detected simulated falls from a standing position. Fall detection is complex, and the technology uses multiple criteria to identify falls, including speed, angle, motion, and distance. Be aware that false positives can occur (when the machine mistakenly detects a fall that hasn’t happened) from things like dropping your device or the device falling off a table. In the event of a false positive, the company will reach out and verify that you don’t need assistance.

Our survey respondents chose automatic fall detection as the most important special feature in a medical alert system. That’s likely because preventing falls is a big concern for older adults, their caregivers, and those who live alone. In fact, more than one out of four people 65 and older falls each year, and falling once doubles your chances of falling again, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention⁴.

Elite 911

Elite 911 is a small, one-button speaker box that connects you with the closest 911 operator anywhere in the United States or Canada.

This is different from connecting you to the Medical Guardian monitoring center. Monitoring centers receive your call for help when you push a button or use the two-way speaker and alert emergency services if there’s an emergency. The Elite 911 device, on the other hand, bypasses the monitoring center and connects straight to the nearest 911 operator.

This feature costs an extra $9.99 per month.

Wearable devices

If you buy an on-the-go device such as the Mobile 2.0, you can get wearable options to fit your lifestyle, such as a necklace or wristband.

Medical Guardian also offers a jewelry line called Limitless Icons. The line is attractive and doesn’t look like a medical alert system, which makes it a good option for those wanting a more discreet wearable alert system.

The customer service team at Medical Guardian is available by phone, email, or chat on its website. The team is available by phone at 800-295-9350 Monday–Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.

You can also email the customer service address at mgcustomercare@medicalguardian.com. 

For quick questions, Medical Guardian has a chat service on its website that quickly connects you to an agent. Chat availability is the same as phone availability.

If you have an active subscription with Medical Guardian, the company will replace any system or accessory that breaks due to workmanship defects within one year after purchasing. “Workmanship defects” includes any issues caused by how the device was manufactured. The warranty doesn’t cover equipment that breaks due to normal wear and tear or accidents.

Medical Guardian vs. Bay Alarm Medical

Bay Alarm offers an inexpensive system starting at $24.95 per month. However, its device has a shorter range (1,000 feet) than Medical Guardian (1,400 feet). Automatic fall detection is an extra fee ($10 per month) with both Bay Alarm and Medical Guardian.

Bay Alarm’s smartwatch is similar to the MGMove. Both watches include a two-way speaker, an emergency button, and a step tracker. For active individuals looking for a discreet device, either brand’s smartwatch may be a good option.

If you’re interested in more smartwatch options, check out our Reviews Team’s best medical alert watches.

Medical Guardian vs. Life Alert

You may recognize Life Alert from its famous commercials with the tagline, “Help! I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” While Life Alert is one of the most well-known medical alert systems, our Reviews Team doesn’t recommend this brand.

Life Alert is more expensive and offers fewer features than Medical Guardian. Life Alert doesn’t offer automatic fall detection—even as an optional feature. Also, its base system range is only 800 feet.

Life Alert’s website does not include much information, and you can’t order a system online. Instead, you have to call and request a free brochure to get information about their devices and then order over the phone. Life Alert also requires a three-year contract with very few options to cancel before the end of the three-year period. Medical Guardian requires no contracts, meaning you can cancel at any time.

For more information, read our Reviews Team’s Life Alert vs. Medical Guardian comparison.

Medical Guardian vs. Lively

Lively’s medical alert systems offer features like portability, waterproof hardware, and two-way communication.

The downside: Lively devices have shorter battery lives than Medical Guardian devices. A Medical Guardian device lasts up to seven days on one charge. Lively’s devices only last about three days, so you’ll need to remember to charge them more often.

Another drawback: Lively only offers automatic fall detection with its most expensive subscription plan.

Medical Guardian vs. Medical Alert

Medical Alert is one of the most inexpensive medical alert systems available. It has no long-term contracts, and its devices start at $19.95 per month. However, it has much shorter ranges than Medical Guardian’s devices.

Medical Alert also takes longer to respond to an emergency alert such as pushing a button. Our Reviews Team found that Medical Alert has an average response time of 15–25 seconds, compared to the average response time of Medical Guardian at 1–15 seconds. Automatic fall detection is available for an extra cost.

Medical Alert vs Medical Guardian Full Comparison

Medical Guardian vs. MobileHelp

MobileHelp offers simple and easy-to-use systems. You can easily combine a MobileHelp home-based system with an on-the-go device. Its devices start at $19.95 per month—cheaper than Medical Guardian’s least expensive option. You’ll also get extra benefits and features with MobileHelp. However, MobileHelp has a shorter battery life (30 hours compared to Medical Guardian with a maximum of seven days) and no option for Wi-Fi connection.

MobileHelp’s telehealth platform (called MDLive) stands out as an optional feature. For an extra $119.40 per year, you can use MDLive to speak with a doctor from your home, get a prescription, or refill an existing prescription.

Medical Guardian has been in the medical alert system business for 16 years. The company has an A+ rating with the BBB. However, when it comes to customer reviews, Medical Guardian doesn’t fare as well as some other medical alert brands.

• BBB⁵: Medical Guardian has an overall customer rating of 1.13 out of 5 stars based on 56 customer reviews. Reviewers noted difficulty obtaining refunds when canceling their subscription. Despite the low average customer rating, Medical Guardian still has an A+ rating with the BBB, which reflects that the company routinely responds to and resolves customer complaints and follows transparent business practices such as providing complete information about its products.
• TrustPilot⁶: Medical Guardian only has a Score of 1.2 out of 5 stars based on 732 customer reviews. Reviewers had difficulty returning equipment for refunds and experienced problems using the devices. It is important to note that almost 75% of reviewers gave the company an “excellent” or “great” rating.

“Always quick answer with immediate response from police & medical; very courteous & understanding in a trying situation”

– ANN C, VERIFIED CUSTOMER (REVIEW FROM BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU)

“The Mini Guardian device is a cheap plastic device that will break as soon as you try to change the lanyard to a belt loop. And when you return it, Medical Guardian will manipulate the received time of the returned device so that they do not have to give you a refund. Please read all of their reviews prior to doing business with them.”

– MIKE H, VERIFIED CUSTOMER (REVIEW FROM BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU)

“Love the service. Quick response time and helpful friendly people. I feel more confident that my mom will have the help if she needs it.”

– PANI R, VERIFIED CUSTOMER (REVIEW FROM TRUSTPILOT)

We contacted Medical Guardian for a comment, and a representative said the company strives to maintain excellent ratings by responding to complaints in a timely manner. The representative encourages potential customers to seek out reviews on websites such as Amazon⁷, where the company has an average customer rating of four out of five stars.

Anyone who lives alone, has mobility issues, has suffered a previous fall, or has one or multiple caregivers (in-home care nurses, adult children, next-door neighbors, etc.) should consider Medical Guardian. We also recommend the Medical Guardian mobile app because you can add loved ones to your “Care Circle,” which is a list of contacts such as caregivers or loved ones who will receive automatic notifications in the event of an emergency.

 

Medical Guardian offers both cellular and landline medical alert system options, so you can choose the best system for your needs.

A medical alert system from Medical Guardian may not work for someone who wants extra features like telehealth services, such as virtual doctor consultations, or daily wellness checks, such as medication reminders. While some medical alert companies offer those features, Medical Guardian does not.

Read more about how a medical alert system works to determine if you should consider a medical alert.

Medical Guardian offers optional fall detection to get you the help you need if you do experience a fall. To prevent falls before they happen, exercise and good health are always key, according to the National Institute on Aging⁸. Home safety modifications also help prevent falls in more dangerous areas, like a bathroom. Check out the NCOA Falls Free CheckUp to determine your risk for falls and what actions you should take to reduce your personal risks.

For more help with fall prevention, see our Falls Prevention for Older Adults and Falls Prevention for Caregivers pages.

If you’re looking for an in-home or on-the-go medical alert system for yourself or a loved one, Medical Guardian has several options to choose from. It stands out from other medical alert companies with bigger device ranges, longer battery life, and one of the shortest response times in the industry.

With no contracts and optional automatic fall detection, Medical Guardian may give you peace of mind knowing that you or your loved ones are protected. However, a fair number of customers have been dissatisfied with how the company handles refunds. This is something to take into consideration before committing to the cost of a medical alert system.

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

1. Pew Research Center, “Older people are more likely to live alone in the U.S. than elsewhere in the world.” Found on the internet at https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/03/10/older-people-are-more-likely-to-live-alone-in-the-u-s-than-elsewhere-in-the-world/
2. Medical Guardian. Found on the internet at https://www.medicalguardian.com
3. Medical Guardian. Found on the internet at https://www.medicalguardian.com/medical-alert-monitoring-services 
4. CDC, “Facts About Falls” Found on the internet at https://www.cdc.gov/falls/facts.html
5. Better Business Bureau, “Medical Guardian, LLC” Found on the internet at https://www.bbb.org/us/pa/philadelphia/profile/medical-alarm/medical-guardian-llc-0241-194803929 
6. Trustpilot, “Medical Guardian” Found on the internet at https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.medicalguardian.com
7. Amazon, “Medical Guardian” Found on the internet at https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/3DE92CB3-A28A-4993-B88D-A7B724F8F8F4?ingress=0&visitId=eca0228d-10a5-4355-92cf-99ece3a8dc36
8. National Institute on Aging, “Prevent Falls and Fractures.” Found on the internet at https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/prevent-falls-and-fractures