Medical Care Alert Review 2025: Lower Prices and Fast Response Times
We tested Medical Care Alert’s medical alert systems for performance and functionality. Learn more about how they stack up in our Medical Care Alert review.
- Medical Care Alert offers three medical alert systems (in-home, mobile, or smartwatch) with an impressive average response time (17 seconds).
- Medical Care Alert’s devices cost between $29.95–$39.95 per month. The smartwatch has a one-time equipment fee of $149.99.
- Medical alert systems are a great way to increase independence and provide immediate medical care in the case of an emergency.
At NCOA, we take the time to research, test, and recommend products that aim to help you live a healthier life. We’ve spent more than 3,000 hours researching medical alert systems to give you the most accurate product reviews. To find the best medical alert systems, we:
- Consulted with doctors and licensed adult caregivers who specialize in working with older adults
- Put more than 35 devices through a series of 16 different tests at our in-house lab
- Mystery shopped more than 15 brands
- Surveyed more than 1,000 medical alert system users and caregivers
- Interviewed experts on older adults falls risk
- Worked with older adults to test medical alert systems and get their opinion
- Read thousands of verified customer reviews
We’re constantly testing new medical alert systems to give you the most accurate and up-to-date recommendations. Read more about our medical alert system review methodology.
Preventing falls in the home is an important part of safely living alone, but accidents can and do still happen. In fact, one study found that 70% of all falls occurred in the home.1 If you do fall, a medical alert system can connect you to emergency services at the push of a button. We’ve researched the top medical alert devices on the market, and Medical Care Alert is one we recommend.
Medical Care Alert offers three devices—an at-home device, a mobile device, and a smartwatch. Each device has its own features and benefits, but all quickly connect you to emergency services in the case of a fall or sudden medical crisis. We think Medical Care Alert’s quick response time, straightforward devices, and EMT/EMD-certified emergency center staff make this company a great choice.
In our Medical Care Alert review, we highlight the differences between each model, explain how we tested the devices, and outline how to choose the best medical alert system for your needs.
Medical Care Alert
- Quick response time (17-second average)
- EMT/EMD-certified emergency staff
- Text message notifications to emergency contacts
Why we recommend Medical Care Alert
We recommend Medical Care Alert because of its lower price and quick response time. While most of the brands we tested answered our call within a minute (which we consider to be excellent), Medical Care Alert had an impressive average 17-second response time. For someone who feels anxious about quickly getting the help they need, this quick response can be reassuring—especially if they have fallen before. When we surveyed 300 people about medical alert systems in February 2025, 74% of respondents purchased a medical alert system after they or a loved one fell.2
We also appreciate that Medical Care Alert staffs their emergency center with certified EMT/EMD professionals. Medical Alert was the only other brand to offer this that we tested. Certified EMT/EMD professionals can possibly help triage an emergency situation more quickly than non-certified staff, and the additional expertise can help you feel more confident about reaching out when you need help.
Medical Care Alert includes some extra features like a free lockbox, which lets emergency responders enter your home by providing access to a code-secured key. Medical Care Alert also has a feature that sends text messages to designated emergency contacts when you need help. We think Medical Care Alert is a reliable choice for a medical alert system.
Comparing Medical Care Alert devices
| Comparison Features | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Max. battery life (hours) | 24–72 hours backup battery |
72 |
48 |
| Fall detection | Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| GPS tracking | No |
Yes |
Yes |
| Standout feature | Two-way home speaker |
Portable GPS device |
Smartwatch with touchscreen |
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very fast call response (17-second average)
- Text message alerts to designated emergency contacts
- EMT/EMD-certified call center operators
- Free lockbox
- Lower price
Cons
- Devices are more basic
- No app
- Smartwatch has an additional equipment fee ($149.99)
Medical Care Alert Device reviews
In-Home System: The entry-level at-home model
Medical Care Alert’s In-Home System provides coverage up to 1,000 feet (about the size of three football fields). The wearable buttons, which connect to the base unit, are shower safe and never need charging. With both landline and cellular connection options, the In-Home System is a strong choice for older adults who spend most of their time at home. It’s also Medical Care Alert’s most affordable device.
In-Home System
- Lower price
- Shower-safe wearable button
- 72-hour backup battery
- Cellular and landline connections available
- Device type: At-home
- Fall detection: Yes, for an additional fee
- Max. battery life: N/A (24–72 hour backup battery)
- GPS tracking: No
- Caregiver alerts: Yes
- Connection type: Landline or LTE
Pros
- Lowest-priced device from Medical Care Alert (with landline connection)
- Long backup battery in case of power outage
- Shower-safe buttons
- Clear communication through base unit
Cons
- May be difficult to unbox for those with dexterity issues
- Connection confirmation is sometimes spotty
What’s different about the In-Home System
Medical Care Alert’s In-Home System comes with a base unit that plugs into the wall and connects to the emergency monitoring center through either a landline or a cellular network (using a landline connection will save you $5 per month). Medical Care Alert uses either AT&T or Verizon, but you don’t need to have a phone or contract with either company. You can check either AT&T’s coverage map or Verizon’s coverage map to verify there’s coverage in your area. You can choose to add fall detection to your plan for $10 per month, which is the standard price for this feature among medical alert system brands. You can learn more in our roundup of the best medical alert systems with fall detection.
While our testers were unboxing their In-Home System, they ran into an issue right away: difficulty removing the actual devices from the packaging. “It’s a little hard to unbox the In-Home System,” one tester said. “You have to pry some of the items out of the foam holder using some finger strength. I’d suggest someone help unbox the items if the user has dexterity issues.”
After testers removed the items, they found the In-Home System was simple to set up. “Setting up was very easy,” one tester said. “I called the number on the base unit and was connected to somebody within two minutes who confirmed my name and address. The customer service person told me what to do on the phone, and it was very easy.”
Our testers liked that Medical Care Alert has a separate testing number to double-check the functionality of the device. Some other brands, like Bay Alarm, don’t have a separate number or button, but rather have you press the button as if it were an emergency. This could make someone who is anxious about placing a call reluctant to test their device. Medical Care Alert recommends testing your device at least once a month.
“Listing the phone number on the base unit with the note ‘call weekly to test’ was very helpful and clear,” one tester said. “This is a unique feature that I haven't seen on other base units.”
Plus, testers noted the wearable button reminded them of jewelry. “It came with a very pretty wearable necklace,” said one tester. “You can't tell that it is a medical alert necklace with a button at all. In my opinion, it's a very unique and discreet design that looks like a necklace I would actually wear. The rest of the wearables look like more standard medical alert devices, but the silver necklace really stands out.” We consider this a great feature because studies have shown some older adults are reluctant to wear a medical alert device because the devices look too clinical.3
Some testers found the help button (which can also be worn as a wristband) difficult to fit properly on the wrist, which could be an issue for those with dexterity issues. And because the In-Home System only works within range of the base unit, it’s not the best choice if you regularly leave your home. The Home & Away Mini System is a better option if you like to travel.
Did you know? 48% of surveyed respondents choose to wear their medical alert system around their neck.2 The neck is considered the most accurate area to wear a device with fall detection.
Home & Away Mini System: The mobile GPS model
The Home & Away Mini System is a portable device you can wear around your neck or on a belt clip. Unlike the In-Home System, the Home & Away Mini uses GPS and LTE to connect you to the monitoring center and doesn’t have a base unit. It’s about the size of an Apple AirPods case and has a 72-hour battery life (the longest battery life from Medical Care Alert). If you regularly leave your home and don’t need the extra features that the Smart Watch includes, the Home & Away Mini System could be a good option.
Home & Away Mini System
- GPS tracking for accurate location services
- Long battery life
- Shower-safe, wearable device
- Check-in call option for emergency contacts
- Device type: GPS
- Fall detection: Yes, for an additional fee
- Max. battery life: 72 hours
- GPS tracking: Yes
- Caregiver alerts: Yes
- Connection type: LTE
Pros
- Small size
- GPS location tracking
- Emergency contact check-in option
Cons
- Doesn’t include extra features like the smartwatch
- Looks a bit clinical
What’s different about the Home & Away Mini System
The Home & Away Mini System is the next step up from the In-Home System. Unlike the In-Home System, it has no base unit and can be worn at home or on the go. It uses GPS technology to pinpoint your location if you press the help button. The In-Home System has a 1,000-foot range (if you’re outside of the range, your help button won’t work). But the Home & Away Mini works anywhere it can pick up AT&T or Verizon service. The entire device is the size of an Apple AirPods case, and you can wear it as a necklace or on an included belt clip. The Mini System is shower-safe and has a 72-hour battery life (that’s the strongest battery from Medical Care Alert).
Unlike the In-Home System, the Home & Away Mini has a built-in two-way speaker. That lets you speak directly to the monitoring center if you press the help button. The In-Home System’s wearable help button doesn’t have a speaker, so you need to press the button and be close to the base unit (which has a two-way speaker) if you want to speak to the monitoring center.
The Mini System also has a special connection option that lets you call your designated emergency contacts for a “check-in” call without connecting to the emergency contact center. We’ve only seen a few other brands offer this. It’s a nice feature for people who might want to connect with their emergency contacts before taking the more serious step of calling the emergency contact center.
While we like the Home & Away’s long battery life and two-way speaker, we wish it looked less clinical. Testers said it looked a bit clinical and rugged. They would’ve preferred a sleeker, more modern design, like the Smart Watch.
If you spend time away from your home or want a simpler-to-use, all-in-one device, the Home & Away Mini System could be a good choice. If you want something that looks less like a medical device and provides the same mobility with extra features, then the Smart Watch might be the right choice for you.
Smart Watch: The most advanced model
Medical Care Alert’s Smart Watch builds upon the GPS tracking and fall detection of the Home & Away Mini System by offering additional features like a step counter and heart rate monitor. The Smart Watch is the only device from Medical Care Alert with a touchscreen. We like the Smart Watch for older adults who want a medical alert system that looks and functions like a more traditional smartwatch.
Smart Watch
- Advanced features like a heart rate monitor and step tracking
- Looks and functions like a regular smartwatch
- Sleek touchscreen
- Water resistant
- Device type: GPS smartwatch
- Fall detection: Yes, for an additional fee
- Max. battery life: 48 hours
- GPS tracking: Yes
- Caregiver alerts: Yes
- Connection type: LTE
Pros
- Additional features like a step counter and heart rate monitor
- Looks like a smartwatch, not a medical device
- Quick charger included
Cons
- Costs a one-time $149.99 equipment fee
- Shorter battery life than Home & Away (48 hours)
What’s different about the Smart Watch
The Smart Watch takes all of the features we love about Medical Care Alert’s devices and expands on them with its most advanced model. The Smart Watch has GPS tracking, fall detection (for an additional $10 per month), and two-way communication with the emergency contact center, as well as extra features like a step counter and heart rate monitor. We like these additional features because they can help encourage you to be more active, which is an important step toward preventing falls.4
The Smart Watch looks and functions like a regular smartwatch, which means more older adults might be willing to wear it versus the Mini Home & Away or other devices that have a more medical appearance. The Smart Watch even has a touchscreen, like other smartwatches on the market. And like the other Medical Care Alert devices, the Smart Watch doesn’t require you to own a specific cell phone plan to work. Instead, it connects to either AT&T or Verizon. You also have the option to control the Smart Watch through an included app.
If you travel, like having additional apps like a step counter, and prefer a more discreet device, the Medical Care Alert Smart Watch could be a great choice for you. But the Smart Watch does cost $149.99, charged as an equipment fee. And out of all the devices, it has the shortest battery life (compared to the Mini System’s 72 hours or the In-Home System, which plugs into the wall). We believe these two drawbacks are minor when compared to the freedom and flexibility provided by the Smart Watch.
It’s important to keep in mind, though, that smartwatches aren’t as accurate as a necklace at detecting falls.5 If you have a high fall risk, the Mini System might be a better choice. For more information, see our review of the best medical alert watches.
How much do Medical Care Alert devices cost?
Medical Care Alert devices cost between $29.95–$39.95 per month, depending on which device you choose. The Smart Watch is the only device costing a one-time $149.95 equipment fee. You can add fall detection for an extra $10 per month on any Medical Care Alert device. Medical Care Alert, like other medical alert systems, isn’t typically covered by Medicare.
Learn more about paying for a medical alert system in our article on how much medical alert systems cost.
Comparing the cost of Medical Care Alert devices
| Comparison Features | In-Home System |
Home and Away Mini System |
Smart Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting monthly cost | $29.95 |
$39.95 |
$39.95 |
| Equipment fee | No |
No |
$149.95 |
| Fall detection cost (monthly) | $10 |
$10 |
$10 |
How to save money on Medical Care Alert devices
The easiest way to save money on Medical Care Alert devices is to choose an annual plan instead of a monthly one. When you pay annually, you get one month of service for free. You may also be able to use your FSA/HSA to pay for some or all of your subscription.
“I was really glad to have a medical alert system when a close family member had a sudden dizzy spell and almost fainted. They were alone at home, and without the system, getting help quickly would have been difficult. Thankfully, with just one press of the button, emergency responders were alerted, and help arrived fast. It gave me peace of mind knowing that even in unexpected situations, there’s a reliable way to get immediate assistance.”
–NCOA Mobility Survey Respondent2
Medical Care Alert accessories and options
Medical Care Alert offers several accessories for purchase. These include:
- A free lockbox is included with your subscription
- Additional wearable buttons (starting at $2.95 per month)
- In-Home System fall detection button ($10 per month)
The Medical Care Alert user experience
Our testers think Medical Care Alert’s devices are user-friendly and straightforward. Testers said setup was simple and the testing process was quick and easy.
When we tested the device, our testers found the call center staff to be professional and efficient. “They didn't sound particularly cheerful and were straight to the point,” one tester said. “They answered by saying, ‘This is Medical Care Alert.’ They did tell me to have a good day, which was nice before they hung up.’
While we appreciate their desire to address the caller’s issue quickly, we do wish they were friendlier. If you prefer a more customer-service-focused interaction, you may enjoy using Bay Alarm Medical more, which was named Best Customer Service in our guide to the best medical alert systems.
Medical Care Alert’s customer service and warranty
Medical Care Alert offers a 14-day trial period. If you return the device within this timeframe, you get a full refund. If you decide to cancel your subscription at a later date, simply call Medical Care Alert to notify them and return your equipment by mail.
Medical Care Alert’s warranty covers all services, repairs, and battery replacements. The In-Home System has a 100% lifetime replacement policy.
You can contact Medical Care Alert by:
- Phone: 1-877-913-3680, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET
- Form: Available on the website
- Chat: Available on the website
Are Medical Care Alert devices right for you?
We think Medical Care Alert is a good choice for people who want a straightforward medical alert device at a competitive cost. Their three different models each address a specific type of lifestyle or need, so you can find the right one for you.
A medical alert system could also be a great option if you have balance or mobility issues that increase your risk of falling. “Last year I fell in the shower and couldn't get up,” said one respondent to our NCOA Mobility Survey. “Thankfully, my medical alert system called for help immediately. EMTs arrived fast, and I avoided a worse situation. Lifesaver.”
The right medical alert device for you depends on your lifestyle, goals, and budget. Before choosing a medical alert system, ask yourself these questions:
- Do I stay at home mostly or like to go out and travel?
- How would I prefer to wear a device?
- Do I need fall detection?
Frequently asked questions
How much does Medical Care Alert cost?
Medical Care Alert devices cost between $29.95–$39.95 per month. The smartwatch has an extra, one-time $149.99 equipment fee.
How do I buy a Medical Care Alert?
You can buy Medical Care Alert devices through the company’s website.
Does Medicare cover Medical Care Alert?
No, Medicare does not cover Medical Care Alert or other medical alert systems.
Is Medical Care Alert worth it?
Yes, a medical alert system like Medical Care Alert is worth it because it helps connect you to emergency services in the case of a medical emergency.
What network does Medical Care Alert use?
Medical Care Alert uses Verizon and AT&T.
Can there be multiple users for each Medical Care Alert system?
Yes, you can purchase additional buttons for the In-Home System. The Home & Away System and Smart Watch require separate subscriptions.
What is the return policy for Medical Care Alert?
Medical Care Alert’s return policy requires you to send back your equipment to the company. They will then cancel your subscription and refund you.
Who installs a Medical Care Alert System?
Medical Care Alert systems are installed by the user.
Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.