Medical Alert Systems

Medical alert systems are often a great option for seniors who want to feel more confident when out and about running errands or visiting family. They may also be covered under a long-term care insurance policy.

The equipment in a medical alert system includes a base station that communicates with your wearable device (like a necklace pendant, bracelet, smartwatch or wall-mounted button) via landline or cellular connections. Most offer easy setup and are very user-friendly.

In-Home Systems

Many medical alert systems connect you to a monitoring center from your home. When you push a help button—which comes in the form of a wearable pendant or wristband or a simple button you can mount on your wall—a team member will reach out to emergency services, your loved ones, or both, depending on your preferences and situation.

In-home systems like GetSafe use a base unit that should be in a central location and standard wall buttons you can place throughout your house. The company also includes a simple personal help button in every plan. If you don't want to wear the device, our Reviews Team found that a push of the voice-activated button on the system is more responsive than those on competitors.

You don't pay any upfront equipment fees or long-term contracts with these types of in-home systems. However, the costs for these devices start at about $20 per month if you're using a basic plan without fall detection.

On-the-Go or At-Home Systems

Medical alert systems are often used by people who live alone and those managing chronic health conditions or recovering from surgery. They can also help protect younger adults who may have mobility challenges or fear falling.

automatic fall alarm Mobile medical alert systems use cellular technology to provide you with a way to connect to the monitoring center, even when outside your home. They are lightweight and small, and can be in the form of a wearable pendant or a handheld device. Many are also GPS-enabled, which makes it easy for your family and caregivers to locate you while the device is turned on.

Some medical alert companies include a lockbox as part of your service to allow emergency responders and caregivers access into your home without damaging doors or windows. Our Reviews Team recommends checking whether your chosen provider offers this feature, which can be an important addition to a mobile system.

GPS Mobile Devices

Some mobile medical alert devices use GPS (Global Positioning System) to track a wearer's location in case they fall or have a medical emergency while away from home. This lets loved ones and emergency dispatchers know exactly where the user is to send help quickly.





The device is worn around the neck or in a pocket and can be used to call for help when needed. It also has a manual help button that's easy to press at a moment's notice.

Many cellular systems have a built-in speaker and microphone that allows for two-way communication with an emergency response center agent, like the Lively Jitterbug Smart3. Most mobile GPS systems charge a monthly fee that's $5-$10 more than at-home systems. However, some offer a prepaid quarterly or annual plan that lowers the effective monthly cost. Some GPS mobile alert systems offer extra features, like activity sensors, for an additional monthly fee. These include the Bay Alarm In-Car GPS Medical Alert System.

Activity Sensors

The best medical alert systems offer an array of devices that can fit different lifestyles. For instance, some companies like GetSafe offer a cellular-based system with no landline required, and their customers can use a mobile device as well as a wearable help button for added convenience.

Other options include systems that come with a base unit equipped with motion sensors and a caregiver-accessible app to monitor users’ movements, as well as the temperature and air quality inside their home. These types of features can help caregivers note the user’s most recent movements when they are away from home, which survey respondents ranked as one of their top preferences for a medical alert system.

In addition, a medical alert system with two monitoring centers (like Bay Alarm Medical) can increase the speed of response to an emergency. These monitoring centers are strategically separated to ensure the quickest and most reliable response times for customers. The company also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.