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Medical Alert Review

Top10.com Staff

In a Nutshell

Medical Alert is one of the most affordable medical alert systems available today. With pendant and wristband options for its wearable devices, Medical Alert keeps safety priority number one without compromising comfort. You can just press the easy-to-use lightweight buttons to call for help whenever and wherever you are.

pros

  • 30 day money back guarantee
  • Free shipping with annual plan
  • A+ BBB rating & trusted name in industry

cons

  • Fall detection not included in the price
  • Limited additional features

Medical Alert at a Glance

9.4
Editorial Score

Product

2 solutions; Wrist and pendant wearable options
8.5

Features

Fall detection; Waterproof; 2-way communication
10.0

Connectivity/Mobility

At-home and on-the-go solutions; Landline, cellular and GPS connectivity available
9.5

Alerts

US-based monitoring center responds to help button or falls. Calls and provides 24/7 emergency support
10.0

Connectivity/Mobility

User-friendly website; Mobile app allows users to text a loved one or the control center for help
9.0

Medical Alert Medical Alert Visit Site

Best For:

  • Elderly who live alone
  • Independent seniors who like to go out
  • Seniors on a budget

Monitoring Services

Medical Alert has excellent monitoring services. For one thing, the company runs several response centers 24/7. That means it doesn’t rely on a single monitoring center to handle its calls, so there is always someone available in case of an emergency. 

Additionally, Medical Alert monitoring centers are fully redundant, 5 Diamond, UL-certified, interlinked centers. That’s a big deal in this industry, and it means that Medical Alert holds itself to the highest standards of quality of service, responsiveness, and training for all its staff members. Each center is manned by SIA-Certified multilingual operators. What’s more, Medical Alert is able to respond in 140 languages using the real-time translations from the International Language Line.

GPS and location-based monitoring are also available with the On the Go devices. This is a good option for seniors who are more active, still able to get out and about, and enjoy doing their own errands, staying physically active, and otherwise leading an active lifestyle. The GPS monitoring and location services allow you to know where your loved one is at all times of the day or night, no matter where they go.

Product Features

Medical Alert is a pretty back-to-the-basics model of alert systems. Minimizing the bells and whistles is one way that the MA is able to provide its services for such affordable prices. While there aren’t as many as some companies, most seniors will find that the Medical Alert alert units contain just about everything you need, including:

  • Shower-safe buttons

Medical Alert buttons and wearable devices are all waterproof. They can be worn in the shower, while jogging, and around other water. This is an important feature considering how many falls occur in or around the bathroom. 

  • Fall detection 

Possibly the most important feature for a medical alert system, fall detection is available as an add-on for any of the Medical Alert systems. Fall detection technology is able to detect when the wearer has fallen or slipped. This way, Medical Alert can alert the proper medical emergency responders even if the wearer is unable to press the alert button themselves. 

  • Extended coverage

Medical Alert has a wider coverage range than most medical alert system providers. In addition to covering the entire 50 states, Medical Alert is also fully functional across Canada, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. 

  • Mobile app 

Medical Alert has a mobile app available for Android and iPhones. You can download the app and specify who is to be notified in the event of an emergency situation, and in what order. You can also use the mobile app to get updates about when the wearer has enabled the alert button via push notifications, set up a testing schedule for the equipment, and check on the device’s status. 

Installation Process

Since you’re working with the senior community, devices need to be easy to use and hook up. Medical Alert systems are very simple to install. Here’s how:

Step 1: Unbox the contents of your order

Step 2: Plug the cradle into the wall using the power cord provided

Step 3: When charged, press the button on the base unit to set up and test the device. Be sure to alert Medical Alert that you are testing your system so emergency services are not alerted. 

Step four: If you are using a landline system, you’ll also need to plug your device into your phone jack using the phone wire provided. 

That’s all you need to do to get started. Then you can use your Medical Alert button regularly.

Contract & Fees


Landline at-home
Cellular at-home
Mobile
Price for landline at-home device
$19.95-$22.95
$29.95-$32.95
$34.95-$40.95
Landline/internet required
Landline
No
No
Activation fees
No
No
No
Long-term commitment
No
No
No
Range
800 ft
800 ft
Unlimited
Fall detection
Optional
Optional
Optional
GPS tracking
No
No
Yes

*Pendant coverage is subject to device location, environment, equipment and facility conditions.

Medical Alert starts at $19.95 per month for equipment and monitoring services. This is a competitive rate for the industry. We like that Medical Alert comes with no long-term commitments or contracts. You can pay by the month, or sign up for a longer period to receive a discounted rate. What’s more, Medical Alert doesn’t charge any installation, activation, or other similar fees associated with opening a new account. You also don’t have to pay for the equipment itself. 

If you sign up for the six- or twelve-month plans, you’ll get free shipping, and annual plans also come with a free lockbox and one month free. Medical Alert has a 30-day free trial money-back guarantee, so you can test out the service and the equipment, and return it or cancel without any charges (less shipping). All these factors combined, Medical Alert is great value for money, and one of the best options for seniors on a budget.

Customer Service

Medical Alert is known for its customer service. You can reach out to someone via phone or email, and Medical Alert also has a good FAQ section right on the site. Users can ask for help installing the device, downloading the mobile app, or using the system itself, as well as any other questions, and the Medical Alert staff will help. There are even product guides with detailed instructions for each of the devices online.

Medical Alert Medical Alert Visit Site

Bottom Line

Medical Alert is a good budget-friendly medical alert system. It’s got a solid reputation that includes lots of positive online reviews, high rankings within the industry, and the customer satisfaction rates to prove it. Medical Alert doesn’t have a ton of the extras like smart home connectivity or voice activation. But if you’re looking for a reliable, easy-to-use medical alert system that is affordable and quick to respond, you can’t go wrong with Medical Alert.

About Medical Alert

Medical Alert is a part of the greater Connect America corporation headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Medical Alert now has hundreds of thousands of customers across the country thanks to its convenient and reliable medical alert systems. Using Five Diamond monitoring centers, Medical Alert ensures that people are responded to quickly, efficiently, and effectively. And with 24/7 monitoring, it means that there is always someone around to help when you need it. Medical Alert has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and a positive reputation online among customers. 

Contact 

Email:

CustomerRelations@medicalalert.com 

Phone: 

1-800-800-1003

Address: 

816 Park Way, Broomall, PA 19008

Top10.com's editorial staff is a professional team of editors, writers and experts with dozens of years of experience covering consumer, financial and business products and services.

The author of this article has been paid by Natural Intelligence to write this article. Neither the author nor Natural Intelligence provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or your local emergency number immediately.

Medical Alert

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