Lively Medical Alert System Cost and Pricing

The Fast Facts: Lively’s Equipment and Pricing

Keep in mind that selecting a health and safety package is required for Lively’s medical alert device, the Lively Mobile2. For Lively’s phones, the Jitterbug Smart4 and Jitterbug Flip2, you’ll have your choice of three phone plans. All three plans come with unlimited talk and text and various health and safety features.

*Includes unlimited talk and text

A Closer Look at Lively’s Systems and Value

Jitterbug Smart4: An Affordable, Simplified Smartphone

The Jitterbug Smart4 home screen

With an upfront cost of $119.99, this smartphone is Lively’s premier option. It’s more affordable than many other smartphones on the market. For instance, one of Apple’s least expensive models, the iPhone SE, starts at around $429, which is almost three times the price of the Jitterbug Smart4. The talk and text plans start at $19.99 per month, and data starts at $5 per month — pretty inexpensive compared to most big-name cell phone carriers!

With a large screen, intuitive menu, loudspeaker, and voice typing, the Jitterbug Smart4 offers smartphone technology that caters to savvy older adults. We love that the phone has a 37-hour talk time battery life, which is 15 hours longer than the previous model’s battery life, the Jitterbug Smart3. It also features an upgraded triple rear camera system (13 MP/2 MP/2 MP), which is perfect for taking all those pictures of grandbabies and your latest vacation! We found that the camera quality was decent for a basic smartphone, though it can’t compete with the latest iPhones. If you choose a phone plan that offers the Urgent Response feature, you’ll have access to a 24/7 emergency operator who can send help during an emergency.

Jitterbug Flip2: A Basic Flip Phone for Budget-Conscious Seniors

One of our writers testing out the Jitterbug Flip2

With an equipment fee of $79.99 and plans starting at $19.99 per month, the Jitterbug Flip2 is an excellent option for older adults looking for a simple, affordable phone. We will say the Jitterbug Flip2 is pricier than the upfront cost of other basic flip phones, like Consumer Cellular's prices for the IRIS Easy Flip, which costs $59. However, the Jitterbug Flip2 has top-of-the-line health and safety features and reliable service that you won’t find with other flip phones. We think it is worth the extra cost.

The Jitterbug Flip2 features a bright screen, loudspeaker, large textured buttons, a simplified menu, brain games, and hearing aid compatibility — all designed specifically for older adults. It is available in two color options: red or graphite. This flip phone can be turned into a medical alert device with one of the provider’s top-tier phone plans. All we had to do was press the large red Urgent Response button, and we were connected with a live agent in under a minute. Plus, it was the perfect size to slide into our pocket or purse for on-the-go protection.

For a closer look at this flip phone, check out our Jitterbug Flip2 review.

Lively Mobile2: A Simple On-The-Go Medical Alert

Charging the Lively Mobile2

The Lively Mobile2 is a completely (you guessed it) mobile device with GPS technology, a two-way speaker, a long-lasting battery (up to 40 hours), and access to Lively’s Urgent Response team. In our experience, it was very easy to set up and use. We plugged the device in and let it charge for a few hours. Then, it was ready to go. With one big call button, help is never far away. We used our system on walks, at home, and while traveling.

Plus, the Lively Link app keeps your family members connected. The Lively Mobile2 costs $79.99, while the price for a monthly plan starts at $24.99. You can also add automatic fall detection for $9.99 per month, which is a standard price for the industry.

Lively Mobile2 is an updated version of the Lively Mobile Plus. This mobile medical alert system is redesigned and less bulky than its predecessor. It is a lightweight device that can be worn with a clip or a lanyard (the lanyard is required for fall detection). The Mobile2 also comes with a “Health Check” feature that can be found on the sturdy charging base to ensure your device is up and running properly.

Expert Insights

From Taylor Shuman, Senior Tech Expert

Over 14 million seniors report a fall every year. That’s why I always recommend a system with fall detection, as this feature can automatically call for help after a fall, even if you’re unable to press your help button.

The medical alert system is perfect for on-the-go older adults who don’t want to cramp their active lifestyles but still want the added security of urgent response at the push of a button. However, If you’d prefer a home-based mobile medical alert system, you may want to consider other popular brands like Bay Alarm Medical and Medical Guardian. Since the Mobile2 is the only system with optional fall detection, it’s great for older adults who may be prone to falls. Plus, it’s waterproof, so you can stay protected in the shower.

While there are other more expensive devices, like the Jitterbug Smart4 and Jitterbug Flip2, the Lively Mobile2 is a good value. It’s best for those looking for a simple, affordable system. It will keep your loved one safe without extra costly features like internet, talk, and text.

Add-On Accessories: Pricing and Features

Once you select a Lively phone or medical alert device, you’ll want to choose a health and safety package or phone plan (depending on the device) that suits your budget and protection needs. Lively offers two package options: Preferred and Premium. The features and monthly prices are dependent on whether you purchase a phone or medical alert device. Below is a breakdown of the packages and the value of the features they include.

Health and Safety Packages for the Lively Mobile2

Phone Plans for Jitterbug Smart4 and Jitterbug Flip2

Urgent Response

Lively's Urgent Response button is clearly displayed on the home and lock screen.

Urgent Response gives you 24/7 access to trained emergency agents who are familiar with your personal health information. All Lively agents are based in the U.S. and certified by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED), the same company that certifies 911 operators. Urgent Response agents offer support in over 100 languages, which gets a big thumbs up from us.

We gave Lively’s Urgent Response team a high rating. Whether we tested our devices at home or on the go, we were always able to connect to an agent in less than a minute.

Lively Rides

A Lively team member can schedule a Lyft ride for you whenever you need transportation.

Nurse On-Call

Have you ever wanted advice from a medical professional but didn't want to hassle with an appointment to ask a simple question? Nurse On-Call gives seniors 24/7 access to board-certified doctors and registered nurses, so you can use your Lively device to access non-emergency medical care from the comfort of your home. Doctor’s visits can be expensive, so this feature offers excellent value and accessibility to care.

Lively Link

Testing out the Lively Link app's location tracking feature

Using the Lively Link app, caregivers can stay in the loop on their loved one’s status. We could receive instant, detailed medical alerts, GPS location, and daily activity updates on the user. When we used the Jitterbug Smart4 while running errands, we could track the device’s exact location through the app in real time.

Ask Lively

With this concierge-like feature, seniors can access the personal operator to search for phone numbers, make a call, or get driving directions. Talk about convenience!

Care Advocate

Users work with Lively’s team of experts to create a personalized plan to work toward their health and wellbeing goals.

Fall Detection

In addition to Lively’s health and safety packages, you can add automatic fall detection to Lively Mobile2 for $9.99 per month. This feature automatically detects a fall and tracks your location. When a fall is detected, an Urgent Response Agent is alerted and can provide you with immediate assistance. Fall detection is not available with Lively’s cell phones.

How to Get the Best Deal With Lively

Here are our top tips for getting the best deal on a Lively phone or device.

1. Ask customer service about any seasonal promotions Lively is running at the time of purchase. There is usually a deal that can save you up to 50 percent on the one-time product fee. As you know, we love a good deal!
2. Take advantage of Lively’s free shipping and 30-day return policy. Lively makes it easy to try out one of their products without much risk. If you don’t like the product, you have up to 30 days to return it and move on. Keep in mind — you will have to pay $10 for restocking. After 30 days, you can’t return your device or receive a refund for the device or activation, but you can cancel your service. This means you will get a prorated refund for your monthly charges.

Is Lively Right for Me?

If you’re looking for a device that keeps you connected and offers 24/7 protection, we’d recommend Lively. Their devices are small and sleek, so you won’t feel like you’re carrying around a bulky medical alert device. Compared to other flip phones and smartphones, Lively’s device fees are affordable, and we love that they’re designed specifically for older adults. The health and safety features are as simple or robust as you want and can be adjusted as your health needs change. The flexibility and personalization offered by Lively devices make them a great option for seniors needing a mobile phone, medical alert device, or both.

Our Methodology: How We Tested Lively’s Systems

Every product that we review goes through hands-on testing and evaluation. As we test medical alert systems, we rank them using several factors, including ease of use, reliability, value, cost, response times, customer service, and features. We give every provider a star rating out of five, so readers can easily compare systems and companies. We also receive feedback from older adults about the products whenever possible.

Our senior tech experts spent over 50 hours testing Lively’s devices. Below is a closer look at the most important factors we considered:

• Price and value: Price and value are essential factors to consider, especially for those living on a fixed income. We evaluated the cost of devices against their functionality and value. We also considered additional fees for things like equipment, add-ons, and protection plans, along with seasonal promotions to help you save.
• Customer service: The efficiency, accessibility, and friendliness of a company’s customer service is very important. We spoke with Lively’s customer service agents several times to assess their knowledge and helpfulness.
• Response times: We made 10 test calls to Lively’s emergency response center to find their average response times. We also tested the Lively Mobile2 fall detection pendant, initiating several test falls to evaluate accurateness and response times.
• Reliability: We assessed Lively’s coverage area and reliability by testing our systems at home, on walks, and while running errands.

Visit our medical alert system methodology guide to learn more about our testing process.

Final Thoughts on Pricing and Value for Lively

Lively has more than 900,000 subscribers, which shows just how popular and trusted the brand is.3 Sure, you could spend a little bit less per month by purchasing an in-home Bay Alarm Medical system or a Consumer Cellular phone. But if you want mobile protection and the most bang for the buck, Lively has advanced mobile features and reliable systems, making it a solid choice.

Check out our video review of Lively’s medical alert systems for a closer look at this provider.