Best Affordable Medical Alert Systems
Our medical alert experts tested and reviewed the best medical alert systems and narrowed down the list to the best affordable picks for seniors in 2024.
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- Offers some of the lowest monthly premiums in the industry
- No hidden activation or installation fees
- Bundling deals offer even more ways to save
- Some of the most affordable on-the-go systems on the market
- Health and safety features available at various price points
- Features work with iPhone and Apple Watch devices
- High-tech features on a budget
- Discounts for paying quarterly or annually
- No long-term contracts required
- Easy-to-use systems
- Lifetime warranty
- Seasonal promotions
- Language support in 190+ languages
- Wide variety of systems
- Simple payment plans
- Detailed activity monitoring
- Simple, no-frills systems
- No equipment fees
Contents
Medical alert systems can provide peace of mind and enhanced independence for older adults who live alone. But medical alert systems are an investment. They can cost $20 to $60 a month, depending on the system. Social Security benefits are just $574.46 a month on average,1 so seniors living on a fixed income may find it challenging to fit this into their budget.
We’ve learned that selecting the right medical alert provider can make all the difference in affordability. Below, we’ve pared it down to the six most affordable systems. So, if you’re looking for a great system that’s easy on the wallet, you’re in the right place.
Our Top Providers for Affordable Medical Alert Systems
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Bay Alarm Medical - Most Affordable Lineup -
Lively - Most Affordable On-the-Go System -
Medical Guardian - Most Affordable High-Tech System -
LifeFone - Most Affordable System With Fall Detection -
Alert1 - Most Affordable System for Long-Term Use -
QMedic - Most Affordable System With Caregiver Integrations
How We Chose the Best Affordable Medical Alert Systems
We compared prices and considered the value of a dozen systems on the market. From there, we selected the six most affordable medical alert systems. To make the cut, a system had to be affordable, of course, but also reliable and easy to use. As you’ve probably discovered, a low price doesn’t always mean a quality product. Fortunately, that doesn’t ring true for these systems. Despite their affordability, these top six systems offer trusted protection and quality equipment.
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1. Bay Alarm Medical - Most Affordable Lineup
What we like most
- Offers some of the lowest monthly premiums in the industry
- No hidden activation or installation fees
- Bundling deals offer even more ways to save
Bay Alarm MedicalOverview:Bay Alarm Medical prices start at $24.95 per month. These are some of the lowest prices in the industry, earning Bay Alarm Medical a top spot on our list. We’re also big fans of the company’s cost transparency, meaning you won’t be caught off guard by any hidden activation or installation fees. Keep an eye out for deals on their website, too, as Bay Alarm Medical offers special discounts throughout the year.
If you’re looking to bundle an in-home system and GPS system, Bay Alarm Medical offers some great deals to help you save. Their bundled systems start at $59.95 per month and protect you both in your home and on the go. Bay Alarm Medical offers three different GPS systems: the SOS Mobile, which is a traditional mobile device, the SOS Smartwatch for active users, or the SOS All-in-One, which can be worn in multiple ways.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Bay Alarm Medical
- Transparent pricing
- Seasonal deals and promotions
- No long-term contracts
- 30-day risk-free trial
- No activation fees
- U.S.-based monitoring center
- Caregiver tracking features
- No hidden costs or long-term contracts
Cons About Bay Alarm Medical
- Small product lineup
Summary:Bay Alarm Medical Pricing
System Starting price Equipment fee Activation fee Installation fee Designated purpose SOS Home $24.95 per month (landline)
$29.95 per month (cellular)No No No In-home use with a landline or cellular connection SOS Mobile $34.95 per month $99 No No On-the-go help button SOS Smartwatch $34.95 per month $159 No No On-the-go for active users SOS All-in-One $39.95 per month $119 No No In-home and on-the-go use The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a reliable system at the right price, this provider is a solid choice. As you’ll read in our Bay Alarm Medical review, their products are simple and easy to use. They don’t have a large catalog of products or fancy features, but if you prefer affordability over frills, Bay Alarm Medical has you covered.
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2. Lively - Most Affordable On-the-Go System
What we like most
- Some of the most affordable on-the-go systems on the market
- Health and safety features available at various price points
- Features work with iPhone and Apple Watch devices
LivelyOverview:Lively is known for providing mobile medical alert protection at a price that won’t hurt your wallet. Their prices are $5 to $15 cheaper per month than most on-the-go systems, so they were an easy choice for our list. Lively offers two senior-friendly cellular phones, the Jitterbug Smart4 and Jitterbug Flip2, and one traditional, mobile medical alert system, the Lively Mobile2. These systems are great for older adults who are often on the go or enjoy outdoor activities like biking, walking, and golf.
Lively offers two health and safety packages that pair with the Lively Mobile2, starting at $24.99 per month. If you want all the bells and whistles, you’ll pay $34.99 per month. Fall detection costs an additional $9.99 per month. If you choose a Lively phone, plans cost $19.99 to $49.99, depending on your chosen health and safety features. Though their monthly rates are fairly low, Lively does charge one-time activation and equipment fees, so keep that in mind when you’re budgeting for your purchase.
Current Lively Deal: Lively is running a spring savings promotion. You’ll receive 70 percent off the Jitterbug Smart3 — a savings of more than $100 with this deal!
One other option that might be a good fit for a tight budget is using Lively’s health and safety features with a device you already own. The Lively app can be accessed on an Apple Watch, iPhone, or Alexa-enabled device. This will save you on the cost of new equipment and activation fees. Prices start at $24.99 per month.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Lively
- On-the-go protection
- Low monthly service fee
- No long-term contracts
- Health and safety feature options
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons About Lively
- Only mobile systems are available
- Equipment and activation fees
Summary:Lively Pricing
System Starting price Equipment fee Activation fee Installation fee Designated purpose Mobile Mobile2 $24.99 per month $79.99 $35 No On-the-go protection with a wearable help button Jitterbug Smart4 $19.99 per month $149.99 $35 No Medical alert features coupled with smartphone functions Jitterbug Flip2 $19.99 per month $99.99 $35 No A flip phone with medical alert features Lively on Apple Watch, iPhone, or Alexa-enabled device $24.99 per month N/A No No Safety features on your own device The Bottom Line
Affordable mobile medical alert systems can be hard to find. Though Lively charges equipment and activation fees, they are one-time costs. Their recurring monthly service fees are affordable compared to other GPS systems we’ve seen, so they have our stamp of approval. If you’re not a fan of using a smartphone, we recommend going with Lively’s Mobile2 system. Check out our full review of Lively’s medical alert products for more information.
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3. Medical Guardian - Most Affordable High-Tech System
What we like most
- High-tech features on a budget
- Discounts for paying quarterly or annually
- No long-term contracts required
Medical GuardianOverview:As a leader in the medical alert industry, Medical Guardian offers top-notch technology and service. Their smartwatch-style mobile system, the MGMove, is modern and discreet, and the MyGuardian customer care portal makes managing your service easy. Medical Guardian’s prices are a little higher than most of its competitors, but we think the technology and features are worth the extra dollars. Besides, if you pay quarterly or annually for your service, you can save a few bucks every month, which really adds up over time.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Medical Guardian
- No long-term contracts
- Sleek systems
- Discounts for paying quarterly or annually
- Online customer care portal
- Smartwatch-style system option
- Landline, cellular, and on-the-go options
- No activation fees
Cons About Medical Guardian
- Equipment fees for some systems
- Relatively high monthly rates
Summary:Medical Guardian Pricing
System Starting price Equipment fee Activation fee Installation fee Designated purpose MGClassic $29.95 per month No No No In-home use with a landline MGHome Cellular $37.95 per month $149.95 No No In-home use without a landline Mini Guardian $44.95 per month $149.95 No No On-the-go help button MGMini $39.95 per month $149.95 No No On-the-go help button MGMove $39.95 per month $199.95 No No On-the-go use, smartwatch style The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for the absolute lowest price, you won’t find it with Medical Guardian. What you will find is quality, high-tech systems that are discreet and convenient. We think their prices are still affordable for seniors who have a little wiggle room in their budgets. Seasonal deals and paying quarterly (or annually) can help you save some money when purchasing a system from Medical Guardian.
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4. LifeFone - Most Affordable System With Fall Detection
What we like most
- Easy-to-use systems
- Lifetime warranty
- Seasonal promotions
LifeFoneOverview:As we age, our risk of experiencing a fall goes up.2 LifeFone has fall detection available as an add-on for most of their systems at $5 — which is $5 to $10 less per month than their competitors. Their affordable automatic fall detection is what landed them on our list. LifeFone’s other add-ons are a bit expensive, though, so just be aware that adding all the bells and whistles will bump up your monthly bill.
LifeFone has special offers throughout the year, like free shipping or one free month of service. Ask your customer service representative if there are any current discounts. You can also save on the cost of your LifeFone products by paying quarterly or annually instead of monthly.
Pros & Cons:Pros About LifeFone
- Discount for quarterly or annual plans
- No long-term contract
- Inexpensive fall detection
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Lifetime warranty
- Landline, cellular, and GPS options
Cons About LifeFone
- The add-ons can get expensive.
- Only English- and Spanish-speaking care agents are available.
Summary:Lifefone Pricing
System Starting price Equipment fee Activation fee Installation fee Designated purpose At-Home Landline $29.95 per month No No No In-home use with a landline At-Home Cellular $34.95 per month No No No In-home use without a landline At-Home & On-the-Go, VIP flex™ $45.95 per month No No No In-home and on-the-go use At-Home & On-the-Go, VIP Active® $43.95 per month No No No On-the-go help button At-Home & On-the-Go, VIPx® $45.95 per month No No No Small on-the-go help button At-Home & On-the-Go Safe Watch Active® $49.95 per month No No No Smartwatch The Bottom Line
Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in those over age 65.3 A system with automatic fall detection can give you peace of mind that help is on the way if you need it. LifeFone’s price for automatic fall detection is one of the lowest we’ve seen, and when we tested out LifeFone’s systems, we found them simple to use.
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5. Alert1 - Most Affordable System for Long-Term Use
What we like most
- Language support in 190+ languages
- Wide variety of systems
- Simple payment plans
Alert1Overview:Alert1 provides a significant discount for selecting their 12-month plan over their month-to-month option. By selecting the 12-month service plan, you can get medical alert protection for $19.95 per month. This is a savings of $9 per month over the month-to-month plan. Alert1 also allows you to cancel at any time. If you plan to have your medical alert system for the long term, we recommend selecting the 12-month plan to save over $100 on your first year of service. For even lower prices on an Alert1 system, ask about their veteran and AARP member discounts.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Alert1
- No long-term contracts
- Foreign language support
- Prorated refunds available
- Landline, cellular, and GPS options
Cons About Alert1
- Potentially overwhelming system and add-on options
- Activation fees
Summary:Alert1 Pricing
System Starting price Equipment fee Activation fee Installation fee Designated purpose In-the-Home $28.95 per month ($19.95 per month for 12 months) No $19.95 No In-home use without a landline In-the-Home + Fall Detection $38.95 per month ($29.95 per month for 12 months) No $19.95 No In-home use with fall detection On-the-Go $38.95 per month ($29.95 per month for 12 months) No $19.95 No On-the-go help button On-the-Go + Fall Detection $48.95 per month ($39.95 per month for 12 months) No $19.95 No On-the-go help button with fall detection On-the-Go Wrist Watch with GPS + Pedometer $38.95 per month ($29.95 per month for 12 months) $179 $19.95 No On-the-go watch-style system On-the-Go + In-the-Home + Fall Detection $58.95 per month ($49.95 per month for 12 months) No $19.95 No In-home and on-the-go use with fall detection The Bottom Line
For seniors looking for a great deal on a medical alert system, Alert1 may be the “one” for you. If you opt for the annual plan and snag any available promos, you can get a great price on a medical alert system for yourself or a loved one. As you’ll read in our Alert1 review.
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6. QMedic - Most Affordable System With Caregiver Integrations
What we like most
- Detailed activity monitoring
- Simple, no-frills systems
- No equipment fees
QMedicOverview:QMedic’s insightful caregiver dashboard and low service fee is what earned them a spot on our list. In our in-depth review of QMedic, we found that the systems are ideal for caregivers who want protection for their aging loved ones while they’re away. In addition to providing medical alert protection, QMedic’s systems monitor activity, sleep patterns, and compliance with wearing the help button. This data is available via the caregiver dashboard.
You may find QMedic’s pricing to be a perk or a drawback. The company only offers annual plans, so you’ll need to pay for 12 months of monitoring upfront. Depending on the system you choose, this could be $300 or $400. It comes out to $25 a month for the in-home cellular system, which is quite inexpensive compared to competitors.
Pros & Cons:Pros About QMedic
- No equipment or activation fees
- Robust caregiver integration features
- Proactive alerts for abnormal behavior
- Free shipping
- 30-day trial period
- Free monitoring for a spouse or roommate
Cons About QMedic
- Required upfront payment for a year of service
- No fall detection option
Summary:QMedic Pricing
System Starting price Equipment fee Activation fee Installation fee Designated purpose In-home Medical Alert System $300 per year ($25 per month) No No No In-home use without a landline Mobile GPS Alert System $400 per year ($33.33 per month) No No No On-the-go help button The Bottom Line
As long as paying upfront for a year of service isn’t a deterrent for you, QMedic is very affordable. With free shipping and no extra fees, it’s a straightforward expense. Caregivers need all the help they can get, and QMedic’s monitoring provides peace of mind and valuable insights. However, if you cancel your service, they won’t refund you for the months of unused service.
Still looking for the right device for you? Get more insights from our experts by checking out our list of this year’s best medical alert systems.
Does Medicare Cover Medical Alert Systems?
Original Medicare does not typically cover the cost of a medical alert system. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Medicare Part C), though, it may cover the full or partial cost of a medical alert system. Contact your plan representative to see if your plan offers coverage.
Are There Free Medical Alert Systems?
Getting a free medical alert system is possible for some seniors, but it will definitely take some digging. Here are a few resources you can tap into to see if a free medical alert system is an option for you.
- Medicaid: If you’re a senior receiving Medicaid benefits, your plan may cover the cost of a system. If not, you may need to request a waiver from Medicaid. For further assistance, contact your local Medicaid agency.
- VA benefits: Some senior veterans may qualify for a free medical alert device. The free system provided by Veterans Affairs is very basic compared to the robust devices from leading brands, but if the system is free, you may still find it beneficial.
- Area Agency on Aging: Your local Area Agency on Aging may be able to help you find resources, such as grants or scholarships, to fund your medical alert system. Reach out to your local agency to explore potential benefits.
Can I Get a Discount on a Medical Alert System?
If you can’t get a free medical alert system, you may be able to get one at a discounted price. Here are a few tips for getting the lowest price on your medical alert system:
- If you have a landline, use it. Running your in-home medical alert system through a landline is a little cheaper than using a cellular service.
- Watch for seasonal deals. Many medical alert providers run special rates during the holidays. You’ll see providers offering special deals and discounts on Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Veterans Day, Black Friday, and New Year’s Day.
- Ask for a discount. Ever heard the saying “if you don’t ask, you don’t get”? You won’t get the discount you don’t ask for. While you’re on the phone with the customer service representative, don’t be shy; ask for a discount or waived fee. The worst they can do is say no!
Social Security Administration. (2024). Monthly Statistical Snapshot, January 2024.
.NIH. (2021). Falls and Fractures in Older Adults: Causes and Prevention.
NCOA. (2021). 6 Falls Prevention Steps to Help Your Older Loved Ones.