Best Medical Alert Systems for Veterans, Tested and Reviewed

Our Methodology

My uncle testing out the Aloe Care Health Smart Hub and help pendant.

How We Tested the Medical Alert Systems

We spent over 100 hours researching, testing, and rating medical alert systems to find the best options for veterans. Our team ordered all the systems on our list and used them for a week, taking notes on their experience.  We also recruited older adults to help us test systems whenever possible.

How We Chose the Best Medical Alert Systems for Veterans

Each system was rated for several criteria, including:

• Veteran benefits: Every provider on our list offers specific benefits to veterans in one form or another. For most veterans, this means discounts on equipment fees or monthly premiums.
• Caregiver support: We like to find medical alert systems that go beyond monitoring centers. Many older veterans have caregivers and loved ones who want to make sure their seniors are safe, so we chose providers that offer things such as caregiver mobile apps and automated notifications to trusted caregivers in an emergency.
• Fast response times: Fast response times are one of the most important features of any medical alert system. We tested each of the systems on our list 10 times in various locations throughout a 1,400-square-foot, two-story home and while on the go. We recorded the response times and included only systems with averages under one minute.
• Affordable rates: We want veterans to have access to reliable, high-quality protection without putting a dent in their wallet. The providers on our list have at least one alert system available for under $35 per month. We evaluated monthly costs, equipment fees, any additional costs, and seasonal promotions.
• Reliable equipment: We tested the help buttons and devices to make sure they could withstand everyday wear and tear. All of the providers on this list passed our tests with flying colors.
• GPS tracking: Veterans suffer from higher rates of PTSD and other chronic health conditions,1 so we know how important it is for them to stay protected at all times, including when they’re on the go. The providers on our list all have mobile systems available with built-in GPS technology, so they can be easily located and helped no matter where they are. We tested each system’s GPS equipment while at home, on walks, running errands, and traveling.
• 24/7 monitoring: An emergency can happen at any time, so 24/7 professional monitoring is essential. You’ll find that 24/7 monitoring is included with every system on our list.

To learn more about how we test medical alert systems, check out our medical alert system methodology guide.

Why Trust Us

Our senior tech experts and fall-prevention experts have spent thousands of hours testing medical alert systems over the years. We are always researching and trying the latest technology for seniors. We also consulted Linda Schlenker, an occupational therapist with more than three decades of experience working with seniors and their caregivers. Schlenker approved all the providers on our list, and she also provided insights from her and her patients’ experiences with the systems to give you a well-rounded picture.

Does the VA Pay for Medical Alert Systems?

Yes, the Department of Veterans Affairs offers free at-home medical alert systems to eligible veterans through providers such as MedEquip Alert and Honor Alert. To be eligible, you or a loved one must be a veteran who:

• Cannot communicate with emergency-response services due to injury or disability
• Lives alone or is left alone for extended periods of time
• Has impairments that make it difficult or impossible to use a phone, including but not limited to impairment of upper-extremity function, vision, or cognition
• Lives in a location that has access to 911 services3

Even if you meet all of the requirements above, there’s no guarantee that the VA will pay for your medical alert device. We recommend speaking with your doctor and reaching out to your local VA office to learn more about eligibility and availability in your area.

Why Do Veterans Need a Medical Alert System?

With over 8.1 million veterans aged 65 or older in the U.S.4, those who served our country make up a large portion of the senior population. Due to the nature of combat, many older veterans suffer from chronic health conditions and mental health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), at higher rates than the rest of the population. A medical alert system allows veterans to stay protected and receive help during an emergency, whether they spend most of their days at home or out in the community.

Expert Insights

From Linda Schlenker, M.S., M.A., O.T.R.

I think fall detection is a critically important option in medical alert systems. I have worked with many people who were unable to activate their systems in an emergency, and fall detection literally saved their lives.

Medical alert systems offer great features, such as GPS technology and automatic fall detection, that meet the specific needs of veterans. If a veteran becomes disoriented and wanders during a PTSD episode, for example, a medical alert system with GPS technology allows help to be sent straight to the user, even if they don’t know where they are. If a senior veteran experiences a fall due to a mobility issue or other chronic health condition, a system with automatic fall detection will send first responders even when the user can’t press the help button. There are a variety of options for veterans on the market, so you can find the best medical alert system for your needs.

Medical Alert Systems for Veterans Buying Guide

Choosing a medical alert system may feel overwhelming at first, but don’t worry! We’ve created this buying guide to medical alert systems for veterans so you’ll know all the facts before making a purchase. Below are the important questions to ask during the buying process.

Do I Need Automatic Fall Detection?

Automatic fall detection is one of the most common add-on features that medical alert providers offer. With an automatic fall detection pendant, your system — you guessed it! — automatically detects a fall even if you’re unable to press your help button. If there is a downward motion followed by a prolonged period of inactivity, the pendant will connect to the 24/7 operating center and call for help. If you’re a veteran with mobility issues or any other health conditions that make you more prone to falls, we’d highly recommend adding fall detection when it’s available. Fall detection is included in some packages with certain providers, while others charge $5 to $14 per month for the feature.

Testing out a Medical Guardian fall detection help pendant

Cellular vs. Landline: Which Connection Type Is Best?

There are typically two options for the type of connection that your medical alert system runs on. Many at-home systems run on a landline connection, while others use a cellular connection. All mobile GPS systems that can be used on the go use a cellular connection. If you live in an area with unreliable cellular coverage, you’ll want to choose a landline system to ensure you have a strong, consistent connection. On the other hand, if you want a system that can be used if you don’t have a landline, a cellular medical alert system is your best bet.

Providers partner with different cellular carriers. Medical Guardian uses AT&T service for their cellular systems, for instance, while Alert1 offers a choice between Verizon and AT&T. Ensure you have reliable coverage from a specific provider before signing up.

Aloe Care Health's Smart Hub runs on a cellular connection

Is Medical Alert Equipment Waterproof?

Senior falls in the bathroom are common, and it’s essential that you can use your medical alert system in high-risk areas. While shopping for a system, double-check that they offer waterproof pendants that can be worn while bathing and waterproof wall buttons that can be placed near your tub or shower. Also note whether the equipment is fully waterproof or just water-resistant. If it’s water-resistant, it can be worn in the shower but shouldn’t be fully submerged. Fully waterproof equipment can be worn in the shower, bath, or even while you swim.

Submerging Bay Alarm Medical's SOS Mobile system to put its water-resistance to the test

Do Medical Alert Providers Offer Veteran Discounts?

A few popular providers offer veteran discounts, and you’ll want to take advantage of them when signing up! Veteran discounts often aren’t clearly advertised when purchasing a system online, so make sure to call or chat with the provider to confirm whether there is a discount. Even if the provider doesn’t offer a military discount, they may have other discounts you’re eligible for. Several companies offer AAA and AARP membership discounts, for example.

How Much Will a Medical Alert System Cost?

Medical alert system prices vary, but they typically range from $20 to $30 per month for entry-level systems. Top-tier packages can often reach up to $50 or more, so there are options for different budgets. Many providers offer discounts when you pay for your system annually or quarterly, so that’s something to consider as well.

You’ll also need to add any extra up-front costs and fees, such as shipping, activation, equipment, and setup fees. Think about the cost of any add-on equipment you want, including automatic fall detection, additional help pendants, or wall buttons. Some of those fees may be waived if the provider offers a veteran discount, so make sure to ask about your options before you buy.

Will My Caregivers and Family Members Be in the Loop?

Many medical alert providers offer text alerts and accompanying mobile apps that link up with their systems, so caregivers and family members can check in on you. The apps’ features will vary by provider. Some of the most popular features include location tracking, call history, and real-time alerts when the subscriber calls for help.

Caregivers can send each other updates in the Aloe Care Health app