QMedic Medical Alert System: 24/7 Emergency Response for Seniors

The Fast Facts: QMedic’s Equipment and Pricing

A Closer Look at QMedic’s Systems and Value

In-home Medical Alert Systems

The In-home Medical Alert Systems, QMedic’s most affordable package, is designed for in-home use and doesn’t require a landline. In the event of an emergency, simply press the help button on your lanyard or wrist to speak with an operator through the base station’s two-way speaker. QMedic gives you the option to customize how calls and alerts are routed when the help button is pressed. You can choose for calls to go to QMedic’s professional monitoring center or your chosen emergency contacts. The system’s 1,000-foot button-to-base range is ideal for one- or two-bedroom homes and can even provide protection when you’re out in the yard.

The system costs $300 per year, which breaks down to about $25 per month. However, QMedic doesn’t offer monthly or quarterly payment options like most other providers do, but it’s pretty affordable when broken down by month. For example, Medical Guardian’s annual price for a similar system is around $117 higher.

QMedic offers robust caregiver insights and proactive care features. For example, if the system detects abnormal activity, it will initiate a wellness call to check in and make sure you’re all right. It’s this kind of high-tech, proactive monitoring that makes QMedic worth it. Although $300 is a big chunk of change to hand over upfront, it is less per month than other providers charge, and QMedic has valuable features you won’t get from competitors.

Mobile GPS Medical Alert Systems

QMedic Mobile GPS Alert Systems

For protection on the go, QMedic offers a mobile GPS system powered by AT&T or Verizon cellular service. This all-in-one system can be worn around your neck at home or while you run errands, travel, or exercise, so it’s a great wearable companion for older adults who are busy bees. With a $400 annual cost, this mobile system breaks down to about $33 per month. That is roughly $100 more per year than the In-home Medical Alert Systems. Considering the mobile protection it offers, we think it is worth the bump in price for active users.

The mobile system’s one-month battery life is impressive. Many other mobile systems we’ve reviewed, such as the On the Go from Lifeline, have a battery life of just a few days, and the company recommends daily recharging. The On the Go mobile device is also $11.95 more per month than QMedic’s Mobile GPS Medical Alert System. If you don’t mind that QMedic’s system is a little bulkier than On the Go, you’ll get a much better battery life and save a decent amount per year.

Another perk of QMedic is that you don’t have to pay any additional equipment fees; you’ll only pay the annual service fee. Other providers we’ve reviewed, like Lively, charge equipment fees, along with extra costs for add-on medical alert services. With QMedic, most of the medical alert features are included in the $400 annual price. We appreciate that QMedic doesn’t make users fuss with add-on costs or equipment fees. However, if you’re looking for accessories like jewelry pendants or wall buttons, you’ll want to consider other providers.

Mobile GPS Alert Systems + Fall Detection

At 2.6 ounces, QMedic’s Mobile GPS Alert Systems + Fall Detection is a little heftier than the company’s Alert X Systems + Fall Detection, but we love its sleek design and large, easy-to-use help button. Plus, it needs to be charged only once a week!

You can use the device as a pendant or clip it to a belt, but fall detection works only when worn as a pendant. That’s pretty standard for medical alert systems. Its optional real-time continuous location tracking can provide caregivers with peace of mind when the user is out and about. That feature isn’t available on many similar devices, such as Life Alert’s mobile device.

Mobile GPS Alert X Systems + Fall Detection

QMedic’s Mobile GPS Alert X Systems + Fall Detection pendants are incredibly lightweight at 1.3 ounces. That’s half the weight of the Mobile GPS Alert Systems + Fall Detection. One drawback to the lighter system is that it doesn’t have as long a battery life as the Mobile GPS Alert Systems. It requires a recharge every four days. Like the Mobile GPS Alert Systems + Fall Detection, only the pendants will detect falls, which some older adults may not like wearing. Having optional fall detection with one device rather than two is a plus, though, which can be the case for some other products, such as MobileHelp’s Solo system.

The Mobile GPS Alert System works only with Verizon, but the GPS Alert X System works with both Verizon and AT&T. That means the GPS Alert X may be a better choice if you spend a lot of time in places where AT&T has strong coverage.

Medical Alert Smartwatches

QMedic’s Medical Alert Smartwatches look like a regular watch; however, it connects wearers with 24/7 emergency protection anywhere with cell service. They offer optional fall detection, too, which is a plus for people who don’t want to wear a fall detection pendant. We like the watch’s easy-to-read face with brightly colored numbers. There are multiple band options, so you can customize the watch to your style.

The watch also offers optional direct contact monitoring, which enables a list of contacts to log in to the QMedic dashboard and view the wearer’s data at any time. Caregivers can also call into the device to check in with their loved one. A simple SOS button connects with an operator in seconds, which makes it a great option for people who are still active and independent, but who would benefit from the peace of mind knowing help is available at any time.

How to Get the Best Deal With QMedic

QMedic is pretty affordable, but there’s always a way to get a better deal, right? We recommend calling QMedic’s customer-service line to ask about seasonal deals. When we tested QMedic’s products, the company’s customer-service representatives were friendly and helped us choose the best system for our budget. The nice thing is that QMedic doesn’t charge shipping, activation, installation, or equipment fees, so you don’t have to worry about dodging pesky add-on costs. QMedic’s transparent pricing earns a thumbs-up from us!

Medicare won’t pay for medical alert systems, but in many states — including Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, and Texas — you may be eligible for coverage or reimbursement for your QMedic costs if you’re on Medicaid or a Medicare Advantage plan. Ask a QMedic representative if your health plan covers a QMedic system, or call your insurance provider to see if it covers medical alert devices.

Is QMedic Right for Me?

QMedic is designed for older adults and caregivers who want in-depth activity tracking and 24/7 protection. Since the system can track sleeping patterns, activity, and whether or not the user is wearing the device, we recommend it for older adults who:

• Have memory loss. Cognitive decline is on the rise, which can be an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease or QMedic’s simple reminder to put on the help button and change or charge the batteries is beneficial for older adults with memory loss. Plus, the detailed activity tracking makes it easy for caregivers and loved ones to check in.
• Are prone to wandering. Another symptom of dementia is wandering or getting lost. QMedic’s Mobile GPS Medical Alert System provides GPS tracking and caregiver alerts, which could be lifesaving features for those who wander.
• Live alone. If you are among the 14.7 million older adults who live alone, a medical alert system can provide peace of mind that help is right at your fingertips in an emergency. QMedic’s caregiver dashboard also provides valuable insights and trends for family members who live far away.
• Need two help buttons. We’ve reviewed competitors, like Alert1, that offer discounts for monitoring a partner or a roommate. Similarly, QMedic lets you add a second help button to your in-home cellular system at no added cost. Just keep in mind that only one button can monitor activity; however, if you’re just looking for medical alert protection on the second button, this shouldn’t be an issue.

Final Thoughts on Pricing and Value for QMedic

QMedic is one of the more affordable medical alert providers. Starting at $300 or $400 for an annual subscription, the company provides comprehensive monitoring for seniors and helpful insights for caregivers with no hidden fees. We wish QMedic offered monthly or quarterly payments like most of their competitors do, but QMedic’s annual fees are lower than most competitors’, so they provide great value at a low cost. As long as you plan to keep your system for a while and don’t mind paying for 12 months of service in advance, QMedic is worth the upfront investment.