Medical Alert Devices Comparison Chart
| Product name | Best for | Pricing |
| American Medical ID bracelets and necklaces | Active day-to-day wear | Pricing Link |
| Medical Guardian | Independent living | Pricing Link |
| Bay Alarm Medical | Those on a budget | Pricing Link |
| MobileHelp | Home and portable options | Pricing Link |
| One Call Alert | Medication reminders | Pricing Link |
What are the different types of medical alert systems?
- American Medical ID bracelets and necklaces (best medical alert system overall)
- Medical Guardian (Best for seniors living independently)
- Bay Alarm Medical (best affordable devices)
- MobileHelp (Best bundled devices)
- One Call Alert (Best for medication reminders)
What are the best medical alert systems? Here’s our top 5 list:
There are several great medical alert system options available for seniors and/or adults of any age living independently with or without medical conditions. We’ve narrowed down our top picks to five systems that are easy to use and can offer peace of mind to the loved ones of someone who may find themselves in an emergency situation during which they are alone and need to call for help.
1. American Medical ID bracelets and necklaces (best medical alert system overall)
American Medical ID’s personalized jewelry is an excellent option to provide the best medical alerts. Available in dressy and casual options alike for both men and women as well as children, these pieces of jewelry are an easy-to-wear option to display your pertinent medical information, including conditions and medications for quick reference in case of emergency.
Pros:
- Easy to display
- Less likely to misplace, unlike an ID card
- Variety of styles and options to choose from
Cons:
- Limited space if you have a lot of information to display
Pricing:
Pricing on American Medical ID’s products varies. Most silicone band jewelry options are under $20, while full metal options tend to start at around $30.
These medical ID bracelets do not have any subscription or monthly fees.
2. Medical Guardian (Best for seniors living independently)
Medical Guardian is one of the best medical alert devices for older adults living independently. This device combines round-the-clock support with the latest technology for seniors and other people living with medical conditions or disabilities who live alone, all while providing their families and caregivers peace of mind with regard to their safety and well-being.
Medical Guardian offers both at-home and on-the-go devices, depending on the user’s needs. The company’s Mini Guardian device offers a long battery life, GPS tracking, and the ability to easily request medical help with the press of a button if they’re caught alone during a medical emergency.
Pros:
- Compact
- Easy to use
- Long-lasting battery
Cons:
- More expensive than other products
- May misplace more easily than a wearable
Pricing:
Medical Guardian’s products require an upfront fee that starts at $125. From there, monitoring subscriptions and fall detection services range from $10 to $40 a month.
3. Bay Alarm Medical (best affordable devices)
Bay Alarm Medical is another great option when it comes to the best senior alert systems. With the push of a button, this device will connect you to a trained live operator who will streamline emergency medical services, in addition to contacting your family, neighbors or other emergency contacts if necessary. Its in-home device also offers a 32-hour battery life and is compact enough to travel with.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Easy to transport
Cons:
- Easier to misplace than a wearable item
- Reception might be spotty in rural areas
Pricing:
From $20 to $40 per month, depending on if you opt for landline or cellular-based service.
4. MobileHelp (Best bundled devices)
MobileHelp is one of the top-rated medical alert systems, particularly because it combines multiple products for a comprehensive system. Its Duo system provides the convenience of a mobile GPS-equipped help button, which can be worn as a pendant or bracelet, combined with a home base station. It’s also easy to install and comes with features such as fall detection and location tracking, which can provide added peace of mind for family members of seniors who live independently.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Free 30-day trial period
- Technologically advanced features provide added peace of mind
Cons:
- Two systems might be too much for user to keep track of
Pricing:
$35 to $42 per month, depending on if you choose landline or mobile/GPS service
5. One Call Alert (Best for medication reminders)
One Call Alert is another one of the top-rated medical alert systems available, and for good reason. Its Complete Protection package includes both a Home Base station and a portable device so that you really are protected with 24/7 emergency monitoring services no matter where you go. You can wear the mobile device on your wrist or as a lanyard, with the waterproof button within easy reach. What really sets it apart, though, is that it has a medication reminders option, in addition to a fall button.
Pros:
- Free lock box for easy entry
- Medication alert feature
- GPS-enabled tracking
Cons:
- Too many features might overwhelm an older user
Pricing:
$37 to $40 per month
What are medical alert systems and what do they do?
Medical alert systems are devices that allow someone to easily call for help if they find themselves in an emergency situation while they’re alone. Most systems work with the touch of a button to call an operator who will alert emergency medical services to come and take care of you as soon as possible.
What are medical alert systems good for?
Medical alert systems are good for people who live alone who may suffer falls, health emergencies related to a medical condition, or other emergency events.
What is the best medical alert device for me? Our conclusion/Final points/Key takeaways
The best medical alert device for a specific person may depend on a variety of factors and individual needs. Most cover the basic function of calling for emergency assistance immediately, but others have additional features like fall detection and medication reminders.
FAQs: Medical Alert Devices
How much does a medical alert system cost per month?
Most electronic systems cost anywhere between $20 and $40 a month, depending on whether it’s a landline- or mobile-based service.
Proceeding with a medical ID bracelet from American Medical ID does not have any monthly fees, and is a one time purchase.
What is the best alert system for the elderly?
All of the above options are great for the elderly. You may find the simpler the system, the better, so as not to overwhelm them with technologically advanced features to remember how to use. Some older alerts may find that a simple portable device and a bracelet or necklace from American Medical ID are all they need.
Are medical alert systems worth it?
For a nominal monthly fee, relatives of older adults who are living independently will likely find that yes, electronic medical alert systems are worth it to provide yourself with peace of mind regarding your loved one’s safety.
When you’re out and about, the peace of mind from wearing a medical ID bracelet will help you or a loved one enjoy the day.
Resources
- MedicalGuardian.com
- Bayalarmmedical.com
- Mobilehelp.com
- OneCallMedicalAlert.com
- AmericanMedical-ID.com
