Life Alert is one of the largest providers of personal medical alert services, having been in business for over 30 years. It offers medical alert systems, wearable devices, and monitoring services across the US. The company offers free shipping and 1 month free when you purchase an annual plan. You can choose from landline or cellular medical alert systems, and all wearable devices are fully waterproof.
Unlike most other medical alert services, which contract out monitoring services to a 3rd party, Life Alert takes care of all monitoring services itself. This means it takes full responsibility for the service, drawing up its own policies and overseeing the work of its employees. Its monitoring centers have also earned the TMA Five Diamond certification, which stands for superior quality and customer care.
If you need help, you just press a button on your wearable device for the monitoring system to activate. This sends out a signal to the base unit and then to the monitoring center. A dispatcher then contacts the user directly via the medical alert system to determine what level of emergency it is and which type of assistance is needed.
The dispatcher then sends the necessary assistance. This could be a relative, neighbor, or one of the emergency services, e.g., an ambulance or the fire department. The Life Alert monitoring agent will stay on the line until help has arrived, so you don’t need to fear being left alone.
Life Alert offers both wristbands and necklace pendants as wearable devices. These devices are fully waterproof, so they can be worn in the shower, where many falls occur. They’re also lightweight and come with an 800-ft range.
Additionally, the company claims the battery never needs charging. In practice, this means it will keep a charge for 10 years before needing to be replaced.
Life Alert also offers a help button that can be installed anywhere around the house where you’re particularly worried about an incident occurring. They’re commonly installed in showers, bathtubs, bathrooms, and bedrooms.
The base unit has two-way audio, so you can speak directly to the monitoring center through it and receive a response. This system has a backup battery, so even if the power goes out, your medical alert system will still work.
If you’re looking for a more flexible location range, Life Alert offers a Help on the Go System. It has GPS installed so Life Alert can locate you no matter where you are in the country.
The system comes with a compact button that is lightweight and fully waterproof and can be attached to a necklace, belt clip, or keychain. The batteries in this system also last for 10 years.
Life Alert has a choice of cellular or landline medical alert systems. While some companies offer professional installation for free, Life Alert charges an additional $197 for this.
The installation process should only take a couple of hours, and once everything is installed, the professional will walk you through how to use the system and answer any questions you may have.
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At-Home Plan |
On-the-Go+ GPS |
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Price |
Only system: $49.95 per month 1 add-on device: $69.95 per month 2 add-on devices: $89.95 per month |
$20/month |
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Landline/internet required |
Not required, optional |
No |
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Activation fees |
Yes: $90-$200 activation fee; $197 installation fee |
Yes: $90-$200 activation fee; $197 installation fee |
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Long-term commitment |
Yes - 3 years |
Yes - 3 years |
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Range |
800 ft |
Unlimited |
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Fall detection |
No |
No |
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GPS tracking |
No |
Yes |
Life Alert’s website doesn’t offer much information about its products or services, and there is no pricing information on the site. You’ll have to call a rep to get a quote.
Additionally, Life Alert isn’t cheap compared to other medical monitoring services. It’s roughly $50-$90 a month for the monitoring service, and Life Alert ties you to a 3-year contract.
The company also charges a one-time installation fee of $90-$200 depending on which plan you’ve chosen. Most medical alert services have eliminated these set-up fees, so that’s something to consider before you purchase Life Alert.
However, you get a free month when you opt for annual payments versus monthly payments, and you’ll get 2 months free if you refer a friend. Life Alert also allows you to cancel your contract free of charge if the user passes away or enters a nursing home during the contract period. If this happens, you will get a pro-rated refund for the rest of your contract.
Life Alert customer support is available via their toll-free phone number at 1-800-338-9090. Additionally, Life Alert members have access to assistance in dealing with day-to-day situations, including the following:
I had fallen and could not get up this last time. Previously, I have had anxiety attacks and Life Alert was here in 10 minutes. The EMTs were wonderful and reassuring. I am a widow and both of my children live out of state, so Life Alert makes me feel safe and cared for.
-S.D., Columbia, CA
I fell leaving my bedroom into the hallway. I hit my Life Alert bracelet and was able to speak with the wonderful dispatcher. EMS came quickly and took me to the hospital. The dispatcher stayed on the line until EMS arrived and I truly appreciated that. Would not be without Life Alert!!
-N.D., Libertyville, IL
Customer service : 1-800-338-9090
Ordering : 1-800-814-1030
Life Alert offers a solid, reliable emergency support system. While the price tag is a bit higher than average, and you have to pay a setup fee, the payoff may be worth it for its high-quality products.
You can choose from wearable pendants and necklaces, and have the option to install medical alert buttons around your home in areas where you feel the most vulnerable. Additionally, customer service is available 24/7, and the company does all of its monitoring itself, meaning you will be working with customer care representatives who know the brand and its products well.