Medical alert systems offer wearable devices for seniors who may need unexpected medical attention or another way to contact emergency services. Some medical alert systems include fall detection, or the ability to connect directly with a health care provider to get advice or ask health-related questions. Active seniors who spend a lot of time on the road or out enjoying hobbies or socializing need medical alert systems that travel freely. Many options are wired to the home and may not travel well. Long-range medical alert systems give seniors the freedom to journey farther without sacrificing their health and safety.

Keep reading to learn more about long-range medical alert systems, and how to choose the right option for your lifestyle.

The Four Medical Alert Systems with the Longest Range

Life Alert: Help On-the-Go with GPS

Life Alert’s Help On-the-Go with GPS tops the list of the best long-range medical alert systems due to its unique battery life. Not only does this system offer unlimited range using cellular service, but it also doesn’t need daily charging. An on-board battery that lasts up to 10 years makes this a nearly foolproof device to keep seniors connected with emergency medical services. This wearable device is also waterproof and always on. Companion services, such as the smartphone app, make it easy to get in touch with a trained dispatcher. All dispatchers have the wearer’s personal medical history at their fingertips to pass along to paramedics. Add in GPS location services, and seniors are never out of range when they need a helping hand.

Life Alert has a monitoring station in the United States, and all calls are routed through dispatch. Even when there is no emergency, seniors can call to get someone on the line if they feel uncomfortable. Dispatchers go through an entire year of training before they start answering calls, and they provide notifications to friends and family when an emergency does happen. With decades of experience in the industry, Life Alert is a leading provider of medical alert systems in the home and on-the-go.

Medical Guardian: Active Guardian

The Active Guardian system from Medical Guardian has all of the features seniors look for in a mobile medical alert medallion. It uses cellular towers to stay connected as seniors go about their daily life and has a battery that lasts for up to five days. Longer battery life limits the times when the system is unavailable and lets seniors head out of the house with confidence. The feature that puts Active Guardian on the list as a top option for long-range medical alert systems is that it is one of the few mobile devices with automatic fall detection. The Active Guardian is an all-in-one device with onboard speakers and a communications button that lets seniors initiate a two-way call from anywhere, at any time.

Medical Guardian is a trusted source for medical alert systems and offers a wide variety of products and some interesting service options. For example, it is one of the few to have a speech-to-text option for some of its devices, allowing seniors with limited ability to manipulate a keyboard to still keep in touch with loved ones.

Medical Care Alert: Home & Away Ultra

The Medical Care Alert Home & Away Ultra system is a comprehensive option for monitoring in and out of the home. This mobile device uses cell towers, Wi-Fi and GPS to extend coverage to anywhere a user might travel in the United States. If a senior isn’t sure of their location during a medical emergency, Medical Care Alert dispatchers can use GPS location software to direct emergency responders. Plus, the device features two-way calling, so seniors can talk to someone about symptoms and send out alerts to their emergency contacts, all at the touch of a button.

Medical Care Alert is one of the most trusted emergency response systems due to its incredible call centers. While all medical alert companies invest in dispatcher training, Medical Care Alert call center employees are all EMT/EMD-certified. These medical professionals have frontline experience handling medical emergency calls and can provide exceptional phone support while seniors are waiting for an ambulance. The system also sends out automated notifications that can include a wearer’s doctor, or a list of local loved ones who may arrive before emergency personnel.

MobileHelp: Solo

The MobileHelp Solo device comes with a wearable, water-resistant pendant and a two-way communicator. The affordable plans and the ability to set up the device without a landline make it a solid choice for seniors who spend a lot of time outside the home. This device combines cellular service and GPS to ensure seniors are always on the map and locatable if an emergency happens. At the touch of a button, seniors can activate location services, even if the two-way communication device is out of reach. When using the Solo, seniors can describe symptoms, ask for emergency medical assistance and have someone stay on the line and help keep them calm. The battery lasts for 24 hours, and automatic fall detection is available as an add-on service.

MobileHelp is known for its affordable emergency medical alert systems. A free lockbox comes with the classic package, giving EMS personnel easy access to seniors who live alone or spend time at home while the rest of the household is at work. The Solo is one of the most affordable options for a mobile medical alert system, making it a top choice for long-range communication.

Benefits of a Long-Range Mobile Medical Alert System

Medical alert systems allow seniors to get in touch with emergency personnel, even if they can’t otherwise reach the phone or dial 9-1-1. Wearable devices put emergency services within reach at all times. Home-based systems provide help for seniors while alone, but it is possible to have an emergency medical issue when out and about. Many considerations go into selecting the best medical alert system.

Going Mobile for Active Seniors

Seniors who enjoy hiking, bird watching, golf or other active pursuits likely need a device that travels with them. Since many home systems have limited ranges, a mobile device is a solution for seniors who spend a lot of time socializing or out of the house. Mobile medical alert systems have no range limitations and many use multiple cellular services to ensure a broad base of coverage. With the right mobile medical alert system, seniors can always put in a 9-1-1 call, at the touch of a single button.

Choosing the Right Long-Range Mobile Medical Alert System

For many seniors, price is a major factor when selecting a medical alert system, and long-range systems are often top-of-the-line with price tags to match. While an in-home system might run as little as $20 a month, it also requires that seniors pay for landline telephone service. With mobile medical alert systems, there’s no need to have a landline, and prices range from $38-70 per month, with the option to add fall detection for an additional $10 per month.

Check the Contract Details

Some medical alert systems, like the Medical Guardian Active Guardian package, come with no installation or cancellation fees. Other systems, such as LifeAlert, have extended contract terms and cancellation fees that lock in the rate for three years. If seniors cancel for a non-covered reason, they must pay the value of the remaining contract period. Ultimately, finding the right long-range system often depends on affordable monthly rates, and the right combination of features and services.