Before you finish this paragraph, another senior may become injured from a fall. Every 11 seconds an elderly adult seeks emergency care for a fall-related issue, and some of these seniors don’t receive medical attention until long after their injury occurs. Delaying treatment for a fall can result in long-term complications, but these issues can be prevented if seniors are able to request help right away.

A medical alert system helps elderly adults receive prompt care by notifying health care professionals when an emergency occurs. Depending on the company you select, you can choose from in-home systems or portable devices. Many seniors request services from Life Alert, a trusted medical alert system company providing 24/7 help at home and on the go.

Life Alert has numerous benefits, but its drawbacks may deter some elderly adults from becoming subscribers. If you’re looking for a Life Alert alternative, consider the companies referenced below as you search for the best medical alert systems. You may find that these devices will better fit your needs.

Bay Alarm Medical

Budget-minded seniors appreciate the value that Bay Alarm Medical subscriptions provide. Monthly subscriptions without add-ons start at just $19.95, and the highest-priced plan costs $49.95 per month. Bay Alarm Medical’s highest-priced plan costs just slightly more than Life Alert’s lowest-priced plan, making the company an ideal option for elderly adults who want an affordable medical alert system.

As with Life Alert, Bay Alarm Medical subscribers can choose from a classic pendant or comfortable wristband and the options of landline or cellular connection. The companies part ways when it comes to service contracts, however. Life Alert requires customers to commit to three years of service, while Bay Alarm Medical offers the flexibility to cancel at any time.

Several plans are available for Bay Alarm Medical devices, with In-home, On-the-Go, and On-the-Road options. Automatic fall detection is available for in-home and mobile units at $10 per month, and PIN-protected lockboxes cost $1.95 per month. Seniors can purchase additional help buttons for $35 per device.

MobileHelp

Like Bay Alarm Medical, MobileHelp offers budget-friendly services for seniors. All MobileHelp devices use a cellular connection powered by the AT&T network and GPS technology, so you don’t need a landline. Plans begin at $19.95 per month and go up to $54.95 per month. These prices don’t include add-ons like customizable medication reminders or PIN-protected lockboxes.

Waterproof pendants are available, but seniors can also request a smartwatch-style device or a mobile unit.  The Wired Home system has a range of up to 600 feet, which is 200 feet less than the range offered by Life Alert’s in-home medical emergency pendant. However, MobileHelp’s Classic in-home base unit comes with a wearable button that has a range of up to 1,400 feet.

Only select MobileHelp systems are compatible with the company’s Fall Button which must be purchased separately. Customers will be required to pay an additional $10 per month for the fall detection feature.

Medical Guardian

Medical Guardian has simple devices similar to Life Alert’s signature pendant, but this company offers extra features and a sleek design. One of those unique features is the care portal, MyGuardian. The mobile and desktop apps allow customers to build a network of contacts, create task reminders, manage their billing, and turn on location monitoring.

Similar to Life Alert, Medical Guardian uses GPS tracking in its devices. However, it also relies on a 4G LTE connection through Verizon and AT&T for maximum coverage. Their devices can also use WiFi to ensure the fastest connection speed between customers and the company’s medical monitoring center. 

Monthly plans for Medical Guardian customers start at $29.95 and go up to $34.95 per month as base rates, proving to be a more affordable choice than Life Alert’s in-home plan starting at $49 per month. Accessories and add-ons like fall detection, wall-mounted buttons, and special notifications are not included in base prices.

See More Alternatives to Life Alert and Compare Options

Life Alert is one of the most well-known names in the medical alert industry, but you have other options if you’re looking for a basic in-home or on-the-go monitoring device. Consider the pros and cons of each company compared to Life Alert, and then choose the device that works best for you. 

You can learn more about the best medical alert companies below.

Overview Of The Top Recommended Medical Alert Systems
Bay Alarm Medical
  • Starts at $19.95
  • In-Home, Mobile GPS, & Smartwatch Options
  • Free Shipping + Free Month on Select Plans
See Packages → Read Our Review →
MobileHelp
  • Starts at $19.95
  • Free Lock Box
  • No Landline Required
See Packages → Read Our Review →
Aloe Care
  • Starts at $24.99 monthly + one-time equipment fee
  • In-home and mobile devices available
  • Hands-free system with motion detection
See Packages → Read Our Review →
Medical Guardian
  • Starts at $29.95
  • Free Shipping & Lock Box
  • Caring.com Special: 1 Month Free
See Packages → Read Our Review →
MedicalAlert
  • Starts at $18.28
  • Up to 800 Feet of Range
  • Starting Fee as Low as $0
See Packages → Read Our Review →
LifeFone
  • Starts at $29.95
  • Up to 1,300 Feet of Range
  • Starting Fee as Low as $0
See Packages → Read Our Review →
GetSafe
  • Starts at $24.95
  • 1,000 Feet of Range
  • Monthly Fall Detection At Just $10/mo
See Packages → Read Our Review →
MedicalCareAlert
  • Starts at $29.95
  • Up to 1,000 Feet of Range
  • Monthly Fall Detection At Just $10/mo
See Packages → Read Our Review →
ResponseNow
  • Starts at $29.95
  • Up to 500 feet of range
  • No Intial Fees
See Packages → Read Our Review →
Lifenet
  • Starts at $29.95
  • Up to 1,000 feet of range
  • Free fall detection for mobile device
See Packages → Read Our Review →