Medical Guardian Medical Alert Review

Best Customer Service

Medical Guardian CEO Geoff Gross was inspired to start the company in 2005 after his grandmother experienced several falls and needed in-home assistance. Geoff soon founded Medical Guardian out of his apartment, and in the years since, the company has debuted six high-quality medical systems and has maintained an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

In addition to its medical alert systems and premium features, Medical Guardian sets itself apart from the competition with its focus on customer service and customer experience. This starts before customers even place their order. Medical Guardian offers a unique risk assessment, a short quiz which provides those who are considering a medical alert system with an honest “risk score” that helps determine if a medical alert system is the appropriate choice for oneself or a loved one. Medical Guardian also excels in fast shipping, sending most devices within 24 hours of when the order is placed so customers can get protection as soon as possible. The customer-first attitude extends to all of Medical Guardian’s operation, and users will be a priority for the team throughout the duration of their service.

Who Medical Guardian Is Best For

Seniors Interested in a Smartwatch-Style Device

Medical Guardian is one of the only companies to offer a technologically-advanced smartwatch-style medical alert device. The Freedom Guardian combines the protection of a standard medical alert device with the appeal of a smartwatch fit and design. The device looks like a standard watch, making it attractive to those who are reluctant to wear a medical alert device due to its appearance. It also includes many features typical to a smartwatch, such as weather forecasts, reminders and alerts, and voice-to-text SMS messaging, making it more than just a medical alert system.

Active Seniors

Of Medical Guardian’s six devices, over half are portable and offer on-the-go protection. Portable Medical Guardian device options include a standard mobile unit, a small-but-mighty mini device, and a smartwatch-style device. Whereas customers of other companies may only have one mobile system available, active Medical Guardian customers have plenty of choice. The variety of device options helps ensure that seniors with all different lifestyles, preferences, and needs can find a Medical Guardian solution that works for them.

First-Time Buyers of Medical Alert Systems 

Trying to choose the best medical alert system for yourself or an elderly loved one can be overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers. Not all companies use the same payment structure, and some may use misleading sales tactics, making comparing different companies and devices difficult.

Medical Guardian can be an excellent choice for first-time buyers. To help make the shopping process easier, they created a unique “product chooser” feature on their website to assist anyone who needs help deciding on which Medical Guardian system will meet their needs. Along with the product chooser tool, Medical Guardian has a “Buying Advice” full of helpful information. And, if any customer still needs more assistance, Medical Guardian has a Live Chat tool on its website with responsive, knowledgeable agents.

Plans and Starting Costs

All Medical Guardian devices may be paid for on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. The prices range from $29.95 a month for the basic in-home device to $49.95 a month for the portable Mobile Guardian. Paying annually reduces the cost by several dollars per month, and since Medical Guardian offers prorated refunds, it is a great option for those trying to keep their medical alert system costs as low as possible. Annual plans also include free shipping.

There are no long-term contracts required, and users may cancel their service at any time without paying a penalty. Medical Guardian also offers prorated refunds on any prepaid months at the time of cancellation.

Starting Costs

The only Medical Guardian device that carries a one-time fee is the smartwatch-style Freedom Guardian, which has an equipment fee of $99. There are no additional device, activation, or installation fees for any other devices.

Some Medical Guardian customers may also have to pay $9.50 for ground shipping. The shipping fee is waived for those who choose to pay for their devices annually.

Device Prices and Features

Classic Guardian

Device Features

The Classic Guardian is a basic in-home system that uses a landline to connect with the emergency monitoring center. Classic Guardian users must have a working landline in their home; there is no cellular option for this device. The system includes a base station with a 32-hour backup battery and one wearable waterproof personal help button. The help button may be worn as a pendant or a wristband, and also may be worn in the shower. The Classic Guardian has an impressive range of 1,300 feet- the largest in-home range currently offered by any medical alert company.

Pricing

This device costs $29.95 a month when paid for on a monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual basis. Users may also pay for their device annually in one lump payment of $329.45, or $27.45 a month. Fall detection is available for an additional $10 a month.

Home Guardian

Device Features

This in-home device uses AT&T’s cellular network to connect with the monitoring center, making it a suitable choice for those who do not have a working landline. The Home Guardian system includes a base station equipped with a cellular connection, a 30-hour backup battery, and a range of 600 feet, and a wearable personal help button. The wearable help button may be worn as a pendant or wristband and is waterproof and showerproof.

Pricing

The Home Guardian is slightly more expensive than the landline-based in-home option, at $34.95 a month. This price applies to the monthly, quarterly, and semi-annual payment plans. The annual payment option reduces the monthly cost to $32.04. Users who want automatic fall detection will pay an additional $10 a month.

Family Guardian

Device Features

The Family Guardian is an in-home system that provides an extra layer of protection with activity monitoring. Family Guardian includes a standard in-home system equipped with a cellular connection, a base station with a range of 1,300 feet and a 32-hour backup battery, and a wearable waterproof help button. It also comes with three motion sensors, including one door sensor, for activity tracking. Activity data is displayed on the free Family Guardian app so caregivers and family members of users can monitor their loved one’s activity and know right away if something seems abnormal.

Pricing

This comprehensive system costs $79.95 including a cellular connection and all activity tracking components. Customers who choose an annual payment plan pay $879.45 for 12 months of service, or $73.29 per month. Fall detection is also available for an additional $10 a month.

Mobile Guardian

Device Features

The first of Medical Guardian’s portable device offerings, the Mobile Guardian, includes cellular service with AT&T’s network as well as GPS location monitoring. The system has two components: a small portable device that functions as a mobile base station, and a wearable help button. Both components have a built-in help button that users can press to connect with the monitoring center, and are waterproof (however, the wearable help button does not have a built-in speaker, so users must always have the other device on them in order to communicate with an emergency operator). The battery life of the Mobile Guardian is 24 hours, so it is recommended that users charge the device every night.

Pricing

The Mobile Guardian costs $49.95 a month with a monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual payment plan, or $45.79 a month with an annual payment plan.

Active Guardian

Device Features

The Active Guardian is an all-in-one mobile device designed for seniors who spend a lot of time on-the-go. The device features a built-in two-way speaker and a personal help button, and comes equipped with a cellular connection through AT&T’s network and upgraded location services with both GPS and WiFi technology. Active Guardian is water resistant and showerproof and has a long-lasting battery with up to 5 days of power between charges.

Pricing

This mobile device costs $44.95 a month when paid for on a monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual basis, or about $41 a month when paid for on an annual basis. Fall detection is available for an additional $10 a month.

Freedom Guardian

Device Features

The Freedom Guardian is a unique smartwatch-style device. Users simply wear the watch; there is no additional component to the device. In addition to emergency medical monitoring, the watch has features similar to those of a standard smartwatch, such as voice-to-text SMS messaging, weather forecasts, and reminders and alerts. The watch has a pre-installed SIM chip, so all features are available without the need to connect to Bluetooth. It also has upgraded location tracking that uses GPS, WiFi, and Cell Tower Triangulation technologies.

Pricing

This is the only Medical Guardian device to have starting fees. All users must pay a one-time equipment fee of $99, plus the monthly monitoring cost of $44.95. For those who pay for their service annually, the monthly cost is $41.20.

Optional Devices

Medical Guardian offers the following add-on devices:

• Wall-Mounted Button: These buttons may be placed anywhere in the home for extra protection. They function as extra personal help buttons and connect users with the emergency monitoring center when pressed. Users can lease a wall-mounted button from Medical Guardian for $2.99 a month.
• Lockboxes: Lockboxes provide easy access to users’ homes during an emergency, eliminating the need to break down the door or cause other damage to the home. Customers can add a lockbox to their Medical Guardian monitoring plan for $2.99 a month. A lockbox is included free of charge with semi-annual and annual service plans.
• Protection Plan: The Medical Guardian Protection Plan is an insurance plan for users’ devices. The plan covers the cost of device replacement if the device is damaged or broken for any reason, and includes access to unlimited tech support, battery replacements, and discounts on device accessories. Enrollment in the protection plan costs $6.99 per month.

Monitoring

Medical Guardian operates a 100% U.S.-based monitoring center. The monitoring center is Underwriters’ Laboratory Listed, Factory Mutuals Approved, Five Diamond Certified by The Monitoring Association, and Electronic Security Association certified. The center also has a triple-redundant power system, and translation service is always available so operators can assist callers who speak a language other than English. All operators undergo extensive training.