Medical alert systems are useful for seniors and adults who have health conditions or are living with a disability. These systems give people peace of mind that should they need assistance, it’s only a button-press away.
Most medical alert systems require a monthly subscription, and finding the funds to pay for them can be a challenge. Shopping around to find the most affordable systems, without sacrificing important features, is a smart move that could save you and your family a lot of money.
Here, we look at medical alert systems from nationwide providers that offer the best value, to help you find the most affordable solution for your needs.
The Best Value in Medical Alert Systems
Alert1
Alert1 is one of the most long-standing and most affordable medical alert system providers. The company offers a choice of several packages and a simple, easy-to-understand pricing structure. There are no up-front fees to get started, just sign up and pay a flat monthly rate.
Those who opt for a month-to-month rolling contract pay a premium for this flexibility. Alert1’s most basic system is $28.95 on the monthly payment plan, $9 more than the equivalent service from MobileHelp. There are quarterly, annual and three-year contract options as well, all of which offer discounts. The three-year plan includes six months of free service. Combined with the lack of any up-front installation or activation fees, this makes Alert1 a good value.
The company also offers special two-user pricing for adults who live in the same household. The package includes two devices and two coverage plans for 1.5 times the price of a single plan, which translates into potentially big savings for those who need two devices.
Why Choose Alert1?
Alert1’s longevity in the medical alert space makes them a good choice for those looking for a reliable system. The company’s responders are highly trained, and the billing is fair and transparent with users having the option of long commitments or more flexibility. The pricing isn’t the least expensive, but it’s close, and the quality of the service wins out in other ways.
MobileHelp
MobileHelp offers some of the most affordable packages for those who don’t have a landline telephone. The entirely cellular service is robust, flexible and affordably priced, with the most basic package costing just $19.95 per month, although there’s a one-time fee of $49.95 when you join the service. This fee is waived for users who sign up for a longer contract.
The service may be particularly appealing to tech-savvy seniors, thanks to optional add-ons such as a touchscreen device, a variety of wearables to choose from and a downloadable Alexa Skill app that allows users to manage certain aspects of their MobileHelp account via their Alexa device.
The mobile version of the service starts at $37.95, with no one-time fee. Fall detection is an option on the MobileHelp Classic, Solo and Duo packages, costing an additional $10 per month. Even with that extra fee, the service remains competitively priced for an in-home system. Signing up for a quarterly or annual plan can cut the monthly fee significantly.
Why Choose MobileHelp?
MobileHelp has one of the least costly, bare-bones packages available for a single user, and the available extras for tech-savvy seniors are affordably priced too. Seniors who are looking for a package that’s more than just a simple help button may appreciate the benefit of the Alexa Skill app.
Rescue Alert
Rescue Alert is another provider that offers packages that may appeal to those who don’t have a landline. It’s also a good choice for couples. All Rescue Alert packages include a free gift, with the choice between a lockbox or a second help button. The extra button can be used as a spare or given to another person as long as they’re part of the same household.
For a single user, Rescue Alert’s pricing for its basic system is $32.95 per month, which is higher than the rates charged by MobileHelp and Alert1. For couples or housemates, however, getting the equivalent of two systems for the price of one is a much more competitive deal, even factoring in the additional $10 per month charge for fall detection on the Rescue Alert MXD.
The company does offer a number of optional add-ons, such as lockboxes, wall buttons, and a myActive Alert pendant. The pricing structure for these extras is fairly simple and transparent, however. For example, the lockbox can be purchased outright for $39.99, and wall buttons add just $5 per month to the bill.
Why Choose Rescue Alert?
It’s hard to recommend Rescue Alert for a senior who lives alone, due to the higher base price of the service. For couples, however, the two for one offer for a second alert button makes the service unbeatable. The company’s simple and clear pricing is worthy of praise too.
There are many other medical alert system manufacturers, some of which offer features such as multilingual support, medical advice hotlines, caregiver monitoring options or additional wearables that may make these products more appealing to seniors with specific needs.
When choosing a medical alert system, seniors should take into account their needs and those of family members, as well as their household budget. Some providers do allow users to purchase a lifetime subscription for a large up-front payment, but most charge on a monthly basis, so it’s important to give serious consideration to the affordability of the system before signing a contract for 12 to 36 months.
Learn More
For the purposes of this guide, we focused on the providers with the most affordable basic packages and relatively budget-friendly pricing for add-ons. Take a look at our guide to the best medical alert systems to explore what other providers offer before making a final decision.
