One Call Alert is an affordable medical alert system sold in many bricks-and-mortar stores, including Walmart, Rite Aid and CVS. The company is one of only a few to give consumers the option of buying in-store or via their own website. One Call Alert claims to have more than 100,000 users and has been producing medical alert devices since 2003.
One Call Alert offers five different packages covering in-home and on-the-go services for individuals and couples. The top-tier package includes in-home and mobile protection with no landline required. The company is known for its simple billing and comprehensive selection of optional extras. Seniors can choose which types of coverage they would like, so they don’t end up paying for things they won’t use.
This review looks at each of One Call Alert’s services and subscription plans, including their benefits and downsides, to help seniors make the best decision when it comes to choosing a medical alert service provider.
One Call Alert's Device Options
One Call Alert offers five packages:
- In-home landline
- In-home wireless
- Mobile on-the-go
- Mobile double (protection for two household members)
- Complete protection (in-home and mobile for one user)
All of the packages include a waterproof wearable that can be used as a pendant or worn on the wrist. The devices offer two-way voice communication that allows the user to communicate with the contact center without having to use a phone or go to the base station. The mobile devices include GPS technology, which helps the contact center dispatch help to an injured or unwell senior wherever they are, even if they are lost or confused when they initiate the call.
One Call Alert's Plans
One Call Alert offers a variety of billing options. Seniors can choose from month-to-month subscriptions and quarterly, semiannual or annual billing. There’s no up-front fee to purchase the equipment, and there are no activation fees. Most plans include free shipping.
The most affordable subscription option is annual billing with prices for the in-home landline service starting at $22.95 per month if the user pays for a full year. The subscription fee is higher for those who opt for month-to-month billing but only slightly at $24.95 per month. Many rival brands charge much higher premiums for the flexibility of monthly billing.
Fall detection is not available on the in-home landline service but is offered for other packages at an additional fee of $10 per month. A free lockbox is included with every subscription. The company occasionally offers promotional rates for new users, however, even their basic rates are at the competitive end of the market.
Extra Services Offered by One Call Alert
There are several areas where One Call Alert really stands out. First, the range on their base station is 1,300 feet, which is above average for modern devices. Active seniors who enjoy gardening or working in a shed or garage may find the extra range incredibly useful.
GPS-enabled devices include access to a Connect Portal at no extra cost. Caregivers can use this portal to check on the well-being of their family members, view their location and get other updates. Some features of the Connect Portal, such as location pings, are limited use. Subscribers who use the services more frequently may need to purchase add-on packages.
The Complete Protection and In-Home Wireless products come with optional medication reminders. All subscribers have the option of taking out the Connect plan for a monthly fee of $5. This plan includes device protection, so users can request a free replacement pendant or other equipment should their device be lost, damaged or stolen. The plan also includes discounts on the fall button and extra Location Detection pings on the Connect Portal. Connect subscribers also get a lifetime price guarantee, which could be useful for those who plan on subscribing long-term.
Customer Reviews of One Call Alert
Customers praise the service for being affordably priced and including a lot of useful extra features either for free or for a modest extra fee. There are still many useful services lacking from One Call Alert’s packages, though, and families that require more comprehensive monitoring, such as smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors, may wish to look elsewhere.
What Customers Like
One Call Alert’s most basic package costs $24.95 per month on monthly billing with no activation fees, shipping fees or long-term contracts. The package includes a free lockbox, waterproof pendant and long-range base station. This represents an incredibly good value for the money. Families that are looking for an affordable entry-level package for a single senior and are happy to do without fall detection would struggle to find a better deal.
The company receives praise from reviewers for the speed with which calls are answered and its good customer service. The devices are easy to set up and seniors appreciate the hassle-free experience that the brand offers.
What Customers Don’t Like
The up-front costs to become a One Call Alert user are minimal, but in the long term, some other services may be a better deal. The company receives criticism for charging $5 a month for their price lock and device protection and for the lack of more sophisticated extras, such as monitored smoke alarms or a smart watch wearable.
The company’s contact centers are not TMA Five Diamond Certified. There’s no legal requirement for a contact center to have this certification, but the best medical alert system manufacturers usually choose to apply for it to demonstrate their commitment to good quality service. Some reviewers find the lack of certification concerning.
Who Should Consider One Call Alert?
One Call Alert is a good option for seniors who want a robust medical alert system at an affordable price. The service covers the basics, including caregiver monitoring, an in-home base station, lock box and optional fall detection, for a reasonable price.
Since the company offers month-to-month contracts that aren’t that much more expensive than their annual plans, they represent a good option for those who are testing out medical alert systems but expect their needs to change over the coming months. A family can opt for One Call Alert’s devices in the short-term and then extend the service if they like it or move over to a premium provider if the senior has needs that One Call Alert doesn’t cover.
