Rescue Alert Medical Alert Review

Best for Included Optional Devices

Rescue Alert is a family-owned company with over thirty years of experience in the industry. Its headquarters and its monitoring centers are both located in Utah. The company’s origins date back to 1981, when the founder developed an emergency response system using home landlines. In the decades since, Rescue Alert has released several monitoring devices, and today offers two medical alert devices. One Rescue Alert device is intended for in-home use, while the other may be used on-the-go.

All Rescue Alert customers are eligible to receive a free add-on device when they sign up for service with the company. Users have the choice of a free lockbox or a second personal help button for one of Rescue Alert’s in-home systems. These devices are completely free, no matter which device and which payment plan customers choose. Compared to companies that charge a monthly fee for these devices, Rescue Alert customers can save a significant amount of money per year.

Who Rescue Alert Is Best For

Those Looking to Purchase a Medical Alert Device

Most medical alert companies lease equipment to users rather than sell it. Then, when the user terminates their service contract, they’re required to return their equipment or else pay a hefty fine. Those looking to avoid having to return their device in the future will be happy with RescueAlert’s device purchase option. Users may purchase the in-home MXD device for a one-time fee of $849, which includes 24/7 monitoring service. Though the initial payment may seem high, after paying the initial fee, users will never face another charge from RescueAlert and do not have to worry about remembering to return the device.

Seniors Who Don’t Have a Landline

Many medical alert companies offer in-home medical alert systems with cellular connections for seniors who don’t have a landline connection in their homes. The problem for some, however, is that these systems often cost $10 or more per month than their landline counterparts. Additionally, some homes may not receive good enough cellular coverage to use a cellular-based device in an emergency.

Rescue Alert helps solve this problem by offering VoIP and cable connection options with its MXD in-home device. Though typically used with a landline, the MXD can also be connected to VoIP or cable for those who do not want to pay extra for a cellular in-home system or who are concerned about the reliability of that connection. MXD users can choose to connect their systems via VoIP or cable for no extra charge. Rescue Alert was the first company in the medical alert industry to offer this option, and remains one of the very few to do so.

Couples or Seniors Who Live Together

All Rescue Alert customers receive a free gift with their system. They may either choose a lockbox, or a second personal help button. The extra button may be used by the user’s spouse or anyone else who lives in the same home. There is no extra fee for monitoring the second person, so both users can have emergency protection for the price of one. This can save couples or roommates hundreds of dollars over the course of the year.

Plans and Starting Costs

Both Rescue Alert devices may be paid for on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. Additionally, the in-home system comes with the option to purchase the device for a one-time, flat fee. The systems range in price from $32.95 to $44.95 when paid for on a monthly basis. There are no long-term contracts and users may cancel their service at any time.

Starting Costs

Rescue Alert does not charge any one-time fees. Shipping is included with all plans. The only thing users will ever be billed for is monthly monitoring and/or the initial purchase price of the device.

Device Prices and Features

MXD

Device Features

MXD is a basic in-home device. It is typically used with a landline connection, but may also be used with VoIP or cable. MXD is the only medical alert device with these alternative options to cellular service and a landline. The system includes a base station with a range of 600 feet and an 80-hour backup battery, and one wearable help button. Users may also choose to receive a second personal help button as their free accessory. Fall detection is available for $10 a month.

Pricing

MXD costs $32.95 a month with a monthly plan, $29.95 a month with a quarterly plan, or $27.95 a month with an annual plan when users lease the equipment. Users also have the option of purchasing the system for a one-time fee of $849 (this fee includes monitoring), or purchasing the equipment for a one-time fee of $199 and then paying $15.95 a month for monitoring.

Rescue Alert GPS

Device Features

Rescue Alert GPS is the company’s only mobile offering. It is a lightweight, all-in-one device that users may wear as a pendant or in a belt clip. It uses AT&T’s 3G network and comes equipped with GPS services so monitoring center operators can easily find callers during an emergency. The device is waterproof and shower-safe and can last up to 48 hours on a single charge.

Pricing

This device costs $44.95 a month with a monthly payment plan, $39.95 a month with a quarterly payment plan, or $37.95 a month with an annual plan. There is no purchase option for the Rescue Alert GPS.

Optional Devices

Rescue Alert customers have the option of adding devices to their service plan, including:

• Wall Buttons: Wall buttons provide users with an extra layer of protection in the home. When pressed, it sends a call to the emergency monitoring center, functioning as an additional personal help button. Rescue Alert’s wall buttons have a range of 600 feet from the in-home base station, and are only compatible with the in-home MXD system. A wall button costs an additional $5 a month.
• Lockboxes: All Rescue Alert users have the choice of receiving a free lockbox with their device, which they can use to store a spare key for emergency services. Those who select the extra personal help button as their free accessory rather than a lockbox can opt to purchase one for $39.99.
• myActive Alert: The myActive Alert pendant provides automatic fall detection. Compatible with the in-home MXD device, this fall detection pendant costs an additional $10 a month and replaces the traditional MXD pendant. It is water resistant and has a range of 600 feet from the in-home base station.

Monitoring

Rescue Alert operates two of its own ETL- certified emergency monitoring centers. Both centers are located in Utah and are staffed by trained operators. Many operators are bilingual, and Spanish speaking staff members are available at all times to assist callers.