Medical alert systems are essential for people living with serious medical conditions. They work by sending a signal to a pre-determined location when the person wearing the devices presses the alert button. They can provide a sense of security for the person as well as concerned family members.
The cost of paying for the system can be distributed in two different ways. The system can charge a monthly fee, which is called a subscription. It can charge one up-front fee without any monthly costs. The monthly fee can be an example of a hidden cost for people who do not realize how this payment system works.
If a plan appears to be cheaper than another one, there is a good chance that the cheaper plan is the one that has a higher amount of hidden costs involved. This means that the total cost of the cheaper plan could actually be higher than the one with the high price tag. Consider the costs of the medical alert system within the context of the actual application of the system. This will help you to evaluate the plans and choose the one that is most appropriate for your situation.
What are my options?
The available devices with no monthly fee are not uniform and choosing the right one can be difficult. Some have only the basic features, and others will add a bunch of bells and whistles. Basic devices will usually have a lower cost, but this also means that the quality of the device may not be sufficient under certain conditions. For example, devices with a low range between the alert button and the transmitter may have a lower price tag, but this benefit is at the expense of the device’s range.
This feature has life-saving implications, so it should be evaluated with caution. Other options include the total amount of phone numbers allowed by the device. When the device sends out a signal for help, it can be routed to any of these phone numbers. Devices with a higher cost allow additional numbers, and this is also true for the devices with no monthly fee compared to subscription alert systems.
No Monthly Fee Medical Alert Devices, Pros and Cons
There are different types of systems available, and this plays a role in the device’s effectiveness. Potential customers should consider two major types of plans carefully before deciding which one is most appropriate.
Some of the most important features of no-monthly fee devices include the following:
- The range of the device is better, so the alerts can be sent even when the distance between the device and the alert button is longer.
- The range between the alert button and the device can be as high as 600 feet. Cheaper devices will have a range as low as 50 feet, which is not sufficient even for small apartments.
- The more expensive equipment also allows you to program more numbers into the device.
- You can control the routing of the alerts to your preferred numbers.
- The overall cost of the system is lower than plans that charge a monthly fee.
- There is a two-directional voice feature included.
Some of the drawbacks of no-monthly fee devices include the following:
- Wait times tend to increase during serious situations, which might become life-threatening in some cases.
- The number might not get picked up by family members if they are busy.
- Some people might be reluctant to use the system even in situations where it is completely justified.
Three No-Monthly Fee Companies
1. Geemarc Ampli600: This system allows the user up to six emergency numbers, and the device is fully portable. This allows the person to freely move around their home. Custom messages can be programmed into the wireless transmitter. A cancel button is conveniently located on the top of the device. There is an amplifier on the system, which is great for users who have difficulty hearing.
2. Lifelink: This system allows eight different emergency numbers, and it can be used in either the U.S. or in Canada. This system has an option that allows users to connect via Bluetooth, and this is an ideal option for people who don’t want to use a landline. The attached pendant is fully waterproof, and this means it can be used in the shower.
3. LogicMark: This system is connected via landline, and the pendant is not waterproof. However, the company also offers two different systems. The first is called Freedom Alert, and the second is Guardian Alert. The user can program the order of the calls. This is great if the first call doesn’t connect. There is another mode in the program that allows the calls to go to 911 if none of the emergency contacts respond.
Summary
The different providers also offer different types of payment plans, which can determine the total cost of the medical alert system. Most people are already familiar with medial alert systems that charge a monthly fee, for example. However, there is also the option of getting a medical alert system that does not require you to purchase a monthly subscription. This type of system only charges you for the original cost of the equipment.
