How much does a medical alert system cost?
How much does a medical alert system cost?
$20 – $50 average cost per month
Cost of medical alert systems
A medical alert system costs $20 to $50 per month, depending on the system type and provider you choose. An in-home alert system costs $20 to $35 per month and can use landline or cellular phone service. A mobile alert device costs $30 to $50 monthly on average and relies on cellular connectivity.
| System | Average cost per month |
|---|---|
| Home alert system (in-home system) |
$20 – $35 |
| Mobile alert device (on-the-go system) |
$30 – $50 |
Medical alert system cost by type
Medical alert systems are wearable devices that allow users, especially older adults, or those with health issues, to summon emergency help with the push of a button, providing peace of mind for the user and their loved ones.
Monitored systems connect to a 24/7 professional monitoring center that can assess the situation and dispatch emergency responders if needed.
Unmonitored systems connect to a limited number of emergency contacts or dial 911 directly, without live help, potentially delaying necessary assistance.
Monitored medical alert systems offer critical safety advantages but come with additional costs compared to unmonitored alternatives. This guide explains the costs of these safer, monitored medical alert systems to help you make the best choice for you or your loved one.
In-home medical alert system cost
An in-home medical alert system costs $20 to $35 per month on average. In-home medical alert systems typically include a wearable help button and a base unit that connects to a monitoring center, allowing you to call for assistance from within your home.
One-time equipment fees for an in-home system range from $0 to $300. Some companies charge a separate activation or programming fee of $35 to $100, depending on the device and plan you choose.
A home security system costs $25 to $50 per month with a 24/7 professional monitoring center, but may not be able to provide the quick response and same level of service as a medical alert system.
Mobile medical alert system cost
Mobile or on-the-go medical alert systems cost $30 to $50 per month and provide protection and emergency assistance outside of the home. These wearable devices use cellular and GPS technology to provide emergency assistance from anywhere with cellular coverage.
Similar to in-home systems, some mobile medical alert systems have a one-time setup fee ranging from $50 to $200 to cover the cost of equipment and programming the device.
Med alert cost by company
The main cost of a medical alert system is the monthly monitoring fee, which ranges from $20 to $50 per month on average, depending on the company you choose. The following table details the costs for the top medical alert system brands:
| Company | Monthly plan cost | Equipment & installation cost |
Activation fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADT | $27.99 – $37.99 | $0 | $0 |
| Bay Alarm Medical | $24.95 – $39.95 | $99 – $299 | $0 |
| GetSafe | $29.95 | $79 – $279 | $0 |
| Life Alert | $49.95 – $89.95 | $0 | $198 |
| LifeFone | $24.95 – $45.95 | $0 | $0 |
| Lifeline | $29.95 – $39.95 | $99.95 | Included in setup fee |
| Lively | $24.99 – $49.99 | $0 – $79.99 | $35 |
| Medical Guardian | $29.95 – $44.95 | $0 – $199.95 | $0 |
| MedicalAlert | $19.95 – $47.95 | $0 | $99.95 |
| MobileHelp | $19.95 – $54.95 | $0 | $0 |
Medical alert system features
Most companies offer a variety of optional features for added safety, security, and convenience for users and their caregivers. The following table details the most common medical alert system options.
| Features | Monthly cost* | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Live 24/7 monitoring | $20 – $50 | Provides access to a monitoring center staffed with trained operators who can dispatch help in an emergency |
| Fall detection | $10 – $15 | Automatically detects if the user has fallen and calls for help |
| GPS location tracking | $5 – $10 | Uses GPS to track the user's location, especially useful for mobile devices when the user is away from home |
| Activity monitoring | $5 – $10 | Tracks the user's activity levels and can notify caregivers of any unusual patterns |
| Medication reminders | $5 – $10 | Uses alerts and visual cues to prompt you to take your medications on schedule |
| Caregiver mobile app | $5 – $10 | Allows caregivers to monitor the user's status and location, update emergency contacts, and receive alerts |
*In addition to standard monthly monitoring fee
Cost factors for a medical alert system
Several factors affect the total cost of a medical alert system:
Setup fees: Some companies charge a one-time fee for the equipment and installation, while others include these costs in the monthly subscription. Some companies charge separate activation or programming fees depending on the device and complexity of the setup.
Monitored vs. unmonitored: Monitored medical alert systems offer more comprehensive emergency response capabilities but at a higher monthly cost. Unmonitored systems are less expensive but provide a lower level of protection and monitoring.
Add-on features: Features like fall detection, GPS tracking, and activity monitoring can increase the monthly fees.
Extra devices: Extra wall-mounted devices mounted in strategic locations cost $35 to $50 each to ensure easy access in an emergency. Extra wearable help buttons cost $20 to $40 each.
Location: The cost of a medical alert system can vary depending on your geographic location and the cellular coverage in your area.
Rental vs. purchase: Some providers allow users to rent the equipment, while others require you to purchase the devices. Renting can often be more cost-effective if you only need the device in the short term, such as during the month following a hip or knee replacement surgery.
Lockboxes: Some companies encourage customers to install a lockbox costing $15 to $30 to hold an extra key so that emergency responders don’t have to break down a locked door to assist in an emergency. The monitoring service will share the location and code of the lockbox with emergency services when necessary.
Some companies offer discounts for veterans or members of certain organizations, such as AARP, or for customers who purchase a semiannual or annual plan instead of paying monthly.
Medical alert system FAQs
Does Medicare cover the cost of medical alert systems?
No, original Medicare does not cover medical alert systems, but some Medicare Advantage and Medicaid plans may provide partial or full coverage, depending on the specific plan and state requirements.
Does AARP help cover the cost of medical alert systems?
No, AARP does not help cover the cost of medical alert systems. However, AARP members can save 15% on Lifeline medical alert systems, with free activation and shipping.
Can I get a free medical alert system?
You may be able to get a free or low-cost medical alert system, depending on your location and income. Some Medicare Advantage plans, Medicaid waivers, and local area agencies on aging provide free or discounted systems.
Is a medical alert system tax deductible?
While the IRS does not explicitly list a medical alert system as tax-deductible, there are certain circumstances where the system qualifies as a deductible medical expense, such as when the doctor recommends a medical alert system for patients living alone and at risk of falls.
Consult with a tax advisor or accountant to determine if your specific medical alert system qualifies for a deduction.
Some health insurance and homeowners insurance providers offer discounts for individuals or homes with medical alert systems.
How do medical alert systems work?
Medical alert systems consist of an emergency call button that provides two-way communication to connect the user to a 24/7 monitoring center. These systems use either a landline or cellular network to place the emergency call, which is then answered by trained professionals who can assess the situation and dispatch help if needed.
Does ADT offer a medical alert system?
While ADT is probably best known for their ADT home security system that costs $45 to $82 per month in monitoring fees, they also offer in-home and on-the-go medical alert systems that provide 24/7 help in a medical emergency.
Choosing a medical alert system
When looking for a medical alert system to fit your budget and needs, ask yourself these important questions to determine the right system for you:
Do you want a home-based system or a mobile system?
Do you need fall detection?
Do you want additional features? If so, which ones?
What can you comfortably spend each month?
Does your doctor recommend a specific medical alert system for your circumstances?
After answering those questions, contact different medical alert companies and compare products and prices. Follow these additional suggestions:
Look for independent reviews of medical alert systems to see how different brands stack up.
Pay attention to factors like range, battery life, ease of use, and customer service.
Confirm details like which cellular carrier the system uses, how quickly the monitoring center will respond to an alert, and whether there is a backup system in case of a power outage.
Confirm the estimates include installation and activation as well as the monthly monitoring fee.
Questions to ask a medical alert system company
Ask these questions to better understand the medical alert system’s features and costs before signing a contract:
What is the monthly monitoring cost? Are there any discounts available?
Are there any upfront equipment costs or activation fees?
Is there a contract term? Are there early termination fees?
How long does the call button battery last?
What is the operating range of the in-home system? Will it work from my garage or backyard?
What are your customer service hours, and how can I speak to someone?
What is the warranty on the equipment?
How does the system protect my personal information?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.