Top 5 Medical Alert Systems for Seniors with No Monthly Fee
Medical alert systems are great for older adults who decide to age in place. They allow you to maintain your independence while also ensuring you remain safe and get the help you need, should you need it. Especially if you live alone, the fear of accidents or sudden health issues can worry both you and your loved ones. Medical alert systems can give you and your family peace of mind because they help you connect to emergency assistance immediately, and sometimes automatically.
Medical alert devices, while helpful and sometimes necessary, can be quite costly. In addition to the upfront cost of purchasing the device, you often have to pay installation fees, activation fees, monthly fees, and maintenance fees, which really start to add up! If you’re worried about the financial strain a medical alert system may cause, there are low-cost options with no monthly fees to reduce your monthly costs.
Read on to learn about the top ten medical alert systems for seniors with no monthly fees. We'll also explore features, benefits, and factors to consider when selecting an affordable and functional medical alert system.
Key takeaways:
There are many medical alert systems with no monthly fees. Finding the right one for you depends on your comfort with technology, which features you want, and how much you want to pay.
Read on to learn about a few of the best medical alert systems with no monthly fees.
What are medical alert systems?
If you have a medical emergency, medical alert systems can ensure you get timely assistance. Whether you have a wearable help button or an app on your cell phone, it’s nice knowing that someone is always one, or just a few, button clicks away.
Medical alert systems can cost upwards of $20 to $50 per month. With additional features, your monthly bill could increase to $100 per month. Luckily, there are systems out there with no monthly fees.
It’s good to understand the basics of medical alert systems before you begin your search for one without a monthly fee, so you know what features to look out for.
Definition: A medical alert system is designed to easily call for help in case of emergencies.
Key Features: These devices typically consist of a wearable device (likely a bracelet or necklace) and a base station for signaling help. There are various features that medical alert systems come with such as:
More traditional pendant-style alert button
Watches with speakerphone capabilities
Devices that track heart rate monitoring and other vital signs
Apps connected to devices
Caregiver app to keep loved ones updated
Automatic fall detection (this is often an additional feature that requires a monthly fee)
More traditional medical alert systems are simple to use and have a help button that connects a person to a monitoring center or emergency operator. You can also get an unmonitored medical alert system, which connects you directly to 911 or a pre-selected emergency phone number rather than the medical alert provider’s monitoring center. Other systems have advanced fall detection technology. Many medical alert companies provide a variety of different options so you’re comfortable with the system you have.
Factors to consider when choosing a medical alert system
It’s important to choose a medical alert system that suits your lifestyle and healthcare needs. How easy it is to use the device, how affordable it is, signal range and coverage, additional features, and customer support are all considerations that go into choosing the best option for you.
Ease of use
When considering a medical alert system, assess your comfort level with technology. Some people prefer the more discreet models with more technology, and others prefer the classic styles that are simple to use. There are also options that don't require a high level of tech-savviness but are still easy to use, are accessible to everyone, and incorporate more advanced technology.
Affordability
Medical alert devices can be expensive, and their affordability is a concern for many who need them. That’s why we wanted to focus this guide on medical alert systems with no monthly fees. Seniors that are budget-conscious can use these more affordable options to receive reliable emergency assistance.
Range and coverage areas
You want to make sure that the medical alert system you choose has sufficient range and coverage for your home. If you have a larger home or want greater coverage, including throughout your yard, make sure your device accommodates a wider area.
Additional features
Beyond emergency response, there are additional features you can opt into for certain devices. These features include automatic fall detection and medication reminders. Keep in mind that these additional features often come with an extra charge (that can be monthly).
Customer service and support
Reliable customer service for medical alert systems goes a long way, especially during emergencies. Some devices have their own emergency alert centers and some directly call 911. Consider what would work best for your needs.
Top 5 medical alert systems for seniors with no monthly fee
Explore the right device for you without breaking the bank. Here are the top medical alert systems with no monthly fee, broken down by their best features:
At $34.95, this small device is one of the more affordable options for seniors. This easy-to-use medical alert device connects to your phone. When you press the button for two seconds, it automatically calls and texts five contacts that you choose and set up. Your contacts can also see your GPS location.
Price: $34.95
Pros:
Connects through Bluetooth and the Plegium app
Connects to up to five emergency contacts (sends calls and texts), shares GPS location to these contacts when pressed
Small, discreet device that can be a keychain
4-year battery life
Cons:
Mixed reviews about how easy it is to set up and how functional it is
No warranty
Real-time GPS tracking and 24/7 monitoring service for monthly fee (which is can be affordable for some at $4.99)
Requires a smartphone
No two-way talk
Only works when the app is open and running on the phone
This discreet medical alert system is a wristwatch that enables you to quickly call 911 if you experience an emergency. It monitors your heart rate and includes automatic fall detection, which you often have to pay a subscription cost for with other devices.
Price: $159.99
Pros:
Two-way speakerphone capabilities
Automatic fall detection included
2G, 3G, or 4G cellular signal coverage
IP67 water resistance rating
Cons:
Only available in black
Can only call 911
No GPS technology in the basic model
This medical alert system is a lot like Plegium’s model with a few extra features that could make it worth the extra money. The small device attaches to a keychain, wallet, or pocket. When you press it, you can call 911 and also alert up to seven contacts who are then notified of your location. It also has a non-emergency “nudge” feature that lets your contacts know you’re alright in certain situations.
Price: $99.99
Pros:
Works internationally
Accompanying app available for both Android and iOS devices
GPS location monitoring and sharing
30-day money-back guarantee and one-year limited warranty
Cons:
Not waterproof
Requires pairing with Bluetooth-equipped devices
LogicMark’s medical alert system incorporates a more classic model of emergency response. Its walkie talkie design allows for easy two-way communication with 911 once you push a button. The simplicity of this device is great for people who are less confident with new technology.
Price: $227
Pros:
Two-way communication with 911
Water-resistant for bathroom use
Lightweight and straightforward
30-day money-back guarantee, plus free shipping
Cons:
Requires a landline to function.
Doesn't include GPS technology
With YoLink, you can program four buttons to carry out up to eight actions. Some of the actions you can take with the press of a button include::
Send a text message
Cause a smart light to flash outside to draw attention to an emergency
Unlock your doors for emergency responders
Lock doors
Control an alarm system
This medical alert system is most suitable for seniors who are comfortable with technology.
Price: $25.59 for fob and $29.95 for YoLink Hub (required)
Pros:
Texts emergency contacts
Can integrate with smart home devices
Two-year warranty
Can be programmed for various actions
Cons:
In-home use only
Requires a smartphone or tablet to operate
Additional cost for the YoLink Hub
With so many medical alert systems on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right one for you. Carefully consider the level of technology, affordability, functionality, and features that you want in a device. If these medical alert systems don’t suit your needs, there are many others you can purchase that also have no monthly fee.
While Medicare doesn’t cover medical alert systems, you can learn about other ways to save money with fall prevention strategies or tips on aging in place.
Frequently asked questions
Some Medicare Advantage plans, like Devoted Health Medicare Advantage plans, offer free medical alert devices as an additional benefit. Certain restrictions apply (like providers you can use) and not all Medicare Advantage plans include the benefit.
Medicare Advantage plans are often appealing because they provide additional benefits beyond what Original Medicare offers, like medical alert devices. However, they can be limiting in some other ways. It’s important to know the pros and cons of Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare before signing up for a plan.
You may be able to find free or low-cost medical alert systems through local nonprofits and other community networks. Find your local Area Agency on Aging to see what options you may have available to you.
Some medical alert systems come with installation services for a fee. Some Medicare Advantage plans, like New Jersey-based Braven Health plans, also include Papa Pal. This is an online platform that connects caregivers to seniors for technology assistance, companionship, and other services. If you don’t have access to one of these support options, consider asking a family member to help you set up your medical alert system.