Best Cellular Medical Alert Systems

Overview

Cellular medical alert systems are mobile medical alert systems that allow you to call for help inside and outside the home. Unlike an in-home alert system, they don’t need to be plugged in and can be with you wherever you go.

Cellular medical alert systems often come with extra features, like a pedometer. Still, the main reason seniors buy them is for the safety net it provides while they’re living their lives to the fullest outside of their homes.

Cellular medical alert systems can work outside your home because of cellular coverage. In the same way your smartphone gives you directions when driving or walking somewhere, a mobile medical alert system can make calls 24/7 in an emergency. There are models with a two-way speaker system, allowing you to speak directly to a monitoring center agent who can send a first responder right away. However, many cellular medical alert devices can automatically reach out to a set group of family members, caretakers, and monitoring center agents with the simple push of a button.

 Pros:

• No installation or activation fees because it’s not installed anywhere in the home
• Some devices also come with caretaker apps, allowing caretakers to communicate with seniors and track their location
• Many devices have monthly plans with no contracts
• Works almost anywhere, thanks to cellular data coverage
• Lightweight and discreet (can be worn as a pendant or bracelet)
• Works for seniors who don’t have a landline

 Cons:

• Battery be recharged daily to weekly
• Monthly plans can be expensive
• Extra features, such as automatic fall detection, can sometimes cost extra
• Usually has an initial equipment fee

Best Cellular Medical Alert Systems

• Medical Guardian: Best customer service
• Bay Alarm Medical: Best for a tight budget
• Aloe Care Health: Best for simplicity and durability
• LifeFone: Longest-lasting battery life

Product Reviews

Other Medical Alert Systems that Didn’t Make the List

Life Alert

Although this is the most well-known brand of medical alert systems, Life Alert is also one of the priciest. Unlike the other medical alert systems we listed above, Life Alert requires a three-year contractual commitment that can’t be canceled unless there are extreme circumstances. In addition to the higher price, information about Life Alert’s medical system features is hard to find on their website, so we couldn’t provide much insight for you to consider when weighing your options. Here is our take on what are the best Life Alert alternatives.

Philips Lifeline

AARP offers a 15 percent discount on Philips Lifeline medical alert system’s monthly fee, free shipping, and free activation for members. Philips Lifeline has a reputation in the medical alert system market because Lifeline was the first medical alert provider in North America (it was acquired by Philips in 2006), and its products have mostly positive reviews. However, we don’t recommend its cellular medical alert system, the “On the Go”, because of its high monthly subscription rate of $49.95 in addition to the $99.95 hardware fee.

How to Choose the Best Cellular Medical Alert System for You

When shopping for a cellular medical alert system, it’s important to consider your specific situation and needs. There are so many devices available on the market because everyone has a different lifestyle, no matter how old they are, and these devices are made to fit those lifestyles.

Some devices have a longer battery than others. Some have extra features like a pedometer or text messaging. Some are waterproof, while others are water-resistant. Some only have a help button and nothing else. You have to consider whether or not these are features that you will be comfortable with.

Of course, affordability will always be the most important factor when deciding which medical alert system will suit you best but be careful not to trade off price for necessary features like automatic fall detection or a two-way communication system.

Things to Consider When Shopping for a Cellular Medical Alert System

• 24/7 emergency response
  • What if you experience an emergency medical situation at night? Do you travel a lot? Having a 24/7 emergency response feature would be beneficial because help will always be available to you.
• Equipment fees
  • Equipment fees are an upfront, one-time cost. There is no installation fee or activation fee to go with it, but it’s important they don’t break the bank at your initial purchase.
• Monthly rates
  • Many devices also feature quarterly or yearly rates, but monthly rates are the most popular way to pay. Monthly rates are key in determining if the cellular medical alert system you’re looking for is affordable.
• Two-way talk
  • Do you prefer hitting a button and letting the system call your emergency contacts? Or would you like to speak to another person over the phone after you hit the button? Your communication style is a key factor to consider when shopping for a cellular medical alert system.
• Caregiver apps
  • Caregiver apps benefit both you and your caregiver. You are given safe independence outside of the home thanks to your cellular medical alert device, and your caregiver gets to rest easy knowing they can check on you any time using the app.
• Quick response time
  • If there’s a medical emergency, you don’t want a slow response time. The best medical alert devices have a fast response time for immediate assistance.
• Water resistance
  • Cellular medical alert systems aren’t just for traveling outside the home. Water-resistant devices are perfect if you worry about falling in the bathroom or shower.
• Extended battery life
  • If you love long road trips or forget to charge your devices before you go to bed, extended battery life is a feature to consider. You don’t want a device that constantly needs recharging—you want one that allows you freedom and peace of mind.
• GPS location services 
  • The ability to call for help no matter where you are is the main feature of a cellular medical alert system. However, GPS tracking is important because, without it, the monitoring center agents can’t pinpoint the exact location to send emergency services to. You’ll want a device with accurate location updates in case of an emergency.
• Long range
  • Device range is a thing of the past with cellular medical alert systems. Thanks to cellular coverage, many devices allow you to be as social and out-of-the-house as you’d like.
• Nationwide coverage
  • Nationwide coverage is powered by cellular services like AT&T and Verizon. Your cellular medical alert device needs to be in an area with cellular coverage to connect to emergency services, so a device with a full coverage map is important to consider.
• Fall detection
  • If you ever can’t push the button after a fall (if you’re unconscious, for example), some wearable medical alert systems come with automatic fall detection. Instead of pressing the help button, the device can sense if you’ve fallen and automatically call emergency services for assistance. If you’ve fallen in the past, this is an important safety feature to consider.
• Easy setup
  • Unlike in-home medical alert devices, cellular medical alert devices don’t need a formal installation. Setup is much simpler, usually through in-app activation or online account creation. If you need help with setup, consider a brand with friendly support staff that can walk you through it.
• Cellular monitoring
  • Cellular monitoring is also a key feature to consider when buying a cellular medical system. Thanks to cellular monitoring, you can reach out for help, even if your power is out or a storm is in your area.

Summary

Thanks to cellular medical alert systems, you can take anxiety-free walks in the park or visit your family. You can be safe in and out of the home, and you don’t even have to break the bank to give yourself that safety net.

Before making your final purchase, consider the total cost, coverage, and extra features. Find out what cellular medical device best suits your lifestyle.

Why Trust Us

AgingInPlace.org has a devoted team of experts behind the scenes, always ensuring all of our information is up-to-date and accurate. We care about the health and lifestyle of all elderly citizens and want to give them the tools they need to prosper safely in the comfort of their own homes and independently outside of them.

Pricing is accurate as of 3/23/2022.

Other Medical Alert Guides And Medical Alert Systems That We Have Reviewed

• Best Medical Alert Systems
• Best Medical Alert Systems with Fall Detection
• Best Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS)
• Best Medical Alert Systems With No Monthly Fee
• Best Medical Alert Watches for 2022
• Best Medical Alert Bracelets for Seniors
• Best Medical Alert Systems with GPS
• Medical Guardian Review
• Aloe Care Health Review
• MobileHelp Review
• Bay Alarm Medical Review
• Medical Alert Review
• GreatCall Review
• LifeStation Review
• LifeFone Review
• Philips Lifeline Review
• MobileHelp Smart Review
• Alert1 Review
• ADT Medical Alert Review
• Apple Watch Medical Alert Review
• GreatCall Lively Mobile Reviews
• Rescue Alert Medical Alert Review
• Life Alert Review

Learn More About Medical Alert Systems

• Does AARP Cover Medical Alert Systems?
• Is a Medical Alert System Tax-Deductible?
• Medical Alert Systems Covered by Medicare
• Who Should Wear a Medical Alert System?
• Pros and Cons of a Medical Alert System from Wal-Mart
• What Is The Cost of Medical Alert Systems
• Medical Alert Jewelry Options