How Medical Alert Systems Work in 2025: Your Full In-Depth Guide

Written by
Updated onApr. 10, 2025

Medically reviewed by Amber Snow, MSN, APRN, AGPCNP-C

Key Takeaways

  • Medical alert systems provide help at the push of a button in a fall or emergency.
  • Medical alert systems have several options so that you can find a device suited to your needs. 
  • Pricing starts at $24.95 monthly, with additional fees for advanced features.

If you’re new to medical alert systems, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. What’s the difference between monitored and unmonitored systems? How do they function outside the home? Are they covered by insurance? This guide breaks it all down to help you make the best choice for your needs.

Our team engaged in extensive independent research, consulted with licensed caregivers and medical professionals, mystery-shopped leading brands, and reviewed hundreds of customer testimonials from trusted sources like the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot.

What is a medical alert system?

A medical alert system consists of two key components: the equipment and the monitoring service.

Medical alert equipment

Most at-home systems include a base unit that connects wirelessly to wearable devices or wall-mounted buttons. Mobile options eliminate the need for a base unit, and can be taken on the go. They usually come with a rechargeable battery and charger. When purchasing a medical alert system, look for the following features:

  • Wearable help buttons: Typically worn as necklaces, wristbands, clipped onto a belt loop or in a pocket.
  • Additional accessories: Some systems offer wall-mounted buttons, carrying cases, and extra features like medication reminders and GPS location tracking.
  • Easy setup: Setting up your medical alert system usually involves plugging in the base unit and testing help buttons. Many systems feature voice prompts for step-by-step guidance.

Medical alert monitoring service

If you choose a monitored system, pressing the emergency button connects you to a professional monitoring center, typically within 30 seconds. Some devices include fall detection, which automatically alerts the center if a fall is detected. Trained staff assess your situation and contact emergency services or designated caregivers, if necessary.

Unmonitored systems, on the other hand, directly call 911 or your emergency contacts without a monitoring center intermediary. While these systems eliminate monthly fees, they may be less reliable in ensuring prompt and appropriate assistance.

Types of medical alert systems

Monitored vs. unmonitored systems

  • Monitored: Staffed 24/7, providing personalized response plans and professional assistance.
  • Unmonitored: Directly dials emergency contacts or 911 without professional monitoring.

At-home vs. on-the-go systems

  • At-home systems: Ideal for older adults with mobility concerns. Available with landline or cellular connectivity.
  • On-the-go systems: Ideal for those who would like peace of mind while going about regular activities. These devices work anywhere, continuing to provide emergency support with the push of a button.

Advanced features:

  • Caregiver alerts: Notifications are sent to family members when an emergency button is pressed.
  • Fall detection: Uses accelerometers to detect falls and send automatic alerts.
  • Ambient sensors: Wall-mounted, voice-activated sensors for high-risk areas like bathrooms.

How monitoring centers work

More than 69% of respondents to our survey reported that fast response time is the most important thing they look for in a medical alert system. Most of the devices we tested had a response time of about 30 seconds.
When an alert is triggered, a trained professional assesses the situation and follows your pre-set emergency response plan. Some monitoring centers have redundant backup locations to ensure uninterrupted service.

Medical alert system emergency process:

  1. User presses help button → An alert is sent to the monitoring center.
  2. Monitoring professional responds → The monitoring professional will ask questions, engaging in two-way communication if possible.
  3. Emergency services contacted → If necessary, the monitoring professional will contact emergency responders and send them key health information and access details.
  4. Caregivers notified → If included in the user’s preferences, the monitoring center will contact listed caregivers.
  5. False alarm handling → In the case of a false alarm, users can confirm they do not need assistance.

Comparing Top Medical Alert Systems

Medical Alert Brand
MobileHelp
Starting Monthly Fee$24.95
Equipment Cost (if any)$0
Fall Detection$11/month
GPS Location TrackingYes
Connection TypeLandline, AT&T Cellular
Medical Guardian
Starting Monthly Fee$36.95
Equipment Cost (if any)$0–$199.95
Fall Detection$10/month
GPS Location TrackingYes
Connection TypeLandline, AT&T, Verizon
Bay Alarm Medical
Starting Monthly Fee$24.95
Equipment Cost (if any)$0–$199.95
Fall Detection$10/month
GPS Location TrackingYes
Connection TypeLandline, AT&T, Verizon
Get Safe
Starting Monthly Fee$29.95
Equipment Cost (if any)$79–$307
Fall Detection$10/month
GPS Location TrackingYes
Connection TypeAT&T Cellular
Handsfree Health
Starting Monthly Fee$34.95
Equipment Cost (if any)$119.95–$159.95
Fall DetectionNot offered
GPS Location TrackingYes
Connection TypeT-Mobile Cellular, Wi-Fi
Medical Alert
Starting Monthly Fee$27.95
Equipment Cost (if any)$99.95–159.00
Fall Detection$10/month
GPS Location TrackingYes
Connection TypeLandline, AT&T Cellular

How to Choose the Best Medical Alert System for You

Consider the following factors when selecting a system:

  • Lifestyle: Do you need an at-home or mobile device?
  • Connectivity: Landline vs. cellular service.
  • Budget: Factor in both monthly and one-time equipment costs.
  • Features: Fall detection, GPS tracking, caregiver notifications, and more.
  • Trial Periods: Many companies offer 30-day risk-free trials.

Why trust Aging in Place

We’ve invested years in learning about medical alert systems, identifying the features users find essential, analyzing costs and effectiveness, and surveying medical alert system users to ensure we understand their experience. We’re passionate about sharing our findings so you can make the right choice.

3,000+ Hours of Research
15 Brands Considered
65+ Data Points

Frequently Asked Questions

No, many modern systems use cellular networks, making landlines unnecessary.