Do medical alert systems require a landline?

No. Many systems give you the option of connecting through your own cellular network or through the manufacturer’s cellular network. Cellular options usually cost more.

Where do you wear medical alerts?

If you want your device to come equipped with automatic fall detection, you must wear it around your neck. Otherwise, you can wear your device on your wrist or attached to a belt.

Are medical alerts covered by Medicare?

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) doesn’t cover medical alert systems. If you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, you may have coverage for a medical alert system. Check with your plan providers to be sure.

Where To Buy Medical Alert Systems In 2023

Medical alert systems provide you with access to emergency support 24/7. Systems are available for in-home and outdoor use. A medical alert system can save your life in many types of emergencies, including:

Falls
Heart attacks
Severe allergic reactions
Stroke
Fire
Flood
Home invasion
Car crash

It seems like every day, a new seller comes on the scene, claiming to have the latest and greatest medical alert system. With so many systems to choose from, it can be challenging to know which is best for you or your loved one. This is not a purchase to take lightly, as medical alert systems are designed to save lives in an emergency. For this reason, it’s vital that you buy the right system for you, from the right retailer or manufacturer. If you’re wondering where to buy medical alert systems, read this article to learn more.

Medial alert systems work by connecting you or your loved one to help within seconds. And they’re not only beneficial for falls and medical emergencies. Medical alert systems can also notify help if you smell smoke or gas in your home.

Overview: What Is a Medical Alert System?

Anyone can take a fall, but as you age, it becomes harder to hoist yourself upright again. For this reason and so many others, medical alert systems, also known as personal emergency response systems (PERS), make sense for people who want to retain their independence and age in place.

Medial alert systems work by connecting you or your loved one to help within seconds. And they’re not only beneficial for falls and medical emergencies. Medical alert systems can also notify help if you smell smoke or gas in your home. You can even use the systems to get help if someone is breaking into your home. No matter what type of emergency you have, pushing the button on your medical alert device connects you to help immediately.

Of course, personal emergency response systems don’t take the place of phones. However, since medical alert systems are worn on your person, they are always within reach and accessible. You can’t always reach your phone in an emergency.

There are several ways to shop for and buy a mobile or home medical alert system. We’ve rounded up the best shopping options for you here.

Shop at Local Retailers

Some of the neighborhood retailers you already frequent sell medical alarm systems. These retailers include independent, mom and pop medical supply stores, big box stores, and pharmacy chains. Some retailers even carry their own brand exclusively, while others offer a small selection of brands or models.
There are pros and cons to shopping for a medical alert system at a local retailer:

Pros

Store personnel may know you personally, which can make it easier for you to ask questions and get expert opinions you trust and value.
You can examine the device up close. This allows you to easily gauge its weight and dimensions.
You can purchase the device on senior discount days. For example, Walgreens offers a 20 percent discount to seniors on the first Tuesday of every month.

Cons

Local retailers offer a limited selection of brands or brand models.
In some instances, the retailer may only sell its own brand.
Store personnel are not always knowledgeable about all aspects of medical alert systems. They may not be able to answer your questions about important things like response times or setup.
You may need to contact the manufacturer to set up and maintain your device, thus adding an additional step to your purchase.

Brick-and-mortar retailers may sell medical alert systems online and in select stores. Local retailers who sell medical alert systems include:

Walgreens – Walgreens Ready Response, Lively Mobile Plus, and other brands.
CVS – Symphony Medical Alert System by CVS.
Walmart – Medical Guardian and other brands.
Best Buy – Lively Mobile Plus.
Costco – Active 4G Medical Alert by Medical Guardian and Mini Guardian Medical Alert by Medical Guardian.

Shop for Medical Alert Systems Online

Several consumer sales sites, such as Amazon, sell a variety of medical alert systems. Amazon sells models from several brands, including LifeStation and Medical Guardian. If you purchase a system through Amazon or any other third-party seller, make sure you’re getting the most up-to-date model from a reputable source. Check the warranty, monthly fees, contract, and equipment costs on the manufacturer’s site to get the best, most reliable deal. Since Amazon features multiple sellers, it is always a good idea to check out the seller’s reputation in the reviews section before you buy.

Some sites like Amazon and eBay sell both used and new systems. Buying a used system is not recommended, as a used system may be damaged, out of warranty, or outdated.

Some sites like Amazon and eBay sell both used and new systems. Buying a used system is not recommended, as a used system may be damaged, out of warranty, or outdated.

Some of the best medical alert systems available can be purchased online, directly from the manufacturer. Medical alert systems vary in response times, caregiver tools, technology level, and special features such as wall buttons and apps. If you know you want a particular brand, this is the best way to view and compare every model they offer. Manufacturers also run sales and promotions often. For detailed information on brands, check out our reviews by category:

Medical Alert Systems with Fall Detection – Automatic fall detection enables your device to call for help when you can’t reach the emergency call button. Some manufacturers also have wall mounted motion sensor buttons that can detect when a fall occurs in the room.

GPS Medical Alert Systems – For people who are active and want protection on the go, GPS medical alert systems are a must. These devices connect you to an emergency call center from almost anywhere in the U.S. They’re particularly indispensable for seniors who drive.

Medical Alert Watches – If you want the benefits of a personal emergency response system, but don’t want the world to know about it, a medical alert watch is for you. These devices look and operate like smartwatches but can also call for help 24/7.

Can You Return a Medical Alert System You Purchased Online?

Many medical alert systems, such as Aloe Care Health and Bay Alarm Medical, come with a 30-day, money-back guarantee. Not every manufacturer or store offers this option, however, so read the fine print before you buy.

Life Alert. Before buying, find out the manufacturer’s policy for returning used systems and refunding prepaid months.

If you or your loved one no longer lives at home, you may wish to return a system you’ve had for a period of time. This may be easier to do if the system you purchased doesn’t come with a long-term contract. Very few manufacturers still require contracts, but some do, such as Life Alert. Before buying, find out the manufacturer’s policy for returning used systems and refunding prepaid months.

Contact Medical Alert System Providers

It’s a good idea to shop around before you buy a medical alert system. Some highly-respected brands to consider include:

Bottom Line

Medical alert systems can be purchased through many local retailers. They are also sold online through e-commerce sites and directly from the manufacturer.

If you buy your system through an e-commerce site, make sure to get a new device from a trusted manufacturer and seller.

Many brick-and-mortar retailers sell systems online and in select stores.

If you shop directly from a manufacturer, you can compare every system it offers side by side. You may also be able to get a great deal during a sale.

No matter where you decide to shop, ask about response times, caregiver tools, automatic fall detection, and monthly fees.

Why You Can Trust Us

Our content is unbiased, up-to-date, and medically vetted for accuracy. We mystery shop every brand we feature and conduct multiple interviews with personnel at each company, as well as with consumers. We ask the questions you may not think of to ensure the systems we feature are the best ones out there for you or your loved one.