Medical Alert Reviews

As with most similar systems, Medical Alert's simple waterproof devices come with a button that, once pressed, sends a distress signal to the monitoring center via the mobile or home-based central unit. The highly trained US-based emergency operators are available all day, every day, and use real-time translation services to offer assistance in 140 languages.

Communication is established via a base device’s two-way speakers, and depending on the situation, operators will either dispatch the emergency services or notify contacts. What is unusual and remarkable about Medical Alert by Connect America is that its monitoring agents even accept calls in situations that aren’t life-threatening. For example, if the user feels confused or lonely, its response staff is readily available for a friendly and comforting conversation.

Despite not offering a way to keep track of medication, Medical Alert provides other essential safety accessories like smoke detectors, lockboxes, wall buttons, and more. While it doesn’t permit smartwatch pairing, seniors and caregivers can benefit from the free Medical Alert Connect mobile app that provides location tracking, real-time notifications, device status, and more.

Medical Alert operates with an extensive monitoring service with several nationwide centers, all certified by Underwriter Laboratories (UL). Connect America enforces strict quality regulations on all its services, which means that all agents must undergo thorough training.

Falling can be one of the biggest fears for an elderly person and to address this problem, Medical Alert provides fall detection that can be added to any device as an add-on. It has sensors that detect drastic changes in the wearer’s position, triggering an alarm if a fall is detected. This is exceptionally helpful when the user has become unconscious or cannot move.

Medical Alert by Connect America offers five medical alert systems to provide reassurance and security. Home Landline and Home Cellular come with a house-based central unit, while Mobile, Mini Mobile, and Smartwatch are for those seniors who like to get out and about. The first four systems include portable and lightweight buttons that can be worn on the wrist or neck and can provide fall detection.

At-home systems

The only difference between the two at-home devices is how their base stations connect. While one uses a 4G LTE network, the other is plugged into a conventional landline.

These systems cover an 800-foot range and remain operational for up to 30 hours during a power outage. The wearable buttons are waterproof, meaning seniors can wear them while showering, washing the dishes, gardening, and more. Although Medical Alert doesn’t offer many designs for its buttons, the available options are sleek yet robust and come with a wristband or lanyard.

On-the-go systems

Medical Alert‘s Mobile system doesn’t support Wi-Fi or Bluetooth but includes reliable GPS location tracking. Users get a stylish and waterproof device that can also be worn around the neck or wrist, plus a splash-proof portable central unit with a two-way speaker. When pushing the help button, the main unit not only calls the monitoring center, but also provides the agents with the user’s current location. The button has a five-day battery, which fully charges within two to three hours via the charging cradle provided.

The Mini Mobile is even smaller and more discreet than the standard mobile option and needs to be charged daily. However, for active users who take style seriously, the smartwatch may be the way to go. Its battery lasts 72 hours, though it’s still recommended to charge it daily to be on the safe side. With any of the devices, if a user accidentally makes an emergency call, they can cancel it with the push of a button.

Installing any of the Medical Alert systems is easy thanks to the short step-by-step tutorial, but the Cellular Home and three on-the-go plans are even more straightforward.

After plugging the base station into a power outlet and landline cable (for Home Landline) or charging up the portable device (for Mobile, Mini Mobile, or the Smartwatch), the system takes a few seconds to boot up and then audibly announces if it is charging or has connected successfully. To test the devices, users need to call the company to request the device be put into test mode and press the emergency button to verify the connection.

For the Home Cellular system, users should check there are no ‘dead spots’ in the home where the portable device can’t connect with the base station.

Medical Alert offers excellent flexibility with monthly, semiannual, and annual payment options. All plans require a one-time programming fee, but the service remains competitive compared to other companies. Customers can cancel a subscription at any time for no additional cost.

Customers get the best deal by committing to a yearly subscription for any system, such as Home Landline, which starts at only $19.95 per month with annual billing. Not only does a longer commitment get users the lowest price for each plan, but it also includes free shipping and a lockbox that provides emergency personnel access to the user’s home.

Home comes with either a landline or cellular connectivity, with cellular costing $29.95 per month with annual billing. One perk to the Home system over the others is that additional users can be added. The Mobile plan costs $34.95, and the Mini Mobile plan provides all the same features but with a smaller device, for $39.95 per month with annual billing.

Medical Alert also provides a smartwatch for $34.95 per month with annual billing. The device can vibrate and verbally inform you when an emergency call is placed or your battery is low. It offers a heart rate monitor and step tracking for the more active user.

When in doubt about which system to choose, users can do the product quiz on Medical Alert's website or call via the toll-free phone number +1 (855) 578-9807. The company accepts all major credit cards and regularly provides seasonal discounts, so it’s worth watching out for promotions.

Add-ons

Medical Alert's fall detection can be added to any system to offer total reassurance for $10 per month. For users opting for monthly plans, the lockbox can be added for only $2.95 per month.

Unfortunately, maintenance, repairs, and equipment replacements aren’t included in Medical Alert's plans. To get this, users must subscribe to the Protection Plan, which is $1 per month and includes one system and two button replacements during any 12-month period, 25% off on any accessory, and free shipping.

Medical Alert's support team can be reached over the phone, by email, or through the website’s contact form. Nonetheless, most questions can be answered by digging through its extensive customer support pages.

There are sections to clarify any questions related to general information, fall detection, emergency response, and its app. Plus, anyone can access its thorough and concise guides for each product, with several infographics sprinkled across the page. Moreover, this company is Better Business Bureau (BBB) certified and provides customers with fast and efficient support.

Medical Alert has social media pages for Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. This isn’t a perfect way of getting support as it may result in being redirected to its website’s incident report platform, so it’s best to call the company’s toll-free phone number – +1 (855) 578-9807.

The best savings come with Medical Alert's longer subscriptions, which also offer free shipping and a lockbox. While there’s only one design per button, the buttons are modern and reliable. However, it’s the smartwatch that truly shines with its sleek design.

Medical Alert stands out with its UL and BBB certifications, useful free app, and lack of obligatory long-term commitment. However, the fact that Medical Alert accepts calls from a senior struggling with loneliness may be what pushes users to choose this service over the competition. We highly recommend contacting Medical Alert via the toll-free number +1 (855) 578-9807 to find the best plan for your needs.