Best Medical Alert Systems With No Monthly Fees In 2024

To determine the best medical alert systems with no monthly fee rankings, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data more than 15 products across eight companies, with each product’s star rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, including:

• Price
• Signal range
• Battery life (of base station and/or mobile device)
• Use of GPS technology
• Whether fall detection is included
• Whether a landline is required for operation
• Water resistance of wearable button

Read more about our medical alert systems review methodology.

A medical alert system is a device that enables individuals to call for help in the event of an emergency. Medical alert systems are often used by older adults or people with disabilities who live alone and/or are at a higher risk of falls, health-related issues or medical emergencies, according to Janice Johnston, M.D., an Arizona-based medical director and co-founder of Redirect Health.

“It’s typically a wearable device equipped with a button or other mechanism, such as fall detection technology, that can be activated to alert emergency services, family members or caregivers that the individual needs assistance,” says Dr. Johnston.

Not all medical alert systems are created equal. In fact, there are several types of devices worth considering, including:

• In-home systems. These systems are designed for use within the home and typically come with a base unit and wearable device, says Dr. Johnston. The device syncs with the base unit, which can typically be programmed to call family members, caregivers or emergency personnel.
• Automatic fall detection systems. “These systems are designed to detect falls automatically and send out signals to emergency services. Some smartwatches and devices provide this feature without the need for a designation as an alert system,” explains Dr. Johnston.
• Medication reminder systems. Medication reminder systems are devices, such as alarms, pill organizers or smartphone apps, that remind individuals to take their medications.
• Two-way voice communication systems. “Many medical alert systems are equipped with two-way voice communication, which is used to speak directly with emergency personnel in the case of a medical emergency,” says Dr. Johnston. Two-way communication devices with voice activation features are ideal for those who are prone to falls or who have dexterity issues.

According to a Forbes Health survey of 2,000 U.S. adults conducted by OnePoll, 54% of users surveyed spend between $21 and $40 a month on medical alert system monitoring services. However, many alert system companies charge additional fees for features like automatic fall detection and GPS capabilities, and equipment costs can range from roughly $20 to around $350 depending on the system selected.

Here’s a look at the costs of the five medical alert devices with no monthly fee that are mentioned above:

Product	Average one-time cost for equipment	Included features
Assistive Technology Services HELP Dialer 700	$139.99	Base unit and two wearable emergency help buttons
Assistive Technology Services with No Monthly Fees and Daily Welfare Check	$169.99	Telephone base unit and wearable emergency help button
Assistive Technology Services SkyAngel911Wrist	$159.99	Wearable wristband device with built-in emergency help button
Silent Beacon 2.0	$59.99	Portable emergency help button, wristband, accessory clip, USB cord
LogicMark Guardian Alert 911	$229	Base unit, portable device with built-in emergency help button, landline connection equipment, accessory clip and lanyard

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The key features of a medical alert system depend on the particular device and the needs or limitations of the user, but Dr. Johnston says crucial considerations include:

• A wearable emergency help button. Individuals can wear buttons as pendants or bracelets and press them to request help in the event of a medical emergency—though some people may not like their appearance. Ideally, wearable buttons should be waterproof or at least water resistant so users can wear them in the shower or bathroom.
• 24/7 access to emergency response services. Regardless of the day or hour, users should be able to connect quickly with dispatchers who can send assistance during an emergency situation.
• GPS tracking. Medical alert systems with GPS enable loved ones and emergency responders to determine more accurately where individuals are located and thus provide swift assistance.

Many medical alert systems offer various add-on elements as well, which typically come at an additional cost. “One add-on type is a lockbox that attaches to the outside of a home or building. It contains a spare key to the property for emergency responders or caregivers to use in the event of an emergency,” says Dr. Johnston. Wall-mounted alert buttons, which can be installed throughout various locations in the home, are another common add-on option, she says. Automatic fall detection typically costs more, too, with most companies charging roughly an extra $10 per month for the service.

When shopping for a medical alert system, it’s important to consider the unique needs and challenges of the individual planning to use the device. If your loved one has dementia, for example, Dr. Jonhston recommends looking for systems with medication reminders. “Dementia can make it difficult for individuals to remember to take their medications on time. A medical device that’s attached to the wrist or around the neck would be most beneficial.”

Meanwhile, if someone is prone to wandering, a system with GPS tracking might be especially useful.

Many medical alert systems charge a monthly fee, which can be an issue for those on a limited budget or who simply don’t want another bill. Fortunately, there are medical alert systems available without recurring monthly fees.

These systems typically come without 24/7 access to emergency response access or features like automatic fall detection. Instead, users typically press a button or use their voice to dial 911 and/or their pre-programmed emergency contacts. While medical alert systems with no monthly fee are often less advanced than those that do charge monthly fees, they can provide some level of protection, too.

Individuals hoping to get a free (or reduced price) medical alert system might try exploring:

• Private insurance coverage
• Medicare Advantage plan coverage
• Medicaid assistance, if eligible
• Veterans assistance programs, if eligible
• AARP discounts