How Much is Life Alert?

Our safety and well-being are paramount as seniors, especially as we age. Medical alert systems like Life Alert have become increasingly popular, providing peace of mind for older adults and their loved ones. In fact, about 1 in 10 Americans aged 65 or older use medical alert systems.

However, with so many options available, it’s crucial to understand the costs associated with these systems before making a decision. Life Alert, with its iconic “Help, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” slogan, is one of the most well-known medical alert systems on the market. But how much does Life Alert really cost?

We’ll examine Life Alert’s pricing structure, from monthly fees and activation costs to equipment and additional features. We’ll also compare Life Alert’s costs to those of other popular medical alert systems, helping you decide which option best fits your needs and budget.

So, whether you’re considering Life Alert for yourself or a loved one, join us as we unravel the actual cost of this well-known medical alert system.

Basic Costs of Life Alert

When considering a medical alert system like Life Alert, one of the first questions that comes to mind is, “How much is Life Alert?” Understanding the price of Life Alert and the benefits associated with the system is essential for making an informed decision and budgeting accordingly.

Monthly Fees

What does Life Alert cost? Life Alert’s monthly cost ranges from $49.95 to $89.95, depending on the package chosen. The most basic package, which includes the in-home system, starts at $49.95 per month. Upgrading to the package that includes both the in-home system and the mobile GPS unit will cost $89.95 per month.

It’s important to note that these monthly fees cover the 24/7 monitoring service provided by Life Alert’s U.S.-based monitoring centers. The company prides itself on its fast response times, saving a life from a potential catastrophe every 11 minutes.

Activation Fees

In addition to the monthly fees, Life Alert also charges a one-time activation fee ranging from $95 to $198. This fee covers the cost of shipping the equipment to your home and the installation process.

While the activation fee may seem steep, it’s important to consider that Life Alert’s equipment is designed to be user-friendly and easy to install. A professional installer will come to your home to set up the system and ensure it works properly.

Equipment Fees

One aspect that sets Life Alert apart from some other medical alert systems is that there are no upfront equipment costs. All necessary equipment, including the base unit and wearable alert buttons, is leased to the customer as part of the monthly fee.

This means that you don’t have to worry about purchasing expensive equipment outright or having to replace it if it becomes outdated. Life Alert will provide you with the most up-to-date technology as part of your subscription.

However, it’s crucial to understand that since the equipment is leased, you must return it to Life Alert if you choose to cancel your subscription. Failure to do so may result in additional fees.

Additional Fees and Contract Requirements

When considering a medical alert system, it’s essential to look beyond the basic costs and understand any additional fees and contract requirements that may impact your long-term financial commitment. Life Alert has several important factors to consider.

Three-Year Contract

One of the most significant aspects of Life Alert’s service is the requirement of a three-year contract. This means that when you sign up for Life Alert, you commit to at least three years of service.

While this long-term commitment can provide a sense of stability and continuity in your medical alert system, it also means that you are locked into the service for an extended period. If your needs change or you find that the system isn’t meeting your expectations, you may be subject to early termination fees if you decide to cancel before the end of the three-year term.

Lack of Fall Detection

Another important consideration is that Life Alert does not offer automatic fall detection as part of its standard service. Fall detection is a feature that automatically senses when a user has fallen and alerts the monitoring center without the need to press the alert button. Fall detection has an accuracy of 73% to 98%.

While Life Alert maintains that its system is reliable and effective without fall detection, some users may prefer the added peace of mind that this feature provides, even if it’s not 100% accurate. Suppose fall detection is a priority for you. In that case, it’s important to note that you may need to explore other medical alert system options or purchase a separate fall detection device, which could result in additional costs.

Cancellation Policy

Life Alert’s cancellation policy is another crucial aspect to consider. Due to the three-year contract requirement, canceling the service before the end of the term can be challenging and may result in additional fees.

To cancel the service, you must provide written notice and meet certain criteria, such as moving into a nursing home or passing away. If you do not meet these criteria and still wish to cancel, you may be responsible for paying the remaining balance of your contract.

It’s important to carefully review Life Alert’s cancellation policy before signing up for the service to ensure that you understand your long-term financial obligations and the potential implications of early cancellation.

Life Alert Equipment and Services

So, how does Life Alert work? Life Alert offers a range of equipment and services designed to provide users with reliable access to emergency assistance when needed. The company’s offerings include in-home and mobile systems and a dedicated monitoring center.

In-Home System

The in-home system consists of a base unit and a pendant. The base unit is connected to the user’s landline or cellular network and features a powerful speaker and microphone for two-way communication with the monitoring center. The pendant is worn around the neck or wrist and features a simple button that, when pressed, alerts the monitoring center that the user needs assistance.

The in-home system can reach up to 1000 feet from the base unit, providing users with ample coverage within their homes.

Mobile System

For users who want the added peace of mind of coverage outside their homes, Life Alert offers a mobile system. This system features a small, lightweight device equipped with GPS technology, allowing the monitoring center to pinpoint the user’s location in an emergency.

The mobile system works anywhere with cellular coverage, making it ideal for active seniors who enjoy spending time outdoors or running errands.

Monitoring Center

Life Alert’s monitoring center is staffed 24/7 by trained emergency response agents. When a user presses their alert button, the monitoring center is immediately notified, and an agent will attempt to communicate with the user through the base unit or mobile device.

If the user is unable to respond or requests assistance, the monitoring center will dispatch the appropriate emergency services to the user’s location. Life Alert boasts an average response time of just 20 seconds, ensuring that users receive prompt attention in an emergency.

Comparing Life Alert to Other Medical Alert Systems

While Life Alert is a well-known and trusted name in the medical alert system industry, it’s important to compare its costs and features to those of other popular providers to ensure you’re making the best choice for your needs and budget:

• Bay Alarm Medical: Bay Alarm Medical offers medical alert systems with lower monthly fees than Life Alert, ranging from $25 to $40 per month. Additionally, Bay Alarm Medical does not require long-term contracts, giving users greater flexibility.
• MobileHelp: MobileHelp is another popular alternative to Life Alert, with affordable monthly rates ranging from $19.95 to $41.95. One advantage of MobileHelp is that it does not charge equipment fees, making its systems more accessible to users on a tight budget.
• Medical Guardian: Medical Guardian offers competitive monthly fees, ranging from $29.95 to $39.95, and does not charge any activation fees. They also provide a wide range of equipment options, including smartwatch-style devices, which may appeal to tech-savvy seniors.

When comparing medical alert systems, it’s essential to consider factors beyond just the price. Look for providers that offer the specific features and services you need, such as fall detection, mobile coverage, and easy-to-use equipment.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Medical Alert System

Selecting the right medical alert system is a personal decision that depends on various factors unique to each individual. When evaluating your options, consider the following:

• Budget: Determine how much you can comfortably afford to spend on a medical alert system each month, taking into account any upfront costs and long-term contract requirements.
• Specific Needs: Assess your specific needs and preferences, such as whether you require fall detection, mobile coverage, or particular equipment features like a waterproof pendant or smartwatch-style device with a good battery life.
• Contract Terms: Carefully review the contract terms for each provider you’re considering, paying close attention to the length of the commitment, cancellation policies, and any early termination fees.
• Company Reputation: Research the reputation and customer reviews of each medical alert system provider to ensure you choose a company with a track record of reliability, responsive customer service, and user satisfaction.

Making the Right Choice for Your Peace of Mind

Investing in a medical alert system like Life Alert can provide invaluable peace of mind for seniors and their loved ones, whether you’re at home or in assisted living conditions. By understanding the costs, features, and contract requirements associated with Life Alert and comparing them to other popular providers, you can decide which system best fits your needs and budget.

While Life Alert’s name recognition and reputation for reliability may be appealing, it’s crucial to carefully consider the long-term financial commitment of its three-year contract and the potential limitations of its service, such as the lack of fall detection.

Ultimately, the right medical alert system for you will depend on your unique circumstances and priorities. By evaluating your options and weighing the factors most important to you, you can select a system that provides the security, independence, and peace of mind you deserve in your golden years.