LifeFone Review: Medical Alert Systems

We've analyzed the best Medical Alert Systems to help you find the right solution for your needs.

2025 Medical Alert System Reviews

Where is the Best Place to Purchase a Medical Alert System?  Medical alert systems bring an added sense of safety to the wearer and give peace of mind to their loved ones. For elderly or disabled individuals who live independently, it's important to have a quick means of communication to alert someone in case of an emergency. This could be a fall, the onset of a heart attack, or some other medical crisis. Medical alert systems contact emergency services to provide urgent care to the wearer.

4.4

GREAT

3

Great

  • Pay monthly, quarterly, or yearly
  • Price-lock guarantee
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • Cancel anytime
  • Limited lifetime warranty
  • "A+" Better Business Bureau rating

GREAT

4.4

On the LifeFone website

LifeFone has been a valuable resource for people since 1976. Their service is provided by US-based employees and has been recognized by the National Council for the Aging, the National Stroke Association, WebMD, and the National Institute of Senior Citizens.

Cater to your lifestyle

Whether you like to stay close to home or be out and about shopping, visiting friends and family, or fine dining, LifeFone has products to cater to you. Their "At-Home & On-The-Go Active" voice-in-pendant, is a small mobile device that comes in either gold or black and has a 5-day battery life. It uses cellular service in your area and works nationwide so you can press the help button and receive assistance no matter where you are. The cost is $43.95/month if you pay monthly, $128.85 quarterly, or $439.44 annually.

Caregiver tracking

Similar to the "At-Home & On-The-Go Active" pendant is the "At-Home & On-The-Go VIPX" that is $41.95/month instead with a 10-day battery life and an optional caregiver tracking app where you can view the wearer's first motion of the day, activity, and location for an extra $8/month.

Best Medical Alert Systems

Small and versatile

The "VIP Flex" is the smallest and most versatile product from LifeFone. It works through LifeFone's cellular service in your area and can be worn as a pendant, on your wrist, or on a belt clip. It has unlimited range and a 5-day battery life. Each month the cost for this device and service is $41.95, with an optional $5 upgrade for fall detection. You could also choose to pay $131.85 quarterly or $461.45 per year and save a bit on the overall monthly cost.

Sleek and discreet

LifeFone's "At-Home & On-the-Go Safe Watch Active" is the most discreet life alert system. It looks just like a smartwatch and has GPS technology with optional caregiver tracking. For an extra $5/month it can be enabled with automatic fall detection too. This device can monitor your heart rate, track your steps, show you the weather, warn you of low battery, and has a powerful 2-way speaker for when you need to reach emergency contacts. It's water resistant, so you never need to take it off. The cost for this item is $49.95/month, $143.85 quarterly, or $505.45 annually.

Stay close to home

For the people who like to kick back at home most of the time, the at-home landline or cellular system will be a good option. The landline option requires a landline (makes sense) and gives up to 1,300 feet of range with a 32-hour battery life. It's $24.95/month compared to the cellular option with identical features that's $30.95/month with small discounts if you sign up quarterly or yearly. Both systems have the capability for automatic fall detection for an extra $5/month.

Best Medical Alert Systems

Straightforward pricing

You never have to pay activation fees, installation fees, or upfront deposits at LifeFone. Plus, once you subscribe, your price is locked in and won't change. You can cancel your service at any time and receive a refund for any prepaid, unused amount. If you refer other subscribers to LifeFone, you'll get a free month off of your service for each person who signs up.

Money-back guarantee

LifeFone is one of those companies we want to celebrate because they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. This shows us that they stand behind the quality of their devices and emergency response team. If you're not happy with their service or devices within 30 days, you can send them back for a full refund.

$5 for upgraded warranty

All LifeFone products come with a limited lifetime warranty. This means they are guaranteed to be free of manufacturing defects or you'll get a replacement at no cost. If you want to have a more comprehensive warranty in case of theft, damage, or loss, you can pay $5 monthly for LifeFone's protection plan and get equipment replacement for a deductible.

Best Medical Alert Systems

No red flag ratings

The Better Business Bureau has given LifeFone an "A+" rating. They have excellent customer reviews from people who have had real life-threatening emergencies and were able to get help from LifeFone. Subscribers say that their service is extremely reliable and responsive, customer support is great to work with, and setup is as easy as can be. Overall, people are very pleased with LifeFone and their pricing, so we are reassured by this.

Big thumbs up

We like how transparent LifeFone is with their pricing, device features, and policies. It's not hard to figure out which device fits in your budget and makes the most sense for what your life is like day-to-day. LifeFone scores extra points with us for offering a 30-day guarantee, so we're really happy with this company and feel confident recommending them as one of our top choices for medical alert systems.

On the LifeFone website

Continued from above...

Where is the Best Place to Purchase a Medical Alert System?

Medical alert systems bring an added sense of safety to the wearer and give peace of mind to their loved ones. For elderly or disabled individuals who live independently, it's important to have a quick means of communication to alert someone in case of an emergency. This could be a fall, the onset of a heart attack, or some other medical crisis. Medical alert systems contact emergency services to provide urgent care to the wearer.

You might think, "Why not just use a cell phone to call for help"? Well, sometimes the time it takes to dial a phone number or look up a phone contact will take too long. Also, it's likely that if someone fell out of their car or even around the house, they may not have their phone in hand. Plus, some patients who show signs of dementia may get confused and not know who to call when it comes down to it - or not have the dexterity to dial.

Medical alert systems can be worn as a bracelet or necklace, so they stay out of the way, but are conveniently accessible at all times. Some companies have shower-mounted devices that can withstand heat and moisture. No matter how you wear your device or where it is, the point is that they're as easy as clicking a single button to connect to an operator and ask for help. A neat feature available with some medical alert systems is the ability for the device to detect a fall before the person even calls for help. This could be life-saving if someone was unable to speak or move due to their fall.

There are quite a few companies that offer medical alert services. Some have a long-established history and tons of feedback from customers. Others are newly entering the industry, so it's important to do a lot of research about each one to find a company that will be responsive to the wearer, keep up-to-date with latest technologies, and be around for a long time. Look for a company that's really transparent with their pricing so you won't be overpaying or confused about what the price will be month-to-month.

We've thoroughly explored many of the companies that sell medical alert systems. They each offer a slightly different variety of features and pricing plans, so you'll need to go with the one that will be the best solution for yourself or your loved one. We've highlighted a few things that we recommend you look for specifically as you shop around:

To give you the best, most reliable experience with a medical safety device, the experts at Top Consumer Reviews have vetted multiple companies and done plenty of research on the pros and cons of each. We hope this information proves valuable guidance to help you find a medical device company that gives you an added sense of safety!

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Medical Alert System FAQ

What is a medical alert system?
A medical alert system is often used by seniors who want to "age in place" rather than move to an independent/assisted living facility. Using a button on a pendant or wrist strap, they can let loved ones and/or emergency responders know that they need help due to a fall or medical situation.
What kinds of medical alert systems can I choose from?
Most systems on the market include a wearable panic button and round-the-clock remote monitoring. You can choose a plan that covers in-home use only or one that includes coverage when the wearer is out and about.
What are some extra features I should consider?
That depends on the person using the system and what kind of help they might need. Some medical alert systems include automatic fall detection, GPS tracking, and even smartwatch features like heart rate monitoring and tracking health goals.
How much do they cost?
Pricing varies, but you can anticipate monthly service fees ranging from $19.95 to $56.95 - the higher your coverage, the more you'll pay per month. You'll also need to factor in equipment costs: some service providers let you choose between buying it outright (lower monthly fees) and renting it (higher monthly fees).
Will Medicare/Medicaid pay for a medical alert system?
Unfortunately, you won't get coverage for a medical alert system through Original Medicare or Medicaid. But, if you have a supplemental insurance plan, you might be able to get a discount. Check with your carrier if this applies to you.
Is there a warranty?
The majority of medical alert systems come with a 30-day trial or money-back guarantee. However, with respect to the equipment, you'll want to read the fine print to understand your provider's terms if something goes wrong with your panic button or with any other devices down the line.
If I don't like the medical alert system, can I cancel the service?
Yes. Very few medical alert providers lock you into a long-term contract. Most often, you'll get a prorated refund for any prepaid months of coverage once you return rented equipment. Plus, you have that initial trial period of 15-30 days that's offered by most medical alert services.
How do I know if a medical alert service is trustworthy?
Your best bet is to see what other customers have to say. Look for reviews, preferably on third-party sites not affiliated with the provider. Another great resource is the Better Business Bureau: an "A+" rating and accreditation are good signs that you or your loved one will be well-protected by a particular medical alert service.

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See the Best Medical Alert Systems in Your State

How to Choose a Medical Alert System

Each year many sick and elderly people encounter accidents and health issues that needlessly take their lives. Medical alert systems can make all the difference in the world for those living alone and in distress. In an emergency, medical alert units create a direct line of communication to needed assistance. If a person falls or becomes ill they simply press a button on a pendant or wrist transmitter to gain the attention of an emergency specialist. That person will immediately call the authorities to send help if needed. The fear of a loved one waiting hours or even days for assistance is no longer an issue with a medical alert system available.

If this is your first medical alert system purchase you may be looking for help with choosing the right device. Making a well informed decision will ensure you get the most for your money and are satisfied with the end result.

There are several important elements to consider when choosing a medical alert system. Some of these include:

Equipment
Not all equipment is created equal. The medical alert button needs to be easy to wear and use. Some may want a unit that's water proof and sturdy to handle showers. If hearing is an issue you'll want a unit that is easy to adjust and has adequate volume options. Knowing the size of the home and how far the transmitter will reach is also important. You'll want UL tested equipment with a good history. Look for products with a battery back-up should the power go out. Also look to see how often batteries need to be replaced. Some batteries last a few months while others last for years. Ask about installation and if a professional is required and how much that will cost.

Warranty
If something happens to the equipment you'll want to make sure it comes with a guarantee. Preferably, the company will replace any broken equipment at no cost. Also look for a company that regularly tests the in home system for good working . Are extended customer support hours available should an issue or question come up about the equipment.

Monitoring Center
In the event of an emergency you'll want a company that provides fast, top notch service. A monitoring company that utilizes its own employees, and doesn't outsource, will most likely provide the best overall service. One that is accountable and well staffed. Does the monitoring company have back-up power, during outages, and are they UL certified?

Cost and Contracts
All medical alert companies price their equipment and monthly monitoring fees differently. Some will sell you the equipment and then charge a monthly fee while others will allow you to rent the equipment and including the monitoring costs in the monthly charges. Some require a several year contract while others are more flexible. If you decide to cancel the contract early you may encounter an early termination fee. Make sure you understand any fees associated with a medical alert system you're considering.

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