Life Alert Review A Review of the Life Alert Emergency Response System

Founded in 1987, life alert is one of the oldest medical alert systems available. You can purchase the system through their website, but it’s unclear how much you should expect to pay, as the homepage and product pages do not display pricing information.

Positive customer reviews laud Life Alert for its quick response in an emergency and their courteous monitoring center staff. If you’re on a budget, there are better alternatives.

How It Works

While Life Alert has a few drawbacks compared to other medical alert systems, it’s one of the most recognizable brands in America. The system works on a traditional landline phone line and requires no internet or Wi-Fi. emergency button for seniors Users wear a waterproof help button that can be pressed if they fall or have any other emergency. The emergency call center will then dispatch paramedics to the user’s home.

Customers have rated Life Alert with an overall score of 4.1 out of 5 on Trustpilot. Positive reviews cite a responsive monitoring center and friendly sales representatives.

The company offers several add-on pieces of equipment, including a mobile GPS monitor that can be worn to monitor outside emergencies and an extra help button that’s designed to be used in the shower. These devices can’t be purchased as standalone systems, however, and must be bundled with the master unit to work. The company also offers a free battery replacement guarantee and a price lock promise that guarantees subscribers won’t pay more than their original monthly subscription rate.

Benefits

Life Alert is one of the most recognizable medical alert systems in America. Their equipment consists of a base station with a pendant that can be worn around the neck or wrist. When you press the emergency button, it connects you with an operator who will dispatch help if necessary.





The company also offers a shower button for use in the bathroom and an on-the-go mobile unit that works anywhere in the United States. You can even get a 15% discount on a Life Alert system with an AARP membership.

Personal emergency response systems benefit people of all ages but they’re most useful for seniors who want to “age in place.” Medical alert systems make it possible for them to stay in their homes and live independently longer. It’s important to know that some insurance companies don’t cover medical alert systems. However, Medicare Advantage plans often include coverage for medical alert systems. In addition, some supplemental health insurance plans may offer coverage.

Pricing

As one of the oldest medical alert systems, Life Alert is well known, but their website has a dated look and it’s difficult to find pricing information. They also have a three-year contract and limited cancellation options, which is a major drawback compared to competitors that offer month-to-month contracts.

There are some significant costs with Life Alert – they charge for the at-home base station and a pendant, plus monthly monitoring fees. Additionally, they require a one-time activation fee and don’t include an equipment protection plan, which is available from most other companies for only $6 per year.

Despite these additional costs, Life Alert is still more expensive than most other competitors, especially when you factor in their contract length and lack of a trial period or money back guarantee. If you’re on a budget or prefer a shorter contract, check out our list of Best Medical Alert Systems for alternatives that may be cheaper and more flexible than Life Alert.

Installation

There is no free trial option offered by Life Alert, and purchasing the company’s equipment requires a lengthy phone call during which you can expect a high-pressure sales pitch. This is not uncommon, but there are other medical alarm companies that offer a trial period and a money-back guarantee.

Generally, when an at-home user presses the emergency button, it transmits a signal to the monitoring center that is connected with a live Life Alert representative who can dispatch the appropriate emergency services. The company also offers a mobile system with GPS capabilities, which provides coverage anywhere "GMS cellular networks operate."

Most Life Alert reviews speak well of the quick response times of the call centers, and many customers report that they are satisfied with the company’s commitment to their safety. However, the company has received multiple complaints from consumers about its contract terms and high monthly rates. If you or your loved one is considering Life Alert, make sure you are comfortable with the three-year contract and its associated fees. Medical alarm