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Pros and Cons of Medical Guardian


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Updated: October 8, 2022

Medical Guardian System

Medical Alert Advice’s goal is to provide honest and real reviews of the top medical alert systems on the market.  Medical Guardian is one of the top medical alert companies in the industry and we often get asked “How does the Medical Guardian system compare?” Medical Guardian is our #1 recommended medical alert device option, since it has many great qualities worth considering when you are making a purchase.

Learn more about Medical Guardian, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of choosing this medical alert solution.

About Medical Guardian

Medical Guardian is a staple in the medical alert device industry, continuously ranking on many top 10 lists for their innovative medical monitoring devices. In business since 2005 when its founder was inspired to find a new approach to medical alerts after his grandmother fell at home while alone, Medical Guardian features multiple different systems, devices, and solutions for active adults.

Alert Systems & Packages

Currently, Medical Guardian offers five main products as well as a caregiver app that family members can use to stay in the loop with their loved one’s activities at home. 

  • The Classic Guardian system is the most traditional that the company offers. It is a landline-based system with a home base station and a wearable medical alert help button pendant that the senior can push in case of emergency.  
  • The Home Guardian 2.0 system is an in-home system that uses a cell network line instead of a landline. It also features a home base station and a wearable emergency alert pendant.
  • The Mobile Guardian 2.0 moves the Medical Guardian service outside of the home, giving active seniors more peace of mind as they head out on errands or a neighborhood walk. This system is cellular-based and is GPS enabled, which can help the emergency team find the user’s exact location. There is no home base here, but the user can choose to wear their wireless button as a bracelet or pendant.
  • The MGMove is a smartwatch that is cellular-based and uses 2-way communication capabilities so that the user can speak with responders without a phone. The smartwatch is more than an emergency alert device, giving users the chance to count their steps, get medication reminders, and see weather forecasts for their area.
  • Finally, the Mini Guardian is a discrete approach to the traditional wireless pendant that is a self-contained, cellular-based unit with two-way talk built right into the small device.

In addition to these products, Medical Guardian also offers the MyMedicalGuardian app for family caregivers and users. The app sends notifications to designated family members about any emergency as well as history, location tracking, and battery life.

At-Home Alert Systems

Medical Guardian offers two at-home alert system solutions, the Classic Guardian and the Home Guardian 2.0. The main difference between these two home-based systems is what phone system they use. The Classic Guardian uses a traditional telephone landline while the Home Guardian 2.0 uses a cellular network.

At home systems are best for adults who spend the majority of their days and nights at home, as the wearable button will only communicate with the home-base system within 1,400 feet. This means that a more active user who leaves the home daily will not have protection when they are beyond that 1,400 feet.

Mobile Alert Systems

Medical Guardian offers 3 mobile alert system solutions, the Mobile Guardian 2.0, MGMove, and Mini Guardian. The main difference between these three options is the device itself, with the MGMove being a smartwatch, the Mobile Guardian 2.0 can be worn as a bracelet or pendant, and the Mini Guardian is smaller and can be worn on the body or clipped to a belt or purse.

These mobile devices are cellular-based and do not have a home-base device. This gives users more freedom to go about their day in and out of the home while still having protection and peace of mind.

Costs & Pricing

Medical Guardian’s monthly pricing begins at $29.95. This fee covers services, including 24-hour technical and customer support as well as monitoring and emergency response. Although some of the equipment can be free, users who choose the MGMove or Mini Guardian will need to pay for that equipment. Shipping fees are approximately $12.50 but are waived if the user chooses an annual payment.

Add-On Accessories: Pricing and Features

Medical Guardian typically gives users everything they will need when they purchase a specific device or system. This eliminates most hidden fees or additional costs for accessories. However, users can choose to purchase a monthly protection plan that covers damaged or lost equipment.

Pros & Cons

As with any medical alert system, the Medical Guardian system comes with benefits and drawbacks. Here is a list of both for you to consider as you continue to research your options.

Pros of Choosing Medical Guardian:

  • No Set-Up Fees: Besides the MGMove smartwatch and the Mini Guardian, there are no upfront equipment fees. When you don’t have to pay for equipment, set-up fees or shipping, it makes trying a new system less of a risk.
  • Good Cancellation Policy: If you cancel your service for any reason, you will receive a refund for any months of service not used.
  • 24-Hour Monitoring & Support Services: Should an emergency occur, a trained professional will connect with you, no matter the time of day or night.
  • Automatic Monthly Testing: Your home-based system’s console will be automatically tested monthly at the monitoring station.  This service is a great way to know if your system is working properly and even better, you don’t have to worry about scheduling a test as it is automatic.
  • Outstanding BBB Rating: Medical Guardian prides itself on its A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
  • Lasting Battery Power: An essential feature of a great medical alert device is its long battery life and support if you lose power. Your Medical Guardian Home system’s battery has 30-32 hours of the backup battery should you lose power in your home. The Mini Guardian’s battery can last up to 5 days before it needs to be recharged.
  • Fair Pricing: Starting at around $29.95 a month, the Medical Guardian system is reasonably priced.
  • Fall Detection: Medical Guardian has fall detection options with all of its products except the MGMove smartwatch. A great asset in case of an emergency that renders you unconscious or unable to press the button yourself.
  • TMA Five Diamond Certified Monitoring Center: This is one of our favorite features and is offered by Medical Guardian’s monitoring partners. Note that their monitoring centers are not company owned.
  • Refer-A-Friend: Should you purchase a system and then recommend it to friends or family, Medical Guardian will send you $25 per referral. It’s a nice added bonus!

Cons of Choosing Medical Guardian:

  • No Senior Discount: One of the perks of being a senior is the discounts! Medical Guardian does not offer any for their services.
  • No Activity Monitoring: A nice added bonus is activity monitoring, a way to make sure your loved one is active each day, which is not available with this system. The MGMove smartwatch does have features though that promote an active lifestyle.
  • No Pill Reminder: This is a great additional feature that is not offered with their systems.

Overall Value of Medical Guardian

Generally speaking, Medical Guardian offers good value for users. Not only do users have multiple options to choose from based on their lifestyle, budget, and preferences, but they also don’t have to commit to a long contract in order to begin services. This means they can stop service if they don’t like it or if their needs change.

Medical Guardian’s prices are also competitive and comparable to other medical alert companies.

How to Get the Best Deal with Medical Guardian

Medical Guardian does not offer senior discounts or any other discount. However, they might be able to waive shipping or other small fees during negotiation as the user sets up the service. It’s always best to contact them by phone for the best deals.

Is Medical Guardian Right for Me?

Medical Guardian might be right for you if you want to have multiple options of devices, cutting-edge technology that’s easy to use, and many systems to choose from. You might also be a match for Medical Guardian if you don’t want to lock into a long-term contract and prefer to pay month-to-month. Get more in-depth information by taking a look at our Medical Guardian review.

Final Thoughts on Pricing and Value for Medical Guardian

Overall Medical Guardian gets a 4.5 out of 5 stars from Medical Alert Advice and we consider it a solid choice. It is a great affordable option for you or your loved one. If you are interested in purchasing Medical Guardian, feel free to check out their current special offers!

Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Guardian

How can I cancel my Medical Guardian service?

You can cancel your services at any time. Call their customer support line to cancel services. You will be refunded any amount you prepaid for the month.

Does Medicare cover Medical Guardian?

At this moment, Medicare A or B does not cover expenses related to medical alert devices. Check with your Medicare Advantage benefits administrator to see if your plan can offset any medical alert costs.

Can I use my HSA benefits to reimburse myself for Medical Guardian services?

Double check with your HSA plan administrator, but in many cases, you can use the plan to cover costs for Medical Guardian services. Save your receipts and file them as your plan requires.

Should I choose a landline based system or a mobile based system?

If you have a landline and spend the majority of your time at home, a landline based system might be best for you. However, if you don’t have a landline, you don’t have to get one installed. Medical Guardian offers cellular-based options for both home-based users as well as more active ones.