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WHO IS ALERT1 MEDICAL ALARM?
REVIEW SUMMARY
Alert1 has a straightforward website that is easy to navigate. Although they do not operate their own monitoring center, the service they do use has multiple dispatch centers and are TMA Five Diamond Certified and can support customers who need emergency services in 190 languages.
Alert1 has a number of medical alert device offerings including automatic fall detection and they do not require long-term contracts. Although they do not offer activity monitoring, they do offer add-on options such as smoke detection and medication reminders.
The Alert1 medical alert systems do fall short on not offering activity detection as an option for each customer to consider, and we also prefer companies that monitor their own accounts in company owned emergency response centers. They do have an automatic fall detection feature which can bring additional peace of mind for those who are at risk for fainting and falling.
There are six medical alert device system options that Alert1 offers:
1. In-the-Home Medical Alert: In-home traditional medical alert system that uses a landline telephone, VOIP or DSL. Simply press the red button on the medical alert pendant and you can tell the operator who you’d like to be called first, including emergency services, a family member and so on. The medical alert button is shower-proof and the device is compatible with pacemakers. It also offers a green power light and 24-hour back-up battery if you are ever without power in your home. The base system unit features a brightly lit red emergency button to press when you need help.
2. In-the-Home + Fall Detection: In-home system with fall detection can be used with or without a traditional landline. The home fall detection system offers the same features as the traditional medical alert system, with the inclusion of an automatic fall detection pendant.
3. On-the-Go Mobile Medical Alert: This wearable pendant offers on the go coverage using a cellular network (you will need AT&T or Verizon coverage in your area). Take your medical alert with you wherever you go. The pendant comes with a two-way talk feature so you can talk and hear right through the pendant, which can be helpful as you give information about your emergency to the responders on the other end of the line. Alert One says the pendant’s speaker is as loud as a cell phone and it is also shower-proof.
4. On-the-Go Mobile + Fall Detection: On the go coverage using GPS, WiFi and a cellular network (you will need AT&T or Verizon coverage in your area.) Automatically detects falls inside and outside of the home and calls for help. Pendant also comes with two-way talk capabilities.
5. In-Home & On-the-Go + Fall Detection: This mobile and home fall detection system does not require a landline. 2-in-1 mobile on-the-go medical alert system and in-home unit including automatic fall detection. Mobile pendant locates you with GPS detection. You will need good AT&T or Verizon cellular network coverage in your area if you do not have a landline for this service.
6. On-the-Go Wrist Watch Medical Alert + GPS and Pedometer: This on-the-go watch is a new offering from Alert1. The modern watch design has a built-in speaker and SOS button that will immediately connect you with their emergency call center. The watch is shower-proof and includes a pedometer and weather app. Please note that fall detection does not come with this option. You can get a full charge within 2-3 hours on the cradle. The watch comes with a one-year limited warranty.
PROS
CONS
Alert 1 Vs. LifeAlert
Alert 1 and LifeAlert are two well-known names in the medical alert industry. Alert 1 focuses on delivering reliable and responsive emergency response and they offer a wide range of equipment and system options. LifeAlert is a trusted and recognizable name and also offers comprehensive systems that include wearable devices and 24/7 monitoring. LifeAlert does offer in-home help buttons where Alert 1 does not. LifeAlert charges for equipment and Alert 1 does not at this time. Ultimately, the choice between the two would depend on individual needs and preferences.
RATING: 
Compare Device Features:
PROS & CONS TO CONSIDER | How did Alert1 Medical Alarm do? |
| Price | Alert1 Medical Alarm Review |
| Cost for Equipment | Free self-installation. |
| Cost Per Month | $28.95/month for their Home Medical Alert when billed monthly. |
| Advance Payment Discounts | Yes, discounts are available if you choose to pay 10 months upfront. The activation fee will also be waived for all their systems except the new On-the-Go Wrist Watch. |
| Monitoring Agreement Term | Can cancel at any time. Once they receive the equipment back you will get a full refund only if returned within 30 days. No Refunds after 30 days which includes all advance payments. All return shipping costs are at your expense. |
| Repairs or Replacement Charges | You are liable for any damages or lost equipment. For all the mobile units, the unit’s replacement value is $500.00. The base units for the home systems are replaceable for $500.00 as well. The buttons for use with the home units are $59.95 to replace. They offer the Alert1 Warranty Advantage Plan that will replace your base unit free of charge if your system malfunctions. The cost is $108.00 per year. |
| Cancellation Policy & Discounts | Alert1 Medical Alarm Review |
| Cancel at Any Time | Yes – Full refunds (less any previously paid shipping fees) are given within 30 days if you paid in advance and no refunds after 30 days. You also pay for return shipping. |
| Senior Discount | AARP Discount |
| Other Discounts | AAA Discount, Veteran and Refer-a-Friend (receive one month free). |
| Equipment | Alert1 Medical Alarm Review |
| Approximate Button Range in Typical Home | 600 Ft. radius (400′ radius for the fall detection unit) from the base station. |
| Watch/Button Battery Life | The battery life is typically 2-3 years, but may last up to 5 years. They will do monthly battery tests and send you a new one automatically if the battery dies. |
| What Happens if I Lose Power | 24- hours of battery backup |
| Is the Watch/Button Waterproof | Yes |
| How Can The Button Be Worn | Neck, wrist or belt clip – you must choose when ordering |
| UL Certified Equipment | Yes |
| Does The System Automatically Test Itself To The Monitoring Center | Yes, every 28 days. It is suggested that you test the unit yourself monthly. |
| 24 Hour Technical & Customer Support | Hours for Main Office: Mon – Fri: 9:00am – 6:00pm Eastern |
| Monitoring Station | Alert1 Medical Alarm Review |
| TMA Five Diamond Certified Monitoring Center | Yes, BUT they do not own or operate their monitoring center, although the service they contract is TMA Five Diamond Certified. |
| Typical Response Time When Button Pressed | Alert1 response time is 20-45 seconds |
| Other Options & Information | Alert1 Medical Alarm Review |
| How Fast Does System Ship | Orders received by 4:00PM EST (M-F) are shipped the same day |
| Do You Need Separate Systems For Mom & Dad | No, but you must purchase a button for a second user. You will pay $10.00 more a month to add a second user in the same household. |
| Optional Advanced Features | Alert1 Medical Alarm Review |
| Activity or Inactivity Monitoring | No |
| Senior Fall Detection | Yes |
| Cellular or No Phone Line | Yes |
| Smoke or Carbon Monoxide Protection | Yes, smoke detectors are $10/month for each detector, but no carbon monoxide options. |
| GPS Medical Alert Tracking System | Yes |
| Special Offers | Alert1 Medical Alarm Review |
| Special Offers For Our Visitors | None at this time |
MONTHLY COSTS AND FEES
| Alert1 | Cost Per Month if Paying Monthly | Cost Per Month If Paying Annually | Activation Fee if Paying Monthly |
| In-the-Home Medical Alert | $28.95 | $19.95 | $19.95 |
| In-the-Home + Fall Detection | $38.95 | $29.95 | $19.95 |
| On-the-Go Mobile Medical Alert | $38.95 | $29.95 | $19.95 |
| On-the-Go Mobile Fall Detection | $48.95 | $39.95 | $19.95 |
| In-Home & On-the-Go + Home Fall Detection | $58.95 | $49.95 | $19.95 |
| On-the-Go Wrist Watch Medical Alert + GPS and Pedometer | $38.95 | $29.95 | $19.95 activation fee plus $179.00 (even if you pay annually) |
WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT ALERT1
30-Day Trial Period & Cancel Anytime – Have peace of mind and you can cancel at any time, but they must receive the equipment for the cancellation to take effect. You also pay for the returning of the equipment and do not get a refund of any pre-paid service if you terminate after 30 days.
Automatic Monthly Tests – System’s console will automatically test monthly (every 28 days) to the monitoring station. Some companies offer the preferred weekly test, but others offer no automatic testing at all.
Discounts For Advanced Payments – You will receive a significant discount if you pay annually.
Long-Range Button – We were told that the button range is 600′ which should provide good coverage indoors, where that number can certainly be less.
Pill Reminder Option – Having the system remind you of when to take medication is a nice feature, although not required by all. Many of these services have the main unit console provide some sort of beep reminder on regular interval to remind you of when to take your medication. The add-on piece of equipment for this feature has locked compartments and can hold up to 28 doses. The downside to this option is that it will not tell you what or how much medication to take. If you read our other reviews, such as the Medical Guardian review, you will see that the majority of medical alert companies do not currently have this feature.
Automatic Fall Detection Option – Since diabetics can have the tendency to faint, fall detectors can be helpful because the user would be unable to press their medical emergency button. Alert1 offers this auto fall alert for both their in-home and on-the-go medical alert system options. Fall detection is especially crucial for a senior customer who is at a higher risk for falling due to poor balance, medication side effects, or other factors. Fall detection is able to determine if there is a potential fall and send that information to responders at the Alert1 call centers.
No Phone Line/Cellular Option – Since many households no longer has a traditional telephone line, having a reliable no phone line option is a must. Alert 1 offers this with their Mobile On-the-Go options. Please note that your area must have coverage by either AT&T or Verizon for their no phone line option to work.
Mobile GPS Option – For seniors or even young children on the go, this may be an important option for you. You will be able to take your medical alert coverage with you wherever you go.
TMA Five Diamond Certified Monitoring Center – Although Alert1 does not own its own center, the center they use goes through an annual certification process to ensure you are getting a higher quality monitoring service. The center can also service 190 different languages and they are all based in the United States.
Monitored Smoke Detection – Alert1 offers monitored smoke detection as an add-on feature. Smoke detection is a must for any home. They do not however offer Carbon Monoxide detection. It is important that you purchase and install a minimum of one smoke detector for each floor in your loved one’s home and one in each bedroom.
WHAT WE DISLIKE ABOUT ALERT1
Do Not Own Monitoring Center – They do not monitor their accounts themselves, but they do work with a large national monitoring company, which has multiple dispatch centers and is TMA 5 Diamond certified.
No Activity Monitoring – Activity monitoring typically requires the user to check in with the system by pressing a button once every 24 hours. This is very beneficial as it allows you to know that your loved one is active and about each day. Not all medical alert companies offer this feature, but it is an added bonus.
No Prorated Refunds After Cancellation – If you pay in advance and decide to cancel after 30 days, you will not be able to get any pre-paid money back if you have paid in advance longer than 3 months.
Activation Fees – Alert1 charges a one-time activation fee for any new subscribers who do not pay annually. They did however slightly lower their medical monitoring costs to be more competitive with other providers.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
What is Alert1?
Alert1 Medical Alert System provides 24/7 protection in your home and on-the-go.
Does Medicare cover Alert1’s services?
Traditional Medicare does not cover medical alert systems. However, some Medicare Part C plans might cover some costs. Please see our Medicare/Medicaid article on the specific details.
How much does Alert1 cost per month?
Pricing for Alert1 varies as they offer advanced payment discounts for all of their systems. If you plan on paying monthly, the basic Home Medical Alert system will cost $28.95 per month. Visit our Monthly Costs & Fees section for full details.
Will my Alert1 system work if the power goes out?
Yes, the In-Home Medical Alarm system has backup battery that will last up to 24 hours in a power outage. Their mobile systems are not directly affected by a power outage at your home.
Do you have to sign a contract to use Alert1’s medical alert system?
Yes, all medical alert companies require a contract but Alert1 does not require long-term contact.
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT ALERT1
Alert1 has video testimonials from real customers on their website. They also have written testimonials with user submitted photos. Many users praise Alert1 for providing peace of mind and comfort when living alone. The response time and service has rave reviews.
A lot of the negative reviews on their yelp business profile and other websites, such as Consumer Affairs, have to primarily do with Alert1’s refund policy. If you pay in advance for their services such as the annual or semi-annual plan and you cancel, you do not receive a prorated refund for the months of unused service. This is something to keep in mind when you are choosing what payment plan to use when trying to get the lowest rate. Also, if you purchase the warranty program, it only covers damaged equipment. If you lose the pendant you will be charged.
As of this writing, the Consumer Affair’s website shows Alert 1 with only a 1.13-star rating and 58 negative reviews. Alert1 is a BBB accredited company with an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau organization and has only one star, at the time of this review.
BOTTOM LINE
Alert1 has been in the medical monitoring business long enough to know how to service their customers and provide fast emergency response. They offer a wide variety of options and packages including automatic fall detection. We like their basic service offerings, but they do fall short on not offering activity detection as an option. They do however offer monitored smoke detection and pill reminder systems as add-on options. Their new On-the-Go Wrist Watch option is a nice addition to their product offering and a sleek alternative to the traditional wearable medical alert device.
As with any medical alert monitoring company, there are many pros and cons. Automatic monthly tests, no long-term contracts and advanced payment discounts are some great pluses for Alert1. Some may be wary of paying too far in advance, especially if you want to cancel after 30 days since they do not prorate your refund. As stated previously, the Better Business Bureau gives Alert1 an “A+” rating, and the company is Better Business Bureau accredited. But it is also important to keep in mind that customer reviews are not used in the calculation of the Better Business Bureau rating and while not every customer experience is the same, it is wise to consult the BBB to take a look at some of the recent reviews. This can give you a glimpse of the product and service through the limited experience of other users.
We do prefer companies that monitor their own accounts, however, the company they contract is TMA 5-Diamond certified which can provide added quality control.
Alert1’s customer service is not open on the weekends so if you have a question about their products or would like to order over the phone, you would have to call within their weekday office hours. When Medical Alert Advice called, we spoke with a friendly service rep who answered all our questions and did not push us to make a purchase. Their website is very informative and easy to navigate so you should have minimal problems finding answers to your questions or ordering online. They also offer a chat feature to discuss any questions you may have.
Alert1 provides good emergency medical alert options for seniors and for those who need add-on options not offered by other medical alert companies but don’t mind paying in advance. We do recommend reading user reviews on websites, like the Better Business Bureau, so you are fully aware of the issues that others have had with this company before you make your decision.
Although our experience with this company had these results, your experience may be different. If you’re interested in this company’s services, contact them to judge for yourself
Also, check out our LifeStation Review and ADT Medical Alert System Review here.
