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Life Alert Review Summary
When Medical Alert Advice did our product review of Life Alert, we did have difficulty getting detailed product information on their emergency response medical alert systems, including the Life Alert cost, without going through their strict phone sales process. The company does not have any online pricing on lifealert.com and has a dated-looking website which makes it difficult to compare medical alert systems and determine the costs of what services or products they offer. Life Alert does own and operates its monitoring center which is TMA Five Diamond Certified.
Life Alert Pros
Life Alert is a company built around medical alert monitoring for seniors and they have a long history in the market. They were making major strides marketing to the medical alert device market more than any other competitor, which gives the company a head-start on experience. Life Alert features used to offer some other traditional monitoring services including smoke alarms (many states require specific licensing and permits for installation of these devices) and carbon monoxide detection, but they do not offer these services anymore. They do offer a mobile medical alert system which is great for peace of mind outside of the home. Life Alert does own their own TMA Five Diamond Certified Monitoring Center which provides highly trained call center representatives. They do offer advance payment discounts. No equipment fees (however there are setup fees), free shipping and a free equipment warranty.
Life Alert Cons
Life Alert cons include their high costs. Their base monthly costs are higher than other medical alert options on the market, and their start-up costs are higher than most providers too as they do charge a setup fee. The full life Alert cost is much more out of pocket than other medical alert providers. You must contact them by phone and there is no online ordering, which can result in conflicting information from their sales reps.
Their website has a dated look with very little information on it. They also have more than one website which can be a bit confusing as well. They have a 3-year contract with limited cancellation options, while most competitors have month-to-month agreements. However, if your loved one were to pass away at home while alone, you would receive a 100% refund of all monies paid to Life Alert up to that point.
Further, with such limited information about their services online, we had to rely more on what information was provided to us by company sales representatives and less on their website. Often, information received from different sales reps is conflicting, so you should carefully read all paperwork before signing-up to be sure you understand what you are getting. That bit of advice goes with all medical alert device providers you may be considering.
Life Alert does not offer automatic fall detection, wellness monitoring or pill reminders like some other medical alert companies do today. This is a significant drawback if you or your loved one is at an increased risk for falling or lives with another chronic condition that requires complex medication management. While not every senior needs the oversight of automatic fall detection or other bells and whistles other medical device systems offer, it is something to review with a physician or medical professional.
Rating
Life Alert's Current Deals
Life Alert sometimes runs deals that highlight specific features or services. Life Alert pricing is difficult to find on their website and they don’t advertise specific deals there either. It can be worth the time and effort to call them to ask specifically about any deals or discounts they may currently be running.
SINCE YOU'RE LOOKING AT LIFE ALERT, CONSIDER TAKING A LOOK AT MEDICAL GUARDIAN FOR COMPARISON.
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Who is Life Alert
Life Alert is a medical alert industry leader and has been in business since 1987. Life Alert medical alert is often the first brand name consumers think of when they hear the term medical alert system, as it was one of the first companies on the medical alert device scene. Life Alert is most well known for its TV commercials. Perhaps you've seen a life alert ad showing a senior saying "Help I've fallen and I can't get up." The I've fallen and I can't get up commercial made a household name of Life Alert. When most people think of Life Alert devices for seniors, this is the Life Alert commercial that comes to mind thanks to their classic marketing campaign.
Life Alert claims on its website that Life Alert helps to save a senior's life from a potential catastrophe every 11 minutes! They are headquartered in Encino, California, and employ over 600 people. Life Alert fields around 2 million calls a year. This makes Life Alert almost twice the size of most medical alert companies.
Life Alert Systems & Options
There are primarily three system types that Life Alert offers:
Life Alert In-Home System: In-home system that you can choose to use cellular service or a traditional landline telephone. This system comes with a base unit and a wearable help button. When the button is pushed, an emergency alert is sent to the station and a call center representative will be on the line within a few seconds to help. This is closest to the original "help I've fallen and I can't get up" button.
Life Alert In-Home System with Help Button: In-home system that does not require a landline telephone and can use cellular service instead. It includes a waterproof HELP Button that is especially useful for emergencies that occur in the bathroom, but the button can be placed anywhere. The button never needs charging and can last up to 10 years. Note that the Life Alert box that's on your nightstand has a rechargeable battery that automatically recharges itself while plugged into the wall outlet. Per Life Alert, over 80% of emergency calls happen in the bathroom.
Life Alert In-Home, Help Button and Life Alert Mobile: All the protection of the Life Alert in-home system and HELP Button, plus Life Alert Mobile for on the go coverage. Uses GPS location services that can be used anywhere in the U.S. where compatible cellular service operates to help pinpoint your location in an emergency.
- Medical Emergencies: This requires the use of a medical alert base-station and a pendant or watch button at your home. This is the cornerstone of a traditional in-home medical alert system.
- Shower Emergencies: A large wireless add-on help button that you can mount in the shower, tub, near a toilet or pretty much anywhere within the medical alert base-station's range. One push of the button, and you'll be connected to Life Alert’s monitoring center to get the help you need. Batteries for the help button do not need to be changed for up to 10 years.
- Life Alert Mobile: There are really two versions of this Life Alert Protection Service:
- Mobile + GPS - This is an emergency button that you can carry with you that alerts the monitoring center that you need help and can also help them locate you using GPS location services. You can't speak to the monitoring center like you can with your in-home system, but it will give you some protection when you're on the go or out of the range of your in-home system.
- Using your cell phone or smartphone - If you only have a basic cell phone (you don't need a wireless plan), Life Alert will give you a telephone number that you can pre-program into your cell phone's speed-dial feature to connect you directly to their medical alert monitoring center. Caller-id from your cell phone can help to identify you with the dispatch center. If you have a smartphone, Life Alert does offer a mobile App that can be used to connect you to the monitoring center as well. This gives active and tech-savvy seniors yet another way to find the assistance they need, when they need it.
Life Alert Costs & Fees
Cost For Equipment | Cost Per Month | Monitoring Agreement Term | Repairs or Replacement Charges | Ordering & Shipping |
|---|---|---|---|---|
The cost for equipment and shipping of the basic Life Alert system is free, however, there is a one-time setup fee that costs between $95 - $198 depending on which program you choose. The most basic package should be an easy self-installation. This equipment fee includes all the equipment programming, life-time maintenance of the equipment, installation and activation. | The monthly cost of the Life Alert systems range between $49.95 to $89.95 per month, depending on which system you choose. | 3 Years and the rate is fixed during the contract term. In addition, if your loved one was to pass away while at home alone, Life Alert would refund 100% of all services that were received, including the installation fee. | None, replacements shipped for free if it is an equipment malfunction. Life Alert offers a free lifetime warranty on its equipment, but it costs $49.00 to replace a lost pendent. | Ships via UPS and arrives in approx. 3 business days. With professionally installed systems, you will also receive a phone call to schedule the installation of the equipment. |
The monthly cost of the basic Life Alert system is $49.95, if you have a landline. There is also a one-time setup fee of $95.00 for this system every customer will need to purchase. If you do not have a landline in your home, it is $10.00 more per month.
The Life Alert In-Home system with Help Button cost is $69.95 per month with a one-time fee of $198.00, or you can pay a one-time annual payment of $769.89 which includes one month of free service. The Life Alert system with Mobile and Help Button cost is $89.85 per month with a one-time fee of $198.00 or you can pay a one-time annual payment of $898.50. Life Alert’s equipment does come with a free warranty and a price lock guarantee.
The first month is prorated and then they bill on the 3rd of the month after that. For a quick comparison, other medical alert companies such as Medical Guardian, LifeStation, and LifeFone charge significantly less for their basic landline system. LifeFone's monthly costs are as low as $22.87 per month (if paid annually) versus $49.95 from Life Alert. They are also less expensive for their cellular and Mobile GPS options ranging from $32.95-$37.95 per month from LifeStation vs. $59.95-$89.95 from Life Alert. Also, you will find the majority of medical alert companies will not charge upfront fees for their base systems, especially for their basic in-home medical alert units.
It's also important to note that you are signing a 3-year contract with Life Alert, so you must be comfortable with the monthly rate. We suggest calling Life Alert to negotiate the fees and monthly payment. Since they do not have published rates, it is possible for you to find a better deal with them simply by asking.
In-Home System | In-Home with Help Button | In-Home, Help Button & Mobile |
|---|---|---|
$49.95 Per Month | $69.95 Per Month | $89.95 Per Month |
$95.00 Activation Fee | $198.00 Activation Fee | $198.00 Activation Fee |
Free Shipping | Free Shipping | Free Shipping |
Equipment Upgrade Costs & Freebies
Life Alert offers some options when it comes to adjusting the equipment and services to best suit your unique situation. Be sure you are doing a thorough review of your monthly and yearly budget before you choose any of these options so you can be confident the upgrades will be worth it.
Upgrades Include:
- Spouse or partner monitoring: add one more button and service for your spouse for an additional $10 per month
- Waterproof HELP button: make this button a part of your service plan for an additional $20.00.
Freebies Include:
- Lifetime price guarantee
- Personal Health Information
- Use of the Life Alert App that connects you with their monitoring services
- Lifetime warranty (included with your one-time membership fee)
Cancellation Policy & Discounts
Cancel at Any Time | Senior Discount | Advance Payment Discounts | Other Discounts |
|---|---|---|---|
No. Can cancel only with proof that 24-hour care is required for your loved one (in-home, nursing home, or a long-term care facility) or if your loved one passes away. | No | Yes, pay annually and get one month free. | 2 free months of service if you refer a customer to them and they stay with the service for at least 90 days. |
READ THIS BEFORE YOU BUY A LIFE ALERT SYSTEM
Equipment Features
Approximate Button Range in Typical Home | Watch Pendant Button Battery Life | What Happens if I Lose Power | Watch Pendant Waterproof | How Can The Button Be Worn | UL Certified Equipment | Technical & Customer Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Up to an 800 ft. radius. | Up to 7 years, per their website, or up to 10 years for Life Alert Mobile and Life Alert HELP Button options. | Approximately 72 hours of backup battery | Yes | Pendant and wrist. You get both when you order. | Yes | Yes, except on Sundays |
Monitoring Center
TMA Five Diamond Certified Monitoring Center | Typical Response Once is Button Pressed | Automatic Test Signals Sent |
|---|---|---|
Yes | Life Alert's emergency response time is approximately 15 - 20 seconds | No, but it sends a trouble signal. We were told they provide self-diagnostic equipment. |
Fall Detection, GPS, & Cellular Options
Activity or Inactivity Monitoring | Senior Fall Detection | Cellular or No Phone Line | Smoke or Carbon Monoxide Protection | GPS Medical Alert Tracking System | Separate Systems Needed For Mom & Dad |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No | No | Yes. $10.00 additional per month | No. This protection is not offered anymore. | Yes, with their Life Alert Mobile system | No. Add $10.00 per month plus $49.00 for the additional pendant. |
What We Like About Life Alert
Installed By Company - These systems are typically very easy to install yourself (see our Basic Installation & Set-Up video) and most other medical alert companies, such as the Medical Guardian alert system, do not offer this since it is not usually necessary. Some might find it convenient to have it professionally installed, especially if you live a long distance from your loved one. Keep in mind you will be paying for the installation with the upfront fee they charge. Most medical alert device systems are very simple to install, in some instances as easy as plugging it in!
Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Options - Life Alert provides solutions for monitoring smoke and carbon monoxide. Life Alert used to provide smoke and carbon monoxide monitoring however this long time service is not being offered anymore.
Mobile Options - Life Alert Mobile is an emergency pendant that can be used outside of the home utilizing mobile technology. It provides on-the-go coverage and GPS location services. For active seniors, this could be considered a must.
No Phone Line Option - Most households today do not carry the expense of having a landline. Life Alert offers a cellular option in case your home is without traditional landline phone service. The monthly cost for this system may be slightly higher than the traditional landline medical alert device.
Smartphone App - If you have a smartphone, you can install this app to connect you with their call center. Essentially you are turning your smartphone into a medical alert device. Please note that when we downloaded the Life Alert App, it did contain outdated information.
Long Battery Life - Another benefit is the long-lasting battery life. This might seem like a small detail, but if a device or system requires daily or constant charging, it makes the product less appealing to active seniors as well as to older adults who are living with cognitive decline. Longer battery life and less charging frequency is a major benefit.
Discount For Advanced Payments - If you pay annually, you can receive one month free.
Company Owned TMA Five Diamond Certified Monitoring Center - Life Alert's emergency response center is TMA Five Diamond Certified. There are many advantages to having this certification, such as standard training for all call center operators and annual review of the monitoring center's performance. Medical Alert Advice highly recommends this certification.
Can Dispatch Paramedics Directly - We were told Life Alert is the only medical alert company that can dispatch paramedics directly from their monitoring center and do not have to contact 911 first. Unfortunately, we were not able to verify this claim.
What We Dislike About Life Alert
Life Alert Cost - We found the Life Alert start-up costs to be higher than most in the industry, for similar services. They also do not seem to follow a set pricing strategy when it comes to the installation charges or credit for a self-installation option, which makes it difficult to compare medical alert systems.
Cancellation Policy - Life Alert requires you to sign a 3-year contract. Not only is this a big commitment, it is also very rare in the medical alert industry. Most companies are month-to-month nowadays to allow customers to easily try out their services. In rare cases, a company will ask for a one-year contract. Based on what other companies are doing, we feel that having customers sign a 3-year contract is out of the ordinary and will turn off a lot of potential users.
No Automatic System Tests - Most system consoles will automatically test weekly or monthly to the monitoring station, but per the Life Alert sales reps, they do not offer automatic testing. The Life Alert system will send a trouble signal if there is an issue.
No Activity Monitoring - Knowing that your loved one is up and about each day can be a huge relief. Some medical alert companies offer activity monitoring which requires the user to press a button once every 24 hours or track activity with additional sensors placed throughout the home. This is a great option that is not offered by Life Alert.
No Fall Detector Option - Automatic fall detection is not a full-proof system; however, it is a very useful technology for seniors who may be diabetic or prone to fainting. Although Life Alert's "I've fallen" is a famous line, they do not offer automatic fall detection. If you are worried about your loved one falling, then finding a company that offers automatic fall detection would be right for you.
Unpublished Rates - With their rates not being published online, the quoted cost of life alert service could vary depending on the sales rep you speak with and what Life Alert package you choose. In past calls, when we told the rep we spoke with some competitors, the one-time charge for enrollment, shipping etc. would be substantially lowered. Since Life Alert is not consistent with their pricing, it makes it hard to compare to other companies. We suggest calling Life Alert yourself to try and negotiate the best rate possible. You will not find much information on www.lifealert.com.
Is Life Alert Worth It?
While Life Alert has been a pioneer in medical alert systems for decades and is the product you think of first, they have not adjusted or adapted their approach as industry standards have changed. For example, Life Alert does not use fall detection technology, which means the user must physically push their pendant button if they have an emergency or fall. This is not always possible, especially if the person falls and loses consciousness. Fall detection technology is offered in almost every other type of medical alert option on the market.
However, there is something to be said for Life Alert’s ability to serve seniors for decades.
Life Alert Alternatives
There are plenty of options available for you if you are searching for a medical alert device for yourself or your loved one. Each alternative comes with its own benefits and drawbacks, but it is wise to research all of your options in order to choose the one that you will love for years to come.
Other medical alert device alternatives include: Medical Guardian, MobileHelp, Philips Lifeline, Bay Alarm Medical, LifeStation, Aloe Care Health, and LifeFone. You can find detailed reviews of those alternatives here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How Much Does Life Alert Cost?
The monthly cost of Life Alert systems ranges between $49.95 to $89.95 per month, depending on which system you choose. Please refer to our Life Alert monthly costs and fees chart for more details.
Does Medicare Pay for Life Alert?
Medicare does not typically pay for medical alert providers or medical alert costs such as Life Alert. Please see our Medicare/Medicaid blog post for a detailed response.
How Does the Price of Life Alert Compare to Other Systems?
Life Alert fees can be significantly higher than others in the medical alert industry. They also charge an equipment and shipping fee of $95 - $198 depending on which program you choose. Most medical alert companies do not charge for equipment.
Does Life Alert Need Wifi?
Your home does not need a wifi connection to get Life Alert coverage in your home. As long as you have a landline you can get the Life Alert In-Home medical alert system.
Can I Wear Life Alert in the Shower or bathtub?
Yes, Life Alert’s emergency pendants are fully waterproof and can be worn in the shower. Submerging your pendant in a tub of water is not advised.
How Do I Get Life Alert?
Life Alert currently does not allow orders online so in order to get Life Alert’s services you will have to call their toll free number.
Does Life Alert Work Away from Home?
Yes, Life Alert has a few options to utilize their medical alert service away from home. These include the Life Alert Mobile system and the Life Alert smartphone app.
Is There an AARP Discount for Life Alert?
Currently, Life Alert does not offer a discount for AARP members.
How old is the Life Alert commercial?
The Life Alert "Help, I’ve fallen" commercial originally came out in 1989 and can still be seen referenced in pop culture today.
What About Hidden Costs?
It is wise to investigate all hidden costs when determining if any medical alert system is right for you and your budget. There are definitely a variety of costs to consider when thinking about purchasing Life Alert compared to options from other medical alarm companies. Here is a quick evaluation of the real cost of the Life Alert system and devices.
Start-Up Costs: Before you can begin service with Life Alert, there are some start-up costs. There is a one-time activation fee for all devices and systems, as well as an additional cost of $10.00 per month if you do not have a landline.
Free Trial Option: Unfortunately, there is not a free trial option for your Life Alert plan. However, you might be able to negotiate a decreased activation rate if you speak to a representative before your purchase.
Cancellation Costs: Because Life Alert does require a three year contract, there are fees associated with ending services earlier than your contracted time. If you or your older loved one is in the hospital or a long-term care facility, like a nursing home, you can cancel the contract. However, there are no other ways to cancel the contract subscription.
Equipment Costs: While there are one-time start-up costs to activate the system, there are technically no equipment costs for Life Alert. This is great news, especially since it comes with a warranty.
Cost Savings: When you pay for services on a yearly basis, you receive the equivalent of one month’s services for free. If you have it in the budget to go ahead and pay yearly, this is a smart move that can save you some money.
What Others Are Saying About Life Alert
Life Alert's website has plenty of video and written testimonials. They currently boost over 41,000 testimonials on their website that recommend Life Alert. Medical Alert Advice searched the internet for non-biased reviews and we found a sample of both negative and positive reviews on Life Alert's services.
Reoccurring complaints we found were mostly on their advertising and pressured sales tactics. Life Alert is notorious for their "hard sell" approach and with little information about their service offerings online, they practically force you to call in for information where you will encounter a well-trained sales rep. They also will ask you for personal information and follow-up with you multiple times to see if you want their services.
We also saw quite a few complaints about their 3-year contract. Although the contract is clearly stated, some users felt like their circumstances should have been covered under the cancellation policy. For example, one BBB complaint details her mother's dementia diagnosis. Life Alert required a doctor's note in order to cancel their services, which the family provided. Life Alert was not satisfied with the note and would not cancel the contract. Other complaints we've seen are that elderly loved ones where confused or couldn't read the fine print and did not know they were locked into a long-term agreement.
Most positive reviews speak about Life Alert's quick response times in helping their loved one in an emergency situation. They are generally pleased with how the call center agents stay on the line until help arrives and the overall quality of the monitoring service.
Life Alert has been Better Business Bureau Accredited since 1987. They have an A+ rating at the time of this review with 277 complaints, 40 reviews, and less than a 2 star rating.
Do We Suggest Life Alert?
If you feel more comfortable working with a medical alert company that is one of the most well-known brands in the industry and don't mind paying a bit of a premium for their service, then Life Alert may be the right choice for you. Keep in mind, Life Alert's cost comparison to other medical alert device systems is slightly on the higher side. You will have to keep in mind that you will be signing a multi-year contract while most other well-known medical alert providers typically have month-to-month or quarterly service agreements. However, it is important to note that the contract comes with an important distinction: If your loved one happens to pass away at home alone during the agreement, then you would receive a 100% refund on all services paid. They also cannot raise prices during your 3-year contract term, but many other medical alert providers will not either.
When you compare Life Alert's emergency response review, you will notice they do a fair job, however if you are initially signing-up for their service you will have to deal with an aggressive sales team. Since there's little information on their website, when you call to get even basic information, you will be asked to at least provide your phone number, mailing address, and name and also answer an extensive list of questions before they answer even one of yours. For many people, this may not be the shopping experience they are looking for. You could be on the phone for quite a while and may have to make multiple calls to get the best price. We were on the phone at least 15 minutes before we were given any pricing information.
Since most seniors typically only require an in-home medical alert monitoring system that has a simple wireless button to press for help, two-way talking communication with the monitoring station, and automatic system testing of the main unit, then know that most other reputable companies can provide these service as well.
If you don't mind paying more for a household name in the medical alert industry, and you are happy with Life Alert's pros then Life Alert may be a good option for you.
SINCE YOU'RE LOOKING AT LIFE ALERT, CONSIDER TAKING A LOOK AT MEDICAL GUARDIAN FOR COMPARISON.
Get a FREE Month, FREE Ground Shipping, FREE Month of Service, and FREE Lockbox for new customers purchasing annual subscriptions on select plans & equipment.
DISCLOSURE: We may receive referral fees for purchases or inquiries made by you. Thanks to your support, we can maintain the website & offer special discounts, at no cost to you.
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.
*Medical Guardian logo is a registered trademark of Medical Guardian, LLC
