Product Reviews
Per the Better Business Bureau's website, MedGuard Alert, Inc. has been in business since 2011. Per their sales team, they purchased LifeWatch USA within the last few years. LifeWatch USA was started in 1996. If you go to the LifeWatch USA website, you will be shown the same information as shown on the MedGuard Alert website. However, please note that at the time of this review, their online information was out of date and did not contain pricing information. All of their customer service and medical alert monitoring centers are based in the USA. They are headquartered in Middletown, CT. MedGuard Alert claims to have over 500,000 satisfied customers with their medical alert monitoring services. There are three medical alert systems that MedGuard Alert offers: 1. In-Home System: This traditional medical alert system that can be used with or without a landline. 2. Smart Go Personal Safety and Security 3G: Waterproof medical alert button designed to go with you anywhere. It includes automatic fall detection and real time GPS tracking. The button is a two-way voice speakerphone that will connect you directly with 911. Please Note: 3G technology is being phased-out by cellular carriers. 3. On-the-Go Personal Safety and Security 4G: Same device as above however it runs on 4G service and is slightly more expensive per month although it really shouldn't be.
Who Is MedGuard Alert?
Review Summary
There is an E-Responder Mobile Button listed on their website, but their sales team told us it is not a product they are offering.
Pros
Cons
Rating:
Since you're looking at MedGuard, consider taking a look at LifeStation for comparison.
Compare Device Features:
Pros & Cons To Consider |
How did MedGuard Alert - Lifewatch USA do?
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| Price | MedGuard Alert - Lifewatch USA Review |
Cost for Equipment | No equipment costs with any monthly alert monitoring program. |
Cost Per Month | The In-Home Medical Alert System starts at $29.95 per month. |
Advance Payment Discounts | No |
Monitoring Agreement Term | No long-term contracts. |
Repairs or Replacement Charges | The will charge you $300 for the equipment if it is stolen or lost but not for normal wear and tear. You can purchase a warranty on the system for free replacements (for any reason) for an additional $5.00 per month. |
| Cancellation Policy & Discounts | MedGuard Alert - Lifewatch USA Review |
Cancel at Any Time | Yes, but there is a $50 restocking fee for any equipment that is sent back to them. |
Senior Discount | No |
Other Discounts | No |
| Equipment | MedGuard Alert - Lifewatch USA Review |
Approximate Button Range in Typical Home | 600-800 Ft |
Watch/Button Battery Life | Approximately 5 years. |
What Happens if I Lose Power | The system should last up to 5 days using battery back-up. |
Is the Watch/Button Waterproof | Yes |
How Can The Button Be Worn | Pendant, belt or wrist options. |
UL Certified Equipment | Yes |
Does The System Automatically Test Itself To The Monitoring Center | Yes, they perform periodic test calls. |
24 Hour Technical & Customer Support | Yes |
| Monitoring Station | MedGuard Alert - Lifewatch USA Review |
TMA Five Diamond Certified Monitoring Center | No |
Typical Response Time When Button Pressed | Between 25-30 seconds. |
| Other Options & Information | MedGuard Alert - Lifewatch USA Review |
How Fast Does System Ship | 2-3 business days. |
Do You Need Separate Systems For Mom & Dad | No. However, an additional pendant is $5 per month. |
| Optional Advanced Features | MedGuard Alert - Lifewatch USA Review |
Activity or Inactivity Monitoring | No |
Senior Fall Detection | Yes |
Cellular or No Phone Line | Yes |
Non-GPS Mobile Alert System For Protection On The Go | No |
Smoke or Carbon Monoxide Protection | No |
GPS Medical Alert Tracking System | Yes |
| Special Offers | MedGuard Alert - Lifewatch USA Review |
Special Offers For Our Visitors | None at this time |
Monthly Costs & Fees
MedGuard’s monthly fees for their basic in-home unit are slightly higher than other comparable products on the market. They also do not offer advanced payment discounts like many of their competitors. MedGuard’s mobile on-the-go product is more in line price-wise with others in the market and the fact that they do not have shipping fees or long-term contracts is a plus.
- In-Home Medical Alert System is $29.95 per month for landline and $34.95 for the cellular version
- Smart Go Personal Safety and Security 3G is $34.95 per month. Please Note - 3G technology is being phased-out by cellular carriers.
- On-the-Go Personal Safety and Security 4G is $39.95 per month
What We like about MedGuard
Mobile Medical Alert with GPS Option - Smart Go Personal Safety and Security unit with GPS and built in fall detection is a great option for those who want protection outside of the home, and it is waterproof.
24-Hour Support - The MedGuard Alert emergency support team is available 24/7 and their centers are based in the USA.
Company Owned Monitoring Center - The monitoring center is company owned but not TMA Five Diamond Certified.
Fall Detector Options - Since diabetics have the tendency to faint and falls are common among seniors, fall detectors can be helpful because the user may be unable to press their medical emergency button. This option is only available for the Smart Go Personal Safety systems.
No Long-Term Contracts - Cancel MedGuard’s services at any time as they do not require any pre-paid plans or long-term contracts.
What We Dislike About MedGuard
No Long-Term Contract But Has Re-Stock Fee - You can cancel any time, even before the service has started if you change your mind. However, you must return the equipment if you don't want to be charged and there is a $50 restock fee.
No Carbon Monoxide or Smoke Detection - Both are important features to have in your home and MedGuard does not have these options at this time. We highly suggest installing these detectors on your own if your medical alert company does not provide them.
No Activity Monitoring - Activity monitoring typically requires the user to check-in with the system by pressing a button once every 24 hours or automatically checked with motion sensors and door contacts. This is very beneficial as it allows you to know that your loved one is active and about each day.
Lack of Pricing and Product Information - With the lack of any pricing information online, it can be hard to know if you are getting a good deal from the company. Also, some of MedGuard's product information on their website does not match what we were told was currently available.
No Online Ordering - In today's world, online ordering is a must.
No Advanced Payment or Senior Discounts - Most medical alert companies offer a discounted rate for paying annually.
Offering Outdated 3G Cellular Technology - This is old cellular technology that is currently being phased out by cellular carriers.
What Others Are Saying About MedGuard
MedGuard Alert has reviews on their website however they are not verified by 3rd party sites like Trustpilot. The consensus of the reviews talk about MedGuard’s service being reliable and convenient with 24-hour support.
Many of the complaints on file with the BBB mention billing issues with MedGuard. A few users complained about returning the equipment and they are continued to be billed. We read many complaints about their customer service and their persistent calling.
MedGuard is not BBB accredited but has an B+ Better Business rating at the time of writing this review.
Bottom Line
Since the MedGuard Alert and LifeWatch websites do not offer pricing online, we had to call to get more information. Our call did not go well with the company as they insisted on us providing a phone number to help. After explaining we just wanted some product information, they changed their tone and gave us the information we were requesting. Also, their website is not up to date showing some non-current product information.
MedGuard basically only offers two systems - a traditional in-home system (with or without landline) and The Smart Go Personal Safety and Security option (3g or 4g). The Smart Go is good for those who need coverage inside and outside of the home and are prone to falls since it has automatic fall detection built-in. Their medical alert monitoring pricing is somewhat competitive, however they do not offer any type of discounts which is disappointing. We also prefer to recommend a company who is TMA Five Diamond Certified.
Considering all the new technology and competition in the medical alert marketplace we feel there are other options that could be a better choice.
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.
Modified: 2019-10-23