Last Updated on September 27, 2022
Life Alert® packages cost a minimum of $49.95 a month. Life Alert is but one of the more expensive brands that offer medical alert systems or emergency alert buttons for seniors. With competition, prices have adjusted. Medical alert systems prices currently start from $24.95 a month depending on your coverage.
See Life Alert Cost Comparison Chart or call the medical alert companies below regarding their pricing details.
Bay Alarm Medical (above) 1-855-397-9964 (From $24.95 a month)
Buyers’ Guide: Even though their prices are the lowest, should you buy from them?
In a hurry? Leave us your email, we’ll follow-up with the best tips.
Medical Guardian (above) 1-800-311-6142 (From $29.95 a month)
Buyers’ Guide: Which Medical Guardian system is the best? Should you buy from them?
LifeFone (above) 1-877-352-1292 (From $29.95 a month)
Buyers’ Guide: Which LifeFone system is the best? Should you buy from them?
How Much Is Life Alert?
Life Alert® costs $49.95 to $89.95 a month, with a start-up fee of $96 to $198. Life Alert costs per month include use of their equipment and access to 24/7 emergency alert monitoring through their UL-listed monitoring center. Common Life Alert equipment items include their in-home base console unit, necklace button and large help button. The selection of Life Alert items included will depend on the package subscription chosen.
Life Alert Cost Comparison Chart
| Monthly Cost | Bay Alarm Medical | Medical Guardian | LifeFone | Life Alert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-Home Only | From $24.95 | From $29.95 | From $29.95 | $49.95 |
| Mobile GPS | From $29.95 | From $39.95 | From $39.95 | $69.90 |
| Fall Detection Alert Option | $10 | $10 | $10 | Not available |
| 24/7 Monitoring Service | TMA Five-Diamond Certified | TMA Five-Diamond Certified | TMA Five-Diamond Certified | TMA Five-Diamond Certified |
| Phone Number | 1-855-397-9964 | 1-800-311-6142 | 1-877-352-1292 | |
| Website | Visit Website | Visit Website | Visit Website |
Why are the monthly costs so different amongst Life Alert and alternative competitor companies?
The monthly costs amongst Life Alert, LifeFone and other alternative competitor companies vary. Life Alert charges a minimum of $49.95 a month to get started, compared with others that cost $21.95 a month to $34.95 a month for an in-home medical alert system.
In a hurry? Leave us your email, we’ll follow-up with the best tips.
The price differences are a result of numerous factors; such the system features and accessories that are bundled into the package (eg. a shower button, one necklace button vs two necklace buttons, mobile GPS button, cellular connection), and special offers. The cost structures and margins also differ from company to company, resulting in price differences.
When speaking with a representative, check with them what’s being included so you can make a fair comparison. If they sound overly aggressive but you are not ready to make a purchase, it’s probably best to allow yourself space to think over.
Are there any minimum contract commitments?
Life Alert requires a 3-year commitment to get started, but most other medical alert companies do not. Although 3 years may not seem like a long time, many changes can happen. If there is an auto-renewal clause included, it will roll over for another 3 years.
Some people will breeze through a commitment like this, but others may not like the idea of being tied down. So consider the pros and cons of going with Life Alert before you purchase.
We can learn from the grievances of others. In 2021, the New York AG office announced an investigation and settlement with Life Alert over the the subject matter of contracts and related cancellations.
As a comparison, most other companies do allow customers to cancel anytime with 30 days notice or less. The prepaid amounts are not always refunded, though. This is if you cancel before your time has been used up. Some, but not all, companies are willing to provide pro-rated refunds for the portion of time previously prepaid but left unused. This is something we discuss in our reviews. You can also confirm this with the representative before you sign-up.
Equipment Damage Fees and Protection Plan
Life Alert and most medical alert companies do require the equipment to be either returned to them and/or officially deactivated before they will cancel the service. Most companies also state that the medical alert equipment must be received back in good condition. If there is damage or if the equipment has been lost, there could be an additional charge, typically in the range of $200 to $350.
To prevent any issues with this and for additional insurance, some customers take up add-on medical alert system protection plans for around $5 a month. These protection plans will typically cover for any damage to the equipment that could occur, including damage from spills, power surges, dropped equipment, heat and more. With a protection plan, customers are also entitled to new equipment should their medical alert unit become damaged during the course of their subscription.
See Life Alert Cost Comparison Chart
Would you like a more comprehensive example of how to compare Life Alert with other medical alert companies besides cost differences? Check out our Life Alert vs Bay Alarm Medical review that considers other factors like Fall Detection, Battery Life, Mobile App and more.
Disclosure: We may receive commissions for customer referrals (details) to medical alert companies.
Limitations: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this post and comparison chart, we are unable to provide any warranties. We advise all readers to do careful due diligence before purchasing.
- Bay Alarm Medical In-Home Cellular Response Speed 46% Faster in 2023 - July 5, 2023
- Medical Alert Systems For Landlines - November 20, 2022
- The Truth About Long-Range Medical Alert Systems - May 1, 2022