Last Updated on October 17, 2024
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Questions? Call toll-free 1-800-311-6142 or visit visit Medical Guardian’s website
Medical Guardian is one of the fastest-growing medical alert companies today. In recent years, buoyed by their commitment to providing customers with good products and choices, the company has attracted a lot of senior customers nationwide.
Medical Guardian stands out from Life alert and other medical alert companies with their top product designs. Seniors can choose from a full line of medical alert equipment with updated designs that are attractive and easy-to-use. Which Medical Guardian system is the best?
Promo Code: NEWROUTINE 50% OFF the MGMini. Call 1-800-311-6142 today. With any product, get to 1 FREE Month, Free Lockbox, Free Shipping and more with Annual plan. Call to receive their best 2024 offers (1-800-311-6142).
In the quick video below, you can check out my experience as a Medical Guardian customer making a test call. You can see how the button turned blue when I pushed on it, and how the device connected with Medical Guardian’s monitoring center. Listen in to the Mini Guardian‘s clear, high-definition speaker, and get a sense of how quickly the live operator answered the call.
Questions? Call toll-free 1-800-311-6142 or visit visit Medical Guardian’s website
Why These Medical Guardian Product Reviews
Through the following Medical Guardian product reviews, I share my first-hand customer experiences, test results, and research about the company and its products. Since I’ve been reviewing different medical alert products for the past decade (examples of my work), I will also be offering some comparative insights.
The main goal of these reviews is to help you decide if Medical Guardian is a good choice for your needs; and if so, which product to pick. Different products offer different features and performance, even when they come from the same brand.
For example, one Medical Guardian (MG) product offered a very fast response time of 20 seconds average, while another MG product tested out at 4x that, at 84 seconds average.
You can also access the company’s official marketing information here. If you need extra help choosing a system beyond these reviews, please let us know.
Medical Guardian Overview
Medical Guardian was started in 2005, and built on the foundation that its products can help seniors lead the independent lives they desire. They are the leader amongst the newer generation of medical alert companies that want to bring new technologies to consumers; such as MG Move, a medical alert smartwatch and Mini Guardian, their petite-sized mobile alert pendant using the smallest mobile device on the market.
Medical Guardian’s corporate headquarters is located in Philadelphia, PA. Their products are available to serve all 50 states in the US. Its growth has upended the business of traditionally dominant players like Life Alert and Lifeline.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Top Product Designs – An ultra-small all-in-one mini medical alert devices (Mini Guardian, MG Mini), a classy smartwatch for seniors (MGMove) with original apps, an updated next-generation-design in-home medical alert system with (Home 2.0), and more. Optional fall detection (for ALL products except their smartwatch) and voice-activated wall buttons available.
No Landline Needed – No home phone line or cell phone required.
Certified 24/7 Monitoring Service – Medical Guardian’s US-based monitoring service meets both UL and TMA Five-Diamond industry standards; and is supported by a redundant backup system.
MyGuardian App or Web Portal – Online dashboard or app for updating payment and emergency contacts information, and more. Hourly location updates for caregivers available with selected mobile products like MG Move, MG Mini and Mobile 2.0.
Renew Program – Avoid upfront equipment costs through use of refurbished equipment (more info).
No Long-Term Contracts – There are no long-term commitment requirements, but some products may require an initial three-month term.
Cons
Additional Fees – Upfront equipment fees required for newer non-landline systems. Extra charge for text and email alerts. However, there are no activation or installation fees.
Too Many Choices – Medical Guardian offers a lot of different product choices and options for customers. This can get confusing. To make the comparison process easier for you, check out our reviews below, which share the pros and cons and our experiences with each product.
How It Works
Medical Guardian offers a full product line of different medical alert systems. They vary in appearance and wearable format (ie. necklace, mobile device or watch), but all share the feature of having a help button that product users push on in case of emergencies.
By pushing on their help button, product users will be quickly connected to a trained monitoring agent for assistance. Once the call is connected to the monitoring center, an agent will quickly answer the call, speak with the elderly system user and get him or her the help that is needed. This could include calling an ambulance, emergency services, or personal emergency contacts.
Mobile Medical Alert Devices (Both at Home and On-the-Go Use)
Mobile medical alert systems are small, wearable, lightweight devices that come with the speaker, microphone, and help button contained within one unit. These work at home and out of the home.
They come in the format of small speaker devices like a mini cell phone. Newer versions come in the format of a smartwatch. Here is Medical Guardian’s MG Move smartwatch:
Check out Mini Guardian (mobile device) or MG Move (smartwatch).
In-home Only Systems
In-home medical alert systems have an in-home base unit that is about the size of a telephone answering machine. It houses a speaker and microphone. The base unit is placed in a central spot at home and is paired with a separate help transmitter button that is worn by the product user. See example Home 2.0 – No home phone line needed.
Top Product Designs
One thing that stands out about Medical Guardian is its commitment to delivering top product designs. Their product line includes systems that both look good in external design, and offer thoughtfully designed features that are useful to customers.
In a field where brands offer similar equipment sourced from the same original equipment manufacturers, Medical Guardian is differentiating itself through their original designs.
Here are examples of Medical Guardian’s product design innovations. This is how they differentiate themselves from life alert and other medical alert companies:
MG Mini – the smallest and lightest medical alert device on the market. Paired with an extra help transmitter button. This is originally designed by Medical Guardian and exclusive to their brand.
MG Mini Lite – a uniquely designed SOS wrist button accessory. It’s lightweight and comes with built-in cellular connectivity, speaker and microphone. Another unique and well-designed medical alert product you won’t find through other brands.
MG Move – a well-made medical alert smartwatch with original apps and screens.
Mini Guardian – based on the smallest (except for the MG Mini) and lightest hardware mobile medical alert device hardware available. Medical Guardian was the first company to introduce this in 2020.
Home 2.0 – an in-home medical alert with a refreshing next-generation design. Voice-assist technology provides convenient, audio guidance. Another Medical Guardian original, this equipment is not available elsewhere.
Which Medical Guardian system is best?
With more than five different systems to pick from, which Medical Guardian system is best? Below are 3 pointers to get you started.
1) If you want a good, popular choice, check out the Mini Guardian first. This is a fast-responding all-in-one lightweight mobile device that works both at home and outside. Learn more
2) If you prefer something that is not the usual necklace button or if you are used to wearing a wristwatch, then we recommend Medical Guardian’s MGMove smartwatch. Learn more
3) If you primarily need in-home coverage, then Medical Guardian’s Home 2.0 is an easy-to-use and well-designed system to look into. It does not require a home phone line to work. Learn more
You can also check through the the benefits and drawbacks of specific Medical Guardian products in the reviews below (eg. Mini Guardian review). They share our research and test results, with the aim to help you pick one that works best for your or your parent’s needs.
Promo Code: NEWROUTINE 50% OFF the MGMini. Call 1-800-311-6142 today. With any product, get to 1 FREE Month, Free Lockbox, Free Shipping and more with Annual plan. Call to receive their best 2024 offers (1-800-311-6142).
Mini Guardian Review – All-in-One Mobile Device
Mini Guardian is Medical Guardian’s pint-sized all-in-one mobile medical alert with GPS option. The help button, speaker, and microphone are contained within a single device. It works both in an out of the home wherever using Verizon 4G LTE cellular coverage. (No extra cell phone plan needed, and the device works separately from your cell phone or plan.)
The Mini Guardian has an easy and intuitive button press that works well for seniors. When tested, the entire emergency alert activation process was quick and reassuring. The response time was very fast at 18 seconds on average.
Below, you can watch a short test call made outdoors.
In the earlier video, we tested the device in an indoor environment. Both calls were answered speedily, as you can see from the videos.
Pros
Ultra-Small & Lightweight
The Mini device is based on the smallest on-the-go medical alert device hardware in the industry. At a size of 2.72 x 1.38 x 0.57″ and weighing 1.3 oz, the Mini is smaller and weighs just 50% or half of its previous version, Active Guardian. Mobile medical alert devices average around 2 oz in weight, and the Mini Guardian weighs about 65% (or 2/3) of that.
One obstacle that stops people from wearing a mobile medical alert device more frequently is that it can be heavy and bulky. The Mini Guardian device overcomes that obstacle by being extra lightweight and streamlined in appearance.
Super-Fast Response
The Mini Guardian delivered super-fast response times between a button push and an agent answering live when we field-tested it. The average timing was just under 20 seconds compared to the average time of 45 seconds for a medical alert operator response.
Battery Life
Mini Guardian has “up to 5 days” of backup battery life according to specifications. With medical alert systems, backup battery life can turn out appreciably lower than the specified limits. Fortunately, this was not the case when I tested out the Mini. I found that my Mini device was repeatedly able to last 5 days after each full charge.
Cons
The Mini Guardian provided accurate GPS location tracking whenever I pushed on its help button. However, without a button push, the system was unable to provide real-time updates of the device location for caregivers.
However, caregivers can receive hourly location updates through Medical Guardian’s new MG Mini device. We’ve successfully tested this out. To learn more, you can contact Medical Guardian’s website at 1-800-311-6142.
Or contact us here. We will provide unbiased feedback based on our experiences.
Comparison with the Lifeline On-the-go Device
Lifeline (formerly Philips Lifeline) has a similar on-the-go mobile device that works the same way as the Mini Guardian. Both are water-resistant all-in-one devices that contain a help button, speaker, and microphone.
Compared to the Mini Guardian, the Lifeline on-the-go device is larger and heavier. They are both about the same height (about 2.7 inches) but Mini Guardian is narrower (at 1.3 inches vs. 1.7 inches) and less bulky. Mini Guardian weighs 1.3 oz, compared to Lifeline’s 1.9 oz.
When it comes to a mobile medical alert device, being lighter is an advantage. When it’s heavy, it can be tiring to wear it all the time. That said, both devices work and have similarly fast response times.
For pacemaker and implanted electronic devices wearers, the Lifeline on-the-go device contains some strong magnets, more so than what I’ve experienced with the Mini Guardian or similar GPS devices.
That’s something extra to be careful with, in addition to the usual precautions: With any mobile medical alert device, pacemaker wearers are advised to consult with their doctor; and review their pacemaker materials regarding interaction with cell phones and take the same precautions.
In summary, both Mini Guardian and Lifeline are very similar in features and performance – they both provide quick access to monitoring help. However, the Mini Guardian is smaller, lighter, and less expensive. For these reasons, I would choose the Mini Guardian over Lifeline’s on-the-go device.
Mini Guardian Review Summary
The Mini Guardian is an ultra-small, lightweight, fast-responding medical alert device that works both at home and out of the home. It is best suited for seniors who like the simplicity of one small button device that quickly connects them to emergency help when needed. Compared to the average mobile medical alert device, the Mini Guardian is smaller, lighter, and provides faster response times.
Questions? Call toll-free 1-800-311-6142 or visit visit Medical Guardian’s website
MG Mini Review
Questions? Call toll-free 1-800-311-6142 or visit visit Medical Guardian’s website
The MG Mini is Medical Guardian’s newest mobile medical alert device. Introduced in May 2023, it supersedes the Mini Guardian and competitor products as the smallest and lightest mobile medical device on the market today. The system offers accompanying features and add-ons like paired featherweight buttons, fall detection, voice-activated wall buttons and more.
The MG Mini not been mass marketed as yet, and many reviewers have not had a chance to test it out. Fortunately, we have, and we can share our experience with you all, our esteemed readers. For starters, if you haven’t already, please check out the video of a test call above.
Based on what we’ve experienced, the company has certainly kicked things up several notches with this latest system. It’s pint-sized, contemporary design and comprehensive add-on features bundle also reaffirms our continued rating of Medical Guardian as having the best product designs.
Pros
Pairs with small wearable button – This extra button is helpful when the device is being charged, or when in bed.
Small and lightweight – MG Mini measures about 2.28 inches by 1.53 inches by 0.57 inches, and weighs about 1.3 oz. In comparison, it’s smaller than the Mini Guardian and weighs almost the same as it.
Good battery life – Up to 5 days. We were able to monitor battery levels through the MyGuardian app as well.
Comprehensive location tracking – We received real-time location updates whenever the alarm was activated. The system also incorporates Medical Guardian’s Heartbeat location technology for hourly updates.
If there’s an emergency, you can probably call in as an authorized care contact and ask for a real-time location ping. We were able to do that through their customer support.
Fall detection – We were able to set this off by dropping the pendant from a 4 feet height. Test was successful.
Verizon or AT&T – Choice of either networks, and the subscriber does not need to have a cell phone or phone plan.
False alarm cancellation feature – If the alarm is set off by mistake, you have a chance to clear it out before it reaches an operator. That said, the company still wants you to test the device fully each month, which we agree with.
Cons
Long charge time – About 4 hours to fully charge from empty. In comparison, the Mini Guardian takes about 2 1/2 hours.
Response speed – MG Mini’s average monitoring response speed is around 80 seconds. Although it’s still felt prompt, we’ve experienced faster times with their Mini Guardian and MG Move devices.
Pricey – MG Mini retails for $150. That’s what we paid.
Finally, the MG Mini system is a proprietary system developed by Medical Guardian for their customers only. So if you like the equipment, you have to purchase through them. Currently, they do not sell their equipment wholesale to competitors, which is a fairly common practice in the industry.
We will be posting more photos and write-ups over time. In the meantime, if you need more feedback, you can also Contact Us for more information.
More questions about MG Mini? Call toll-free 1-800-311-6142 or visit visit Medical Guardian’s website
MG Mini Lite Review
Questions? Call toll-free 1-800-311-6142 or visit visit Medical Guardian’s website
The MG Mini Lite is Medical Guardian’s newest mobile device. It’s worn using a wristband, providing a discreet way to wear an SOS button. Recently introduced in Oct 2023, the MG Mini Lite is a unique product that is you won’t find elsewhere.
To connect to Medical Guardian’s monitoring center, we pushed on the Lite’s help button until the ring around it turned solid blue. The MG Mini Lite system responded quickly to ask if we need help, before transferring us to a live operator who was standing by. It is easy-to-use, and less intimidating compared to using a medical alert smartwatch.
Comparison with Medical Alert Wristbands
The MG Mini Lite is a cut above the typical medical alert wristband button that you see advertised. Here’s why:
Firstly, it will dial and connect product users directly to Medical Guardian’s monitoring center. You can speak right into your device as it comes with a speaker and microphone.
Other similar-looking wrist buttons merely send a signal to remotely activate a separate base unit with speakerphone. If the base unit is far away, you could be out of voice range. In comparison, customers circumvent voice range issues as they can speak directly into their MG Mini Lite buttons.
In addition, the MG Mini Lite comes with a built-in cellular connection and GPS location services. That means it can continue to work even if you or your parents leave home.
Recommendation
Overall, the MG Mini Lite is a welcome addition to Medical Guardian’s product line of in-home and on-the-go medical alert devices. The MG Mini Lite wristband is a worthwhile choice for customers who like their medical alert button in the format of a well-designed wrist accessory that blends in.
Customers can directly speak to their MG Mini Lite device and ask for help from anywhere with good cellular signals. It’s better than a standard in-home wrist button as you do not need to rely on a separate base unit for voice communication. Overall, it’s an easy-to-use accessory designed to summon help at critical moments.
Questions? Call toll-free 1-800-311-6142 or visit visit Medical Guardian’s website
MG Move Review – Medical Alert Smartwatch
Questions? Call toll-free 1-800-311-6142 or visit visit Medical Guardian’s website
MG Move is a medical alert smartwatch that is an alternative to the traditional necklace (or wristband) button. Here, the SOS button has been blended into a quality smartwatch that tells the time and more. Watch the short video above where we demonstrate how to send an SOS alert.
Personally, I found the MG Move watch both attractive and convenient. We tested it on a 600 mile road trip from Southern to Northern California. We performed a barrage of test calls and the device worked well everywhere.
Though I do not usually wear a watch, I still found it an easily acceptable accessory to put without second thoughts. I like the extra peace of mind that comes from knowing help is always at hand.
Pros
User-Friendly
MGMove was ready to go once we charged it up. There was no need to sync it with a smartphone or cell phone plan. Watch wearers can use their watch at home and out-of-home, and speak directly through their watch in case help is needed.
The watch comes with basic apps to display time (digital and analog clock face formats), count steps, and tell the weather. There is even a Test app for testing the connection to the monitoring center.
Encompassing Location Tracking
Whenever an emergency alarm is activated, MGMove provides real-time GPS location data to Medical Guardian’s monitoring center. This allows operators to know where to dispatch help to. The MyGuardian app will share this real-time data with care contacts. Even without any alarms activated, MG Move will provide hourly location data updates that are shared in the MyGuardian app.
The way MGMove handles location tracking is comparatively more encompassing than Medical Guardian’s Mini Guardian. It features the same HeartBeat location tracking set-up that both Mobile 2.0 and the new MG Mini (2023) have.
Fast Response Time
Based on our testing, the MG Move provides a fast response time of about 39 seconds (2023 preliminary results).
When the red SOS button is pushed, there is an initial 10-second cancellation gap. After that, an automated voice attendant answers within seconds to connect the system user to a live operator, unless the user declines. You can see this demonstrated in the video above.
Fall Detection Option (Coming Soon)
Their fall detection option was on trial when we tested the device in June 2023. We were able to test it out and see it work. For the latest update, please call Medical Guardian and check (800-311-6142).
Cons
Battery Life Limited
Medical Guardian states that MGMove’s battery life lasts up to 24 hours. This is in line with our experience. In our testing, the watch was able to deliver up to around 20 hours each day for us typically.
To recharge the watch fully from a fully drained state, it took us about 2 to 2.5 hours each time. If you are used to recharging your smartphone everyday, this would require a similar daily recharging routine to work.
In comparison, the Mini Guardian and MG Mini have up to 5 days of battery life. If you like a device that does not require daily charging, they may be more suitable.
Comparison with Freedom Guardian (Previous Smartwatch)
Compared to the original Freedom Guardian smartwatch, MG Move is an updated product that exudes better style, quality, and workmanship. Freedom Guardian was an older 3G smartwatch that dates back to Aug 2018 and has stopped selling for over a year.
Both watches feature distinctive red-colored help buttons on the side. Both also include Medical Guardian’s unique premium apps: reminders and voice-to-text Messages.
In addition, MG Move includes additional Steps (pedometer) and Test (for testing the device) standard apps that were not available in the older smartwatch.
Promo Code: NEWROUTINE 50% OFF the MGMini. Call 1-800-311-6142 today. With any product, get to 1 FREE Month, Free Lockbox, Free Shipping and more with Annual plan. Call to receive their best 2024 offers (1-800-311-6142).
MGMove Review Summary
MG Move is a high-quality medical alert smartwatch that comes with a physical SOS button on the side. Product users can speak directly through the watch that comes with a built-in 4G LTE connection. No extra cell phone or cell phone plan is needed.
It is best recommended for seniors who like a discreet and useful way to wear a medical alert button. Compared to other medical alert smartwatches, Medical Guardian’s product hits a sweet middle ground spot. It looks good and packs in ample features without complicating the product. This smartwatch is made for seniors who are non-techies.
Questions? Call toll-free 1-800-311-6142 or visit visit Medical Guardian’s website
Home 2.0 Review – In-Home Cellular System (No Landline Needed)
Home 2.0 is Medical Guardian’s updated cellular in-home medical alert system. It comes with a base unit that houses the speaker and microphone and a lightweight help transmitter button. The help button acts as a remote control that will remotely activate an alarm through the base unit.
The Home 2.0 base unit came with its own SIM card and AT&T Wireless 4G cellular connectivity. To set the system up, all I had to do was plug the base unit into a power source and turn it on. Following that, I was able to make a series of test calls successfully. That’s a good thing because medical alert devices sometimes do not work as expected.
Pros
Updated Physical Design
One key factor that stands out about Home 2.0 is its sleek design. While existing cellular (non-landline) medical base units have a somewhat dated look, Medical Guardian is leading the field by offering customers this next-generation design.
Home 2.0’s attractive physical design overcomes the reluctance that seniors may have with placing their medical alert base unit in a central spot at home. Beyond being aesthetically pleasing, it allows product users to confidently choose a good spot where cellular reception works reliably.
Easy-to-Use
Not only is the base unit attractive, Home 2.0 has taken the best features of the product’s previous version, the original Home Guardian, and made it easier to use. This is especially helpful to senior product users who are less technologically savvy or who do not want to bother with reading and remembering new instructions.
The Home 2.0 base unit has a Smarti Voice Assist button that is easily accessible near the front of the base unit. It provides audio reports on cellular signal strength, power status and enables test calling.
Voice-Activation
Home 2.0 has voice-activated wall buttons (an extra $5/month each) that will allow product users to activate an alarm using a voice command – saying “help me” 2 times. I like this as extra insurance for those times when I am not wearing a help button. These wall buttons are water-resistant and can be activated by a button press as well.
Cons
Response Time
Although the Home 2.0 system is stylish and user-friendly, it did not perform as well in terms of call response time. When tested, the response times averaged 84 seconds. Fortunately, there were no failed connections, but the timing is not great compared to the average industry response time of about 45 seconds. Medical Guardian has other products that provides faster responses, such as the Mini Guardian or MGMove.
In-Home Use Only
As an in-home system, Home 2.0 can only be used for in-home coverage. If you need both in-home and on-the-go coverage, consider products like the Mini Guardian or MGMove smartwatch instead.
Comparison with Original Home Guardian (Predecessor)
Home Guardian (1-800-311-6142) is the previous version of Medical Guardian’s in-home cellular medical alert system before Home 2.0 was introduced (in Oct 2021). The original Home Guardian is still widely used in homes and works just like Home 2.0. It’s pictured above with the Emergency and Reset buttons on the left and right (model CBS04 or CBS05).
Between the two, I would recommend Home 2.0 if you value its updated modern design and easy-to-use features like voice assist for system status updates and voice activation for alarm calls (just like GetSafe). Otherwise, in terms of performance, my test results with the original Home Guardian were actually better.
Home Guardian has an advertised range of 600 feet compared to 1,400 feet for Home 2.0. However, when we tested these systems in real life residential environments, their button ranges were about the same! They maxed out near each other at around 300 feet.
When it comes to range, the advertised numbers are often much higher than the actual real life results due to environmental interferences. It’s best to test your system out in your local environment. Fortunately, even 150 to 200 feet is more than enough range from one end of the home to the other (see truth about range article).
The original Home Guardian (as pictured above) delivered a faster response time, longer backup battery life, and a similar activation range (even with Home 2.0’s long-range limits).
Based on these good test results, Home Guardian is still worthy of consideration despite having a more dated design. Another advantage is offered through their Renew Program and has no equipment cost, which will save you $100 in initial fees. Home Guardian (model CBS04-01 or CBS5-01 only, similar to what’s pictured) can be directly ordered from Medical Guardian by calling 1-800-311-6142.
Home 2.0 Review Summary
The Home 2.0 system consists of a sleek, modern in-home base unit and a separate help button that can be worn with a lanyard or bracelet. What stands out most about it is its outstanding, next-generation design and numerous easy-to-use features for product users to keep track of system status, make test calls, and voice-activate their system without wearing a button.
Home 2.0 is best recommended for the senior who primarily needs in-home coverage and wants a modern, well-designed, and easy-to-use system. It does not require a home phone line to work.
Questions? Call toll-free 1-800-311-6142 or visit visit Medical Guardian’s website
Classic Guardian Review – In-Home Landline System
Classic Guardian is Medical Guardian’s in-home landline medical alert system. As you can see in the photo, it comes with a base unit and a lightweight necklace (or wrist) help button.
The base unit is about the size of an answering machine (dimensions 6 in by 6 by in 2.8 in) and houses a speaker and microphone for clear two-way communication. Similar to in-home systems Home 2.0 and Home Guardian, two-way communication is only through the main base unit, not through the necklace (or wrist) help buttons. The base unit’s .
The necklace (or wrist) help button will remotely signal an alarm activation to the base unit when pushed. These buttons are super lightweight (0.5 oz) because their only function is to remotely transmit alarm signals. They do not contain any speaker or microphone. Product users will not be able to speak directly into their buttons.
As part of my testing, I was able to activate an alert one of two ways – either remotely through the necklace (or wrist) button or by pushing directly on the large, round Emergency Call button on the base unit. Once an alarm has been activated, the base unit’s large Emergency Call button blinks red and blue, while announcing “Emergency Alarm!”
Pros
Home Phone Line Connection
With its phone line connection, Classic Guardian overcomes the connectivity obstacle for homes with poor cellular reception. For some customers, their landline is the only connection they can depend on to make phone calls.
On the other hand, if you no longer have a home phone line, Medical Guardian also offers Home 2.0, a system that comes with built-in cellular connectivity. To check if it can be used in your area, please contact Medical Guardian at 1-800-311-6142.
Voice-Activated Medical Alert
With Classic Guardian, I was able to add voice-activated medical alert wall button units to my system. I like the convenience – for those times when I wasn’t wearing my necklace button, I could still activate an alarm by shouting out a command. Alternatively, I could also reach out and push on the wall unit button. This voice-activation feature fills the gaps in coverage when we aren’t wearing our help buttons.
Low Start-Up Cost
This is the least expensive Medical Guardian system at $29.95 a month. There is no equipment cost either, as it is available through their Renew Program. The company will loan you the equipment for free.
Cons
In-Home Only
The obvious limitation of Classic Guardian is that you are limited to in-home only coverage. As much as the help button has a specified maximum activation range of 1300 ft, it is meant for use at home and along the perimeter of the home only (more info).
Classic Guardian Review Summary
The Medical Guardian Classic Guardian is a traditional medical alert system that requires a landline to work. It comes with a base unit and either a necklace or wrist help button to remotely activate an alarm call. What sets this system apart from similar in-home landline systems is the availability of optional voice-activation for alarms.
Classic Guardian is best recommended for seniors who specifically want a Medical Guardian system and lack cellular phone coverage where they live.
Questions? Call toll-free 1-800-311-6142 or visit visit Medical Guardian’s website
Monitoring Center
Many of us are concerned about the quality of the monitoring service. Medical Guardian scores well in this area.
Medical Guardian’s 24/7 monitoring services are provided through a highly qualified US-based monitoring service that meets coveted industry certifications. These include both UL Listing and The Monitoring Association (TMA) Five Diamond (formerly called CSAA Five Diamond) certifications.
Another important factor to consider is whether the monitoring service has adequate backup arrangements. Fortunately, Medical Guardian has this factor well taken care of.
In addition to all the certifications, Medical Guardian’s monitoring includes two or three geographically dispersed centers built into its service structure. The centers are technologically capable and ready to take over as a backup for each other.
We never know when an emergency can occur. Having a professionally executed backup arrangement ensures uninterrupted service for their customers.
How Much Does Medical Guardian Cost?
Monthly Cost
Medical Guardian’s basic monthly costs start at:
In-home landline $29.95 per month
In-home cellular (no-landline-needed) $34.95 per month
In-home and on-the-go (no-landline-needed) $39.95 per month
For non-landline systems that connect through a cellular network, the cost of service includes network connectivity. You do not need to use your own cell phone plan or start a new phone line.
Promo Code: NEWROUTINE 50% OFF the MGMini. Call 1-800-311-6142 today. With any product, get to 1 FREE Month, Free Lockbox, Free Shipping and more with Annual plan. Call to receive their best 2024 offers (1-800-311-6142).
Equipment Cost
Medical Guardian’s equipment for new no-landline-needed equipment costs $99.95 or more. The company lists promo codes on their website here for additional discounts. You can also call toll-free 1-800-311-6142 and ask for their latest offers.
Renew Program
With Medical Guardian’s Renew Program, refurbished models of older equipment such as Classic Guardian or Home Guardian are leased to customers as part of their monthly subscription. If you like more information, you can call 1-800-311-6142 to speak with a representative.
Keep in mind that it’s a lease – any free equipment sent out belongs to Medical Guardian. Customers are required to send all equipment and accessories back in an undamaged condition when ending their subscription. The company could also require a 90-day initial term and assess a restocking fee.
Comparison with Life Alert and Others
Medical Guardian’s pricing is moderate compared to medical alert companies in general. Compared to competitors like Life Alert or Lifeline, Medical Guardian is less expensive. For example, both Life Alert and Lifeline charge a minimum of $49.95 per month for in-home and on-the-go coverage, and start-up or activation fees on top of that.
Medical Guardian is less costly at $39.95 per month. Although Medical Guardian charges equipment fees, it has free equipment options under its Renew Program. Also, the company does not charge any start-up or activation fees. In comparison, Life Alert charges a whopping $198 in start-up fees.
When it comes to medical alert pricing, higher does not always mean better. Pricing is part of a company’s marketing plan and companies have different approaches to this. In the same vein, there are less expensive alternatives out there (example) if you like to comparison shop.
MyGuardian Portal and App
MyGuardian is Medical Guardian’s desktop portal and app for managing your account. Some of the older medical alert companies like Life Alert or LifeStation do not offer much in terms of companion apps and online dashboards. By providing this resource, Medical Guardian has made it more convenient for customers to manage their account.
Through MyGuardian, customers can update their payment information and view invoices. Customers can also update their emergency contacts information and more.
Personally, I prefer being able to login and check that the information is correct and make updates as needed. It beats the hassle of having to call in to customer support each time to check that my records or make small updates.
Complaints
Medical Guardian’s BBB record showed 69 complaints in the past year, and a total of 210 complaints in the last three years (as of Apr 20, 2023).
The majority of complaints are related to cancellations and refunds. A number described difficulties in receiving proper guidance and confirmations during the process. A few customers were surprised by a $50 restocking fee being applied to their pro-rated refunds. They complained that this fee had not been disclosed to them before. If these complaints are a concern, you can check the BBB website to learn more details and how the company responded.
Comparing the number of complaints amongst medical alert companies, Medical Guardian’s level appears to be higher than some of their competitors (example 1, example 2). Still, the BBB has given them a high A+ rating, partly because the number of complaints relative to the size of the business is small.
Reviewing through Medical Guardian’s BBB complaints, the company appears willing to resolve any complaints brought up. For customers who are thinking of filing a complaint, the company invites them to first contact their CEO, Geoff Gross at (215) 977-8000. We know of a customer who faced an issue that he was unable to resolve through the regular channels. However, upon calling the number given, the situation was quickly cleared up for him within the same day.
Current Special Offers
Interested readers can contact Medical Guardian at toll free 1-800-311-6142 or visit the Medical Guardian website to learn more. Currently, they have a special offer that includes 1 free month, free ground shipping and a free lockbox (for some plans) are included with annual billing.
Promo Code: NEWROUTINE 50% OFF the MGMini. Call 1-800-311-6142 today. With any product, get to 1 FREE Month, Free Lockbox, Free Shipping and more with Annual plan. Call to receive their best 2024 offers (1-800-311-6142).
Disclosure: We receive referral compensation for purchases made (see details).
For additional medical alert company reviews and comparisons, visit our Reviews section or check out our Comparison Chart.
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While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this review, the information is supplied without warranties of any kind. We advise all readers to do careful due diligence before purchasing. Take time to visit the company’s website or speak with their representatives.
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