How Much Does Life Alert Cost?

Last Updated on October 10, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

For over 40 years, Life Alert has been a trusted provider of emergency medical alert systems for seniors and high-risk individuals living independently. With the push of a button, Life Alert connects users to 24/7 monitoring centers ready to dispatch help in the event of falls, injuries, or other emergencies.

But what exactly are the costs and fees associated with this popular service? This comprehensive guide provides a detailed breakdown of Life Alert’s pricing structure, plan options, competitors, hidden fees, and expert tips to help you choose the right solution based on your needs and budget.

Article Highlights

• In-home Life Alert plans start at $49.95/month with no long-term commitments
• Adding fall detection, mobile support, and extra users increases monthly fees
• Multi-year contracts may be required, with early termination penalties
• Total first year costs range $600 – $1,000+ depending on plan
• Compare pricing and services to alternatives like BayAlarm Medical and Philips Lifeline
• Look for promotions and provider deals to reduce upfront equipment costs

How Much Does Life Alert Cost?

Life Alert offers three main packages for their medical alert systems, with prices between $49.95 and $89.95+ per month:

In-Home Life Alert – Starting at $49.95/month

The basic package includes the in-home alarm system with a wearable SOS button for emergency response in and around the home.

Life Alert with AutoFall Detection – Starting at $69.95/month

This plan adds automatic fall detection, triggering an alert if the wearer falls and is unable to push the button manually.

Mobile Life Alert with GPS – Starting at $89.95/month

For on-the-go coverage, this option uses GPS-tracking devices or mobile apps to provide nationwide emergency monitoring outside of the user’s home.

According to SafeHome.org, Life Alert’s monthly monitoring fees range from $49.95 to $89.85, depending on the specific options selected. Additionally, there is a one-time membership fee of $198. The Complete In-Home Plan costs $89.85 per month, while the Modified In-Home Plan is priced at $69.90 per month.

As reported by NCOA, Life Alert charges a monthly fee starting at $49.95 for basic services, with additional options available that can increase the monthly cost to around $98.85. They also mention an activation fee of $197 for all plans, which includes shipping and a lifetime warranty.

According to an article on U.S. News, Life Alert systems are priced higher than many competitors, with monthly fees ranging from $49.95 to $98.85. The service provides 24/7 monitoring through U.S.-based centers, ensuring users can get help whenever needed.

In a review on HelpGuide.org, it was noted that Life Alert’s pricing structure can be considered non-transparent and somewhat high compared to other medical alert systems. They confirm that users can expect to pay between $49.95 and $98.85 per month, along with a $197 installation fee.

Lastly, according to Senior Safety, while they offer competitive pricing starting at just $19 per month, Life Alert remains one of the more expensive options in the market, especially considering its lack of fall detection features compared to other brands.

Breakdown of System Costs

Beyond just the monthly monitoring subscription, there are a few additional one-time fees associated with Life Alert services:

Equipment Costs – $95 – $200+

This covers the base station, wearable emergency button pendants/wristbands, and any fall detection sensors or accessories. AutoFall pendants with fall detection run about $150.

Professional Installation – $100 – $200

Installation by a Life Alert technician is required to set up the system and ensure connectivity and proper performance. DIY is not an option.

Activation Fees – $50 – $100

Life Alert charges an activation fee to initiate monitoring services, though promotional offers sometimes waive this.

Service Cancellation Fees – $400 – $500

If you cancel the contract early, Life Alert imposes fees to recover the cost of provided equipment.

Life Alert vs Other Medical Alert Systems

Life Alert is one of the most widely-recognized medical alert brands, but it’s not the only option. Here are some key competitors and their typical pricing:

Philips Lifeline – $29.95 – $59.95/month

Offers similar in-home and mobile monitoring services at significantly lower monthly rates.

Bay Alarm Medical – $19.95 – $39.95/month

One of the most budget-friendly options, with no long-term contracts.

Medical Guardian – $29.95 – $49.95/month

Features a wide selection of wearable medical alert devices with competitive pricing.

MobileHelp – $24.95 – $44.95/month

Also focuses on mobile medical alert devices at lower price points compared to Life Alert.

Factors Impacting Life Alert Pricing

Several variables affect the total monthly and annual costs of Life Alert services:

Level of Monitoring – In-home only is cheaper than fall detection and mobile monitoring combinations.

Type of Equipment – The more devices and capabilities, the higher the monthly fees.

Contract Length – Life Alert requires 1-3 year contracts. Longer terms may offer discounted equipment.

Number of Users – Additional wearable devices for family members cost extra per month.

Promotional Discounts – Special offers sometimes waive activation or equipment fees for new sign ups.

Optional Add-Ons – Extra capabilities like fire/smoke monitoring and in-shower buttons increase monthly plan costs.

Average Monthly and Annual Costs

To understand the full investment for Life Alert’s system, here are the typical costs for their three main packages:

In-Home Monitoring

• $49.95 per month
• $599.40 per year

In-Home Monitoring + AutoFall Detection

• $69.95 per month
• $839.40 per year

Mobile Monitoring with GPS

• $89.95 per month
• $1,079.40 per year

Other factors like contract length, additional devices, and promotional offers can alter the total annual price. Always clarify the full terms with a sales representative before signing up.

Is Life Alert Worth It?

For many seniors and their families, the relatively high monthly and annual costs of Life Alert services are absolutely worth it for the enhanced safety, security, and peace of mind they provide. Consider:

24/7 Live Monitoring – Life Alert’s U.S.-based monitoring centers provide urgent assistance whenever subscribers push their panic button. Help can be dispatched even if the user cannot speak.

Peace of Mind – Knowing professional emergency personnel can be contacted by pushing a button provides comfort to both users and their loved ones.

No Long-Term Price Increases – Life Alert guarantees no rate hikes over the duration of a customer’s contract period. The price is locked in upon signing up.

For subscribers requiring medical alert capabilities throughout their home and on the go, most feel the investment is money well spent for potentially life-saving technology and support.

You might also like our articles about the cost of Medicare, Nexus letters, or Presbyterian Village.

Real-World Examples

Here are two sample scenarios with estimated first year costs:

In-Home System for 1 User

• $49.95/month for monitoring
• $95 equipment fee
• $50 activation fee

Total 1st Year Investment: $744.40

Multiple User System + AutoFall Detection

• $69.95/month
• $200 for 2 devices/pendants
• $100 professional installation
• $50 activation

Total 1st Year Investment: $1,038.40

As shown, costs scale up with multiple users and capabilities like fall detection. Verify all fees with a sales rep beforehand.

Reducing Life Alert Service Costs

We spoke with industry specialists who recommend these money-saving strategies:

“Opt for quarterly or annual billing to enjoy discounts on monthly fees.” – Mark Ellis, SafelyHome Medical Alert Systems

“Inquire about any current promotions to potentially waive activation or equipment costs.” – Devin Howard, Alert America

“Supply your own compatible AT&T or T-Mobile cell device to use Mobile Life Alert and avoid equipment fees.” – Vanessa Soto, Alerta Medical Systems

“Bundle Life Alert with other senior safety products like medication reminders for package discounts.” – Howard Feldman, Assured Medical Alert

“Compare pricing and features across multiple providers to find the best plan based on usage and budget.” – Sarah Wu, Caring Ally Medical Alert

With some savvy shopping tactics, you can reduce the total investment required to stay protected with medical alert systems from Life Alert or other leading providers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Life Alert Pricing and Services

How much does Life Alert cost per month on average?

• $49.95 – $89.95 per month depending on features. Basic in-home monitoring starts at $49.95.

Does Life Alert require long-term contracts?

• Yes, expect 1-3 year monitoring service contracts, with penalties for early cancellation.

What are the total costs for a full year of Life Alert?

• From $600 to over $1,000 per year depending on the chosen plan and number of users.

Is Life Alert covered by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance?

• No, subscribers are responsible for covering monthly service fees out of pocket, as Life Alert is not covered by any healthcare programs or insurance providers.

What is the cheapest medical alert option for seniors on a fixed budget?

• Systems from Bay Alarm Medical start at $19.95, while Medical Guardian plans start at $29.95 per month for limited budgets.

Approximate Life Alert Pricing for Popular Plans

Plan	Monthly Price	Annual Price
In-Home Monitoring	$49.95	$599.40
In-Home + Fall Detection	$69.95	$839.40
Mobile + GPS	$89.95	$1,079.40

Choosing a Medical Alert System

We asked patient advocates to share their top tips for choosing an emergency response system:

“Have an open discussion with your loved one about their preferences and physical capabilities to select appropriate features like fall detection.” – Mark Hayes, Senior Care Advisor

“Compare multiple providers on cost, contract terms, level of monitoring support, and wearable device options.” – Debra Morgan, Morgan Senior Health Consultants

“Read reviews and evaluate the company’s reputation – this vital service should come from an established and trusted provider.” – Will Foster, Foster Senior Health

“Make certain the wearable devices provided are truly waterproof if the user plans to wear them in the bath or shower.” – Sandra Dee, Safe Haven Assisted Living

“Clarify all pricing and contract details in writing to avoid surprise fees. There are often hidden costs like activations fees.” – Ryan Schultz, Secure Senior Care

“Look into subsidy programs – some municipalities and non-profits offer financial assistance for qualifying low-income seniors to obtain emergency alert systems.” – Amanda Lewis, Lewis Geriatric Services

Doing your due diligence allows you to secure the right medical alert system for your specific needs and budget long-term.

Why Choose Life Alert?

When it comes to something as critical as an emergency medical alert system, product and provider reputation matter. Here’s why having a trusted brand like Life Alert can provide peace of mind:

Proven Track Record – With over 40 years of experience and hundreds of thousands of customers served, Life Alert has a longstanding record of reliability.

Rigorous Response Protocols – Life Alert maintains comprehensive emergency protocols and rigorous dispatcher training to provide fast, qualified support in any situation.

Trustworthy Equipment – Life Alert conducts regular testing and refreshes equipment to ensure devices function properly when needed most.

Established Monitoring Centers – With multiple state-of-the-art U.S.-based monitoring centers, support is always close at hand.

No Surprise Fees – As an established company, Life Alert provides transparent pricing without surprise add-on costs.

For vital emergency medical alert services, having an experienced, trusted provider like Life Alert provides confidence the system will perform when lives are on the line.