Top Medical Alert Systems Worn as a Necklace
Stay protected when you're on-the-go

Medical Guardian has been in business for 16 years and boasts over 300,000 users. Their medical alert systems deliver 24/7 at-home and on-the-go monitoring, while their versatile devices can connect to landlines, WiFi, and cellular networks.

Chris McDermott, an advanced practice registered nurse and certified life care planner at Intercoastal Consulting & Life Care Planning (ICLCP), states that the company's connectivity options give consumers "the best of both worlds, as some other devices [are] limited to a landline or cellular service." He adds, "[this] service also uses Verizon for its cellular network, which can be helpful if one travels somewhere with limited connectivity and has an emergency."

Medical Guardian provides monthly, quarterly, or annual subscription options, and offer add-on services, such as fall detection, at an extra cost. Long-term contracts are not required, and the initial subscription fee includes the price of the equipment.

Why we chose Medical Guardian: Medical Guardian offers features like automatic emergency response, fall detection, and an extended signal range of up to 1,400 feet. In addition, their certified Diamond Monitoring Center is available around the clock and notifies your designated contact in emergency and non-emergency situations—no matter which subscription you choose. 

Our experience: We felt that Medical Guardian's product quiz effectively determined which device best suits our needs. After answering three questions, the site recommended we try Mobile 2.0. This device had an extended, five-day battery life and GPS tracking - fit for active seniors. However, we didn't like that they asked for our contact details before sharing this recommendation.

With MobileHelp, you can choose between an in-home or on-the-go system, or a bundled package that combines the two. These medical alert systems suit seniors who spend most of their time at home and active older adults who enjoy being out and about.

MobileHelp's devices have several valuable add-on services, such as MD Live and Mobile Vitals, which help seniors take charge of their health and maintain their independence. MDLive, for example, provides telehealthcare services that let you connect with a board-certified doctor through video calls.

John Buchanan, a registered nurse and former EMT at Saint Francis Hospital, remembers responding to an older woman who had fallen and hit her head. She lived alone with a MobileHelp system and only spoke Spanish. Fortunately, the monitoring representative on the base unit was able to interpret. He alerted John's team that the patient had been taking blood thinners, so they took her to the hospital as a precaution. Tests later showed she had internal bleeding. John says, "without an interpreter, we might not have known her history or what medications she was taking."

Why we chose MobileHelp: This provider allows you to try their service for 30 days. When you join, they don't ask you to sign a contract or pay equipment fees (for six of the eight products offered).

Our experience: We like that MobileHelp offers a wide array of add-on services. We also appreciated their quick response times—from 1-15 seconds on average — indicating speedy and attentive service.

Medical Alert has alert systems for people who are at home or on the go, allowing them to move about freely without fear of getting stuck alone and without someone to help if needed. These smart technology devices are available in watch or pendant form, and they’re lightweight and designed for easy carrying.

Medical Alert systems are affordable to anyone, starting at just $19.95 a month, plus a free month to start things off right. You'll also get free shipping for your button and a second button for free. There are no activation or equipment fees, and you don't have to commit to long contracts with Medical Alert.

Buttons are all waterproof and equipped with GPS technology, so you can track the wearer’s location at all times. What’s even more comforting is the fall detection feature. While it’s helpful to know you can get assistance whenever you want with just the push of a button, what about all of those times when you can't even press your pendant? The fall detection feature alerts the help center when the wearer has fallen and can’t reach the button to press for help.