We reviewed the best medical alert necklaces of 2024 from brands like Medical Guardian, MobileHelp, and Bay Alarm Medical to find options that fit different budgets and needs.
4 Best Medical Alert Necklaces of 2024: Tested by Experts
Updated:
Jun 28, 2024
Medically ReviewedMedical reviewers read our content for accuracy, ensuring that we are speaking to health conditions and situations correctly and that all information provided is supported by recent and relevant research, studies or data. Our medical review team does not personally recommend the products and services that we include in these stories. by
Christopher Norman
Christopher Norman
Medical alert systems have become increasingly important for older adults. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports falls as the leading cause of injury-related death among older Americans. Our survey of nearly 1,000 respondents found the most desirable special feature of medical alert systems was automatic fall detection.
Additionally, medical alert devices include a help button you can wear on your wrist or around your neck, and 31% of survey respondents reported a preference of wearing their medical alert device as a necklace.
As we at the MarketWatch Guides team explore the medical alert necklaces from Medical Guardian, MobileHelp, Bay Alarm Medical and LifeFone, we’ll consider not only the technology behind each device but the peace of mind they provide to users and their families.
Each company brings unique features and services to the table, and our review aims to help you understand which might best meet your personal safety needs.
Best Medical Alert Necklaces: Key Takeaways
- According to the CDC, the leading cause of injury-related death among older Americans is falling.
- According to our survey, automatic fall detection is the most desirable feature of medical alert systems, and it can be included in the monthly fees for medical alert necklaces.
- The best medical alert necklaces give wearers and their caregivers peace of mind.
- One of our top recommendations is the MobileHelp Classic, thanks to its affordable cost and lack of starting or equipment fees.
The Best 4 Medical Alert Necklaces of 2024
- Best Variety: Medical Guardian MG Mini
- Most Affordable: MobileHelp Classic
- Most Stylish: Bay Alarm SOS All-in-One
- Best Battery Life: LifeFone VIPX
Comparison of the Top Medical Alert Necklaces in 2024
| One-time equipment fee | $149.95 | None | $25 (for each Bella Charm) $129 | None |
| Starting monthly cost | $39.95 | $19.95 | $39.95 | $45.95 |
| Rechargeable battery life | 5 days | N/A | Up to 72 hours | Up to 5 days |
| Response time (seconds) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Connection type | WiFi, AT&T and Verizon | WiFi and AT&T | WiFi, AT&T and Verizon | WiFi and AT&T |
| Two-way communication | Yes | Yes, through base unit | Yes, through All-in-One device | Yes |
| GPS | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Water resistance | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| One-time equipment fee | $149.95 | None | $25 (for each Bella Charm) $129 | None |
| Starting monthly cost | $39.95 | $19.95 | $39.95 | $45.95 |
| Rechargeable battery life | 5 days | N/A | Up to 72 hours | Up to 5 days |
| Response time (seconds) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Connection type | WiFi, AT&T and Verizon | WiFi and AT&T | WiFi, AT&T and Verizon | WiFi and AT&T |
| Two-way communication | Yes | Yes, through base unit | Yes, through All-in-One device | Yes |
| GPS | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Water resistance | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Best Medical Alert Necklaces for 2024
Medical Guardian MG Mini
Best Variety
Our Top Pick
Bay Alarm Medical SOS All-in-One with Bella Charms
Most Stylish
Pros & Cons
Pros
Bella Charms look like jewelry
Uses both AT&T and Verizon networks
Cons
Multiple devices to carry around/wear
Fall detection button not compatible with Bella Charms
Shorter battery life
Why We Chose It We chose the Bay Alarm Medical SOS All-in-One with Bella Charms as “Most Stylish” since it’s the only device in this review that lets you accessorize your necklace with different colors and patterns to disguise your necklace as jewelry.
More than one-third (36%) of our survey respondents complained that their medical alert device “doesn’t look appealing.” Bay Alarm Medical addresses this concern with Bella Charms, turning your wearable button into stylish jewelry.
The Bay Alarm SOS All-in-One system consists of an SOS All-in-One device, which houses the two-way speaker and GPS location tracking capabilities. You may set it somewhere convenient in your home or carry it with you in your pocket purse, around your neck or on a belt clip.
This device is rechargeable and has up to 72 hours of use on a full charge. The system also comes with a smaller wearable button, which will activate your SOS device. This wearable button can be customized with one of four available Bella Charms.
Each charm costs $25, or you can buy all four for $90. The button does not have location tracking or the ability to talk to an operator, so you must carry both devices for full functionality. Note, those who want fall detection must upgrade to a $49.95 per month plan, which has a one-time device fee of $129. use a separate button not compatible with Bella Charms.
What Are Medical Alert Necklaces?
Medical alert necklaces are wearable alert buttons designed to provide an essential safety net for people, particularly those with medical conditions that may require immediate emergency help. These necklaces are part of a broader category of personal emergency response systems (PERS), which have evolved significantly with advancements in technology.
At their core, medical alert necklaces feature a help button that, when pressed, connects the wearer to a monitoring center, which can contact emergency services if appropriate. This connection is established through a base unit in the home or via cellular connection networks for more advanced models.
Modern systems use WiFi, whereas older systems relied on landline connections. The primary function of these devices is to ensure that in the event of a fall, medical emergency or any situation where the wearer is unable to reach a phone, help can be summoned quickly and efficiently.
How Much Do Medical Alert Necklaces Cost?
Medical alert necklaces are a vital investment in personal safety. Understanding the cost of these devices is crucial for making an informed decision. The cost varies widely based on the brand, features and service plans offered.
Initial Costs and Monthly Fees
The pricing structure for medical alert necklaces may include an initial equipment fee, plus a recurring monthly service charge. The equipment fee can range from no cost (as with LifeFone and MobileHelp) to several hundred dollars (as with Medical Guardian). Monthly service fees usually fall between $20–$50 per month. These fees cover the cost of 24/7 monitoring services and the technology used to operate the systems.
Additional Features and Costs
Some medical alert systems offer add-on features like fall detection, mobile apps and warranties, which increase the monthly cost. If your risk of falling is high, automatic fall detection is a must.
Does Insurance Cover Medical Alert Devices?
Private Insurance
Coverage for medical alert systems by private insurance varies greatly depending on the insurer and the specific policy. Some private insurance plans may cover part or all of the cost of a medical alert system, especially if prescribed by a doctor. However, private medical insurance plans do not cover medical alert systems. It’s essential to check with your insurance provider for details.
Does Medicare Cover Medical Alert Devices?
Original Medicare
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not typically cover the cost of medical alert systems. They are generally not considered a medical necessity or medical device under the Medicare guidelines, which focus more on treatment than on preventive measures.
Medicare Advantage Plans
Some Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) may offer coverage for medical alert systems as an added benefit. These plans are offered by private companies approved by Medicare and can include additional benefits not covered under Original Medicare. It’s advisable to check with your Medicare Advantage Plan provider to determine if they offer any coverage or discounts for medical alert systems.
How to Choose a Medical Alert Necklace
The importance of medical alert necklaces lies in their ability to provide peace of mind to both the caregiver and care recipient. In emergencies, every second counts, and these devices ensure that assistance is just a button press away.
As technology continues to advance, these necklaces are becoming more discreet, more comfortable to wear and equipped with additional features like fall detection, further enhancing their safety benefits.
Key features to consider when choosing a medical alert necklaces are:
- Two-way communication: Some models come equipped with a built-in speaker and microphone, allowing the wearer to communicate directly with a response center operator through the necklace itself.
- GPS tracking: Advanced models offer GPS capabilities, enabling emergency responders to locate the wearer accurately, which is particularly useful if the individual is outside their home or in an unfamiliar area.
- Water resistance: Given the risk of slips and falls in wet areas like bathrooms, most medical alert necklaces are designed to be water-resistant, allowing them to be worn at all times, including during showers.
- Battery life: To ensure continuous protection, these necklaces are often designed with long-lasting batteries, which can range from around three to 10 days per charge. Some models offer rechargeable options that will send alerts when the battery is low.
- Range and connectivity: Depending on the model, these devices can connect to a base unit within a certain range, usually sufficient to cover an average home and immediate surroundings. More advanced models use cellular networks for broader coverage. Some models only use one cellular network (like AT&T), while others offer multiple network options.
Bottom Line
In the overwhelming space of medical alert companies, we aim to simplify your medical alert necklace selection process by recommending four models: Medical Guardian MG Mini, MobileHelp Classic, Bay Alarm Medical SOS All-in-One, and LifeFone VIPX.
Those seeking a lightweight, streamlined necklace should look into our “Best Overall” pick, the Medical Guardian MG Mini. The sleek design does not preclude features such as two-way communication directly from the necklace or advanced location tracking.
Those looking for affordability who do not require monitoring outside the home should consider the low-cost MobileHelp Classic system.
If your main concern is camouflaging your medical alert device as a piece of jewelry, you can add the Bay Alarm Medical Bella Charms to the necklace pendant buttons. But note that the Bay Alarm SOS All-in-One system requires an additional device on top of the pendant itself, and Bella Charms are not compatible with fall detection.
Frequently Asked Questions
The choice between medical alert bracelets and necklaces largely depends on personal preference and comfort. Here are some factors to consider:
- Comfort and convenience: Some people find necklaces easier to wear and less intrusive, while others prefer bracelets as they are more akin to wearing a smartwatch and can be less noticeable.
- Fall detection: Necklaces/pendants are shown to provide better fall detection than wrist-worn devices.
- Ease of use: Consider which option will be easier for you to use, especially in an emergency. The device should be accessible and simple to activate.
- Medical conditions: For certain medical conditions, one option might be more practical than the other. For instance, people with arthritis may find a necklace easier to handle than a bracelet.
Ultimately, the best choice is the device you are most comfortable with and are more likely to wear consistently.
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not typically cover medical alert systems or necklaces. These devices are generally not considered a medical necessity under Medicare guidelines.
However, some Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C), which are offered by private companies approved by Medicare, may offer coverage or discounts for medical alert systems as an added benefit. It’s important to check with your specific Medicare Advantage Plan provider to determine any coverage for these devices.
Determining the best medical alert necklace depends on several factors tailored to individual needs and preferences. Here are some criteria to consider:
- Features: Look for features that meet your specific needs, such as fall detection, GPS tracking and water resistance.
- Comfort and design: Choose a necklace that’s comfortable to wear daily and suits your style preferences.
- Battery life: Consider the battery life and how often it needs charging or replacement.
- Range and connectivity: Ensure the device works well wherever you plan to wear it.
- Cost: Evaluate the initial and ongoing costs, including any additional fees for extra services.
- Reputation and reviews: Research the company’s reputation and read customer reviews to gauge reliability and customer service quality.
Resources
Older Adult Falls Data, CDC.
Moreland, Briana L., et al. (2021). A Descriptive Analysis of Location of Older Adult Falls That Resulted in Emergency Department Visits in the United States, 2015.
Nonfatal Bathroom Injuries Among Persons Aged ≥15, CDC.
If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team at editors@marketwatchguides.