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Find the best medical alert watches available. Our experts weigh in with their top picks.
As we grow older, our risk for falls increases, making fall prevention essential for older adults. Caregivers and families often shoulder the burden of worry, which is why a medical alert system with 24/7 monitoring can be a valuable tool for both the care recipient and their caregiver. If you’re seeking a combination of hands-free health monitoring and a discreet personal emergency response system, medical alert watches have become increasingly popular.
Similar to smartwatches, many can track health metrics, like heart rate and activity levels with step counters. More importantly, they also provide crucial emergency features, such as fall detection and SOS alerts with notifications to family members and other loved ones, usually with GPS tracking.
In this comprehensive review, our experts evaluated the top medical alert watches from Medical Guardian, Bay Alarm, UnaliWear and LifeFone to feature the best options available in the market today.
Compared to home medical alert systems and mobile systems worn around the neck or on a belt, medical alert watches balance functionality and aesthetics. They stand out for their ability to integrate health and safety features in a wearable that fits into everyday life. But you should consider that watches typically need frequent charging and may cost more. For those who prioritize ease of use and simplicity over advanced features, traditional pendants or bracelets might be more suitable.
The cost of medical alert watches varies significantly based on features and brands. Typically, the devices have a one-time equipment fee ranging from $150 to $300 and a monthly monitoring fee between $35 to $70. Some watches include fall detection and additional health monitoring features, which will increase the monthly cost.
Most health insurance plans, including Medicare, do not cover medical alert devices. Exceptions do exist, especially if a health care provider deems the device medically necessary. It’s always advisable to check with your insurance provider for specific coverage details.
While medical alert watches can be a significant overall investment, they provide valuable safety and health monitoring features, especially for older adults or people with health concerns. The absence of broad insurance or Medicare coverage means the watch cost is often an out-of-pocket expense for the user.
When selecting a medical alert watch, consider the following key factors:
Medical alert watches offer users a combination of functionality, style and peace of mind, allowing the wearer to take emergency help almost anywhere they go. We recommend four brands in particular:
Medicare generally does not cover medical alert watches. Traditional Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not include medical alert systems in its benefits. Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) might offer coverage or discounts for these devices. Check with your specific Medicare Advantage plan provider.
The best medical alert watch depends on your individual needs. For advanced features and a smartwatch style, Medical Guardian MGMove is a great choice. For affordability and smart fall detection features, Bay Alarm Medical SOS Smartwatch is ideal. The UnaliWear Kanega watch is best for style and continuous wear, and LifeFone’s Safe Watch Active is suitable for those who prefer a user-friendly design and affordability.
Yes, some smartwatches (such as the Apple Watch) can function as medical alert devices. They often include features like emergency SOS alerts, health monitoring and fall detection. However, these devices may not offer the same level of service as dedicated medical alert watches, such as a 24/7 monitoring center. It’s important to assess the specific features of the smartwatch to determine if it meets your medical alert needs.
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