Life Alert Medical Alert System Cost & Pricing in 2025 | Plans, Fees
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 56.1 million adults aged 65+ lived in the United States as of 2020, and projections show that number will soar to 80.8 million by 2040. With an aging population comes the growing demand for medical alert systems—devices designed to protect seniors who want to maintain independence while ensuring help is just a button away.
Life Alert has been around since 1987, making it one of the pioneers in the medical alert industry. It operates its own 24/7 emergency monitoring centers (instead of outsourcing), which is a key selling point. The system is designed to connect users to trained emergency dispatchers at the press of a button.
However, while Life Alert is widely recognized, it’s often criticized for:
- Higher monthly costs than competitors
- Three-year contracts that are hard to cancel
- Upfront fees that can add up
Life Alert Pricing in 2025
Here’s what you need to know about Life Alert’s cost structure this year.
1. Monthly Fees
Life Alert does not publicly list its prices—you have to call for a quote. But based on 2025 consumer reports and verified reviews, here’s the typical range:
- Basic In-Home System (landline or cellular): $49.95/month
- In-Home + Mobile Pendant: $69.95/month
- Complete Package (Home + Mobile + Shower Button): $89.95/month
That means the average Life Alert user pays between $600 and $1,080 annually.
2. Setup & Equipment Fees
- One-time activation fee: Around $95–$198
- Equipment: Life Alert leases the devices; you don’t own them. No outright purchase option.
- Installation: Sometimes included, but may be charged at $95+ depending on location.
3. Contracts & Cancellation
- Contract length: 3 years (36 months) minimum
- Cancellation: Early cancellation is difficult. Life Alert typically only allows it if the user moves into a nursing home or passes away.
- Refunds: Rarely offered.
4. Hidden Costs
- Spouse coverage: Extra fee, usually $10–$15/month
- Service transfers: If you move, you may pay an additional relocation/setup charge
- Upgrades: Premium devices or features often mean higher fees
Life Alert Costs (2025):
| Plan | Monthly Fee | Setup Fee | Contract | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-Home Only | $49.95 | $95–$198 | 3 years | Covers base station & pendant |
| In-Home + Mobile | $69.95 | $95–$198 | 3 years | Adds GPS mobile device |
| Complete Package | $89.95 | $95–$198 | 3 years | Adds waterproof shower button |
Learn More: Hearing Loss Symptoms Explained by an Audiologist
Life Alert Packages & Features
Life Alert offers three main packages in 2025:
- In-Home Medical Alert
- Works with landline or cellular
- Includes a base unit + wearable pendant
- Range: ~800 feet
- Mobile + GPS Alert System
- Works nationwide with cellular connection
- Ideal for active seniors who leave home often
- Shower Button (Waterproof)
- Wall-mounted emergency button
- Designed for bathrooms, where 80% of falls occur
While these features provide reliable coverage, the tech is dated compared to competitors who now offer smartwatch-style devices, caregiver apps, and fall detection.
How Life Alert Pricing Compares to Competitors in 2025?
Here’s where it gets interesting. Life Alert is not the cheapest option—in fact, it’s usually one of the most expensive. Let’s compare.
1. Medical Guardian
- Monthly fee: $29.95–$44.95
- Setup fee: Often $0
- Contract: Month-to-month available
- Features: Fall detection, smartwatch option, caregiver tracking app
2. Bay Alarm Medical
- Monthly fee: $24.95–$39.95
- Setup fee: Usually waived
- Contract: Cancel anytime
- Features: At-home + on-the-go bundles, in-car alert option
3. ADT Health
- Monthly fee: $29.95–$39.99
- Setup fee: $0–$99
- Contract: Flexible options
- Features: Professional monitoring backed by ADT’s nationwide network
4. MobileHelp
- Monthly fee: $19.95–$41.95
- Setup fee: $0
- Contract: No long-term contracts
- Features: Free spouse coverage on some plans
Comparison:
| Provider | Monthly Cost | Setup Fee | Contract | Fall Detection |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Life Alert | $49.95–$89.95 | $95–$198 | 3 years | No (not standard) |
| Medical Guardian | $29.95–$44.95 | $0 | Month-to-month | Yes |
| Bay Alarm Medical | $24.95–$39.95 | $0 | Cancel anytime | Yes |
| ADT Health | $29.95–$39.99 | $0–$99 | Flexible | Yes |
| MobileHelp | $19.95–$41.95 | $0 | No contract | Yes |
Clearly, Life Alert sits at the highest end of the pricing spectrum, often without the advanced features that others now include.
Pros & Cons of Life Alert vs Competitors
Pros of Life Alert:
- Long-standing reputation (since 1987)
- Owns and operates U.S.-based monitoring centers
- 24/7 emergency response
Cons of Life Alert:
- High monthly fees ($50–$90)
- Steep setup fees ($95–$198)
- Mandatory 3-year contract
- No automatic fall detection (most competitors include it)
- Limited modern features (no smartwatch or caregiver apps)
Is Life Alert Worth the Cost in 2025?
For many families, the answer is no—unless you value the brand name and don’t mind paying extra for the reputation. Competitors like Medical Guardian and Bay Alarm Medical offer lower monthly costs, flexible contracts, and modern tech like fall detection and caregiver tracking.
Life Alert’s biggest drawback is the 3-year contract. Most seniors prefer flexibility, especially when health conditions can change quickly.
That said, Life Alert may still be appealing if:
- You want a trusted, recognizable brand with decades of experience.
- You don’t mind paying more for in-house monitoring.
- You’re comfortable committing to a long-term contract.
Tips for Choosing the Right Medical Alert System
When deciding, consider:
- Monthly budget – Can you afford $50–$90/month, or would a $20–$30 option work better?
- Contract terms – Do you want the freedom to cancel anytime?
- Features needed – Fall detection, GPS tracking, caregiver app, smartwatch options.
- Living situation – Do you live mostly at home, or are you often on the go?
- Spouse coverage – Some brands cover two users for free.
Final Thought
Life Alert is a pioneer in the medical alert industry, but in 2025, its high costs, outdated tech, and restrictive contracts make it less competitive. For seniors and families looking for better value, alternatives like Medical Guardian, Bay Alarm Medical, and MobileHelp offer lower prices, flexible contracts, and modern safety features.
If brand reputation and in-house monitoring are your top priorities, Life Alert might still be worth it. But if you want affordability and advanced features, competitors are the smarter choice.
FAQs
How much does Life Alert cost per month in 2025?
Life Alert typically costs $49.95–$89.95/month, depending on the package.
Does Life Alert have a setup fee?
Yes, most customers pay $95–$198 in activation/setup fees.
Is Life Alert covered by Medicare or insurance?
Generally, no. Most insurance plans and Medicare don’t cover Life Alert.
Does Life Alert include fall detection?
No. Unlike most competitors, Life Alert does not offer automatic fall detection.
Can I cancel Life Alert anytime?
No. Life Alert requires a 3-year contract and is difficult to cancel early.
