According to the CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, more than 36 million older adults in the United States suffer a fall every year, and 3 million of them require treatment in an emergency department. These falls lead to 32,000 deaths annually, making them the leading cause of injury-related deaths among seniors.

With an estimated 59 million Americans aged 65 or older in 2025, families throughout the U.S. are turning toward medical alert systems for peace of mind and emergency readiness. And when you think “medical alert,” one name pops up immediately:

Life Alert®.

The company’s iconic slogan—“Help! I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up!”—has been part of American culture since 1987.

Understanding Life Alert in 2025

Life Alert is a premium medical alert service built around 24/7 U.S.-based emergency monitoring. The system includes a base medical console, a waterproof pendant or wrist button, a two-way speaker system, optional GPS device, optional bathroom HELP button and 24/7 monitoring from Life Alert emergency centers.

Unlike modern competitors, Life Alert does not offer fall detection, does not offer app monitoring, does not offer online cancellation, and requires a three-year contract.

So what you’re really paying for is:

✔ Reputation
✔ Response speed
✔ Simplicity
✔ 24/7 human monitoring
✔ U.S.-based call centers

Life Alert Monthly Pricing in 2025

System Component	2025 Monthly Cost	Notes
Home System (Basic)	$49.95 per month	Landline or cellular option
Home + Help Button + GPS Mobile	$89.85 per month	Most popular setup
Bathroom HELP Button (Add-on)	+ $20 per month	Always paid upfront annually
Total Average Monthly Cost	$69.95 – $109.95	Based on configuration

These numbers are based on pricing confirmations from Life Alert representatives contacted by U.S. reviewers in January–February 2025.

Life Alert does NOT charge:

• Equipment fees
• Shipping fees

But…

Life Alert DOES charge:

• Activation Fee: $95
• Installation Fee: $198–$299 depending on state
• Mandatory 3-year contract

1. Life Alert Basic Home System (2025)

Monthly Cost: $49.95

This includes base console, waterproof pendant button, 24/7 monitoring, and home-only coverage.

The base system works through either Landline and AT&T LTE (cellular model). The price is the same either way.

What You Get

• Large two-way speaker console
• Long-range wearable button (up to 800 ft)
• 100% waterproof emergency button

Best For

• Seniors who never leave the house
• Those with heart or mobility issues
• Individuals living alone

2. Life Alert GPS Mobile System (2025)

Monthly Cost (Add-On): $20–$30

Combined with the home system, total monthly cost becomes:

$69.95 per month (Home + GPS)

This provides coverage outside the home, two-way talk, GPS location tracking, and battery life up to 10 years (self-contained). Life Alert’s GPS unit is larger and heavier than competitors like Medical Guardian or Bay Alarm Medical.

3. Bathroom HELP Button Add-On

Add-On Cost: + $20 per month

Life Alert requires this to be paid annually, not monthly. So, you pay $240 upfront for 12 months.

This button is:

• Wall mounted
• Waterproof
• Designed for shower or toilet area

Bathroom fall injuries represent 80% of senior fall emergencies (CDC), so this add-on is extremely common.

4. Total Life Alert Monthly Cost Examples (2025)

Scenario 1: Home System Only

• Monthly: $49.95

Scenario 2: Home + GPS

• Monthly: $69.95

Scenario 3: Home + GPS + Bathroom Button

• Monthly: $89.95

Scenario 4: Couple Using Same System

Life Alert charges separately per person.

• Two users: $49.95 + $20 = $69.95 minimum

Learn More: Burger King Senior Discount: Eligibility & Savings

One-Time Fees You Will Pay (2025)

Activation Fee: $95

Required in all 50 states.

Installation Fee: $198–$299

Varies by region:

• Urban areas: ~$198
• Rural / remote areas: up to $299

Life Alert sends a technician to install everything. There is no self-install option.

Life Alert 3-Year Contract Rules (2025)

Life Alert requires 36-month commitment, no month-to-month plan, no online cancellation, no returns or refunds after installation.

Cancellation is allowed only if the senior moves permanently into a nursing home, the senior passes away, and a doctor states they can no longer use the system.

Even then, Life Alert may request documentation. Most competitors offer month-to-month plans, so this 3-year contract is one of the industry’s strictest.

Why Life Alert Costs More in 2025?

Life Alert increased pricing in 2024–2025 because:

✔ Higher nationwide labor costs

Life Alert uses U.S.-based agents exclusively.

✔ In-home installation

Competitors use self-install kits.

✔ Lifetime battery design

Some devices last up to 10 years without charging.

✔ Brand trust

The company serves over 750,000 seniors (industry estimate).

✔ Rising medical call center costs

Emergency call centers have faced 7–12% increases in operational costs since 2021.

Life Alert System Features

✔ 24/7 U.S.-Based Monitoring

Life Alert operates three emergency centers, all located in the U.S.

Average response time: 14–20 seconds
(This is slightly faster than several competitors.)

✔ Waterproof Buttons

The pendant and bathroom buttons withstand:

• Showers
• Pools
• High humidity environments

✔ Long Signal Range

The home system has an 800 ft range—stronger than the industry average of 400–600 ft.

✔ Long Battery Life

Many Life Alert buttons use sealed batteries lasting 7–10 years.

✔ No Charging Required

This is ideal for seniors with dementia or memory issues.

✔ Built-In Speaker Emergency Console

Loud enough for seniors with hearing loss.

Life Alert Missing Features

Life Alert does not include fall detection (Offered by 95% of other medical alert companies.), Caregiver mobile app (No way to track your loved one’s location remotely), Wellness features (No check-in alerts, fitness, or medication reminders.), Smartwatch medical alerts (Most competitors offer Apple Watch-style devices.), Text or app support (Phone only). This lack of modern tech is one of the reasons Life Alert often ranks lower in value comparisons.

Life Alert vs Top U.S. Medical Alert Companies

Brand	Monthly Cost	Fall Detection	Contract	GPS Price	Installation Fee	Notes
Life Alert	$49.95–$89.95	❌ No	3-year	+$20	$198–$299	High reliability, old tech
Medical Guardian	$29.95–$44.95	✔ Yes	No	+$10	$0	Modern, app included
MobileHelp	$24.95–$54.95	✔ Yes	No	Included	$0	Low-cost leader
Bay Alarm Medical	$24.95–$39.95	✔ Yes	No	+$10	$0	Very reliable
Lifeline (Philips)	$29.95–$49.95	✔ Yes	No	+$15	$0	Good brand
ADT Health	Discontinued 2024	—	—	—	—	—

Who Should Choose Life Alert in 2025?

Life Alert is a good fit for Seniors living alone (Especially those aged 75–95), Individuals with memory impairment (no charging required), Seniors uncomfortable with smartphone apps (life Alert is intentionally simple), Families wanting a human-only monitoring team (no automation, no chatbots) Seniors with heart conditions (stroke history, or mobility issues). These individuals need fast emergency access.

Medicare, Medicaid & VA Coverage

Medicare

Medicare does not cover Life Alert or any medical alert company unless provided under a very specific Medicare Advantage plan (MA). Out of 3,998 MA plans in the U.S., less than 6% include a medical alert benefit.

Medicaid

Coverage varies by state. 20 states offer waivers for medical alert devices, including California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Pennsylvania. But Life Alert rarely participates in these programs.

Veterans Benefits

Some VA Community Care programs reimburse medical alert systems. However, Life Alert is not a preferred VA vendor.

Financial Support Programs for U.S. Seniors (2025)

Finding extra help can reduce or eliminate the cost of a medical alert system. Below are the most common assistance programs available nationwide.

1. State Medicaid Waivers

20 U.S. states include medical alert services under Medicaid Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers. Examples include California, Texas, New York, Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois. However, Life Alert rarely participates in these.

2. AAA (Area Agency on Aging) Assistance

Every U.S. county has at least one AAA office. They offer fall prevention grants, emergency response device subsidies, senior safety equipment vouchers. Find your local office through Eldercare locator.

3. Veterans Affairs (VA)

Certain programs provide reimbursement for emergency response devices. Programs may include VA Aid & Attendance, VA Community Care Network (CCN), and VA Homemaker Care services. Life Alert is not a preferred vendor, but other brands are.

4. Non-Profit Organizations

Groups offering help include National Council on Aging (NCOA), Lions Club Catholic Charities, Jewish Family Services and Local churches and senior centers.

5. Senior Housing Facilities

Many independent living communities have negotiated group pricing for medical alert systems. Some offer free in-home pendants, monthly discounts, facility-wide emergency button systems.

Life Alert Cost Variation by U.S. State (2025)

While monthly fees stay the same, installation costs can change depending on region:

Low-Cost States ($198 Installation)

• Florida
• Nevada
• Arizona
• Georgia
• Tennessee

Mid-Cost States ($220–$250 Installation)

• California
• Illinois
• Michigan
• North Carolina
• Virginia

High-Cost States ($260–$299 Installation)

• New York
• New Jersey
• Massachusetts
• Connecticut
• Washington State

These variations are due to travel distances, technician availability, and wage differences.

Is Life Alert Worth It in 2025?

Worth it for:

• Seniors age 80–95
• People with dementia or Alzheimer’s
• Individuals who won’t use or charge modern devices
• Families wanting a human-only response system

May NOT be worth it for:

• Anyone seeking fall detection
• Tech-loving seniors
• Families wanting smartphone access
• Those who want a month-to-month plan
• Seniors on a tight budget

Final Thoughts

Life Alert remains a reliable, fast, and trusted emergency response service in 2025, serving thousands of American seniors with simple, durable equipment and quick human assistance. However, its pricing is significantly higher than industry averages, and its 36-month contract makes it less flexible than competitors.

If you prioritize simplicity, no charging, and U.S.-based operators, Life Alert is worth the premium.

If you prioritize fall detection, monthly billing, apps, GPS smartwatches, and modern features, several competitors offer better value at lower cost.

FAQs