Best Medical Alert Necklaces Of 2023: Reviews And Costs

To find the best medical alert necklaces, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on nearly 70 medical alert systems across 20 companies and narrowed in on the top three based on:

• Price
• The system’s range of use
• The system’s ability to detect falls automatically
• Real-time connectivity to an emergency response person
• Use of GPS technology and/or 4G cellular network
• Availability of pairing app for caregivers
• Add-ons, such as wall buttons, lock boxes and more

Read more about our medical alert systems review methodology.

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In the event someone wearing a medical alert necklace experiences a medical concern or emergency, they simply press the help button located on the pendant. The device sends a signal to the system’s remote monitoring center, connecting the wearer with an emergency response expert. Often, the operator connects the system user with a family member or friend listed in their preferred contact information, notifying them that they need help. In a true emergency, the response expert helps dispatch an ambulance, the police or the local fire department to the user’s home.

Deciding to invest in a medical alert necklace usually occurs after a noticeable change in one’s health or mobility. However, these changes don’t have to diminish a person’s sense of independence. Medical alert system technology continues to improve by offering wearable devices that can provide automatic fall detection, GPS-powered tracking and 4G LTE cellular coverage, all of which make summoning emergency help to the wearer’s exact location easy. Anyone who stands to benefit from this additional layer of safety while navigating everyday life should consider adding a medical alert necklace to their wellness routine.

Is It Better to Wear a Medical Alert Necklace or a Watch?

Making the choice to wear a medical alert necklace or a medical alert watch is a matter of personal preference. One should consider which wearable device will fit into their life more seamlessly without interfering with any of their daily activities.

In addition to the features offered by a medical alert necklace, some medical alert watches can monitor:

• Blood oxygen levels
• Body temperature
• Heart rate
• Sleep patterns

The Difference Between a Medical Alert Necklace and a Medical Alert System

A medical alert necklace is a component of a larger medical alert system. While the necklace is simply the wearable that allows the user to access the help button easily when they need it most, the system is what the button on the necklace communicates with to send a signal to its accompanying remote monitoring center and connect the user with an emergency response expert in real time. There are many medical alert systems that don’t include a medical alert necklace, but all medical alert necklaces rely on a medical alert system to function.

The Difference Between a Medical Alert Necklace and a Medical ID

Medical ID jewelry offers a simple and practical way to share important health information with an emergency responder should the wearer be unable to communicate clearly. Typically made in the form of a bracelet or necklace, a medical ID lists any medical allergies or chronic health conditions an emergency responder should know about a person before providing any sort of medical assistance.

A medical alert necklace, meanwhile, is a wearable that connects a user with an expert at a monitoring center in the event of an emergency and can provide appropriate assistance. Some medical alert systems provide these representatives with baseline health information about the user similar to a medical ID, but the system also facilitates help.

The cost of a medical alert necklace depends on several factors, particularly the cost of its supporting system. Some medical alert system providers offer both basic packages and upgraded options with additional features. Costs may also vary if the user needs extra equipment to cover a larger home or if they opt for additional cellular coverage to support their safety while outside their home.

With so many medical alert devices available, a potential user may want to write a list of their needs and then compare services and packages offered by different companies to find the right one for them. Typically, the cost of a medical alert necklace ranges from $25 to $50 per month, and some have one-time equipment costs ranging from $79 to $350.

How Can I Get a Free Medical Alert Necklace?

One’s ability to obtain a free medical alert necklace depends on both their financial circumstances and insurance coverage. Some private health insurance providers, including those that offer Medicare Advantage plans, may help cover the costs of medical alert systems. Others specifically provide tax deductions on devices that are deemed medically necessary by a health care provider.

Meanwhile, adults who qualify for Medicaid benefits, veteran benefits with the VA or local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) support may be eligible for additional savings. AARP members can save up to 15% on medical alert necklaces as well.

Does Medicare Cover Medical Alert Necklaces?

Medicare doesn’t cover medical alert systems, including medical alert necklaces. Since they’re not considered medical devices, they often aren’t included in Medicare’s medical benefits. With that said, there are a number of ways to save money on a medical alert necklace, including (but not limited to) taking advantage of manufacturer discounts and promotions, using pre-tax dollars from a health savings account (HSA) to pay for the device, or using long-term care insurance benefits to reimburse some of the associated costs.

Medical alert necklaces are used worldwide to enhance quality of life by reducing anxiety about safety and improving confidence to perform everyday activities. These easy-to-use devices often provide 24-hour monitoring, GPS location tracking and fall detection technology, all of which can help provide a sense of security to the user and their loved ones, as they can trust that emergency assistance will be accessible if ever needed.

In fact, according to a recent Forbes Health survey of 2,000 U.S. adults conducted by OnePoll, of respondents who report using a medical alert system, 86% say the device has saved them (or the person they care for) from an incident at least once. Looking closer, 50% say their medical alert system saved them from a potential catastrophe, and 36% say it saved them from an incident that could have escalated.

Before deciding which medical alert necklace to try, ask yourself the following questions:

• What is my budget? There may be an initial equipment cost, plus a monthly monitoring service fee, which can add up quickly.
• What are the terms of the service agreement? Some companies offer month-to-month service while others may require a long-term contract, so consider what type of service would make you feel most comfortable.
• What features do I need or want? Top details to consider include:
  • GPS tracking
  • No landline required
  • Two-way communication via wearable device
  • 24/7 monitoring
  • Fall detection technology
  • Easy home installation
  • Waterproof wearables
  • Free trial period

Prospective users can buy most medical alert systems online directly from their manufacturers, which makes it easy to take advantage of any promotional pricing, speak with a customer service representative about the best system for one’s needs and learn about what system add-ons are available. Depending on the manufacturer, some medical alert systems that include a necklace or pendant are also available via retailers like Walmart and Best Buy.