Best Medical Alert Watches Of 2023: Reviews And Costs

To find the best medical alert watches, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on nearly 40 medical alert systems across approximately 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.

Medical alert watches, which look like standard wristwatches, enable users to quickly call for assistance in emergency situations. These devices connect the wearer to a response coordinator or operator at the press of a button. 

Medical alert watches often come equipped with additional “smart” features typically found on smartwatches, such as health tracking apps (like step counting or sleep tracking functionality), GPS location monitoring or even fall detection capabilities. Medical alert watches combine the features of a medical alert device and a smartwatch. 

Medical alert systems are popular among older adults who live alone, though they’re intended for anyone who wants enhanced access to emergency services—including adults with health or mobility issues and people who don’t live by themselves but often spend time out of earshot of others. Adults who want a medical alert device that easily goes with nearly any outfit and allows for maximum mobility should consider a medical alert watch.

Adults who struggle with “smart” technology may prefer the simplicity of a traditional medical alert device. However, medical alert watches tend to be easier to use than a typical smartwatch or smartphone. With that said, they do require proficiency with a touchscreen and a basic digital interface.

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

Customers in search of a wearable medical alert device may consider a medical alert bracelet or a watch (or even a necklace). While medical alert bracelets offer a simple, single-button alert system worn on the wrist, medical alert watches typically rely on a touchscreen and include much more than a simple “SOS” feature. Many models offer health tracking apps, built-in GPS technology and a more comprehensive suite of emergency-response features. While medical alert bracelets are for sending alerts, medical alert watches often include many of the features and characteristics of a smartwatch.

To select a watch or bracelet will largely depend on an individual’s lifestyle and preferences. Customers in search of a simpler solution will prefer a bracelet’s ease of use and relative affordability. Customers who want the highest degree of mobility and flexibility may find a watch preferable, as watches don’t often have to stay within range of a base device. Individuals who struggle with new technology or who find digital interfaces challenging may prefer a bracelet over a watch.

Which one is better, however, is a matter of preference and comes down to an individual’s risk factors and lifestyle.

Much like a cell phone, a medical alert watch incurs costs in two ways. First is equipment cost, a fixed price (often paid in a single installment) that covers the hardware, which includes the watch itself, charging equipment and any other physical accessories. Then there’s the cost of monitoring service costs, often charged as ongoing monthly fees in a subscription model, which pays for the watch’s connectivity and the user’s access to 24/7 assistance.

Equipment costs can vary dramatically, often falling between $100 and $200 but sometimes exceeding that range significantly. Monthly service costs commonly range between $20 and $50. Oftentimes, medical alert companies have several tiers of service packages, offering different levels of service at a range of prices for the same watch product.

Does Insurance or Medicare Cover Medical Alert Watches?

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover medical alert systems. However, certain Medicare Advantage plans may help cover at least some of the costs associated with medical alert watches—depending on the plan and provider. Medicaid, meanwhile, may cover certain medical alert devices for qualifying individuals through state-based Home and Community-Based Services programs. 

Most insurance companies also do not cover medical alert watches or devices. 

With medical alert products, prospective users often think of the benefits a device would provide when an emergency unfolds. Indeed, the presence of a medical alert system can make or break the outcome of even a minor accident—and in certain instances, they can save a life.

Of course, there are drawbacks as well with these specific devices. Below are pros and cons of medical alert watches to consider.

Pros

Peace of mind. Users can live more autonomously knowing they are never truly “alone,” opening up possibilities to be more mobile, more spontaneous and more confident in everyday life. In fact, according to a recent Forbes Health survey of 2,000 U.S. adults conducted by OnePoll, of those who report using a medical alert system, 34% report doing so for their own peace of mind, and another 33% use it to provide their loved ones peace of mind.

Convenience. For many people, wearing a watch is second nature and is already part of their everyday routine. Most designs are also discreet and look like a “regular” wristwatch rather than a medical accessory.

Works on the go. Unlike other landline-based or in-home medical alert systems, alert watches offer connectivity wherever there’s cellular reception.

Cons

Battery life. Medical alert watches require regular or sometimes even daily charging. 

Ongoing fees. Even if the one-time equipment purchase is relatively inexpensive, monthly monitoring or service fees can quickly add up over time. 

Design (or technology) may not be for everyone. Not everyone’s comfortable wearing a watch, much less all the time. Others with low vision or dexterity problems may also prefer a different kind of medical alert device—and the same goes for people who are more comfortable with straightforward, simple devices without any advanced tech features to figure out.   

A person’s unique needs, preferences and limitations will determine which medical alert watch features are essential—or ancillary. The following features may be worth closer examination:

• The system’s range of use
• Biometric data tracking, such as step counting or sleep tracking
• Fall detection (and whether there’s an extra monthly fee)
• Real-time connectivity to an emergency response person
• Use of GPS or Wi-Fi technology for location tracking 
• 4G cellular network access
• Availability of pairing app for caregivers to facilitate communication and coordination
• Ease of activation or software installation
• Ability to pair or sync with other devices
• Ability to send and/or receive text messages
• Add-ons, such as wall buttons and lock boxes 

Start by comparing the most basic features of different medical alert watches. What levels of emergency service access does each device or service provide? Do they require pairing with a smartphone? How much would a year of service cost?

While each device on our list offers an excellent overall solution, every model balances strengths and weaknesses, and a prospective customer must evaluate which characteristics matter most to them. Individuals who struggle to adapt to new digital devices, for example, might prefer a minimal watch that doesn’t require the use of an accompanying smartphone app. Prospective buyers should also look for models and makers with positive online reviews and a solid history of experience in the medical alert industry.

Once the most important questions are addressed, investigate the secondary features that come with each product. One of the best benefits of medical alert watches over other similar devices is the added apps that can be used through the touchscreen. Active individuals may be inclined to spend more on watches with features like step counters, heart rate monitors and other fitness and activity trackers. Those who put a high value on communicating with friends and family should look for models with messaging features and automatic contact notification in emergencies.