If you’re an older person or have a loved one who is, you may be concerned about a medical emergency happening when you or your loved one is alone.

You may wonder how medical alert systems — those buttons you’ve seen people wear on pendants, necklaces, and bracelets — work. Elderly Emergency Button

You’ve come to the right place. Below, we explain what medical alert systems are, how they work, their cost, and what features to look for.

A medical alert system, also called a personal emergency response system (PERS), is a wearable mobile device or an in-home console with a button you press to get emergency medical help.

It connects you to a call center with trained operators who assess your situation and either dispatch local emergency services or notify your chosen emergency contacts.

Older adults use medical alert systems the most. People who live with chronic medical conditions or disabilities also use them.

There are also more specialized systems available, like devices for epilepsy and medication reminders, that provide more specific features than medical alert systems.

You can purchase a medical alert system:

It’s usually best to start at the company’s website or call the company and get help customizing a system for your exact needs, if available.

Medical alert systems have many features, but they all operate basically the same way:

A single press of the help button sends a call to a response center, whether you’re using an in-home console or a mobile device like a:

If the operator cannot establish communication or if you do not respond, they will dispatch local emergency services to your location.

Operators are trained to analyze and respond to all kinds of emergencies. They stay on the line with you until help arrives.

You and the operator decide what help you need. It may be someone on your emergency contact list or local emergency services.

The most frequent users of medical alerts are older people who want to maintain independent living.

Falls are the leading cause of injury among adults over the age of 65. Medical alert systems bring you immediate help, but you have to be willing to wear the device and use it.

One 2017 study indicated that older adults may be reluctant to use one, though. Even though some study participants wore the medical alert, they did not use it for various reasons. For example:

However, researchers did conclude that medical alerts enable older adults to remain active and independent, largely by making both them and their families confident about their safety.

Medical alert devices can be helpful if you:

Caregivers for older people and people with epilepsy or Alzheimer’s disease also find the devices reassuring. Learn more in our articles:

Not everyone can adapt to using a medical alert device. It may not be the right choice if you:

Medical alert devices are not a substitute for emergency services. In the event of a mental health emergency — such as if you’re thinking about harming yourself or someone else — call 911 or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

It can be challenging to sort through the many medical alert systems and features. We’ve made the choice easier by picking the best medical alert systems of 2023.

As you begin looking for a medical alert system, here are some of the top aspects to consider:

Check out reviews from organizations like AARP or the Better Business Bureau to learn the reputation of the company you’re considering.

Read what customers think of varied systems by combing through:

Check what kind of money-back guarantee the company has regarding:

Does the company offer a warranty for breakage, theft, or repairs of its leased equipment?

Does the company require you to sign a contract, especially a long-term one? Most don’t. You can easily find one that will let you subscribe month to month.

Here are some of the top features to consider when choosing a medical alert system:

You can buy a medical alert device:

The best place to start shopping is on a company’s website. It’s also a good idea to call the company and ask a customer representative for recommendations for your particular situation.

Tip: Medical alert companies often have deals and promotions — ask about them.

Monthly subscriptions usually range from $30 to $90, sometimes with add-on costs for:

The only payment plans usually offered are discounted semiannual or annual payments instead of monthly.

Sometimes there’s an activation fee, but you can probably find a company that doesn’t have one. You can ask the company about all fees.

Medical alert companies generally do not accept insurance and suggest you check with your health insurance provider.

Medicare parts A and B do not cover medical alerts, but supplementary Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) may.

Flexible spending accounts (FSA) or health savings accounts (HSA) through an employer may consider medical alert devices eligible for financing, so you might want to check with your provider.

Yes, you can usually change or cancel your plan at any time. But be sure to check the company’s specific policy.

Medical ID bracelets supply your ID information, healthcare details, and emergency contacts. They are a static resource.

Medical alert systems are interactive devices used to call for help during a medical emergency.

They can work well together, but only the medical alert system will summon help.

Monitored systems put you through to an emergency response center where a live operator answers and dispatches appropriate help when you press the help button.

Unmonitored systems dial 911 or your emergency contacts directly instead of dialing a response center first.

Yes, you can accidentally press the help button. Some systems have a cancel button, or you can let the responding operator know it was an error.

Yes, companies usually make considerable effort to safeguard your personal information.

You generally want to keep your system on at all times. But if you do want to turn it off, you can usually toggle a switch or remove batteries from mobile units.

Medical alert systems can save lives and allow older people and others with mobility or medical concerns to live independently longer. They also help reassure users and their caregivers, family members, and friends that emergency help is there when it’s needed.

Medical alert systems all work similarly and simply, but you’ll want to check:

If you’re interested in trying medical alert devices, you can get started with our list of reviews and comparisons:

Last medically reviewed on January 19, 2023

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Shilpa Amin, MD, CAQ, FAAFP

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