Life Alert Cost Compared to Alert1
Life Alert Cost Guide (2025): Pricing and Alternatives
Alert1 medical alert systems provide the same great features and service as Life Alert and MORE, but at a fraction of the cost!1 If you are seeking the best value for a personal emergency alert device with a 24/7/365 response team, the clear choice is Alert1.
SAVE MONEY NOW 
Life Alert vs Alert1: Why Pay More?
Alert1 medical alert systems provide the same great features and service as Life Alert and MORE, but at a fraction of the cost!1 If you are seeking the best value for a personal emergency alert device with a 24/7/365 response team, the clear choice is Alert1. SAVE MONEY NOW
Alert1 vs Life Alert Cost At a Glance
Our Members Prefer Alert1's Service and Affordability
| Alert1 | Life Alert | |
| Monthly Fee Starting At | $19.95 | $69.90 |
| Activation Fee | $0.00 | $0.00-$95.00 |
| Length of Agreement | 1 month-1 year | 3 years |
| Stay on the Line Until Help Arrives | YES | NO |
| Pricing & Terms Posted Online | YES | NO |
| Easy to Order Online | YES | NO |
| Alert1 | |
| Monthly Fee Starting At | $19.95 |
| Activation Fee | $0.00 |
| Length of Agreement | 1 month-1 year |
| Stay on the Line Until Help Arrives | YES |
| Pricing & Terms Posted Online | YES |
| Easy to Order Online | YES |
| Life Alert | |
| Monthly Fee Starting At | $69.90 |
| Activation Fee | $0.00-$95.00 |
| Length of Agreement | 3 years |
| Stay on the Line Until Help Arrives | NO |
| Pricing & Terms Posted Online | NO |
| Easy to Order Online | NO |
1Disclaimer: All information, prices, and data was last verified in September 2024. To report any incorrect or outdated information, please get in touch with us. For more information on Alert1's features and costs, check out our pricing page. To compare Alert1 to other medical alert systems, visit our Comparison Hub.
You’re in good company
More than 234,000 families nationwide have relied on Alert1 to stay safe and live better
Don't pay more for Life Alert. Experience the Alert1 difference!
Or call us for a complimentary consultation: 866-581-4540
Don't pay more for Life Alert. Experience the Alert1 difference!
Or call us for a complimentary consultation: 866-581-4540
How Much Does Life Alert Cost?
Monthly Monitoring Fees: Typically $69 and up.
Installation Fee: $197
Contract Requirements: A 3-year contract is mandatory before switching to month-to-month plans.
Included Services:
- 24/7 U.S.-based monitoring that connects to a family member or emergency services
- Pendants with up to 10-year battery life without the need for charging.
- Emergency dispatch services for both medical and non-medical emergencies.
Important Limitation: 🚫 No fall detection is included with standard Life Alert systems — a major difference compared to many competitors, including Alert1.
Does Medicare or Insurance Cover Life Alert Medical Alert System Costs?
- Medicare usually does not cover medical alert systems like Life Alert.
- Insurance Providers may occasionally offer partial coverage for LifeAlert, Alert1, or other PERS providers under specific health plans or long-term care policies. Check your insurance coverage.
- Veterans Affairs (VA) programs and certain disease prevention initiatives sometimes provide financial assistance for PERS devices.
- Life Alert, as well as less expensive providers like Alert1, can coordinate with some insurance companies for possible reimbursement options. Check with your insurance company for coverage details.
What Are Cheaper Alternatives to Life Alert?
If cost is a concern, there are many less expensive alternatives to LifeAlert.
- Alert1 Medical Alert Systems:
Offers a lowest price guarantee, in-home and mobile alert pendants and wristbands, and optional built-in fall detection at a fraction of the cost of LifeAlert. Alert1 offers free equipment use and does not charge hefty Activation or Installation fees, making it a very attractive option for those seeking an affordable, high-quality alert system.
Pro Tip: Look for providers offering free equipment, month-to-month payment plans, and low activation fees to maximize affordability.
Additional Life Alert Facts You Should Know vs How Alert1 Compares
- Industry Leader since 1987 vs Industry Leader since 1988.
- Independent Master Unit: Doesn't rely on landlines or cellular networks (requires professional installation) vs No Installation Needed: Arrives pre-programmed and ready to go.
- Refund Policy: If a customer passes away without using the system within the first three years, Life Alert refunds monitoring fees vs Pro-Rated Refunds provided by Alert1for any reason.
- High-Quality Monitoring: Both LifeAlert and Alert One offer Five Diamond-designated monitoring centers to ensure rapid, trained response.
- Non-Medical Emergency Support: Both Life Alert and Alert 1 systems can also dispatch help any time it is needed.
- Certification: Both Life Alert and Alert1 devices are UL-certified for safety and quality.
- Multilingual Support: Not available with LifeAlert vs Available in over 190 languages with Alert1.
- Contracts: 3 years with Life Alert vs No contracts with Alert 1.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Medical Alert System
- Response Time: Monitoring center speed and reliability.
- Fall Detection: Automatic sensors can save lives — check if available.
- Water Resistance: Essential for bathroom and shower use.
- GPS: Especially critical for mobile users.
- In-Home Range: Systems usually work within 200–1,000 feet from base units.
- Wearable Options: Necklaces, wristbands, or belt clip styles.
- Battery Life: Some devices last up to 10 years. Rechargeable battery life.
- Dual Monitoring: Systems that cover multiple people in the same household.
- Broader Emergency Coverage: Assistance for falls, fires, or burglaries.
Additional Cost Considerations
When budgeting, watch out for these hidden fees:
- Activation Fees: $0–$290 depending on the provider.
- Equipment Costs: $0–$350+ (some providers waive these with annual contracts).
- Professional Installation: Fee varies and may be required for certain systems like Life Alert.
Feature Upgrades:
- Fall detection monitoring ($5–$10 extra per month).
- Shipping & Miscellaneous Costs: Always read the fine print.
Quick Tip: Providers such as Alert1 do not charge equipment, installation, or activation fees AND charge less per month for the monitoring service, saving you HUNDREDS every year.
Finding The Right Medical Alert System: A Simple Guide
STEP 1: CONSIDER YOUR NEEDS, WANTS, LIFESTYLE, & BUDGET
- What health or mobility concerns do you have?
- Are you an active senior who needs coverage outside the home?
- Have you fallen or do you have any fall risk?
- Do you need coverage for more than one person?
- Would you prefer an all-in-one device with built-in speaker, GPS, & fall detection?
STEP 2: CHOOSE YOUR SYSTEM TYPE
| IF YOU NEED | THEN CHOOSE |
|---|---|
| Home protection only | In-home unit (pendant/wristband and separate base unit with speaker) |
| Protection outside the home | On-the-go system with built-in speaker & GPS |
| Simplicity | An all-in-one mobile unit with built-in speaker for home and/or outdoor use |
| Maximum protection | A fall detection device with GPS |
STEP 3: ASK ABOUT THESE KEY FEATURES
- Automatic fall detection sensors that detect falls
- Water resistant wearable devices for shower safety
- Rechargeable batteries in mobile pendants and wristbands
- Professional monitoring service with quick emergency help
STEP 4: ESTABLISH YOUR BUDGET
- What can you afford to pay per month? Can you pre-pay to get better savings?
- Is there an equipment fee? (ie: LifeAlert charges a fee; Alert1 does not charge a fee)
- Must you commit to long-term contracts? (ie: Life Alert yes; Alert One no)
- Do you want additional features like GPS and fall detection that cost extra?
- Is there a cancellation fee? (ie: Life Alert yes; Alert 1 no)
Final Thoughts: Is Life Alert Worth the Extra Cost?
Life Alert is a famous medical alert provider, and this comes with far higher costs and less flexibility than many alternative medical alert providers, such as Alert1.
If affordability, fall detection, and freedom from contracts is important to you, then exploring other medical alert system options like Alert 1 may be preferable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Between $20 and $50+, plus a $197 installation fee for Life Alert's services.
Medicare does not cover Life Alert costs, but some insurance plans or VA programs may offer partial reimbursement.
Not directly from Life Alert, but discounts and subsidies are available through other programs.
Alert1, Bay Alarm Medical and MobileHelp are top-rated, affordable options with fall detection.
