Over the years Bay Alarm Medical has revolutionized its products to meet the needs and lifestyles of older adults. In our review of Bay Alarm’s alert systems, we found that the company stays on top of its game through reliable equipment, customer support, and affordable prices. Costs start as low as $24.95 per month, which is cheaper than Medical Guardian's starting prices and Lively's monthly rates. Whether you’re at home or on the go, Bay Alarm offers full protection. We’ll take a closer look at all of Bay Alarm Medical’s products, their prices and value, and how to get the best deal.
Our Editor Jeff Hoyt wearing the Bay Alarm Medical Fall Detection Pendant (In Home System)
Bay Alarm Medical at a Glance
In-home and on-the-go systems
Landline and cellular options
24/7 professional monitoring
Duplicate U.S.-based monitoring centers
Wearable pendants
Smartwatch option
Wall buttons for additional coverage
Affordable packages
30-day, risk-free trial
No hidden fees
No long-term contracts
Superb customer service, including ESL and translation support for 170 languages
Bay Alarm Medical Current Deal: Bay Alarm Medical is offering a 20% discount on devices purchase.
The Fast Facts: Bay Alarm Medical’s Equipment and Pricing
Systems
SOS Home
SOS Smartwatch
SOS Mobile
SOS All-In-One
Starting prices
In-Home Basic (landline): $24.95 per month
In-Home Preferred (cellular): $29.95 per month for cellular
In-Home Premium (cellular): $39.95 per month for cellular with premium add-ons
Smartwatch only: $34.95 per month
In-Home + Smartwatch: $49.95 per month
Mobile Lite: $29.95 per month
Mobile Plus: $39.95 per month
Mobile 360° Bundle: $49.95 per month
All-In-One: $37.95 per month
All-In-One with Auto Fall: $47.95 per month
Equipment fees
No
$159 device fee
$99 device fee
All-In-One: $99 device fee
All-in-One with Auto Fall: $159 device fee
Connection type
Landline or cellular
Cellular
Cellular
Cellular
Best for
Basic at-home protection
Active, tech-savvy older adults
Older adults who spend time on the go
Those who want complete in-home and on-the-go protection
A Closer Look at Bay Alarm Medical’s Systems and Value
You might be wondering: Is Bay Alarm Medical an affordable option? The company’s starting prices are among the lowest for the top medical alert providers we've reviewed, especially for their on-the-go systems. The SOS Mobile and SOS Smartwatch systems each have a one-time device fee, but they’re not too expensive.
As far as extra fees, the good news is, Bay Alarm Medical’s packages don’t include pricey activation fees like ADT’s systems and Lifeline’s packages do. The SOS Home is the least expensive system for those on a tight budget, starting at just $24.95 per month for the landline option. Let’s get into the key features, pricing, and value for each system.
SOS Home
Bay Alarm Medical’s In-Home Medical Alert system starts at $24.95 per month for the landline model. We recommend this system if you’re a homebody, on a tight budget, or living in an area with poor cell reception.
Bay Alarm Medical – In the Home
If you don’t have a landline, you can opt for the 4G LTE cellular connection, which uses AT&T service, for an $29.95 per month. Every package, regardless of connection, includes a personal waterproof help button, which you can wear as a wristband or necklace. According to the CDC, 36 million falls are reported each year with three million of those requiring treatment in an emergency department,1 so extra protection throughout the house is essential.
The system’s base unit has a two-way audio feature and a range of 1,000 feet – much larger than other companies we’ve reviewed, like LifeStation. Whether you press your help button or the base unit, the response team will get on the line to secure immediate assistance.
The system also offers a backup battery for added reliability. In the event of a blackout or power outage, the system can continue to function for up to 32 hours, and the battery will automatically recharge itself as soon as power is restored. Overall, this system offers the essential features to keep you safe for an excellent price.
SOS Mobile
With a lightweight and compact design, the SOS Mobile offers convenient mobile protection for seniors on the go. With plans starting at $29.95 per month, this is one of the most affordable mobile options on the market. Just a reminder – there’s a one-time equipment fee of $99. Thanks to the button’s 4G LTE GPS technology, you can call for help whether you’re at the store or out walking your dog. As long as you’re in an area with AT&T coverage,2 you’ll be connected with an operator as soon as you press your help button. The SOS Mobile device also comes with access to a caregiver tracking app, which lets family and caregivers monitor loved ones’ whereabouts.
Bay Alarm Medical SOS Mobile System
For extra monthly fees, you can add automatic fall detection or a second SOS Mobile unit. The fall detection pendant ($10 per month) sends an automatic alert when it senses a downward motion followed by no movement. You can also purchase an additional SOS Mobile device ($20 per month, plus another $99 equipment fee), which is a great deal for spouses. Compared to other popular providers, this mobile system is affordable. For example, Medical Alert’s prices for mobile products start at $39.95 per month, so Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS Mobile system is $10 cheaper, and the $99 device fee is reasonable.
SOS All-in-One
If you’re looking for a system that works both at home and on the go, SOS All-in-One is an excellent solution. At $37.95 per month, this hybrid system offers great value. While you’re out and about, you can put on the mobile unit, equipped with a two-way speaker, GPS tracking, and built-in help button. When you’re at home, you can set the mobile unit on its charger and put on one of the SOS All-in-One’s wearable help buttons as a bracelet or necklace. During an emergency, press the wearable button, and it will connect to the mobile unit and call for help. You can add fall detection to this system for an extra $10 per month.
SOS Smartwatch
Bay Alarm Medical is one of the few medical alert providers to offer a smartwatch system. This is excellent for active older adults who spend a lot of time out and about or tech-savvy seniors who prefer devices without the look and feel of a traditional monitoring system. The SOS Smartwatch has an easy-to-navigate touchscreen and just two buttons, one of which is an SOS button. Users can track their steps, set daily goals, check the weather, and call for help with the swipe of a finger. You can also choose from a few different watch faces, including one that looks like a cat!
Changing the SOS Smartwatch's face
The SOS Smartwatch is a solid choice for more discreet protection, with less “old-fashioned-” looking equipment. It has an upfront $159 equipment fee, but after that, you’ll pay $34.95 per month, which is affordable compared to some other popular medical alert watches on the market. You get the most bang for your buck with this system.
Watch our video review below for a closer look at the SOS Smartwatch.
In-Home and On-the-Go Bundles
If you’re looking to save, bundling is your best bet. Luckily, Bay Alarm Medical provides a number of bundle options to meet various needs. Pair the In-Home Medical Alert system with the SOS Mobile or SOS Smartwatch for full coverage no matter where you are. You can save over $100 per year by buying both a mobile and in-home solution.
Add-On Accessories: Pricing and Features
Add-ons
Price
Description
Lockbox
$30
Allows first responders to enter your home during an emergency without forcible entry and incurring damage costs
Ready to use with a preprogrammed four-digit code
Additional In-Home Help Buttons
$39
Waterproof help buttons to add to your system
Wristband and necklace options
All packages include one help button
Up to 5 years of standby battery life
Bella Charms
$25 (or 4 charms for $90)
Various, stylish design options to snap on your Help button
Wall buttons
$30 per button and an additional $5-$10 per month for monitoring
Waterproof wall buttons to add to your system
DIY installation
Vial of Life
$8 per vial
This form lists your medical history, allergies, and medications for EMS to refer to during an emergency
Auto fall detection
$10 per month and $30 device fee
Available with the In-Home and SOS Mobile systems
Detects falls automatically
How to Get the Best Deal With Bay Alarm Medical
Bay alarm offers seasonal promotions and discounts, so be on the lookout on their website or call a rep to inquire!
The best value you’ll get from Bay Alarm Medical is by bundling. We found that you can save over $100 a year just by bundling. If you’re looking for the cheapest option, stick with the SOS Home system. The SOS Smartwatch is the priciest in terms of upfront costs, but it’s well worth your money if you’re very active. Plus, once you pay the equipment fee, the monthly costs are some of the lowest for on-the-go systems in the industry. With no activation fees or required contracts, you can cancel your service at any time.
Here are a few other ways to save on Bay Alarm’s systems:
Consider a warranty protection plan. Bay Alarm will replace your device for normal wear and tear. The protection plan allows one free system replacement per contractual year, and it offers a 50 percent discount on accessories. For at-home systems, it also includes a lifetime personal help button low battery replacement. The plan costs $2.95 per month for the SOS Mobile, SOS Smartwatch, and SOS Home. If you purchase a bundle, everything can be covered under the same plan for $4.95 per month. If you opt out of the protection plan, you’ll pay $299 for non-manufacturing-related damage.
Current deals: Bay Alarm Medical is currently offering up to 20 percent off mobile devices, plus free shipping and a free month of service on select plans to new customers. This is a limited-time offer, so take advantage!
Speak with a representative: Always speak with a Bay Alarm Medical representative when considering your options. They can recommend the system that’s best for your wallet and may even offer you exclusive discounts.
Pay quarterly or annually: You can pay for systems quarterly or annually. You don’t get a discount for paying quarterly or annually, but you’ll get free shipping if you pay quarterly. If you pay annually, you’ll get free shipping and one free month of service.
Is Bay Alarm Medical Right for Me?
Bay Alarm offers a broad range of coverage and prices flexible enough for most needs, from the active older adult to those aging in place. Because their products are location-based (in-home versus mobile), lifestyle should play a big role in deciding which package and add-ons work best for you.
Are you home most of the time? Do you live in a smaller space? The reasonably priced SOS Home is a solid choice for basic at-home protection.
Our editor Taylor Shuman's grandmother wearing Bay Alarm Medical's Mobile GPS button
If you come and go a lot but want peace of mind when you’re away from home, the SOS Mobile system and SOS Smartwatch offer flexibility. SOS Mobile comes with the caregiver app, which is good for those who need extra monitoring. The smartwatch works for active, tech-savvy people who want an emergency backup or who want a discreet medical alert system.
Final Thoughts on Pricing and Value for Bay Alarm Medical
Bay Alarm Medical is a worthy contender in the growing medical alert market. With monthly rates that are less expensive than competitors we've reviewed, like Medical Guardian, innovative solutions for different types of seniors, and essential add-ons, Bay Alarm Medical fits the bill for affordable, top-of-the-line products. Aside from paying the one-time equipment fee for the SOS Mobile, SOS All-in-One, or SOS Smartwatch, we found that the monthly rates were reasonable. If you’re looking for a well-rounded company that offers a diverse range of medical alert systems, Bay Alarm Medical could be the perfect solution for you.
To learn more about Bay Alarm Medical, watch our hands-on review of the company’s products below.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bay Alarm Medical
Monthly rates for Bay Alarm Medical systems start as low as $24.95 per month. With their price-lock guarantee, your monthly rate will never increase. However, monthly costs will go up if you add extra features like automatic fall detection or a cellular connection.
Yes, Bay Alarm Medical offers a warranty. The Protection Plan offers one free system replacement per contractual year, a 50 percent discount on accessories, and a lifetime personal help button low battery replacement.
Call the service, and you will receive instructions on how to power down and return your device(s). Keep in mind that the account is not fully canceled until the equipment has been returned in working condition and processed. There aren’t any cancellation fees, so you can cancel at any time.
Bay Alarm Medical systems can be moved anywhere in the U.S. as long as you contact Bay Alarm and update your emergency contact information with them. They do not recommend making these changes for moves of less than two weeks.
As Editor-in-Chief of the personal finance site MoneyTips.com, Jeff produced hundreds of articles on the subject of retirement, including preventing identity theft, minimizing taxes, investing successfully, preparing for retirement medical costs, protecting your credit score, and making your money last… Learn More About Jeff Hoyt