Bay Alarm Medical Alert System Review 2023

Overview of Bay Alarm Medical

The Buying Experience

Navigating Bay Alarm Medical’s website isn’t difficult, but I recommend speaking to a customer care representative to determine which system is best for you. When I called, I was connected with a representative in just under a minute who was incredibly friendly, to the point where I wondered if the rep had been trained by Disney. When I told the agent I wanted an in-home system, she recommended the SOS Home,  which can be combined with add-on waterproof wall buttons with adhesive mounts. The wall buttons are handy for high-risk areas like the shower or stairs.

I also asked if they offer language support in Greek, thinking of my great aunt who speaks little English. They offered to connect her to a fluent operator. I was impressed to learn that Bay Alarm Medical provides support for more than 180 different languages.1 You can also get customer service by live chat, phone, or the FAQ portal. When I tested out the live chat option, I was connected with a representative in about 30 seconds. While other companies we've reviewed, like Lively, also have top-rated customer support, they don’t offer the same range of language services that Bay Alarm Medical does.

Setting up My System

SOS Home Setup

Bay Alarm Medical’s at-home system is functional, durable, and easy to set up. Although this system looks a bit old-fashioned, it gets the job done. My system came with a base unit, all the necessary cords, and a wearable help button. Once I unboxed everything, I plugged the base unit into an outlet and then connected it to the phone line.

The system’s two-way audio allowed me to communicate with a dispatcher from anywhere in the house (a 1,000-foot range) without being near the base unit. To test the in-home system, I pressed the help button on the pendant, which connected wirelessly. The base station beeped for five seconds, and then an automated voice said, “Call connected, please wait.” In around 20 seconds, the operator picked up and asked if I needed help. Using the base station’s two-way speaker, I let them know that I was only testing the system, and that was that! Bay Alarm Medical recommends making a test call once a month to ensure everything is working properly.

SOS Mobile Setup

I made sure the SOS Mobile unit was fully charged before trying it out. To charge, simply place the unit on its charging cradle. The light on the unit will turn red, and once it’s fully charged, it will turn green. To test it out, I held the help button down until I heard a beep, and an automated voice prompted me to either stay on the line or press the button again to cancel the call. Easy peasy!

SOS Smart Watch

When I first unboxed the SOS Smartwatch, it looked exactly like a “regular” smartwatch. Unless you told someone, they’d never know it was actually a medical alert device – a big plus in my eyes! The smartwatch came with a charging cable, a charging cradle, and a power supply. To charge, simply place the unit on the charging cradle.

Unboxing my SOS Smartwatch

As advertised, the watch was ready to go out of the box. I didn’t need to download anything on my smartphone or log in. In fact, you don’t need a smartphone–or even an internet-capable device of any kind–to use the SOS Smartwatch.

I followed the simple directions provided to turn the watch on. It already had 83 percent battery life, but I went ahead and charged it up to 100 percent, which is recommended for your first use. Figuring out how to open the watchband and size it was a little tricky, though. The metal clasp may be difficult for those with arthritis or dexterity problems.

After I got it situated on my wrist, I opened up the pedometer app and took a walk around my house. The step counter seemed accurate. For fitness enthusiasts, you can even change your daily step goal. There’s also a weather app that allows you to check the weather in your current location.

Checking out my SOS Smartwatch's features

Finally, I gave the SOS button a test. This requires you to press and hold the SOS button on the side of the watch for a few seconds (to avoid accidental calls). Holding in the button was a little awkward since it’s on the side of the watch and not the top, but you’ll get used to it. After pressing the button for about five seconds, the watch initiated a phone call. An operator answered within 10 seconds. I let her know that I was simply testing my watch. She politely confirmed that it was a test, verified my identity, and then ended the call.

During the SOS call, I could adjust the volume or switch to whisper mode by pressing a button on the watch face. Whisper mode lets you hold the watch close to your ear and speak quietly during the call. I liked that both of these can make calls a little easier to understand for those with hearing difficulties.

Contract and Warranty

The Bay Alarm rep explained that the company offers a protection plan that allows for one free system replacement per contractual year, and a 50 percent discount on accessories. The SOS Home system also includes lifetime low battery replacement for the personal help button. The plan costs $2.95 per month for the SOS Mobile, SOS Home, and SOS Smartwatch. If you choose one of Bay Alarm Medical’s bundle packages, you can get the same protection on all of your equipment for $4.95 per month. If you decide you don’t want the protection plan, you’ll pay $299 for non-manufacturing-related damage.

The representative also reminded me that there are no long-term contracts, so you can cancel service at any time without penalty. I’m a big fan of that flexibility!

Bay Alarm Medical System and Product Details

SOS Home

Cost

SOS Home is Bay Alarm Medical’s least-expensive system, making it a great option for those on a tight budget. Prices start at $24.95 per month for the standard landline model and $29.95 for the system with a cellular connection. For premium cellular, the monthly price is $39.95.

Bay Alarm Medical In Home Medical Alert

Equipment

SOS Home comes with a base unit and wearable help button. I opted for the landline system, so all I needed to do was plug the system’s gray cord into the phone jack.

The system's two-way audio allowed me to communicate with a dispatcher from anywhere in the house (a 1,000-foot range) without being near the base unit. I pressed the help button on my pendant in the kitchen, and it quickly connected to the base station in the living room on the other side of the house, no problem.

Our Editor Jeff Hoyt wearing the Bay Alarm Medical Fall Detection Pendant

Service and Monitoring

While I chose the landline system, Bay Alarm also offers a 4G LTE cellular connection, which runs off AT&T or Verizon cell towers. I preferred the stable connection of my landline, since I don't have great AT&T coverage (plus, it saved me $10 per month), but the cellular option is suitable for those who don't have (or don’t want to use) a landline.

All of Bay Alarm Medical’s in-home systems offer 24/7 monitoring, so you’ll be covered day and night. You can add automatic fall detection to any in-home system for $10 per month. With this feature, falls are detected automatically, even if you can’t press your help button. I’d recommend it for those at high risk of falling or older adults who want the added protection.

SOS Mobile

Cost

The SOS Mobile comes in two models: Mobile Lite and Mobile Plus. Prices start at $29.95 per month, and there is a $99 one-time equipment fee for the device. This is pretty affordable compared to other mobile systems on the market. For example, ADT’s prices for on-the-go systems start at $39.99 per month.

Even better, for an additional $30 per month (plus a $99 equipment fee), you can get protection for both you and your spouse or roommate with a second-user discount.

Bay Alarm Medical SOS Mobile System

Equipment

With a compact, lightweight design and a color choice of black or white, SOS Mobile doesn’t feel too bulky or cumbersome. The package includes the help button, a charging dock, a necklace cord, and a hip pouch. Once you charge the button, simply place it around your neck, and you are good to go.

This system has a 72-hour battery life, which is comparable to other popular mobile units. You can take it on a weekend trip without worrying about a dead battery! The unit will also notify you when the batteries are running low, so you’ll know when it’s time for a charge.

Service and Monitoring

The SOS Mobile runs on AT&T or Verizon, so you can use it anywhere, whether you’re running errands, taking a walk, or on a road trip. What stood out to me about this system was the Caregiver Tracking App, which comes with the SOS Mobile system. Caregivers and family members can easily track your location through the app. That means they won’t be pestering you with phone calls wondering where you are! You can also select the Mobile Plus system, which adds automatic fall detection for $10 per month.

SOS All-in-One

Cost

The SOS All-in-One, Bay Alarm Medical’s hybrid at-home and on-the-go system, costs $39.95 per month. This price is pretty typical for similar hybrid systems, and the system offers excellent value since it provides protection everywhere you go.

Equipment

SOS All-in-One is a two-piece system designed for at-home and on-the-go use. It features an all-in-one wearable unit equipped with a two-way speaker, GPS tracking, and a built-in help button. You can wear this unit while you’re out of the house for mobile protection. The system also comes with a wearable help button designed to be worn at home, which is compatible with the mobile unit. During an emergency, pressing the help button will connect you to the all-in-one mobile unit and Bay Alarm Medical’s 24/7 monitoring center.

Service and Monitoring

Like the rest of Bay Alarm Medical’s mobile systems, the SOS All-in-One features a 4G LTE cellular connection. It also comes with GPS tracking, so you can receive help at your exact location, no matter where you are. For an extra $10 per month (plus an additional $30 equipment fee), you can also add automatic fall detection for more robust protection.

SOS Smartwatch

Cost

Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS Smartwatch starts at $34.95 per month. You’ll also pay a one-time $159 equipment fee for the watch. The monthly rates are pretty average compared to other popular smartwatch systems. However, the equipment fee is less expensive than some other options. For instance, Medical Guardian’s MGMove watch costs $199.95, and its interface and features are very similar to the SOS Smartwatch. The MGMove is our top pick for medical alert watches, while the SOS Mobile is our second pick. Check out our guide to the best medical alert watches to compare all of your options and make an informed decision.

Equipment

This water-resistant smartwatch has a simple touchscreen, a navigation button, and a help button, along with a few extra features like step tracking and daily goal setting. For older adults who want to track their daily activity with a little added protection, or those who want a discreet, sleek medical alert system, this is an excellent option. Not all medical alert providers offer smartwatch systems, so it's pretty unique for the industry.

Taking my SOS Smartwatch for a test drive

The watch comes with a charging dock and has a six- to 18-hour battery life, but I’d still recommend charging it every night beside your bed. That way, you’ll see it first thing when you wake up, and you won’t risk running out of battery during the day. Plus, should you experience an emergency in the middle of the night, your watch is right there.

Want to see the SOS Smartwatch in action? Check out our hands-on review below!

Service and Monitoring

The SOS Smartwatch is best for active older adults who spend a lot of time out and about. Using 4G LTE cellular service, the watch offers 24/7 monitoring and GPS location tracking. It’s easy to tell when you have good coverage too. A green dot indicates a strong cellular connection, a yellow dot indicates a moderate cellular connection, and a red dot indicates a weak cellular connection. Pushing the SOS button alerts trained operators to initiate two-way communication through the watch and send help, wherever you are.

The SOS Smartwatch's green dot indicates a strong cellular connection

Bundle Packages

For the best of both worlds, Bay Alarm offers a few packages that combine in-home and on-the-go services. You can save over $100 a year by bundling a mobile and in-home solution compared to purchasing the systems separately. Keep in mind that prices will be higher overall, starting at $59.95 per month, and there are one-time equipment fees for mobile devices. So make sure you’ll use them enough to get your money’s worth.

Still struggling to decide which system is right for you? Visit our guide to medical alert systems. This resource will help you make a decision by comparing important features and providing insider tips for choosing the best system for you.

Bay Alarm Medical Bundle

Add-On Features and Accessories

Bay Alarm Medical has add-ons similar to other companies I've reviewed, like Medical Guardian. Most charge a one-time fee, but a few have recurring monthly charges.

Lockbox

During emergencies, EMS are trained to enter into people’s homes by any means necessary. With Bay Alarm Medical’s lockbox, you can let first responders enter your home without breaking down the door. Just set up a secret four-digit code, place up to five house keys inside the lock, and secure it around the front door. Bay Alarm Medical operators will will give EMS the code during an emergency. This add-on costs $30.

Additional Help Buttons

All in-home packages come with one wearable (wrist or necklace) help button at no extra cost. You can order an extra button for $39 if you’d like added protection or convenience.

Bay Alarm Medical – Wall Button

Wall Buttons

These wall-mounted help buttons are designed to signal for help when you are not holding or wearing your help button. Wall buttons can be placed in high-risk areas like the bottom of stairs or the bathroom. These buttons are $30 each.

Bella Charms

Worried that your wearable help button is an eyesore? Bay Alarm Medical offers their signature Bella Charms for $25, or 4 charms for $90, which transform help buttons into a stylish necklace. These sleeves easily clip onto the front of your help button.

Vial of Life

The Vial of Life is an $8 magnetic card that lists your vital medical history, allergies, and medications. You can stick it on the fridge to help EMS quickly assess medical needs and prevent treatment mistakes. When my SOS Smartwatch arrived, a Vial of Life card came included.

My Vial of Life card

Auto Fall Detection

The auto fall detection pendant automatically places a call for help after a fall, even if you can’t press your help button. Sensors pick up downward movement followed by no movement before triggering a response. I’d recommend this add-on for any seniors with a history of falls or medical conditions that put them at a higher risk of falling. You’ll pay $10 per month for this pendant, and you can add additional pendants for a spouse or roommate for an additional monthly fee.

The Bottom Line on Bay Alarm Medical

I found Bay Alarm Medical to be an affordable provider with the right features to keep older adults safe, including fast response times, automatic fall detection, and 24/7 monitoring. I appreciate their stellar customer service team and extensive language support. Bay Alarm Medical’s products stand out as durable and easy to use. The company has stepped up its game with the SOS Smartwatch, an excellent choice for active older adults who want a high-tech system.

All in all, I was happy with my Bay Alarm experience and would recommend this top medical alert provider! In fact, Bay Alarm Medical ranks number one for medical alert systems on our best list. If you want to compare Bay Alarm Medical to other medical alert systems to help you make a decision, read our guide to the best medical alert systems.

Watch our latest Bay Alarm Medical video review for an inside look at this provider’s medical alert systems.

Our Methodology

Wondering how we rate and review medical alert systems? Every product that we review goes through hands-on testing and evaluation. As we test medical alert systems, we rank them using several criteria, including ease of use, reliability, value for money, response times, customer service, and available features. We give every provider a star rating out of five, so readers can easily compare systems and companies. We also receive feedback from older adults about the products whenever possible. Visit our medical alert system methodology guide to learn more about our testing process.