Best Medical Alert Systems for Veterans

These days, reliable medical alert systems are must-haves for elderly veterans. Owning one would ease the stress over what could happen if you encountered a medical situation and couldn’t get the required assistance quickly enough to save your life. By investing in a good medical alert system, you are choosing freedom and independence — what you worked so hard to provide our country and everyone in it. With a wide variety of brands to choose from, it can be a daunting task to narrow down your options. We have made it easy for you by ranking the top four medical alert systems for veterans. Our picks are as follows:

At the end of the day, three medical alert providers made the cut as our top picks for veterans. To ensure that the providers on our list could meet the specific needs of veterans in their golden years, every company had to meet the following five requirements:

1. Veteran discounts: Every provider on our list offers some sort of discount to veterans and active military members.
2. Affordable rates: We want veterans to have access to reliable, high-quality protection without putting a dent in their wallet. All of the providers on our list have at least one alert system available for under $35 per month. Additionally, all of the providers have reasonably priced top-tier packages when compared to the competition.
3. GPS tracking: With veterans suffering from higher rates of PTSD and other chronic health conditions,2 we know how important it is for them to stay protected at all times, including when they’re on the go. The providers in our top four all have mobile systems available with built-in GPS technology, so they can be easily located and helped no matter where they are.
4. 24/7 monitoring: An emergency can happen at any time, so 24/7 professional monitoring is essential. You’ll find that 24/7 monitoring comes included with every system on our list.

Why do Veterans Need a Medical Alert System?

With over 12 million veterans aged 65 or older in the U.S.3, those who served our country make up a large portion of the senior population. Due to the nature of combat, many older veterans suffer from chronic health conditions and mental health issues like PTSD at higher rates than the rest of the population. A medical alert system allows veterans to stay protected and receive help during an emergency, whether they spend most of their days at home or out in the community.

Medical alert systems offer great features like GPS technology and automatic fall detection that meet the specific needs of veterans. For example, should a veteran become disoriented and wander during a PTSD episode, a medical alert system with GPS technology allows help to be sent straight to the user, even if they don’t know where they are. Or, if a senior veteran experiences a fall due to a mobility issue or other chronic health condition, a system with automatic fall detection will send first responders even when the user can’t press the help button. Overall, there are a variety of options for veterans on the market, so you can find the best medical alert system for your needs.

Medical Alert System for Veterans Buying Guide

Choosing a medical alert system may feel overwhelming at first, but don’t worry! We’ve created this buying guide to medical alert systems for veterans so you’ll know all the facts before making a purchase. Below are the important questions to ask during the buying process.

Do I Need Automatic Fall Detection?

Automatic fall detection is one of the most standard add-on features that medical alert providers offer. With an automatic fall detection pendant, your system, you guessed it, automatically detects a fall even if you’re unable to press your help button. If there is a downward motion followed by a prolonged period of inactivity, the pendant will connect to the 24/7 operating center and call for help. If you’re a veteran with mobility issues or any other health conditions that make you more prone to falls, we’d highly recommend adding fall detection when it’s available. Fall detection is included in some packages with certain providers, while others charge $5 to $10 per month for the feature.

Cellular vs. Landline: Which Connection Type is Best?

MGClassic with Landline

You’ll typically have two options for the type of connection that your medical alert system runs on. Many at-home systems run on a landline connection, while others use a cellular connection. All mobile GPS systems that can be used on the go will use a cellular connection. If you live in an area with unreliable cellular coverage, you’ll want to choose a landline system to ensure you have a strong, consistent connection. On the other hand, if you want a system that can be used you don’t have a landline, a cellular medical alert system is your best bet.

Providers partner with different cellular carriers. For instance, Medical Guardian uses AT&T service for their cellular systems, while Alert1 offers the choice between Verizon and AT&T. Ensure that you have reliable coverage from that specific provider before signing up.

Is the Medical Alert Equipment Waterproof?

With 80 percent of all senior falls occurring in the bathroom, it’s essential that you use your medical alert system in this high-risk area. While shopping for a system, double-check that they offer waterproof pendants that can be worn while bathing and/or waterproof wall buttons that can be placed near your tub or shower. Also, note if the equipment is fully waterproof or just water-resistant. If it’s water-resistant, it can be worn in the shower but shouldn’t be fully submerged. On the other hand, fully waterproof equipment can be worn in the shower, bath, or even while you swim.

Submerging Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS Mobile system to put its water-resistance to the test

Does the Provider Offer Veteran Discounts?

There are a few popular providers who offer veteran discounts, and you’ll want to take advantage of those when signing up! Oftentimes, when purchasing a system online, veteran discounts aren’t clearly advertised. Make sure to call the provider or chat with the provider on the website before purchasing to receive your discount if one is available. If the provider doesn’t offer a military discount, they may have other discounts that you’re eligible for. For instance, several companies offer AARP and AAA discounts.

How Much Will a Medical Alert System Cost?

Medical alert systems vary in price, but they typically range from $20 to $30 per month for entry-level systems. Top-tier packages can often reach up to $50 or more, so there are options for different budgets. Many providers offer discounts when you pay for your system annually or quarterly, so that’s something to consider as well.

You’ll also need to add up any extra upfront costs and hidden fees, such as shipping, activation, equipment, and setup fees. Think about the cost of any add-on equipment you want, including automatic fall detection, additional help pendants, or wall buttons. If the provider offers a veteran discount, some of these fees may be waived, so make sure to ask the provider before you buy.

Will My Caregivers and Family Members be in the Loop?

Many medical alert providers offer text alerts and accompanying mobile apps that link up with their systems, so caregivers and family members can check in on you. The features of these apps will vary by provider, but some of the most popular features include location tracking, call history, and real-time alerts when the subscriber calls for help.