Lively Medical Alert System Cost and Pricing

Today, 1 in 4 American adults over 65 years old are considered lonely or socially isolated.1 Lively strives to move the needle on this statistic by offering phones and medical alert devices that allow seniors to stay connected and safe without breaking the bank. As one of the only providers offering cell phones tailored to older adults with built-in medical alert capabilities, Lively is a standout in the industry.

Lively's product lineup consists of two cell phones and one medical alert device that operate on Verizon's network. With equipment as low as $49.99 and monthly subscriptions starting as low as $24.99 per month, Lively is quite affordable compared to other providers. However, prices can increase if you want all the bells and whistles. If you opt for Lively's top-of-the-line Premium Package, we think the comprehensive protection it gives seniors is well worth $34.99 per month. Below, we've broken down everything you need to know about Lively's products, prices, and how to get the best deals.

Lively at a Glance

• Mobile/cellular options only (no landline option)
• Cellular coverage through Verizon network
• Every device has built-in GPS
• U.S.-based monitoring centers
• Suite of health and safety services available for a monthly fee
• Waterproof, wearable pendants
• No long-term contracts
• Activation fees
• Seasonal promotions and discounts
• Smartphone apps to help seniors stay safe and keep caregivers connected
• Phones come with preloaded brain games
• One-year equipment warranty

The Fast Facts: Lively’s Equipment and Pricing

Lively's pricing and subscription options can be a bit overwhelming at first, but we've simplified things for you below. Keep in mind that selecting a health and safety package is required for Lively's medical alert device, the Mobile Plus. When it comes to Lively's phones, Jitterbug Smart3 and Jitterbug Flip2, you can choose to forgo a health and safety package and select a cell phone plan to fit your talk, text, and data needs if you don't want medical alert protection.

A Closer Look at Lively’s Systems and Value

Jitterbug Smart3: An Affordable, Simplified Smartphone

With an upfront cost of $149.99, this smartphone is Lively's premier option. It's more affordable than many other smartphones on the market. For instance, one of Apple's least expensive models, the iPhone SE, starts at around $429, which is more than twice the price of the Jitterbug Smart3. Talk and text plans range from $14.99 to $19.99 per month, and data starts at $2.49 per month, which is inexpensive compared to most big-name cell phone carriers. Just keep in mind: If you decide to add a health and safety package for medical alert features, you'll be tacking $24.99 to $34.99 onto your monthly bill, depending on your chosen package.

Jitterbug Smart3

With a large screen, intuitive menu, loud speaker, and voice typing, the Jitterbug Smart3 offers smartphone technology that caters to savvy older adults. We love that the phone has a 22-hour battery life and dual rear cameras (13MP/5MP) – perfect for taking all those pictures of grandbabies and your latest vacation! If you choose to activate the Urgent Response button, you'll have access to an emergency operator who can send help during an emergency.

Jitterbug Flip2: A Basic Flip Phone for Budget-Conscious Seniors

With an equipment fee of $99.99 and talk and text plans beginning at $14.99 per month, the Jitterbug Flip2 cell phone is an excellent option for older adults who want a no-frills device with affordable monthly rates. We will say the Jitterbug Flip2 is pricier than the upfront cost of other basic flip phones, like Consumer Cellular’s prices for the Link II, which is $49. However, the Jitterbug Flip2 can access top-of-the-line health and safety features and reliable service that you won't find with other flip phones, which is why we think it is worth the extra cost.

Jitterbug Flip2

The Jitterbug Flip2 features a bright screen, loud speaker, large textured buttons, a simplified menu, brain games, and hearing aid compatibility – all designed specifically for older adults. This flip phone can be turned into a medical alert device with a health and safety package. Plus, it's the perfect size to slide into your pocket or purse for on-the-go protection.

For a closer look at this flip phone, check out our Jitterbug Flip2 review.

Lively Mobile Plus: An All-in-One Medical Alert System

This mobile medical alert device is perfect for older adults who want a simple way to stay protected on the go. In addition to a one-time $49.99 device fee and a $35 activation fee — depending on if you sign up on the website or with an agent — all Lively Mobile Plus users must sign up for a health and safety package, starting at $24.99 per month. This is $5 to $10 less expensive than Medical Guardian’s monthly costs for similar mobile systems, so it offers good value.

Lively Mobile Plus

This system features GPS technology, 24/7 monitoring, and up to 80 hours of battery life to keep you safe, whether you're at the grocery store or out in the garden. Weighing in at under 2 ounces, the small waterproof product is perfect for active seniors who still drive, travel, or who don't want to be hindered while they're wearing a medical device! During an emergency, you can press the device's button to connect to help straight away. If you have a history of falling, it may be worthwhile to add automatic fall detection to the system, which is available for an additional $9.99 per month.

Lively App: Access Health and Safety Features on Your iPhone or Apple Watch

If you already have an iPhone or Apple Watch, or you're in the market for one, you can access Lively's health and safety features. This is an excellent choice for seniors who want medical alert features but don't want to purchase an extra device. You can purchase an independent health and safety service for your Apple device from Lively ranging from $24.99 for the Basic Package to $34.99 per month for Premium. Then, you can download the Lively app on your iPhone or Apple Watch to start using your health and safety features (more details on these features in a bit)!

If you're interested in purchasing a new Apple Watch, Lively offers an excellent deal to help you save. When you sign a two-year contract for Lively's Premium Health & Safety Package, you can get up to $200 off select Apple Watches at Best Buy. Talk about a deal!

Lively on Alexa: Urgent Response for Alexa-Enabled Devices

Recently, Lively partnered with Alexa, bringing their Urgent Response service to Alexa smart speaker users. If you or your loved one is at home and has an emergency, like chest pains or a fall, you can simply tell Alexa to call for help. Alexa will connect you with Lively's emergency monitoring center. This add-on feature is an especially good fit for older adults who are homebodies. The cost for this service is $24.99 per month.

Add-On Accessories: Pricing and Features

Once you select a Lively phone or medical alert device, you'll want to choose a health and safety package that suits your budget and protection needs. Lively offers two package options: Basic and Premium. The features and monthly prices are dependent on whether you purchase a phone or medical alert device. Below is a breakdown of the packages and the value of the features they include.

Health and Safety Packages for Lively Mobile Plus

Health and Safety Packages for Jitterbug Smart3 and Jitterbug Flip2

Urgent Response

Urgent Response gives you 24/7 access to trained emergency agents who are familiar with your personal health information. All Lively agents are certified by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED),2 the same company that certifies 911 operators, which gets a big thumbs up from us.

Nurse On-Call

Have you ever wanted advice from a medical professional but didn’t want to hassle with an appointment to ask a simple question? Nurse On-Call gives seniors 24/7 access to board-certified doctors and registered nurses, so you can use your Lively device to access non-emergency medical care from the comfort of your home. Doctor's visits can be expensive, so this feature offers excellent value and accessibility to care.

Lively Link

Using the Lively Link app, caregivers can stay in the loop on their loved one's status. Users receive instant, detailed medical alerts, GPS location, and daily activity updates on their loved one.

Personal Operator

With this concierge-like feature, seniors can access the personal operator to schedule a Lyft ride, search for phone numbers, make a call, or get driving directions. Talk about convenience!

Fall Detection

In addition to Lively's Health & Safety Packages, users can add automatic fall detection for $9.99 per month. This feature automatically detects a fall and tracks your location. When a fall is detected, an Urgent Response Agent is alerted and can provide you with immediate assistance. Fall detection is only available with the Mobile Plus.

How to Get the Best Deal With Lively

Here are our top tips for getting the best deal on a Lively phone or device.

1. Ask customer service about any seasonal promotions Lively is running at the time of purchase. There is usually a deal that can save you up to 50 percent on the one-time product fee. As you know, we love a good deal!
2. Take advantage of Lively's free shipping and 30-day return policy. Lively makes it easy to try out one of their products without much risk. If you don't like the product, you have up to 30 days to return it and move on. Keep in mind – you will have to pay $10 for restocking.

Is Lively Right for Me?

If you're looking for a device that keeps you connected and offers 24/7 protection, we'd recommend Lively. Their devices are small and sleek, so you won't feel like you're carrying around a bulky medical alert device. Compared to other flip phones and smartphones, Lively's device fees are affordable, and we love that they're designed specifically for older adults. The health and safety features are as simple or robust as you want and can be adjusted as your health needs change. The flexibility and personalization offered by Lively devices make them a great option for any seniors needing a mobile phone, medical alert device, or both.

Final Thoughts on Pricing and Value for Lively

Lively has more than 900,000 subscribers, which shows just how popular and trusted the brand is.3 Sure, you could spend a little bit less per month by purchasing an in-home Bay Alarm Medical system or a Consumer Cellular phone. But if you want mobile protection and the most bang for the buck, Lively has advanced mobile features and reliable systems, making it a solid choice.

Check out our video review of Lively's medical alert systems for a closer look at this provider.