GreatCall Medical Alert System

At A Glance: What You Need to Know About GreatCall

• Mobile/cellular options only
• Cellular coverage through Verizon network
• Every device has a built-in GPS
• U.S.-based monitoring centers
• Suite of health and safety services is available at extra cost
• Waterproof, wearable pendants
• Month-to-month contracts (no long-term contracts)
• Customized, unique mobile apps automatically come with cell phones
• 1-year equipment warranty

The History of GreatCall

Designed specifically with seniors in mind, GreatCall launched in 2005 under female entrepreneur and investor Arelene Harris. Soon after, Harris helped invent the very first cell phone for actively aging individuals. A few years later, she teamed up with resources like FONOMED to provide the same demographic with a variety of additional health and safety services for even greater accessibility and affordability. The outcome was, and has since been, an ecosystem of unrivaled equipment and resources for seniors who still travel, errand, and strive to live independently.

A Pricing Breakdown of GreatCall’s Systems & Packages

To help you see the big picture of your exact monthly rate, below is a pricing breakdown of the monthly rates for the available Health & Safety Packages and mobile plans for each GreatCall product. To learn more about our testing process, check out this year's GreatCall review.

In order to access your GreatCall device's medical alert capabilities, you'll need to add one of their optional Health and Safety Packages. There are three types of monthly packages to choose from based on the level of service you want. These start at a very reasonable $19.99 per month and include 5Star Urgent Response, which is GreatCall's 24/7 monitoring service. For those who want more advanced, concierge-like services, GreatCall's ultimate packages include add-on features that competitors like MobileHelp and Philips Lifeline simply don't offer. We'll explain the functionalities of each health and safety feature in detail towards the end of this page.

What's Included in Health and Safety Packages?

GreatCall's cell phones (Jitterbug Smart2 and Lively Flip) and medical alert devices (Lively Mobile Plus and Lively Wearable2) include most of the same features in their health and safety packages; however, there are a few differences. Below is a breakdown of which features are included in each package for both cell phones and medical alert devices.

Jitterbug Smart2

GreatCall Jitterbug 2

With an upfront cost of $149.99, this smartphone is GreatCall's most advanced option. With improvements like a larger screen, intuitive menu, loudspeaker, and voice typing, the Jitterbug Smart2 caters well to the needs of those in their golden years. The phone offers a 24-hour battery life and a 13-megapixel camera with video and flash, perfect for taking all those pictures of grandbabies and your latest vacation. Talk, text, and data plans start at only $2.49 per month, making it an affordable option for staying connected.

If you choose to activate the 5Star Urgent Response button, you have access to an emergency operator who already has all of your information and can send the right help during an emergency. Speedy internet access, Google navigation, and pre-installed apps round out why this model can be of great help to seniors looking for the latest in smartphone technology. Plus, it's more affordable than smartphones on the market from other powerhouse brands. For instance, one of Apple's least expensive models, the iPhone SE, starts at around $400, which is more than twice the price of the Jitterbug Smart2.

Lively Flip

GreatCall Lively Flip

With a product fee of $99 and talk and text plans beginning at $3 per month, the basic Lively Flip cell phone is a great option for those who want a more simple way to stay connected. It features a super-bright screen, strong speaker, large textured buttons, simplified menu, and hearing aid compatibility, all designed specifically for the needs of older adults. It has everything the Jitterbug Smart2 does, except for internet access and a touch screen. You can even navigate the phone with your voice thanks to the phone's Amazon Alexa feature, which is great for texting, making calls, and setting reminders or alarms. For those who don't need or want too many frills, this gadget–which can also be turned into a medical alert device with the simple addition of 5Star Urgent Response–can do it all for the senior customer who prefers to stay away from too many bells and whistles. The Lively Flip is on the pricier side when compared to the upfront cost of other basic flip phones like the Doro 7050 from Consumer Cellular; however, with GreatCall's top-of-the-line health and safety features and reliable service, it's worth the cost.

Lively Mobile Plus

GreatCall Lively Mobile Plus

This cellular standalone medical alert device is perfect for seniors who want a simple way to stay protected on the go. The Lively Mobile Plus has a device fee of $49.99 and uses GPS technology, 24/7 monitoring, and 80 hours of battery life to keep users safe, whether they're at the grocery store or out at dinner with friends. Weighing in at under 2 oz., the sleek waterproof product is perfect for active seniors who still drive, travel, or want to forget they're wearing a medical device. During an emergency, the user just needs to press the device's button and they'll be connected to help straight away. It can also be upgraded to include automatic fall detection. On top of the one-time device fee, GreatCall requires all Lively Mobile Plus users to sign up for their Basic Health and Safety Package for $24.99 per month, which comes out to under $1 a day. This option is around $5 to $10 less expensive per month than standalone mobile options from companies like Medical Guardian, so it offers solid value.

Lively Wearable 2

GreatCall Lively Wearable 2

The Lively Wearable2 is a good substitute to the Lively Mobile Plus for those who want a sportier, wearable option. It's the same price as Lively Mobile, with a device fee of $49.99 and monthly monitoring fees starting at $24.99. This minimalist, watch-like device connects to most smartphones (you can always go to GreatCall's website to see if yours works), and it has health-conscious features like a step tracker and health tips to keep you active and in shape. It can be worn two ways: as a watch or as a necklace with the lanyard option, and can also be equipped with optional, automatic fall detection.

Understanding GreatCall’s Health and Safety Features

How to Get the Best Deal with GreatCall

There are several ways to ensure that you get the absolute best deal with GreatCall. First, be sure to ask customer service about any seasonal promotions they are running at the time of purchase. As mentioned earlier, there is usually a deal that can save you up to 25 percent on the one-time product fee. If you're an AARP member,3 you can also save up to $60 every year on select Health and Safety Packages, so make sure to let a representative know when you sign up. You'll also have the option to be billed automatically on a registered debit or credit card for a monthly discount. Finally, free shipping for all devices and a 30-day return policy make it pretty enticing to try out one of GreatCall's products. If you don't like it, you have up to 30 days to return it and move on to something else.

How Do I Know if GreatCall is for Me?

With 80 percent of seniors in America owning a cell phone and nearly 70 percent of older adults using the Internet,4 it's clear that seniors are embracing new technology to stay connected with their loved ones. If you're looking for a phone or device that not only lets you stay connected but also offers 24/7 protection, we'd recommend looking into GreatCall. Their devices are small and sleek, so you won't feel like you're carrying around a bulky, flashy medical alert device. Compared to other flip phones and smartphones, GreatCall's options are very affordable, and they're designed specifically for seniors, so you're really getting the best of both worlds. Plus, GreatCall leads all other medical alert suppliers in revenue, generating about $300 million per year,5 which shows just how popular this trusted brand is.

Video Review of the GreatCall Medical Alert Systems

While pictures of the products are descriptions are nice, nothing quite beats seeing these products in action on video. Therefore, we put together the following video review of GreatCall Medical at the SeniorLiving.org YouTube Channel. In this video review, you will get to see how GreatCall Medical devices function, learn some of the ins and outs of GreatCall Medical, and hear some comparisons between them and other competitors in the field. After checking out the video below, stroll over to our full GreatCall review for more information.

Our Final Thoughts

When it comes to a medical alert product, nothing beats the promise of safety and reliability. With a variety of advanced medical alert capabilities from their Health & Safety Packages and their partnership with Verizon that offers stable connection, GreatCall has our vote! Despite some extra upfront equipment fees that other medical alert companies like Medical Guardian don't impose, the company excels in delivering some of the best-equipped, most intuitive senior cell phones on the market. However, if you are searching for a more traditional alert system or a landline device, then you might want to look at some of our favorite medical alert systems.

All in all, GreatCall provides affordable, senior-friendly cell phones and devices with advanced health and safety features for older adults who want to stay protected and connected with one simple device.