LifeFone Medical Alert System Cost and Value in 2024
LifeFone offers a variety of at-home and on-the-go systems starting at $24.95 per month.
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844-292-4049
SeniorLiving.org is supported by commissions from providers listed on our site. Read our Editorial Guidelines
844-292-4049
LifeFone offers six medical alert systems and several add-on services at a reasonable price. The company has been an innovator in the medical alert system industry since 1976 and has earned substantial praise and recognition. Their UL-certified equipment and U.S.-based monitoring services are reliable and easy to use.
LifeFone offers several systems with prices starting at $24.95 monthly, accessible payment plans, and a transparent online buying experience. While it may not have the same brand recognition as other brands we've reviewed, like Life Alert, LifeFone’s systems are affordable compared to many competitors. Additionally, they offer top-of-the-line features that keep up with the best medical alert providers in the industry.
LifeFone at a Glance
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau1
- No upfront activation or equipment fees
- User-friendly systems
- Knowledgeable customer service representatives
- Lifetime product warranty and price guarantee
- No contracts
- Discounts for quarterly and annual payment plans
- Seasonal promotions and discounts
How Does LifeFone Compare to Top Medical Alert Brands?
LifeFone has been a trusted provider of medical alert systems and services for nearly half a century. With no contracts, lifetime warranties, and excellent customer service agents, it’s no wonder that thousands of seniors choose LifeFone every year. Additionally, LifeFone offers competitive pricing and plenty of discount opportunities. That said, you should always shop around before making a decision. If you’re searching for a medical alert system, check out the best providers we’ve reviewed below.
The Fast Facts: LifeFone’s Equipment and Pricing
| Product | Features | Monthly prices | Quarterly payment plan prices | Annual payment plan prices | Fall detection |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At-Home Landline | – Base station and water-resistant help button – Two-way speaker in base station – 1,300-ft. range – 32-hour backup battery |
$29.95 | $27.95 per month | $24.95 per month | $5 per month |
| At-Home Cellular | – Base station and water-resistant help button – Uses AT&T’s cellular network – Two-way speaker in base station – 1,300-ft range – 32-hour backup |
$34.95 | $32.95 per month | $30.95 per month | $5 per month |
| At-Home & On-the-Go, VIP flex™ | – Wearable mobile device with water-resistant help button – Up to 5-day battery – Ultra lightweight – GPS tracking – Cellular connection |
$43.95 | $41.95 per month | $39.95 per month | $5 per month |
| At-Home & On-the-Go, VIP Active® | – All-in-one mobile device – Uses AT&T or Verizon’s cellular network – GPS and Wi-Fi tracking – Up to 5-day battery |
$41.95 | $39.95 per month | $37.95 per month | $5 per month |
| At-Home & On-the-Go, VIPx® | – All-in-one mobile device – GPS and Wi-Fi tracking – Up to 10-day battery – Uses AT&T or Verizon’s cellular network – Available in 3 colors – Optional VIPx® Caregiver App |
$43.95 | $41.95 per month | $39.95 per month | $5 per month |
| At-Home & On-the-Go Safe Watch Active® | – GPS and Wi-Fi tracking – Built-in two-way speaker – Vibration feedback – Heart monitor – Step tracker – Weather app |
$47.95 | $45.95 per month | $43.95 per month | $5 per month |
A Closer Look at LifeFone’s Systems and Value
At-Home Landline
LifeFone – At-Home (Landline or Cellular) Equipment
The At-Home Landline is LifeFone’s least expensive system. It costs $29.95 per month for a month-to-month plan, $27.95 per month on the quarterly plan, or $24.95 per month with an annual plan. These prices are on par or cheaper than other popular providers like Medical Guardian’s pricing. Plus, it only costs $5 to add fall detection, half the price of fall detection from most other companies.
Quick Tip: While LifeFone’s starting prices are affordable for the industry, there are a few cheaper options to be found. For instance, Bay Alarm Medical’s prices start at $24.95 per month.
The package includes a base station and a wearable help pendant or wristband. The base station features a loud and clear two-way speaker, a 32-hour backup battery, and an impressive 1,300-foot range. So, no matter where you are in the house, you can call for help without worrying about a dropped connection. The pendant and wristband are water-resistant, so they are shower-safe but should not be submerged. Additionally, you won’t need to rush to the phone again — the pendant allows the wearer to answer the phone and speak to callers through the base station’s speaker.
At-Home Cellular
Editor Jeff Hoyt testing Wearable Pendant
At-Home Cellular is very similar to the At-Home Landline system. It offers all of the same features; the main differences are cost and this system’s AT&T cellular connection (no landline required). It costs $34.95 per month with the month-to-month plan, $32.95 per month with quarterly payments, or $30.95 per month with an annual plan.
At just $5 more than the landline system, you’ll have the freedom to place the base unit anywhere in your home since you won’t need to connect to a phone jack. While this is a convenient option for those without a landline, it may not be best for areas where AT&T’s coverage is sparse. If you’re on a tight budget, we’d recommend the landline unit to save a few bucks.
At-Home & On-the-Go, VIP flex
Charging LifeFone's VIP flex system
If you’re looking for a discrete system that you can wear all day, LifeFone’s At-Home & On-the-Go, VIP flex system is a great choice. It’s priced at $43.95 per month. Prices drop to $41.95 monthly for a quarterly plan and as low as $39.95 with an annual plan. This system is around the same price as the MGMini Lite from Medical Guardian, and the two systems are nearly identical.
VIP flex is a small mobile device with advanced GPS and Wi-Fi tracking. It has a five-day battery life, so you’ll be covered throughout the day wherever you go. You can wear the system on your wrist as a watch or around the neck. This is the smallest LifeFone system, making it a great choice for those who want a less obvious and bulky system. You can choose between an AT&T and Verizon connection with this system.
At-Home & On-the-Go GPS, VIP Active®
Editor Jeff Hoyt testing VIP Active®
LifeFone’s At-Home & On-the-Go, Voice-In-Pendant (VIP) Active® system offers all-in-one protection. The package costs $41.95 per month for the month-to-month plan, with prices decreasing with quarterly and annual plans. This mobile system can be used at home or on the go (as the name suggests) 一 an excellent value.
At-Home & On-the-Go, VIP Active® solely relies on a mobile unit, so you can transition from staying home to running errands without changing help buttons. The pendant is equipped with GPS and Wi-Fi technology, a two-way speaker, optional fall detection, and a battery that lasts up to five days. Whether gardening in the backyard or heading out for a road trip or to the store, you won’t have to worry about a dead battery.
Thanks to the GPS technology, help can be sent to your exact location at all times. The system runs on AT&T, so potential customers should check to see if the carrier offers reliable coverage where they live.
At-Home & On-the-Go, VIPx®
Like the VIP Active®, the VIPx® is an all-in-one device that can run on either AT&T or Verizon and has advanced location tracking with GPS and Wi-Fi technology. The similarities end there. The VIPx® is uber small and lightweight 一 just 1.3 ounces and about the size of a car key fob. In addition, it comes in your choice of black, white, or silver.
The battery life of this discreet device is longer than the VIP Active®, and, at up to 10 days, it also beats most of the competition. It has a few additional features, too. It offers optional fall detection for $5 per month and the VIPx® Caregiver App for $8 monthly. At $43.95 per month with a monthly plan, this is one of LifeFone’s most expensive systems but is also among the most advanced and comprehensive.
Current Deal: For a limited time, LifeFone is offering one free month and free shipping, and a free lock box on its annual plans.
At-Home & On-the-Go Safe Watch Active®
Recently launched, the Safe Watch Active® joins a growing list of smartwatch medical alert systems available. However, it stands out in a crowd for two reasons. First, the Safe Watch Active® includes built-in fall detection, which many comparable watches don’t. While reviews are still out, this is a huge step forward. In addition, while the Safe Watch Active® offers sophisticated technology, an appealing design, and feature-rich performance, it does not have an equipment fee. It is pretty much unheard of with other medical alert smartwatches. The trade-off is an above-average monthly cost of $47.95.
Add-On Accessories: Pricing and Features
LifeFone offers several add-on services and accessories for their alert systems. We’ll take a look below.
| Product | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Activity Assurance caregiver tool | – Allows user to set check-in time – If user doesn’t check in within 15 minutes of predetermined time, the agent will follow emergency instructions |
$6 per month |
| Daily Check-In Call | – Allows user to set check-in call time – If user doesn't respond to check-in within 15 minutes, the agent will follow emergency instructions – Can also be used for medication reminders |
$19 per month |
| VIPx® Caregiver App | – Check first motion of the day – Location tracking – View button press history – Step tracking |
$8 per month |
| Protection plan | – Protects you from loss, theft, or damage – Includes $6 deductible for standard pendant and $29 deductible for base station or voice-in-pendant |
$5 per month |
| Automatic fall detection | – Either embedded in mobile all-in-one device or used through a separate help pendant – Fall is automatically detected and alert sent to monitoring center |
$5 per month |
| Vanity pendant | – Fashionable option for at-home medical alert pendant – Does not include fall detection |
$49.95 |
| Lockboxes | – Three options – Keep keys in lockbox with secret combination – LifeFone agent will give combination to EMTs for easy access into the home during emergency |
$29.95 – $39.95 |
| Wall-mounted help button | – Easily mounted with Velcro – Put anywhere a fall is likely |
$39.95 |
How to Get the Best Deal With LifeFone
Here are some ways to make sure you get the best deal with LifeFone.
- Referral program: For every customer you refer to LifeFone, you and your referral will both receive a free month of service.
- Advance payment: Save money by opting for an annual or quarterly plan. It may be more upfront, but the monthly breakdown can save you up to $5 per month (that’s $60 a year).
- Watch for specials: There are frequent special offers for quarterly and annual plans, such as free shipping and a free month of service.
- AARP membership discount: AARP members can receive a discount on their LifeFone service.
- Veteran discount: LifeFone offers a discount for U.S. veterans. This offer cannot be combined with the AARP membership discount.
Compare LifeFone to Other Providers
Is LifeFone Right for Me?
We’d recommend LifeFone if:
- You live an active lifestyle: Medical alert systems aren’t just for homebodies! In the U.S., more than 3 million seniors own a medical device,2 and they’re not all staying home. Cellular-based systems, like LifeFone’s VIP Active®, are a great way for older adults to have help available, wherever they go.
- You’re more at risk of a fall: Each year, more than 1 in 4 adults age 65 and older fall, resulting in 3 million admissions to the emergency room for fall injuries.3 LifeFone offers automatic fall detection for $5 per month, so seniors can be prepared in the event they fall.
- You are budget-conscious: LifeFone offers plenty of affordable services, the choice between monthly, quarterly, and annual payment plans, and no equipment or activation fees.
- You want add-ons: The company offers many different accessories and tools, from vanity pendants to medication reminders to check-in calls. Just be wary: Accessory prices can add up quickly.
Conclusion
While the number of products and add-on services that LifeFone offers can be overwhelming, you can build a customized package at a reasonable price with a bit of savvy shopping. Starting at $24.95 monthly with an annual plan, the company offers competitively priced systems. Throw in affordable fall detection, no long-term contracts, and a 30-day money-back guarantee, and you’ll see that LifeFone provides solid value. However, be mindful of the add-ons. They can quickly escalate your monthly costs. Ultimately, when it comes to reliable technology and service at budget-friendly prices, LifeFone is a good way to go.
To learn more about LifeFone, read our LifeFone review or watch our video review below with our Editor-in-Chief, Jeff Hoyt.
Frequently Asked Questions About LifeFone
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How much does LifeFone cost per month?
Depending on the system and payment plan you choose, prices range from $24.95 per month to $47.95 per month.
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What is LifeFone’s return policy?
LifeFone doesn’t require long-term contracts, so you can cancel your service at any time. If you’ve paid for services in advance that you have not yet used at the time of cancellation, you’ll receive a prorated refund.
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What happens if I push the LifeFone button and I’m not able to communicate with the operator?
If you call for help and the LifeFone operator can’t hear you, they will try to reach you by phone. If they still can’t reach you, they will follow your preset Emergency Care Plan instructions and send the appropriate emergency services.
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Do I need a cell phone plan for LifeFone’s cellular systems?
While LifeFone’s cellular systems rely on either AT&T or Verizon’s 4G network, you won’t need your own cell phone plan. Instead, LifeFone will provide cellular service for you.
Better Business Bureau. (2020). BBB Accreditation LifeFone.
Washington Post. (2019). Considering a medical alert device? Here’s what you should know before buying.
National Council on Aging. (2020). Get the Facts on Falls Prevention.