Updated June 21, 2021
LifeFone Medical Alert System Cost and Pricing
Questions? Speak with a LifeFone Specialist:
LifeFone offers a lineup of four 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 service are recommended by the National Council on the Aging, the National Institute of Senior Citizens, and the National Stroke Association.
As a medical alert provider, LifeFone has a lot to offer its customers – such as an array of systems starting at $29.95 per month, 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 of their competitors, plus 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
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 waterproof help button – Two-way speaker in base station – 1,300-ft. range – 32-hour backup battery |
$29.95 per month | $27.95 per month | $24.95 per month | $5 per month |
| At-Home Cellular | – Base station and waterproof help button – Uses AT&T's cellular network – Two-way speaker in base station – 1,300-ft range – 32-hour back-up |
$34.95 per month | $32.95 per month | $30.95 per month | $5 per month |
| At-Home & On-the-Go GPS | – Base station, waterproof help button, and mobile device – 1,400-ft. in-home range – 24-hour battery for mobile device – Built-in two-way speaker – GPS tracking in mobile device – Cellular connection |
$39.95 per month | $39.95 per month | $36.95 per month | $5 per month |
| At-Home & On-the-Go GPS, Voice in Necklace | – All-in-one mobile device – Uses AT&T's or Verizon's cellular network – GPS and WiFi tracking – 30-day battery (or 5-7 days when using fall detection) |
$43.95 per month | $41.95 per month | $39.95 per month | $5 per month |
A Closer Look at LifeFone’s Systems and Value
At-Home Landline
LifeFone – At Home (Landline or Cellular) Equipment
LifeFone's At-Home Landline system is the company's least expensive product. 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 with 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 $19.95 per month.
The package comes with a base station and a choice between 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'll be able to 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 ever 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 still 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 $29.95 per month with an annual plan.
FYI: Want to try before you buy? LifeFone offers a 30-day trial with a money-back guarantee.
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 GPS
LifeFone – At Home & On The Go GPS Equipment
If you enjoy being out and about as much as you enjoy being home, you can get the best of both worlds with LifeFone's At-Home & On-the-Go GPS, starting at $39.95 per month or $36.95 per month with an annual plan. This hybrid system is a few dollars cheaper than MobileHelp's prices for a similar system, so you know you're getting a solid deal.
Did You Know: LifeFone's services go beyond senior care. The various caregiver tools, like medication reminders and daily check-ins, are perfect for adults with unique needs.
At-Home & On-the-Go GPS comes with a cellular base unit, a help button, and a wearable mobile device. The mobile device is designed for on-the-go use, with GPS tracking and 24-hour battery life, so you'll be covered throughout the day wherever you go. The at-home system has similar features to LifeFone's other landline options, and the coverage range is extended to 1,400 feet. Both the base station and the mobile device use AT&T's cellular network.
At-Home & On-the-Go GPS, Voice in Necklace
Editor Jeff Hoyt testing Voice In Necklace
LifeFone's At-Home & On-the-Go, Voice-In-Pendant offers all-in-one protection. The package costs $43.95 per month for the month-to-month plan, $41.95 per month for quarterly payments, or $39.95 per month on the annual plan. This mobile system can be used at home or on the go (as the name suggests), so it offers excellent value.
At-Home & On-the-Go GPS, Voice-In-Pendant solely relies on a mobile unit, so you can transition from staying home to running errands without changing help buttons. The pendant itself comes equipped with GPS and Wi-Fi technology, a two-way speaker, and a battery that can last for 30 days (or five to seven days when using fall detection). Whether you're 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 can run on either AT&T or Verizon, so potential customers should check which carrier offers the best coverage in places they will normally be.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Alert App | -Good option for those who do not want to wear a medical alert device -Three alert options (Panic, Concern, and Medical) -Operates on same cellular network as user’s smartphone |
– $6.95 per month for existing customers – $8.95 per month for new customers |
| Family Guard App | -Good option for parents and caregivers-GPS tracking -Three alert options (Panic, Concern, and Medical) |
Starts at $9.95 per month |
| Complete Home Package | -Fire and smoke detection-CO2 detection -Includes medical alert system |
Starts at $42.95 per month |
| Activity Assurance Caregiver Tool | -Allows user to set check-in time -If user doesn’t respond to check-in within 15 minutes, 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 |
| Medication reminders | -Set up to four reminders a day (up to 10 medications per reminder) -Caretakers can access this through the Caregiver Portal |
$6 per month |
| Location services | -Good for individuals with health or memory conditions -Allows an authorized caregiver to request user’s location |
$9 per month |
| Fall detection | -Good for those who may be more at risk of falling | $5 per month ($10 per month for At-Home & On-the-Go GPS) |
| Vanity pendant | -Fashionable option for medical alert pendant -Does not include fall detection |
$71.95 |
| 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 |
$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.
Current Deal: We've seen LifeFone offer Mother's Day, Memorial Day, and Father's Day deals, so be sure to check the website to see which promotion they are currently running!
Is LifeFone Right for Me?
Let's see if it's the right choice for you.
- 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 On-the-Go GPS unit, are a great way for older adults to take help with them 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 starting at $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 there are 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, we've found that you can build a customized package at a reasonable price with a bit of savvy shopping. Starting at $24.95 per month 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, as 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
- How much does LifeFone cost per month?
Depending on the system and payment plan you choose, prices range from $24.95 per month to $43.95 per month.
- 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.
- 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.
- Do I need a cell phone plan for LifeFone’s cellular systems?
While LifeFone’s cellular systems rely on AT&T’s 4G network, you won’t need your own cell phone plan. Instead, LifeFone will provide cellular service for you.
Citations
Better Business Bureau. (2020). LifeFone.
Washington Post. (2019). Considering a medical alert device? Here's what you should know before buying.
National Council on Aging. (2020). Falls Prevention Facts.