Medical Care Alert vs. Medical Guardian, Compared and Tested by Tech Experts
Medical Care Alert offers three simple systems backed by EMT-certified response agents, while Medical Guardian has a variety of high-tech systems and add-ons.
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Key Takeaways
- Medical Care Alert is our top pick for simple systems and perks like a free lockbox.
- Medical Guardian is best for those who want sleek, high-tech systems and add-on options. The brand is also one of our picks for this year’s best medical alert systems.
Medical Care Alert and Medical Guardian are both well-established medical alert system companies with excellent reputations. While their service charges are similar, there are some key differences between the companies that you’ll want to consider. Our tech experts spent over 50 hours researching, comparing, and testing medical alert systems to learn the ins and outs of these companies. We’ll examine all of the essential details we discovered below, including factors like equipment fees, contracts, trials, and more. We’ll also include several comparison charts, so you can easily see the differences in these companies and determine which medical alert system is right for you.
A Side-by-Side Look at Medical Care Alert vs. Medical Guardian
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|---|---|---|
| Price range | $29.95 to $39.95 per month | $29.95 to $44.95 per month |
| Discounts for quarterly or annual payment plans | Annual plans receive one month free. | Annual payments save 16 percent and get a free lockbox and free shipping. |
| Equipment fees | $149.95 equipment fee for the smartwatch | No activation fees. Equipment fees range from $0 to $199.95. |
| Contracts | None | None |
| Money-back guarantee | 14-day trial | Prorated refund available for unused service period for monthly or annual subscriptions |
| Fall detection cost | $10 per month | $10 per month |
| Mobile app | Yes | Yes |
| Water-resistant equipment | Yes | Yes |
| 24/7 monitoring | Yes | Yes |
| Two-way communication | Yes | Yes |
| In-home range | 1,000 feet | 1,300 feet |
| Battery life for on-the-go systems | Up to three days | Up to five days |
| Cellular connection | AT&T or T-Mobile | AT&T or Verizon |
| Language support | Not specified | English and Spanish, translation service available for other languages |
| Website |
About Medical Care Alert
Medical Care Alert system
Medical Care Alert offers three medical alert systems for use at home and while on the go. The company offers a 14-day trial, while Medical Guardian doesn’t offer a trial. Medical Care Alert also offers a free lockbox to give family and emergency responders access to your home, but Medical Guardian charges for a lockbox add-on, unless you pay annually. Medical Care Alert’s monthly costs are comparable to Medical Guardian. However, Medical Care Alert only charges an equipment fee for its smartwatch, which helps to keep costs down.
Did You Know? Technology can enhance seniors’ lives and improve their safety in many ways. Learn more about the different types of technology available for seniors.
One major defining feature of Medical Care Alert is the fact that its U.S.-based operators are EMT-certified, meaning they may be better prepared to handle emergency medical calls than operators at other companies. Additionally, the service includes a free smartphone app that allows you to track the smartwatch’s location, which can be a helpful way to keep an eye on your loved one.
Pros About Medical Care Alert
- U.S.-based operators are EMT-certified.
- Free lockbox
- In an emergency, texts and calls to your contact list are free.
- Price is locked in once you subscribe.
- 14-day trial
- Monthly, quarterly, semiannual, and annual billing available
- Free smartphone app lets you see device location, weather, recent events, and more.
- Home & Away Mini lets you tap the side button to call a contact for a quick check-in.
Cons About Medical Care Alert
- $149.95 smartwatch equipment fee
- Only three systems to choose from
About Medical Guardian
Testing out Medical Guardian's MGHome Cellular system
Medical Guardian offers more device and add-on choices than Medical Care Alert. The company offers five systems, including cellular and landline systems for use at home and on the go. Like Medical Care Alert, Medical Guardian’s monitoring services are based in the United States. Medical Guardian’s services are competitively priced, but the equipment fees increase your upfront costs.
» Learn More: Medical Guardian Review
When testing Medical Guardian devices, we found the setup was easy, and agents were quick to respond in less than a minute. We liked Medical Guardian’s sleek equipment, with systems ranging from a smartwatch to a modern-looking in-home system. The customer service representatives we spoke to were also helpful and friendly.
Learn More: Along with Medical Guardian, we’ve tested dozens of other medical alert systems. Learn more about our medical alert testing process and what’s involved.
Pros About Medical Guardian
- Five systems for at-home and on-the-go use
- Choice of landline or cellular services
- Monitoring services are U.S.-based.
- Lots of add-ons let you customize your system.
- Easily manage devices through the online portal.
- Option to cancel your service at any time
Cons About Medical Guardian
- No money-back guarantee or trial offered
- Equipment fees for some systems
Comparing Medical Care Alert and Medical Guardian Medical Alert Systems
Medical Care Alert
| System | Monthly price | Equipment fee | Connection | Designed for | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HOME Medical Alert System | $29.95 | None | Landline or cellular | In home | Those who spend lots of time at home |
| Home & Away Mini GPS Medical Alert System | $39.95 | None | Cellular | On the go | Active seniors who are often away from home |
| Senior Smart Watch with GPS | $39.95 | $149.95 | Cellular | On the go | Active seniors who want a slim watch they can wear anywhere they go |
Medical Guardian
| System | Starting price | Equipment fee | Connection | Designed for | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MGClassic | $29.95 per month | None | Landline | In home | Those who spend lots of time at home and have poor cell reception |
| MGHome Cellular | $37.95 per month | $149.95 | Cellular | In home | Those who spend lots of time at home |
| MGMini Lite | $44.95 per month | $149.95 | Cellular | On the go | Seniors who want a slim, simple watch |
| MGMini | $39.95 per month | $149.95 | Cellular | On the go | Seniors who want a slim, stylish device |
| MGMove | $39.95 per month | $199.95 | Cellular | On the go | Active seniors who want a smartwatch system |
Add-On Features and Equipment
Medical Care Alert and Medical Guardian both offer add-on features and equipment that allow you to customize the medical alert systems to your needs.
Medical Care Alert:
- Fall detection is available for $10 per month.
- HOME Fall Detection Pendant can be added to the HOME-MXD or HOME-LTE systems for $65.
- A HOME Medical Alert Wall Button is waterproof and lets you call the monitoring system by pressing the button. It costs $39.95.
- Upgrade your medical alert button with a jewelry pendant holder for $49.95.
» Money-Saving Resource: Most Affordable Medical Alert Systems
Medical Guardian:
- Optional fall detection costs $10 per month.
- OnGuard alerts cost $2.99 per month. With this service, Medical Guardian will send a text or email to everyone on your caregiver list to alert them if an emergency occurs.
- A wall-mounted button and a voice-activated wall-mounted button can be installed in your home. The button allows you to call the monitoring center during an emergency. These buttons cost $2.99 to $4.99 per month.
- A lockbox gives emergency responders or family members access to your key, so they can get into your home without breaking in. It costs $2.99 per month, but it is included free with some packages.
Our Final Thoughts on Medical Care Alert vs. Medical Guardian
Both Medical Care Alert and Medical Guardian have excellent reputations for providing quality products and emergency response services. While Medical Guardian offers more device and add-on choices, Medical Care Alert stands out for its EMT-certified operators. Both companies offer features like fall detection and two-way communication, as well as devices designed for use while at home and on the go.
Medical Care Alert is best for:
- Those who want a free trial.
- Those who don’t care about extra bells and whistles.
- Those who want to avoid equipment fees.
Medical Guardian is best for:
- Those who want high-tech systems.
- Those who want plenty of choices and customization options.
- Those who want lots of add-ons.
