Medical Guardian Alert System
A Guide to Medical Alert System Pricing With Medical Guardian
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855-919-4522
SeniorLiving.org is compensated when you click on the provider links listed on this page. This compensation does not impact our ratings or reviews. Read our Editorial Guidelines here to learn more about our review process and to learn more about how we are compensated.
855-919-4522
Medical Guardian is a longtime leader in the medical alert industry with a diverse product lineup that includes at-home systems and on-the-go units. The company ranks #2 on our list of the best medical alert systems for its high-tech features, versatile systems, reliable monitoring, and excellent customer care. With prices starting at $29.95 per month, you’ll find that Medical Guardian is slightly pricier compared to the competition, but, fortunately, they don’t require you to commit to a long-term contract – unlike other providers we’ve reviewed, like Life Alert.
Below, we’ll break down the costs and value of Medical Guardian’s products and plans, as well as our opinions on what to avoid, to help you make an educated decision when it comes time to purchase a medical alert system for yourself or a loved one.
My grandma testing out Medical Guardian's Home 2.0 system
At-a-Glance: What You Need To Know About Medical Guardian
- Landline and cellular options
- Cellular coverage through AT&T or Verizon
- 24/7 professional monitoring included in all packages
- U.S.-based monitoring centers
- No long-term contracts required
- High-tech smartwatch system
- Water-resistant technology
- Discounts available for annual payment plans
- No hidden fees
- Customizable packages to fit most lifestyles
- Online portal for care management
The Fast Facts: Medical Guardian’s Packages and Pricing
| Product | Monthly prices | Designed for | Connection type | Equipment fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Guardian | $29.95 per month | At home | Landline | No |
| Home 2.0 | $37.95 per month | At home | Cellular | $149.95 |
| MGMini | $39.95 per month | On the go | Cellular | $149.95 |
| MGMove | $39.95 per month | On the go | GPS, 4G | $199.95 |
| MGMini Lite | $44.95 per month | On the go | Cellular | $149.95 |
Medical Guardian offers a variety of high-tech medical alert systems to meet your needs and lifestyle.
A Closer Look at Medical Guardian’s Systems and Value
Medical Guardian provides a diversified lineup of systems at various price points. You’ll pay anywhere from $29.95 to $44.95 per month when you choose a monthly plan. To cut down your overall costs, you can pay for Medical Guardian’s systems annually and save 16 percent or up to $45 a year. Note that if you cancel your service before the year is up, you’ll receive a prorated refund.
Unlike other companies we've reviewed, including Lively, Medical Guardian doesn’t charge activation fees for their systems. When comparing prices with other brands, it is always important to include these extra fees in your cost analysis.
We also recommend taking note of any useful, no-cost extras. In the case of Medical Guardian, one additional free service that we really like is MyGuardian, a customer care portal and app. It allows you to manage all of your billing, health, and safety information in one place.
Pro Tip: Medical Guardian and Lively are two of the top players in the medical alert industry. For a side-by-side look at these providers, visit our Medical Guardian vs. Lively comparison guide.
Classic Guardian
Classic Guardian
At $29.95 per month, Classic Guardian is Medical Guardian’s lowest-priced package. If you live in an area with poor cell reception or are on a tight budget, we recommend Classic Guardian. This is the company’s only landline option, and it’s designed for in-home use. The system comes with a base station and a waterproof, wearable help pendant. You can call for help by pressing the button on the base station or pendant, and Medical Guardian’s monitoring center will be there to help in under a minute. Use the two-way talk feature to let them know what you need. We’re big fans of the system’s long in-home range of up to 1,300 feet (one of the longest ranges in the industry) and the 32-hour backup battery.
Home 2.0
Testing out Medical Guardian's Home 2.0 system
Good news, homebodies! Home 2.0 is ideal for seniors who spend most of their time, you guessed it, at home. It’s similar to Classic Guardian, except it costs $8 more ($37.95 per month) and has a one-time equipment fee of $149.95. The main differences between the two systems is that the Home 2.0 base station has a sleeker design and runs on cellular and Wi-Fi connections rather than a landline. You can also add fall detection for $10 per month, which is in line with industry rates. We’d recommend going with Classic Guardian if you want the lowest rates possible.
The base station for Home 2.0 comes with a 32-hour backup battery, a high-speed connection that utilizes AT&T 4G LTE and Wi-Fi, and a two-way talk speaker. And, notably, the coverage range between the help button and the base station was improved in 2020 from 600 to 1,400 feet! You can’t do much better than that.
MGMini
Mini Guardian – One of Medical Guardian's affordable systems for seniors aging in place
The MGMini, priced at $39.95 per month, is excellent for those who don't want a bulky mobile system. The MGMini comes with built-in GPS, cellular, and Wi-Fi technology, so you can take it with you anywhere and stay protected. This all-in-one mobile device weighs just over one ounce and is about half the width of their traditional GPS options, so it's discreet and sleek. We'd recommend the MGMini for minimalists. Plus, the MGMini is one of Medical Guardian's least expensive mobile options, so it's good for those on a budget. Just keep in mind that there is a one-time $149.95 equipment fee.
MGMini Lite
Trying out Medical Guardian's MGMini Lite
Priced at $44.95 per month, MGMini Lite is another cellular device with advanced GPS tracking designed for those who spend time away from home. MGMini Lite is a bracelet system. All you need to do is strap it on like a watch, so it’s sleek and simple to use.
MGMini Lite is also smaller than Medical Guardian’s other mobile options. Since the help button is attached to the wristlet, you’ll have it on hand wherever you go. The device is waterproof, so you can keep it on at all times, even in the shower or while swimming. If you’re looking for a simple, easy-to-use mobile option that also works well at home, consider MGMini Lite.
MGMove
Testing out the MGMove watch
MGMove, a smartwatch medical alert system, is Medical Guardian’s newest addition. It costs $39.95 per month (or $36.62 per month with an annual plan), plus a $199.95 equipment fee. MGMove offers excellent features for active users or those who want a more discreet system. MGMove is the only Medical Guardian system that doesn’t feature automatic fall detection. If this is important to you, check out one of the provider’s other systems.
This smartwatch features a touchscreen face with a step tracker, weather app, and Shake to Wake feature. With optional apps, users can text and talk with designated contacts, and caregivers can track the user’s location in real-time and set up reminders. MGMove has a battery life of up to 24 hours, making it comparable to other watches from providers we’ve reviewed, like WellBe from Handsfree Health.
If you are looking for a smartwatch at a lower monthly price point, we recommend checking out Bay Alarm Medical’s SOS Smartwatch.
Add-On Accessories: Pricing and Features
| Add-on equipment | Costs | Features and functionality |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless Wall Button |
|
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| Additional Alert Pendants | $2.99 per month for each pendant |
|
| Entryway Key Lockbox | $2.99 per month |
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| Voice-Activated Wall-Mounted Button | $4.99 per month |
|
| Automatic Fall Detection |
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| OnGuard Alerts | $2.99 per month |
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| Protection Plan | $6.99 per month |
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| Elite 911 | $9.99 per month |
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| Support Circle Apps | $5 per month |
|
Options when you go to send a new message
How To Get the Best Deal With Medical Guardian
To get the most bang for your buck, we recommend going with the annual payment option. In our Medical Guardian review, we found that you can save up to $45 every year by paying annually, depending on the package you pick. Medical Guardian also offers perks with the annual payment option, like free shipping, extra equipment, and a free month of service. A pretty great deal if you ask us!
Current Deal: Medical Guardian is offering 33 percent discount on select products, plus a free month of service, shipping, and lockbox.
If you’re worried about committing to Medical Guardian for an entire year, don’t stress about it. You can cancel your service at any time. If you’ve paid for services upfront that you haven’t used yet, you’ll receive a prorated refund. For example, if you paid for a full year of service but decide to cancel after five months, you’ll receive a refund for the seven remaining months of service.
Is Medical Guardian Right for Me?
As long as you're not searching for the absolute cheapest medical alert system available, Medical Guardian is great for any older adult. From homebodies to solo travelers, Medical Guardian offers at-home and mobile systems to suit most budgets and lifestyles. If you have a history of falling or a medical condition that puts you at a higher risk of falls, we’d recommend adding fall detection. Any system (aside from the MGMove) can be equipped with this life-saving technology for an extra $10 per month.
Final Thoughts on Pricing and Value for Medical Guardian
While Medical Guardian’s prices are slightly higher than the costs for companies we’ve reviewed, like LifeStation, we found that the prices for their mobile alert systems match the quality and advanced features. In other words, you get what you pay for. Plus, you can save on monthly rates with an annual payment plan. All in all, Medical Guardian’s equipment is durable, sleek, and takes advantage of the latest high-tech features, making it a top medical alert system provider. If you’re willing to pay a little extra, Medical Guardian’s systems can go a long way for you and your family.
Watch our video review of Medical Guardian below for a closer look at this provider.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Guardian
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How much does Medical Guardian cost?
Medical Guardian alert systems start at $29.95 per month and range up to $44.95 per month, depending on the package you choose. Don’t forget to factor in an extra $10 per month if you want the added security of automatic fall detection.
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What does Medical Guardian offer?
Medical Guardian offers a diverse lineup of five medical alert systems. This ranges from simple landline options for at-home use to on-the-go systems. All of Medical Guardian’s systems include 24/7 professional monitoring at no extra cost.
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Who are Medical Guardian’s alert systems best for?
Because Medical Guardian has such a great variety of equipment options, we recommend them for any seniors looking for a medical alert system. Whether you need a system for a homebody or an active user, Medical Guardian has an option for most seniors.
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What is the recommended way to wear my fall detection pendant?
It is best to wear the fall detection pendant outside your clothing, so it can move freely to detect motion. Ideally, you want to wear the pendant in the middle of the breastbone.
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Do I need a medical alert system?
Medical alert systems offer protection and peace of mind to seniors and their loved ones. Even if you don’t feel that you need a system yet, you can purchase one preemptively to help avoid life-threatening and costly falls. After all, around 25 percent of people 65 and older experience a fall every year. Medical Guardian makes discreet, affordable systems, so you can find one that fits your budget and lifestyle.