If you’re searching for an affordable medical alert system, One Call Alert is worth considering, with prices starting at $24.95 per month. The company offers systems designed for active seniors, couples, and those who need affordable at-home protection. They’re not the most fashionable or high-tech, but they’re reliable, which is a top priority in my book. I tested out One Call Alert’s In-Home Wireless and Mobile Double systems for this year’s review. Keep reading to learn all about my experience with the company!
Pros About One Call Alert
Affordable subscription options
Diverse product lineup
No long-term contracts
Exceptional in-home range (up to 1,300 feet)
Showerproof equipment
30-day risk-free trial
Free caregiver portal for family and caregivers
No equipment fees
Cons About One Call Alert
Somewhat pricey upper-tier subscriptions
Processing fees for some plans
Prices subject to change
How Does One Call Alert Stack Up to Top Brands?
One Call Alert gives seniors fast access to 24/7 response teams without any long-term contracts. However, there are some hidden fees to note, and there are several providers that we rank higher than One Call Alert. If you’re looking for more affordable, advanced, or sleek systems check out the best medical alert systems we’ve tested below.
Buying a One Call Alert system is a relatively straightforward process. You can order through the One Call Alert website or call the company’s toll-free number for live assistance. The site is simple to navigate, but there’s not much information about each system, so I suggest asking for help if you have specific questions.
I called to ask a representative about the cost of adding fall detection and for more information about setting up my systems. A friendly representative told me that fall detection can be added to any system other than In-Home Landline for an extra $10 per month.
Did You Know:
Did You Know: All One Call Alert systems have a 30-day risk-free trial, so you can test out your system before committing to anything.
After the company answered my questions, it was time to choose a subscription package. You can pay for your service monthly, quarterly, semiannually, or annually. Selecting a subscription option other than the monthly payment can save you a few bucks per month. Also, after being a subscriber for 12 months, you start getting money-saving incentives from the company, like discounts and equipment updates.
Here’s the kicker, though: Monthly prices are subject to change without notice unless you opt for the add-on Connect Premium plan for $5 per month. There are also local taxes attached and a processing fee for some systems. Customer service should be able to help you navigate all of that if you have concerns.
Setting Up My System
In-Home Wireless Setup
Setting up your One Call System is, fortunately, very simple. For in-home units, you need only plug in the base station to the wall and phone jack (if you opt for the landline system) and follow the simple installation guide to activate the system.
When I tested my In-Home Wireless system, I pressed the help button on my base unit, and a voice said “call in progress” through the base station’s built-in speaker. Then, I heard a ringing sound and was connected to an operator in around 20 seconds. The operator instructed me to press my wearable help button for two seconds to ensure that it was working correctly, and that was it. Afterward, you simply wear the medical alert button at all times.
A Customer Perk: You can choose who the emergency operator contacts first when you need help based on your individual needs, so you can customize your care plan and make changes at any time.[/tips]
Mobile Double Setup
To set up the Mobile Double system, I placed the mobile units on their charging cradles. You’ll know the unit is charging when the yellow light on the front of the charger turns on. A red light on the mobile unit itself turned on to indicate that the unit still needed charging. Once that red light turned off, charging was complete. After a few hours, the units were fully charged. I then held down the help button for two seconds and was connected to a live operator. Because the system is cellular and totally mobile, I didn’t have to plug anything in to get started.
Contracts and Warranty
One Call Alert offers a limited lifetime warranty on all equipment along with a 30-day money-back guarantee. The company has an award-winning 24/7 customer service team and first responder network based right here in the United States. Note that each subscription renews automatically based on your selected payment schedule, but you can cancel your plan at any time without penalty by simply calling the company’s toll-free number — no questions asked.
One Call Alert Systems at a Glance
System
Monthly price
Fall detection
Activation fees
System highlights
In-Home Landline
$24.95
Not available
None
In-home landline system
Base station with 1,300-foot range
Waterproof help button
Mobile On-the-Go
$37.95
$10 per month
None
AT&T cellular connection
Mobile GPS base station for on-the-go use
Waterproof help button
Complete Protection
$41.95
$10 per month
None
Hybrid system
In-home base station
Mobile GPS base station for on-the-go use
Waterproof help button
In-Home Wireless
$19.95
$10 per month
$49.95 (waived with annual payment plan)
In-home base station
AT&T cellular connection
Waterproof help button
Mobile Double
$44.95
$10 per month
None
Two mobile GPS units for on-the-go use
AT&T cellular connection
Two waterproof help buttons
One Call Alert System and Product Details
In-Home Landline
One Call Alert In-Home Landline
Cost
The In-Home Landline system costs $24.95, making it one of One Call Alert’s most affordable systems. If you opt for the annual subscription plan, your cost works out to $22.95 per month (or $275.40 per year).
Equipment
This system comes with a base unit equipped with two-way communication and a wearable, waterproof pendant that’s safe for baths and showers. The base station’s range is an impressive 1,300 feet, so you can call for help quickly no matter where you are in the home. The base unit works through your home’s phone line, making it reliable, but it’s also one of the most basic models.
Service and Monitoring
Since this system runs on a landline connection, it’s one of the best options for seniors who spend significant time at home or with spotty cellular coverage. In an emergency, all you’ll need to do is press the help button on your base station or pendant, and you’ll be connected to a live operator at the 24/7 monitoring center. This system doesn’t have a fall detection option, so you’ll want to consider one of One Call Alert’s other systems if this feature is important to you.
In-Home Wireless
One Call Alert In-Home Wireless
Cost
In-Home Wireless is One Call Alert’s most affordable system, starting at $19.95 per month for the first year, plus a $49.95 one-time processing fee and $15 for shipping. While this system is comparable to other affordable providers, like Bay Alarm Medical, keep in mind that your monthly prices will go up each year. If you want fall detection, you’ll pay an extra $10 per month.
Equipment
My In-Home Wireless system came with a base station that features two-way talk and a help button, along with a waterproof, wearable help button. The wearable button is lightweight and can be worn as a necklace or bracelet.
Service and Monitoring
Simple and straightforward, the wireless unit offers reliable in-house connectivity through AT&T’s national coverage.1 Thanks to its cellular connection, you won’t have to worry about setting up your system near a phone jack. In-Home Wireless is equipped with GPS tracking for added protection.
This system works similarly to In-Home Landline, so you can choose between a landline and a cellular system for your at-home needs. Unlike with the landline system, you can add fall detection to In-Home Wireless, so it’s an excellent option for homebodies who are at higher risk of falls.
Mobile On-the-Go
One Call Alert Mobile On-The-Go
Cost
Mobile On-the-Go costs $37.95 per month with the monthly payment plan. If you opt for the annual subscription plan, your cost breaks down to $32.95 per month. For comparison, Aloe Care Health’s prices start at $29.99 per month for the mobile system, so One Call Alert falls right around the industry average for mobile units.
Equipment
The Mobile On-the-Go unit features a mobile GPS unit and a wearable, waterproof help pendant. This system is perfect for users who spend a lot of time away from home. You can throw the unit in a purse or pocket, or attach it to a belt for convenience. The help pendant is small and discreet, so you can easily tuck it into your shirt, and no one will even notice you have it on. The unit comes with a two-way speaker, and you can call for help using either the mobile unit or pendant.
Service and Monitoring
Thanks to the AT&T cellular connection and GPS technology, you can use this system away from home, no matter where you are. The only drawback to this system is that it’s built for a single user, so active senior couples would need the Mobile Double instead. It can also be upgraded to include fall detection.
Mobile Double
One Call Alert Mobile Double
Cost
The Mobile Double costs $44.95 per month. If you choose the annual subscription plan, your cost breaks down to $39.95 per month. This system offers great value, as it comes with two mobile units; you’re getting two systems for the price of one!
Equipment
The Mobile Double system is essentially the same as the Mobile On-the-Go unit, except it comes with two mobile units and help buttons instead of just one. These units are designed to work separately; even if you and your partner aren’t together, you can both stay protected at the same time.
Quick Tip:
Quick Tip: Visit our list of this year’s best medical alert systems to compare One Call Alert to other top providers.
Service and Monitoring
The system features mobile GPS tracking, an AT&T cellular connection, two-way voice capabilities, and optional fall detection. No matter where you are, you’ll be able to call for help as long as you have reliable AT&T coverage. My partner and I tried out the units while running errands, and the cellular connection was strong. Each time we pressed our help button, we were connected to an operator in no time.
Complete Protection
One Call Alert Complete Protection
Cost
Complete Protection, One Call Alert’s hybrid system, costs $41.95 per month. If you opt for the annual subscription, you’ll pay $36.95 per month. You’ll also receive a free lockbox (valued at $29.95) with this system, no matter which payment plan you choose. I love freebies like this!
Equipment
This is the most comprehensive system that One Call Alert offers because it comes with a full at-home wireless system and on-the-go mobile unit. I’d recommend this package for older adults who want full protection at all times. It’s also a good option for couples if one partner spends more time at home and the other is out and about often. For couples who are both always on the go, I’d recommend the Mobile Double instead.
Service and Monitoring
Complete Protection offers mobile GPS tracking, a cellular connection, and optional fall detection. Like One Call Alert’s other cellular systems, the at-home and on-the-go units both run on AT&T’s network. If you live in an area with spotty coverage, this might not be the best system for you.
Add-on Features and Accessories
Add-on accessory
Price
Features
Fall Detection
$10 per month
This pendant can detect falls automatically and send help straightaway, even when you’re unable to press the help button.
Lockbox
Free with any plan purchase
A lockbox gives first responders easy access to your home during an emergency, so they don’t have to break down the front door.
Connect Premium
$5 per month
This protection plan covers the cost of any lost, stolen, or damaged equipment. It also locks in your monthly rates for life, and you’ll get discounts on extra equipment.
The Bottom Line on One Call Alert
After testing out my One Call Alert systems, I was satisfied with the company’s offerings. One Call Alert has affordable monthly prices for those on a budget and a diverse product lineup with at-home and on-the-go options. Overall, One Call Alert provides reliable equipment for couples or single older adults that won’t break the bank. However, if you’re looking for a system with the latest high-tech features or lots of add-on accessories, you may want to consider other providers we’ve reviewed, like Medical Guardian.
Not only are all One Call Medical Alert systems backed by a quality guarantee from the manufacturer, but they are also durably made and feature long-lasting batteries to ensure your safety at all times. One Call also uses reliable AT&T services for its cellular systems, so you can rest assured there’s someone on the other line when you need them.
You can contact One Call Alert customer service at any time by calling 1-800-913-9098. Once you’ve subscribed, be sure to provide agents with your contact information as well. If your information changes for any reason, update the One Call Alert representatives and any caretakers by sharing those changes in a timely manner.
You can cancel your One Call Alert subscription at any time without penalty. You’ll just need to call customer service and return all of your equipment. After that, you’ll receive a prorated refund for any service that was paid for upfront but went unused.
As Editor-in-Chief of the personal finance site MoneyTips.com, Jeff produced hundreds of articles on the subject of retirement, including preventing identity theft, minimizing taxes, investing successfully, preparing for retirement medical costs, protecting your credit score, and making your money last… Learn More About Jeff Hoyt
