COVID-19 Update: Since the medical alert industry is considered to be “essential” during the COVID crisis, monitoring and customer service centers are still open and ready to help. To learn more about how a medical alert device can help keep you or your elderly loved one safe and connected during this pandemic, take a look at our list of essential products for seniors during COVID-19.

Offered by many of the best medical alert systems, a medical alert bracelet is a convenient, non-intrusive and wearable device option that can include a surprising range of helpful features. Some bracelets are perfect for seniors who lead active lifestyles and are designed as an all-in-one smartwatch-style device with GPS tracking, while others may simply serve as lightweight, wearable help-buttons that connect to an in-home base station. All, however, are designed to connect wearers directly to operators at 24-hour monitoring centers trained to assist seniors in the event of an emergency, scare or medical concern.

Because a well-working medical alert bracelet system can provide invaluable peace of mind for device wearers and their loved ones, it’s important that seniors purchase their bracelet from a reputable source providing the price points, benefits and customer service they need. While we feel that the best place to buy a medical alert system bracelet is often directly from the medical alert company itself, several big box stores and online retailers sell them as well.

Below, we discuss some of the top places to buy medical alert bracelets as well as some key things to consider when choosing your source.

Buying Directly From a Medical Alert Company

Shopping directly through the medical alert bracelet company ensures that you receive the best customer service, device set up and ease of purchase. Because these companies sell their systems directly to seniors online and over the phone, you don’t need to leave the comfort of your home or travel store to store to find the best deal. Additionally, company representatives are available to answer any questions or concerns you may have and walk you through specific bracelet options, prices and features.

Some of the top companies we feel provide the best bracelet options include Medical Guardian, which offers a unique mobile wristwatch-style device with speech-to-text SMS messaging, and MobileHelp, whose wristwatch-style devices include heart-rate monitoring and step counting. Additionally, both companies offer water-resistant wearable wristbands as part of their in-home medical alert systems.

Potential pros of buying your medical alert bracelet directly from the company itself include:

  • Superior, informed customer service that often includes help with setup and installation
  • Informative websites with more comprehensive plan details and device descriptions than those found through outside retailers
  • More plan options and customizations available, such as the choice of monthly or annual payment plans and add-on features
  • Potential additional discounts for veterans
  • Helpful online tools to help you find the best plan and device for you
  • Custom device protection plans offered with some systems

Potential cons:

  • Outside retailers may offer lower prices or perks, such as free shipping for certain devices and plans
  • More options can make searching more time consuming or confusing

Buying From a Reseller

Alternatively, some seniors may wish instead to purchase their medical alert bracelet from a reseller. Some resellers that sell medical alert systems include Best Buy, which may allow you to order online or pick up your device directly from the store, and Amazon, Walmart and Costco, which only sell models online. These stores can sometimes offer lower prices than those offered directly by the medical alert company itself but may not always carry as many device options or the same guarantee of quality and service.

Costco, for instance, offers Medical Guardian’s Freedom Guard wristwatch-style device for $43.33 per month for the first three months and then $39.95 per month after that. While Medical Guardian may offer special discounts, such as one month free and its website shows monthly costs to be $44.95 plus a one time $99 device fee.

Potential pros of buying a medical alert bracelet through a reseller:

  • May find discounted prices
  • Ability to read customer reviews
  • Fewer options available may be appealing to some seniors

Potential cons:

  • A reseller may not be able to ensure devices are not damaged or mishandled before shipping if coming from a third party and not the company itself
  • No expert customer service representatives on staff to answer device or set up questions
  • Websites may not be as informative or easy to read, making it more difficult to ensure you’re ordering the right system

Other Things to Consider

Ultimately, we hope that our medical alert company guides help make it easier for you to find your preferred bracelet. If you choose a bracelet, you can rest easy knowing that buying directly from the company itself is always an option. Additionally, you can search for the same bracelet through other retailers, such as Amazon or Costco to compare prices or read customer reviews.

Some questions to keep in mind when deciding where to buy your bracelet include:

  • Does the retailer offer some sort of device protection plan? This question may be especially important for those at higher risk for damaging or misplacing items due to memory impairments or an active lifestyle.
  • Does the retailer offer free shipping?
  • What discounts are available?
  • How easy is it to access customer support?
  • What is the retailer’s return policy? Do they offer prorated refunds or a 30-day, no-risk trial period?