Medical Guardian System Review

We compared Medical Guardian to other industry leaders. It excels at customization.

Best mobile medical alerts
Medical Guardian
Medical Guardian
4.8 out of 5 stars
4.75
Starts at$29.95/mo
  • pro
    Wide selection of equipment
  • pro
    Voice-activated device
  • pro
    14-day full refund period

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Cathy Habas
Mar 27, 2024
Icon Time To Read8 min read

Medical Guardian occupies a good middle ground with price, features, and customer support, making it one of the best medical alert systems in our book.

Medical Guardian products include long-range devices for the home, a voice-activated option, and solutions for more active older adults.

And best of all: this medical alert company's monthly prices start at just under $30.

icon of the safewise owl icon with a banner saying deals
This week's Medical Guardian deals

🔥 Medical Guardian: Get 75% off MGMini. Plus FREE Shipping, 1 FREE month and FREE lock box.* Use code: Lightning75

Info current as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*Offer valid for annual subscriptions by new customers only.

Medical Guardian pros and cons

pro
Pros
pro Landline and cellular options
pro 32+ hour backup battery in base unit
pro Industry-leading 1,400-foot range
pro No activation fee
pro Five Diamond Certified monitoring center
pro Free pendant battery replacement
pro Discounted spouse coverage
con
Cons
con No free warranty
con No price lock guarantee

Medical Guardian costs, systems, and policies for 2024

Medical Guardian MG Cellular kit

Medical Guardian’s monthly prices range from around $30 to $45 per month depending on which medical alert device you choose. This lands Medical Guardian in the middle of the pack for the most affordable medical alert systems.

Most packages come with a wearable alert button and a base station or GPS unit. You can keep each of the wearables (a wristband or pendant) on 24/7, whether you're in the shower, running errands, or relaxing at home.

Image: Medical Guardian

How much does Medical Guardian cost?

Medical Guardian's costs are split into three categories:

  1. Equipment fees
  2. Monthly monitoring fees
  3. Optional accessory fees

If you stick to a very simple in-home system, you can pay $0 in equipment and accessory fees and just $29.95 per month.

(But if simple is what you want, there are more affordable options than Medical Guardian, including its close competitor Bay Alarm Medical.)

1. Medical Guardian equipment fees

Medical Guardian leases some of its medical alert systems for free and charges a flat rate of $149.95 to $199.95 for other devices. We've listed them in the table below for easy comparison.

Compare Medical Guardian pricing and systems

Equipment
Best for
Per month
Equipment fee
Equipment
Range from base
Battery life
Learn more

Homes with landlines

Base unit, wearable alert button

1,300 ft.

32 hr.*

Homes without landlines

Base unit, wearable alert button

1,400 ft.

32 hr*.

Errand runners

MGMini device, charging cradle, lanyards, belt clip

Unlimited

Up to 5 days.

Location trackingMGMini Lite device and band, charging cradle and attached cordUnlimitedUp to 36 hr.
Fitness trackingMGMove watch, charging cradleUnlimited18–24 hr.

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*32 hours of backup battery when not plugged in or no power.

If you cancel your Medical Guardian service, you must return the leased equipment. Failing to do so—or returning damaged equipment—may result in a fine up to $350.

Anything purchased upfront—including the MGHome Cellular, MG Mini, MGMove, and MGMini Lite—is yours to keep. 

2. Monthly monitoring fees

Medical Guardian charges between about $30 and $45 per month for its professional monitoring service. 

The exact amount you pay depends on your choice of equipment.

You'll get one month of free service if you pay upfront for a year's worth of monitoring. Plus, Medical Guardian throws in a few freebies—like a free lockbox (otherwise $2.99/mo.) and free ground shipping ($12.50 value)—when you make an annual payment.

3. Optional accessory fees

If you're on a budget, this is where you need to be careful. Medical Guardian charges per month for accessories and extra services, which adds up quickly. 

Here are the per-month fees for accessory add-ons:

Add-on
Price
Compatibility
MGClassic, MGHome Cellular, MGMini
MGClassic, MGHome Cellular, MGMini
MGClassic, MGHome Cellular, MGMini, MGMini Lite, MGMove
Add-on
Price
Compatibility
MGClassic, MGHome Cellular, MGMini
MGHome Cellular, MGClassic, MGMini
MGClassic, MGHome Cellular, MGMove, MGMini, MGMini Lite

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Learn more about these accessories in our Medical Guardian product guide.

You'll also see these two options at checkout:

  • Protection Plan: $6.99/mo.
  • OnGuard Alerts: $2.99/mo.

The Protection Plan is essentially a paid warranty. With OnGuard Alerts, your loved ones receive real-time texts and emails when you press the emergency button.

Access to the MyGuardian caregiver app and web portal is included with your monthly plan.

Images: Cathy Habas, SafeWise

Medical Guardian's refund and return policies

Medical Guardian doesn't advertise a free trial or money-back guarantee, but the customer service representative we spoke to said customers get a full refund if cancelling within 14 days.

After that, Medical Guardian offers prorated refunds for its emergency monitoring services, so you get some money back for unused days if you cancel in the middle of the month.

If you leased your equipment, you have to return it when cancelling. You're responsible for paying the return shipping fee. You may also get fined up to $350 if the equipment is damaged or you don't return it within 30 days.  

You can keep any equipment you purchased. If you send it back, you'll be charged a $50 restocking fee. 

Medical Guardian cost FAQs

From what we found, no. The rep from Life Alert we spoke with quoted us double what Medical Guardian costs.

That said, take care not to load up on Medical Guardian accessories if you're on a budget. Each one adds to your monthly total. In the long run, you'll save more money with a company like GetSafe that charges a one-time fee for all equipment. 

Learn more about Life Alert costs.

Unfortunately not. Some Medicare Advantage Plans might cover it or get you reimbursement for your costs, but standard Medicare does not. Learn more about Medicare and medical alert systems.

Spouse coverage through Medical Guardian costs an extra $2.99/month. Just buy an extra button for that price and call Medical Guardian to register your family member.

Shipping costs and times may vary, but here's what we were offered when we entered an address in the lower 48:

  • Standard ground shipping (8 to 12 business days): $12.50
  • Two-day shipping (busines days only): $25.00
  • Standard Overnight shipping (business days only): $35.00
  • Next Day Saturday: $45.00


Medical Guardian uses FedEx to ship its orders. 

Compare Medical Guardian to other medical alert systems

Brand
Best for
Lowest monthly price
In-home range
Backup battery
Landline option available
Learn more
Best overall1000 ft.32 hrs.
Icon Yes  LightYes
Best wearable options1300 ft.32 hrs.
Icon Yes  LightYes
Best for fall detection800 ft.30 hrs.
Icon Yes  LightYes
Best at-home system1,300 ft.32 hrs.
Icon Yes  LightYes

Info current as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

How Medical Guardian compares to the competition

We rank Medical Guardian as one of the best medical alert companies in America. It consistently beats over 30 other companies in terms of equipment variety, customer-friendly policies, and palatable prices. 

That said, Medical Guardian's closest competitor is Bay Alarm Medical. We dive into the nuances in our Medical Guardian vs. Bay Alarm Medical match-up, but suffice it to say that Bay Alarm Medical has better prices and policies (including a price lock guarantee) while Medical Guardian has unbeatable equipment. 

You can also read more about how Medical Guardian compares to some of the industry's biggest names in our other match-up pieces:

A closer look at Medical Guardian products

Medical Guardian offers every type of medical alert imaginable—including a direct-to-911 accessory. It's also one of just three medical alert companies with a voice-activated option.

For seniors who live alone but never run errands by themselves, we recommend Medical Guardian's MGClassic or MGHome Cellular. 

GPS medical alerts are better for busy, more mobile users. Like their home-based counterparts, the MGMini and MGMini Lite are equipped with a simple help button, two-way talk, and GPS tracking for emergency responders to find you quickly whether you're at home or not.

The MGMove smartwatch introduces some other neat features, like step tracking, a weather app, basic messaging, and even reminders to improve medication safety and appointment attendance.

1. MGClassic: Best for homes with a landline

Best for landlines
Medical Guardian MGClassic unit and wearable devices
MGClassic
Starting from$29.95/mo

Starting at $29.95 per month with no up-front equipment fees, the MGClassic is Medical Guardian’s most affordable option. The price is tempting, but the package requires a landline to function and the equipment is basic.

The MGClassic comes with a base unit and your choice of a lanyard or wristband help button. The base station has a giant emergency call button and a clear two-way talk system with a powerful speaker so you can call for help on the other side. 

The wearable alert button has an impressive range of 1,400 feet, so you can move about your house away from the base station. You can move throughout your garden, go upstairs, or even visit the neighbors as long as it's within range of the base station.

2. MGHome Cellular: Best for homes without a landline

Best for cellular connection
Medical Guardian MG Home Cellular base unit and wearable pendants
MGHome Cellular
Starting from$37.95/mo

The MGHome Cellular is a cellular version of the Classic Guardian, so you won’t need a landline to install it. The latest version of the MGHome Cellular features an improved backup battery and system range, bringing it up to par with its landline-based cousin.

You can check system status on this Medical Guardian alert system. Instead of conveying information through colored lights like the MGClassic, the MGHome talks to you. It's also easy to self-test the system to make sure it's working correctly.

The MGHome Cellular also differs from the MGClassic in its payment structure. You purchase the MGHome Cellular equipment outright for $149.95, whereas the MGClassic equipment is leased from Medical Guardian for free. It also costs a little more per month (about $8 extra) to monitor the MGHome Cellular vs. the MGClassic.

3. MGMini: Best for running errands

Best for running errands
Medical Guardian MG Mini pendant with 4 color options
MGMini
Starting from$39.95/mo

The MGMini is a one-piece system that you can take with you anywhere. It consists of a GPS module, charging cradle, lanyard and belt clip—all of which costs $149.95 and is yours to keep.

The MGMini is Medical Guardian's best medical alert system for location tracking and one of the best mobile medical alert devices we've reviewed. With built-in GPS, Wi-Fi, and 4G triangulation signals, the MGMini makes it easier for help to find you from anywhere. Because the MGMini uses 4G LTE services from AT&T and Verizon, there's virtually no limit to where this GPS module can go.

The MGMini is water-resistant too, so you can get help in the shower, when you’re swimming, or if you get caught in the rain on the way home.

One of the nicest features is the four color options: rose gold, silver, pearl and black. These options let you pick a mobile medical alert device that won't clash with your favorite outfits.

4. MGMini Lite: Best for location tracking

Best for location tracking
MGMini Lite
Starting from$44.95/mo

The MGMini Lite gives you flexibility and freedom without sacrificing safety. This sleek device is simple and discreet—linking you to help with the touch of one button.

If you don't like the idea of wearing a lanyard and don't need or want a smartwatch, the MGMini Lite is the ideal middle ground. It looks like a smartwatch or fitness tracker and its designed with just one help button to connect you directly to assistance when you need it. 

This Medical Guardian device costs $149.95 upfront and $44.95 per month. As with all Medical Guardian devices, for an extra $10 per month, you can get a unit with automatic fall detection.

5. MGMove: Best for fitness tracking

Best for fitness tracking
MGMove
Starting from$39.95/mo

The MGMove is a medical alert bracelet, fitness tracker, and messaging device rolled into one. It's different from other medical alert watches because you can call or message loved ones through the watch, but this perk costs an extra $5 per month. 

That extra $5 per month also unlocks a reminder feature so you don't miss an appointment or medication.

You always have the option to contact the monitoring center for help by pressing the red SOS button on the side of the watch. The MGMove also includes a weather app, analog and digital watch faces, and a pedometer. It also includes GPS tracking—your loved ones can keep an eye on your whereabouts through the MyGuardian app. 

MyGuardian app and online portal

Medical Guardian offers a caregiver portal called MyGuardian. Access is included with each equipment package. Caregivers can log on via the smartphone app or online portal to update their loved one's information, chat with other caregivers, organize tasks, view location history, pay Medical Guardian bills, and view system status. 

Medical Guardian customer service

The customer service options through Medical Guardian are pretty standard. Paying customers will get access to an online portal where they can view things like account details and payments. If you have a question, check the page’s FAQ section first. From here, you can find answers on anything from Medical Guardian's products to how to get fall alerts.

I used Medical Guardian's live chat feature dozens of times when fact-checking this review and our numerous best-of medical alert rankings. The customer service reps were always prompt to reply and easy to understand. They also didn't make me feel like I had to call and talk to a sales rep to get answers—what a relief!

Most of the customer reviews I read also reported friendly representatives, reliable products, and even competitive price matching. But I also saw feedback from upset customers who claimed issues like deceptive pricing—so be sure you fully understand whether you're paying a one-time fee or signing up for a monthly charge whenever you add an accessory or optional service to your bundle. The majority of customers seemed satisfied with the quality of Medical Guardian’s customer service and equipment.

Free button battery replacements

One advantage of choosing Medical Guardian is that you don't have to worry about the in-home panic pendants running out of batteries. Medical Guardian's monitoring team keeps an eye on each pendant's battery life and sends you a brand-new pendant when it starts to run low—which usually takes about 5 years.

Final word

While Medical Guardian's price range doesn’t fit everyone’s needs, you get what you pay for with high-quality equipment. The signal range and battery life for most of its equipment leads the medical alert industry. We also think it's the best medical alert provider for system customization.

Medical Guardian FAQ

Medical Guardian's Home 2.0 system and mobile medical alerts use the AT&T 4G cellular network.

A Medical Guardian rep confirmed that the Mini Guardian also works on the Verizon network. 

Medical Guardian no longer carries Family Guardian. This unique medical alert system was designed for caregivers who lived in a different home than their loved ones and doubled as a security system.

Alexa Together and Aloe Care Health have similar remote-caregiver-friendly features but don't include the home security features of the old Family Guardian system. 

No, but you can print your own Vial of Life forms for free.

No, you can pay on a month-to-month basis and cancel at any time without penalty.

Don't see your question? Check our full list of senior safety FAQs.

How we prepped for our Medical Guardian review

Image: Cathy Habas, SafeWise

For our Medical Guardian review, we compared prices, policies, and equipment from over 30 popular medical alert companies to see where Medical Guardian fell among them. We called sales reps and read customer reviews across the web to get the right answers. 

Read our full methodology to learn more about how we rank this and other products we review on SafeWise.

Cathy Habas
Written by
With over eight years of experience as a content writer, Cathy has a knack for untangling complex information. Her natural curiosity and ability to empathize help Cathy offer insightful, friendly advice. She believes in empowering readers who may not feel confident about a purchase, project, or topic. Cathy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Indiana University Southeast and began her professional writing career immediately after graduation. She is a certified Safe Sleep Ambassador and has contributed to sites like Safety.com, Reviews.com, Hunker, and Thumbtack. Cathy’s pride and joy is her Appaloosa “Chacos.” She also likes to crochet while watching stand-up comedy specials on Netflix.

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