Philips Lifeline Medical Alert System Review (2022 Update)
Key Takeaways
- Philips Lifeline is one of the longest-operating medical alert companies
- Lifeline offers both in-home and on-the-go devices
- There aren’t many unexpected costs with Lifeline
- Lifeline is more expensive than most of its competitors
- There are not many add-ons or perks like tablets, smartwatches, medication reminders, or location tracking for caregivers
- There is no risk-free trial, but you can cancel at any time and you may be charged a $50 restocking fee
- 500-foot home range may not be enough for larger homes and properties
“The most important feature families should look for when choosing medical alert devices is wearability.”
Overview
Philips Lifeline is one of the longest established medical alert brands. With nearly 50 years of servicing more than 7 million customers, Lifeline has a solid history of helping protect seniors. Lifeline was the first company to provide automatic fall detection, demonstrating a commitment to safety innovations.
But having a long history isn’t everything. When you shop for a personal emergency response system today, you’ll find tons of options. In this review, we outline what Philips Lifeline offers and compare it to other leading brands so you can choose which device best suits your needs.
Design and Features of Philips Lifeline Medical Alert System
Philips Lifeline’s medical alert device offerings are straightforward. There’s an on-the-go system called GoSafe 2 and two in-home options—the HomeSafe Standard and HomeSafe with AutoAlert.
Table of Contents
- Overview
- Design and Features
- Systems Available
- Pros and Cons
- Health and Safety Features
- Philips Cares App
- Customer Support
- Cost
- Installation and Setup
- Add-ons
- Philips Lifeline vs. Other Medical Alert Systems
- Warranty and Refund Policy
- Does Medicare Cover Philips Lifeline?
- What Customers Are Saying About Philips Lifeline Medical Alert System
- Bottom Line
- Why You Can Trust Our Expert Review
- Where to Sign Up for Philips Lifeline Medical Alert System
- FAQs
The GoSafe 2 is a GPS-enabled help button with built-in fall detection. Unlike most companies that charge an additional monthly fee for automatic fall detection, the Philips GoSafe 2 comes standard with this feature.
What we love about the GoSafe 2 is that it’s an all-in-one device. The pendant has a two-way speaker to communicate with Lifeline’s urgent response team, and the fall detection technology is inside the pendant. Many brands require that you carry a primary help button with a two-way speaker and a wearable pendant, making things unnecessarily complicated. And according to Kelly O’Connor, a lifestyle advocate for older adults, “The most important feature families should look for when choosing medical alert devices is wearability.”
The GoSafe 2 pendant is waterproof, so you have protection when in the shower or bath—one of the most common places to fall. The battery is rechargeable and holds a charge for two to three days, although we recommend charging it nightly so you don’t forget.
HomeSafe Standard is an emergency alert device designed for people who don’t leave their homes. It’s the most affordable Lifeline medical alert system. You may use either your landline connection or tap into AT&T’s cellular service for an additional $14/month.
The HomeSafe Standard plan comes with a base unit called the in-home communicator and a waterproof help button. The base unit has a two-way speaker built-in, used to communicate with a trained care specialist if you request help via the help button. The help button is wearable as either a pendant or bracelet and you can wear it in the bath or shower. The button’s battery should last at least two years, and Lifeline replaces it at no cost when it runs out.
The in-home communicator has a 500-foot range. If you have a large property, you may need to purchase the optional Voice Extension box that works as another base unit. The Voice Extension box also has a 500-foot range, so you may want to consider another company if you think you need a farther range. If you press the help button and are too far away to communicate using the base unit, the response associate will request that emergency medical services head to you.
HomeSafe with AutoAlert is the same service as the HomeSafe Standard but with automatic fall detection. The help button with fall detection is a pendant that you wear around your neck for help if you fall and can’t press the help button. The added fall detection service increases the monthly price by $15/month.
Systems Available From Philips Lifeline
| GoSafe 2 | HomeSafe Standard | HomeSafe with AutoAlert | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage Type | On-the-go | In-home | In-home |
| Monthly Price | $49.95 | $29.95 (landline) $43.95 (cellular) | $44.95 (landline) $58.95 (cellular) |
| Equipment Fee | $99.95 | $0 | $0 |
| Activation Fee | $0 | $50 | $50 |
| Installation/Shipping Fee | $19.95 (self-install) $99 (technician) | $19.95 (self-install) $99 (technician) | $19.95 (self-install) $99 (technician) |
| Type | Pendant | Bracelet or pendant | Pendant |
| Waterproof? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fall Detection? | Yes | No | Yes |
Pros and Cons of Philips Lifeline
Pros
- Company is first to provide personal alert systems in North America
- Invented fall detection technology
- Straightforward plans with no cancellation fees
- Simple single-piece pendant for on-the-go monitoring
- Both at-home and on-the-go plans
- Discounts are available when you call to sign up
Cons
- No risk-free trial period
- High upfront costs with shipping and activation or device fees
- Minimal extras, so no location monitoring for friends and family members, medication reminders, or fitness tracking
- Higher prices when compared to many other medical alert brands
- $10 a month to add a spouse or roommate to either HomeSafe plan and no spousal discount for GoSafe 2
- A minimal 500-foot range for in-home coverage isn’t suitable for large homes or properties
“Medical alert systems allow you the opportunity to be more independent with a safety net of knowing someone can help if needed.”
Health and Safety Features
Emergency Support and Monitoring
When we interviewed Melanie Musson, a senior health expert with InsuranceProviders.com, she explained that “Medical alert systems allow you the opportunity to be more independent with a safety net of knowing someone can help if needed.”
Every Philips Lifeline monthly plan comes with an emergency help button that connects users to a US-based 24/7 monitoring center. These response centers have trained staff that assists users in the case of falls, accidents, or other emergencies. All you need to do is press the button and communicate with an emergency care associate if you need help from emergency services or one of your listed emergency contacts.
Two-way Communication
Each Philips Lifeline system has a way to directly communicate with a Lifeline representative in the case of an emergency. With the Philips Lifeline GoSafe 2, the speaker and microphone are in the pendant you wear around your neck, making communication straightforward. With the HomeSafe plans, the two-way speaker is on the home base unit, so you’ll need to be near your central unit to talk with someone. Emergency medical services are automatically sent to your location if you press the help button and can’t or don’t speak.
Automatic Fall Detection
The GoSafe 2 and HomeSafe with AutoAlert provide support in case of a fall. With automatic fall detection, the wearable pendant senses when you fall and alerts the Philips Lifeline response center. A representative then tries to speak to you through the two-way speaker to determine if you need help. If you can’t respond, the response associate alerts emergency services to head your way.
Lockbox
You may purchase a lockbox with any Philips Lifeline medical alert system for $29.95. With a lockbox, Lifeline representatives can provide emergency personnel with a fast way to get into your home in case of a medical emergency.
MORE ADVICE Discover more tips for comfortably aging in place
Philips Cares App
The Philips Cares app comes free with every Lifeline medical alert plan. The app allows your care circle to communicate with you through the convenient chat feature.
With the Philips Care app, you or your emergency contacts may also:
- View Lifeline contact notifications
- Manage your Lifeline account
- Check on device status
- Update billing information
- Set emergency contact availability
Customer Support
Philips Lifeline’s emergency monitoring centers are based in the United States, with coverage 24/7, every day of the year. Lifeline works with a translator service to support more than 140 different languages.
When we contacted Lifeline’s customer service line, we received help right away. Everyone we spoke with was helpful and friendly, and the agents weren’t overly pushy regarding sales—which is often the case with medical alert brands.
How Much Does Philips Lifeline Cost?
| GoSafe 2 | HomeSafe Standard | HomeSafe with AutoAlert | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $49.95 | $29.95 (landline) $43.95 (cellular) | $44.95 (landline) $58.95 (cellular) |
| Equipment Fee | $99.95 | $0 | $0 |
| Activation Fee | $0 | $50 | $50 |
| Installation/Shipping Fee | $19.95 (self-install) $99 (technician) | $19.95 (self-install) $99 (technician) | $19.95 (self-install) $99 (technician) |
| Cost to Add Spouse | $49.95/month | $10/month | $10/month |
| Lockbox | $29.95 | $29.95 | $29.95 |
| Additional Voice Extension Box | N/A | $10/month | $10/month |
| Waterproof? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Fall Detection? | Yes | No | Yes |
Installation and Setup
Philips Lifeline is one of the few companies that provide a professional installation option. For $99, a Philips Lifeline technician comes to your home to help install and test your new personal emergency response system. This service is helpful if you’d like to have someone go over everything with you and ensure that your device is in working order. Otherwise, you pay $19.95 for shipping and set up the system yourself.
Philips Lifeline Add-ons
Fall Detection (AutoAlert)
Lifeline’s GoSafe 2 and HomeSafe with AutoAlert come with automatic fall detection. There is no mobile option without fall detection, but there is an in-home product without this service. You pay an additional $15 per month for fall detection when opting for HomeSafe with AutoAlert over HomeSafe Standard.
Voice Extension Communicator
For $10 a month, you can have an additional in-home base unit. When we spoke with a Lifeline customer service representative, they told us that this unit is identical to the one that comes with the plan. Its purpose is to provide another two-way communication device so that you’re within talking range if you press your help button. So, if you have a large or multi-level home, you may want to add a voice extension box. But if you live in a studio or other small space, you should be okay with what comes standard.
Key Lockbox
You may pay a one-time fee of $29.95 to have a Philips Lifeline lockbox. The lockbox provides easy access for emergency medical services in the case of an emergency.
Spouse Coverage
If you live with a partner and you both want medical alert coverage, you may do this through Lifeline—although there aren’t great discounts for doing so. With the HomeSafe plans, you pay $10 a month for an additional help button for your partner or roommate. There isn’t any discount for the GoSafe 2, so you would each pay $49.95 a month.
MORE ADVICE
10 Little-Known In-Home Services That Might Be Right for You - Learn more about the numerous in-home services that will be to your benefit as you age and make the most out of your life. Read MoreHow Philips Lifeline Compares to Other Medical Alert Systems
Medical Guardian vs. Philips Lifeline
Philips Lifeline and Medical Guardian provide similar services. Both companies have GPS systems for on-the-go coverage and in-home plans with comparable pricing. Other similarities include free caregiver portals and all-in-one wireless devices for ease when leaving your home.
Between the two, Medical Guardian offers a few additional perks. Medical Guardian sells optional voice-activated wall buttons with the home plans, which Lifeline doesn’t. Additionally, Medical Guardian’s central home station has a longer range than Lifeline’s—1,300 feet compared to 500 feet. So, if you have a large property, Medical Guardian may be a better fit. Just know that Philips Lifeline does have slightly better customer reviews than Medical Guardian.
Bay Alarm Medical vs. Philips Lifeline
We recommend Bay Alarm Medical over Philips Lifeline for most customers. Both the in-home and on-the-go plans with similar features cost less through Bay Alarm Medical than Philips Lifeline. Additionally, Bay Alarm Medical has more options, including a discreet smartwatch and attractive Bella Charm necklace pendants.
In addition to better prices and options, Bay Alarm Medical has better customer reviews. When we scoured third-party sites like Trustpilot, Bay Alarm Medical had more reviews and higher ratings. Philips Lifeline was not listed on Trustpilot. These positive customer experiences earned Bay Alarm Medical a spot in our Best Medical Alert Systems with Fall Detection.
So, is there anyone for whom Philips Lifeline is a better choice? Potentially, but in our research, Bay Alarm Medical outperformed Lifeline.
MobileHelp vs. Philips Lifeline
The most significant difference between MobileHelp and Philips Lifeline is their features. Philips Lifeline’s plans are all simple. There aren’t many add-ons, which means they won’t complicate your at-home or on-the-go protection.
With MobileHelp, there are many additional features and services that you can add. These include waterproof wall buttons, activity tracking, and medication reminders. One drawback with these perks is that MobileHelp charges for almost all of them. So, while the base plan prices are more affordable than Lifeline’s, don’t be surprised if you add $20 or more per month when adding optional features.
A newer MobileHelp offering is MDLive, a monthly service that gives you the option to chat with a doctor at any time without an appointment. There are also location services through the caregiver app, something that Lifeline doesn’t offer. So, if you want simplicity, Lifeline may be a better fit. But if you’d enjoy features like doctor support, location tracking for caregivers, or medication reminders, MobileHelp is the way to go.
LifeFone vs. Philips Lifeline
LifeFone earned the spot as the best on-the-go coverage in our compilation of the Best Medical Alert Systems for 2022. Unique features, including a help button battery life up to 30 days, an attractive pendant option, and services like a daily check-in make LifeFone an excellent choice for many active seniors.
But one drawback to LifeFone that you won’t experience with Philips Lifeline is hidden fees that can drive your monthly price up to over $60 a month—the maximum subscription price with Lifeline. With LifeFone, features like the advanced caregiver app and the daily check-in cost $8 a month and $19 a month, respectively.
So, if you want advanced features like long battery life, activity tracking, first motion of the day alerts, and medications reminders, choose LifeFone. Just know that you’ll pay for what you select.
Medical Alert vs. Philips Lifeline
Medical Alert and Philips Lifeline have similar products and services, with simple in-home and on-the-go emergency protection. If you only need these services when at home, Medical Alert is far cheaper—plans start as little as $19.95 a month, compared to Lifeline’s $29.95 a month. Additionally, Medical Alert offers voice-activated wall buttons to help in an emergency. You don’t have this option with Lifeline.
But for on-the-go medical alert services, Philips Lifeline is slightly more affordable, with fall detection included. Another perk with Lifeline is that you only need to carry the all-in-one pendant when you leave your home. With Medical Alert, you’d need both the fall detection button and primary device with you.
| Philips Lifeline | Medical Guardian | Bay Alarm Medical | MobileHelp | LifeFone | Medical Alert | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $29.95–$58.95 | $29.95–$44.95 | $19.95–$49.95 | $19.95–$54.95 | $19.95–$41.95 | $22.95–$52.95 |
| Equipment Fee | $0 or $99.95 | $0–$124.95 | $0–$159 | $0 | $0 | $79–$229 |
| Activation Fee | $0 or $50 | $0 | $0 | $0 or $49.95 | $0 | $0 |
| Cellular or Landline? | Both | Both | Both | Both | Both | Both |
| Money-back Guarantee | None | None | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Customer Rating | 2.8/5 | 1.4/5 | 4.1/5 | 4.69/5 | 4.7/5 | 1.1/5 |
| Standout Features | 50 years of experience, single-piece on-the-go device | Discounted spousal monitoring, annual pay discounts | Aesthetically pleasing pendant charms, smartwatch option | Activity and health tracking, advanced tablet home system | Long battery life, daily check-in option | Voice-activated wall buttons, affordable in-home coverage |
Warranty and Refund Policy
Philips Lifeline doesn’t have a generous refund policy. Unlike most of the brands that made our list of the Best Medical Alert Systems for 2022, Philips doesn’t provide a risk-free trial period. The shipping, installation, activation, and device fees are not refundable, nor is the monthly service fee. However, there are no contracts, so you may cancel services at any time. Just know that there is a 30-day return policy for unworn devices in original packaging.
When we spoke with a Philips Lifeline representative over the phone, they told us that all products have a one-year warranty. After that time, Philips could charge a fee if you damage any equipment. However, the representative said that most of the time, Philips would send you a replacement help button or home communication system for no cost if something stops working and you’re currently a monthly customer.
Does Medicare Cover Philips Lifeline?
Original Medicare (Medicare Parts A and B) does not cover any medical alert devices because these products don’t fit Medicare’s definition of durable medical equipment. You may find a Medicare Advantage Plan, or Medicare Part C Plan, with some coverage of medical alert systems, including Philips Lifeline. If you aren’t sure what your plan covers, reach out to your insurance provider to ask.
What Customers Are Saying About Philips Lifeline Medical Alert System
Considering that Philips Lifeline has been in business for 50 years and claims to have served more than 7 million people, there aren’t as many customer reviews on third-party sites as we would expect. For instance, Philips does not have a review page on Trustpilot. There are seven Philips Lifeline reviews on Better Business Bureau.
When we dug a bit deeper, we did find more third-party reviews on Best Reviews and Best Company. On Best Company, Philips Lifeline has 2.8/5 stars with 63 reviews, which is about average for a medical alert company. Here are some recent comments from Lifeline customers.
“A family member set this up for my mother with their own credit card. Philips then billed my mother by mail, monthly. They denied this double billing and then raised the price to have my mother continue paying by check. When my mother fell while wearing the device and ended up with ten staples in her head, it did not work. When told about this, the company says you have to fall a certain way. They sent a new pendant. It did not work either. Terrible product. Terrible company.” Jim Thomas, 1/5-star review on Best Company
“I have a necklace that does not require a base unit. Communication is through the necklace. This gives me freedom around my home or anywhere in the country where there is cellphone service. I had an incident a few months ago where I passed out. Help was called; my contact was called and I was transported to the hospital. Customer service has been great.” BJS, 5/5-star review on Best Company
“Their customer service is horrible. I called Lifeline to cancel my parents’ service. I was on hold for 27 minutes. Tried 3 different numbers and after feeling very frustrated I hung up and decided to call back and pretend I wanted to purchase a system and they answered right away. A company that is this size needs to hire more people to answer their phones.” Sheryl, 1/5-star review on Best Company
“We are very happy with our service. My husband’s uncle recently had an amputation of his leg and he lives alone. We live about a mile from him but we are a busy family. He recently fell and this helped him get timely help. Thank goodness I urged him to get it. Last time he fell with no button he laid there for 4 hours because he couldn’t get around to a phone. This is a life saver for us and now makes us worry less.” Rebecca Wamsley, 5/5-star review on Best Company
MORE ADVICE
Medical Alert Systems Covered by Medicare - Medical alert systems can save lives, but Original Medicare doesn’t cover them Read MoreBottom Line
Philips Lifeline is one of the most recognizable names in the medical alert device arena. Lifeline has served over 7 million customers and was the first company to launch automatic fall detection.
Lifeline’s three plans are straightforward. The GoSafe 2 mobile service provides on-the-go protection with built-in fall detection. Then there are two HomeSafe plans, one with fall detection and the other without. We appreciate that there are few add-ons, so you’re unlikely to end up paying more than you expect. Plus, the simple devices are easy-to-use, without confusing frills.
However, what’s positive for one person can be negative for another. Lifeline doesn’t offer perks like location tracking for caregivers, medication reminders, or discreet and attractive help button pendants. Plus, Lifeline is one of the few companies that doesn’t provide a money-back guarantee, so there’s no way to try out Lifeline without having some money on the line.
Another downside? Philips Lifeline isn’t the best option if you want something affordable. Many companies offer similar products for less—including Bay Alarm Medical and MobileHelp. And some brands have excellent third-party reviews, such as Bay Alarm Medical and LifeFone.
Why You Can Trust Our Expert Review
We reviewed the Philips Lifeline Medical Alert System based on the following criteria:
- Price of installation and monthly service
- Warranties, contracts, and (whether it has any) hidden fees
- Reliability of monitoring center
- Comfort and wearability of mobile devices
- In-home range of equipment
- Water resistance of wearable devices
- Battery life and recharging requirements
- Ease of installation and use
- Expert opinion
- Customer service accessibility and performance
- Customer satisfaction reviews
- Company reputation
- Special features such as automatic fall detection, smartphone apps for family members, and location tracking
Where to Sign Up for Philips Lifeline Medical Alert System
To sign up for Philips Lifeline, visit the Philips Lifeline website or call Philips at 1-855-332-7799. We recommend calling Philips Lifeline for additional savings. When we spoke with a customer service representative, they told us that they usually offer discounts like no activation fee or free shipping.
FAQs
How much does Lifeline cost per month?
Philips Lifeline costs between $29.95 and $58.95 per month. The in-home only plans cost $29.95 per month when using a landline or $43.95 per month when using a cellular connection, with an additional $15 per month for automatic fall detection. The GoSafe on-the-go plan costs $49.95 per month and includes fall detection.
What is the return policy for Lifeline?
You may cancel your Philips Lifeline monthly subscription at any time, but fees are not refundable. Anything you paid to set up your Philips Lifeline device, including the shipping or installation fees, the monthly service fee, and the activation or device fee, won’t be refunded, but you can cancel your monthly service plan.
Is Lifeline waterproof?
Yes, every Lifeline help button is waterproof. With these waterproof pendants and wristbands, you can enjoy coverage when you’re in the bath, shower, pool, or when it’s raining.
Does Lifeline need a landline?
You do not need a landline for in-home medical alert coverage. Instead of using a landline, you may opt for wireless coverage on the AT&T network. You will pay $14 per month more for a wireless connection than a landline connection.
Does Lifeline offer an automatic pill dispenser or medication management system?
Lifeline used to provide a Philips medication dispenser, but this service is no longer available. When we spoke with a Lifeline representative, they told us they might add this service later in 2022, but this isn’t definitive.
What is the range of Philips Lifeline?
When you purchase the HomeSafe plan, the Lifeline home communicator hub has a 500-foot range on the lower end of most home plans. Fortunately, this distance is sufficient for most homes and yards. But if you have a large property, you may want to choose the GPS-activated GoSafe plan instead. With GoSafe, you have protection wherever you go. Or you might choose a company that offers a longer range.
Does Philips Lifeline have GPS?
The GoSafe device has GPS technology, providing medical alert services when you leave your home. The GPS features allow Lifeline’s emergency response associates to help locate you if you need assistance from emergency medical services or one of your chosen contacts.
Is Philips Lifeline reputable?
Philips Lifeline has been around for nearly 50 years, which is longer than most medical alert companies. According to Dr. Elliana Rose with Audiology Research, “Philips Lifeline is reputable. It has been ranked one of the best medical alerts. It is the first Dutch company to reach the top 15 in Global RepTrack reputation rankings and was awarded best reputation in the Netherlands.”
Other Medical Alert Systems That We Have Reviewed
- Medical Guardian Review
- MobileHelp Review
- Bay Alarm Medical Review
- LifeFone Review
- Life Alert Review
- GreatCall Lively Mobile Review
- GreatCall Review
- Medical Alert Review
- GetSafe Review
- Philips Lifeline Review
- Rescue Alert Review
- ADT Medical Alert Review
- Alert1 Review
- MobileHelp Smart Watch Review
- Apple Watch Medical Alert Review
Our Comparisons of Medical Alert Systems
Sources:
Falls in older adults, New York State. New York State Department of Health. (2013).
https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/injury_prevention/falls_in_older_adults_nys.htm
What’s not covered by Part A & Part B? Medicare.gov. (2022).
https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/whats-not-covered-by-part-a-part-b
Medicare Advantage Plans. Medicare.gov. (2022).
https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/types-of-medicare-health-plans/medicare-advantage-plans
Author:Nicole Gleichmann
MobileHelp vs. Life Alert Comparison
Everything you need to know about MobileHelp vs. Life Alert medical alert systems.
Medical Guardian vs. Medical Care Alert
Find out more about these two medical alert brands and how they compare.