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Bay Alarm Medical Review

Last Updated: January 27, 2022

On the Go GPS Help Button - Bay Alarm Medical

(888) 720-2061

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Key Takeaways

  • Bay Alarm Medical offers multiple medical alert systems, including options for in-home use and for seniors on the go.
  • The affordable plans start at only $19.95 per month, with discounts offered for annual billing.
  • Fall detection is an optional feature that costs $10 per month. Some systems even come with extra help buttons you can mount right on the wall.

If pricing is a concern for you, Bay Alarm Medical may be your best choice, as its high-quality home-based and portable options are available at several affordable price tiers.

Happy senior couple

Whether it’s for yourself or a loved one, you’re going to want some essential things from a medical alert system, such as an easy-to-use and portable help button, a reliable and easy-to-use base station, and a call center you can rely on in an emergency.

At the same time, people on fixed incomes may worry about their bottom line, and medical alert systems can get expensive. If pricing is a concern for you, Bay Alarm Medical may be your best choice, as its high-quality home-based and portable options are available at several affordable price tiers.

For that reason, we’ve selected Bay Alarm Medical as the Most Affordable Medical Alert System for 2022.

Bay Alarm Medical System Overview

If you’ve been shopping for medical alert systems, you probably have noticed that they all follow a typical pattern: They involve a wearable signaling device (either a wristband or pendant) that–either on its own or through a central base station–alerts a call center that there’s a problem in the home.

While there are a lot of variations to this system and many extra features, this basic arrangement is standard across the industry. Prices for such systems can vary widely, however.

If you’re looking for the most economical option in medical alert systems, Bay Alarm Medical is worth a look. Its basic tier is one of the lowest-priced medical alarms on the market, but at the same time, the company offers a high-quality system that includes all the essentials to provide you or your loved one peace of mind in the home.

When you buy a Bay Alarm Medical system, there’s no commitment or fee for canceling. Also, every system comes with a 30-day risk-free trial. The company also says they’ll never increase prices once you’re committed to a plan.

Bay Alarm Medical has both in-home and mobile medical alert system options.

As with most medical alert systems, the first essential component of the Bay Alarm Medical system is a small device with a prominent and easily manipulated button that allows the user to signal for help. Bay Alarm’s in-home medical alert system includes a pendant that sends a wireless signal to an in-home base station. The mobile option consists of a handheld device (about the size of a pager) that sends a signal directly to the call center via cellular connection. To have a two-way conversation using the in-home medical alert system, you need to be within speaking distance of the base station. If you’re using the mobile system, however, you can speak to representatives in the call center using a speakerphone function to communicate your needs and situation directly through your wearable device. The mobile device lasts 72 hours on a single charge. The pendant for the in-home system lasts longer on a single charge than other medical alert devices and has a 1,000-foot range. You can add fall detection to some devices for an additional monthly fee. This function will alert a call center if you fall, prompting them to either contact you or get in touch with your caregivers or local emergency responders.

The in-home medical alert system comes with a base station that allows you to contact a monitoring center in the case of an emergency—both with your wearable button and by using an extra-large and prominent help button located directly on the unit.

The base station also doubles as a speakerphone, allowing you to contact people by phone without using a handset or headset.

For areas of the home where you’re unlikely to have your wearable signaling device handy, Bay Alarm offers wall-mounted buttons that, like the pendants, communicate wirelessly with the base station.

If you use Bay Alarm’s mobile service, you won’t need a base station.

The in-home system is available with either a landline or cellular connection.

In-home system features:

  • 24/7 monitoring
  • A wearable help button that’s 100 percent waterproof
  • Two-way communication
  • 32-hour battery backup
  • Up to 1,000 feet of range
  • Optional automatic fall detection
  • Optional wall buttons that are 100 percent waterproof

Complimentary monitoring for a spouse with the purchase of a second wearable button

The on-the-go system consists of a mobile GPS help button, which you’ll have to pay for separately from the plan.

There are three options available for the mobile plan:

  • Mobile LTE
  • Mobile PLUS: Includes automatic fall detection
  • Mobile 360: Includes automatic fall detection and an in-home system for maximum peace of mind.

The mobile systems all feature:

  • 24/7 monitoring
  • Caregiver tools that allow for tracking of loved ones
  • 72 hours of battery life

It’s important to note that fall detection isn’t 100 percent reliable. It will detect sudden downward movement followed by no movement at all, but it’s not guaranteed to detect all falls. When possible, it’s best to push the button for assistance.

Bay Alarm Medical also offers an SOS smartwatch, which is ideal for people with more active lifestyles. The wristband help button is tough to lose since it’s secured to the wrist.

SOS smartwatch features:

  • 24/7 monitoring
  • Location tracking
  • A water-resistant casing
  • A touchscreen
  • Built-in microphone for two-way conversation

However, it doesn’t come with fall detection. You’ll also need to pay an upfront device fee for the smartwatch. The benefit of paying the one-time fee for the mobile option and SOS smartwatch is that you’re not leasing the device and don’t have to worry about sending it back in good condition if you cancel your service.

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It’s important to note that you’ll need to pay up front for the smartwatch or mobile devices. The advantage of this is that you own the device versus leasing it. That means no worrying about keeping it in good condition to return down the line.

Bay Alarm Medical Review

Bay Alarm Medical is best for those looking for a flexible medical alert system plan that’s affordable and high quality.

Because the mobile systems come with handy caregiver tracking tools, we recommend them to caregivers with loved ones who are at risk of wandering. For example, caregivers can keep track of those with dementia by using GPS locator technology.

Bay Alarm Medical is also a good choice for couples since you have the option to add wearables to the in-home system.

Like many of its competitors, Bay Alarm maintains multiple call centers, and as an added bonus, the company operates a third call center dedicated solely to customer support and other technical problems, thus enabling the other two centers to focus on medical emergencies. These call centers are five-diamond certified by CSAA, the nation’s leading certification organization for emergency call centers. Bay Alarm Medical claims that response times are 45 seconds or less, which is impressive for the industry.

It’s important to note that you’ll need to pay up front for the smartwatch or mobile devices. The advantage of this is that you own the device versus leasing it. That means no worrying about keeping it in good condition to return down the line.

It’s also important to point out that caregiver tracking is only available with the mobile GPS system.

Bay Alarm Medical Features

Here’s a quick overview of features that are available with Bay Alarm Medical systems:

  • Stationary base unit with in-home system
  • GPS capabilities with the mobile GPS units
  • Optional fall detection with some systems
  • 24/7 monitoring
  • Spouse monitoring for an additional cost
  • Smartwatch and activity tracker

Bay Alarm Medical devices have all the essential features you’d expect in a medical alert system. There’s no glaring feature omission. Just be careful when purchasing, as not all plans include all features.

Bay Alarm Medical Plans

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Bay Alarm Medical offers a 30-day risk-free trial for all packages, no activation fees for its equipment, no long-term contract or cancellation fees, and monitoring for spouses (a rarity in the industry).

How Much Does Bay Alarm Medical Cost?

Budget calculating

We’ve selected Bay Alarm Medical as our most affordable option among the available medical alert systems on the market today. We chose the company mainly due to the strength of its basic in-home medical alert package, which offers all the essentials of a home medical alert system at one of the lowest prices on the market.

Even if you opt to upgrade this basic package by opting for a specialized fall detection pendant, the additional monthly charge still puts Bay Alarm Medical at the low end of the medical alert price range.

What’s more, Bay Alarm Medical offers a 30-day risk-free trial for all packages, no activation fees for its equipment, no long-term contract or cancellation fees, and monitoring for spouses (a rarity in the industry).

Bay Alarm Medical does require an additional equipment fee for specific systems. Still, even this cost is relatively small compared to the competition. The charge doesn’t prevent those systems from being an excellent value, given the features they offer.

It’s also important to note that you can save money if you opt for annual billing. Annual plans also come with free shipping and one free month of service.

Listed below is a breakdown of plan pricing for Bay Alarm Medical systems:

System Monthly pricing Equipment cost Includes
In-home landline basic $19.95 N/A Base station, help button, 24/7 monitoring
In-home cellular preferred $29.95 N/A Base station, help button, 24/7 monitoring
In-home cellular premium $39.95 N/A Base station, help button, 24/7 monitoring, 4 wall buttons
Mobile LTE $29.95 $79 GPS button, 24/7 monitoring, caregiver tracking
Mobile PLUS $39.95 $79 GPS button, 24/7 monitoring, caregiver tracking, fall detection
Mobile 360 $49.95 $79 GPS button, 24/7 monitoring, caregiver tracking, fall detection, in-home protection
SOS smartwatch $29.95 $179 Smartwatch with help button, 24/7 monitoring, location tracking
Smartwatch bundle $39.95 $179 Smartwatch with help button, 24/7 monitoring, location tracking, in-home protection
Automatic fall detection pendant $10 (added fee) N/A Available for in-home and mobile GPS systems

Does Medicare Cover Bay Alarm Medical?

No. Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of medical alert systems. In rare cases, some Medicare Advantage plans may provide coverage.

Pros and Cons of Bay Alarm Medical

Pros

  • One of the most economical medical alert packages in the industry
  • No contract required
  • No cancellation fees
  • Optional fall detection
  • Caregiver tracking for mobile systems

Cons

  • Cellular coverage limited to AT&T
  • Some complaints about customer service issues

What Others Are Saying About Bay Alarm Medical

Some of Bay Alarm Medical reviews include:

“My mother is 80 years old and technologically challenged to put it mildly. She wears her alert necklace all the time and knows how to test it and what to do when she accidentally hits the button. I love the list they send to put her meds on where emergency personnel can access it as well as the thoroughness and the process the company goes through for contacts in an emergency situation. The price is right and I’m always able to get someone on the phone when we have questions or need help. Highly recommend Bay Alarm Medical.”

Margaret T., Trustpilot.

“I am a new Bay Alarm customer. I have had a bit of trouble at first remembering the medallion around my neck. I cuddled my dog too closely and I pulled a sweaer with a thight neckline over my head without removing the alarm which pressed the button on my medallion. Within a minute or so a nice voice came on to see if I was okay. Now I feel that I have adjusted to wearing it and am glad it’s so sensative to my movements. It really is comforting. Customer Service is excellent! I highly recommend Bay Alarm!”

Reno Senior, Trustpilot.

While there are many happy customers, some people say they’d love to see more proactive customer service from Bay Alarm Medical.

“There is no occasional check up on us to make sure we are alright. They don’t check to see if the equipment is working correctly. They have not been asking for a security question, when contact with them has been made. It could be an intruder or anyone else answering the call.”

Irene G., Trustpilot.

“Unfortunately the Bay alarm system was not suitable for me because, after pressing the button to call for help from another room, I could not hear the responder’s answer. This meant I did not respond to their query as to whether I needed help, and the Medics were called unnecessarily. Bay personnel did try to work with me to correct the problem.

Because I had to package up the unit and return it to California from Ohio via UPS, and even though I was well within the 30-day cancellation period, I had to pay the return shipping of $20.95. This is my main negative comment.”

Joan B., Trustpilot.

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Other Recommended Medical Alert Systems

Is Bay Alarm Medical not for you? Check out some of these other systems we’ve reviewed:

FAQs

How does Bay Alarm Medical work?

Bay Alarm Medical alert systems work by allowing users to get emergency help at the push of a button. Help buttons are available on the in-home base station, wearables, smartwatch or GPS device.

How much does Bay Alarm Medical cost?

Plans start at $19.95 per month, with prices varying thereafter, depending on the system you choose.

Who owns Bay Alarm Medical?

Bay Alarm Medical is part of the Bay Alarm company family.

Is Bay Alarm Medical legit?

Yes. Bay Alarm Medical is a legitimate company that sells medical alert systems for in-home and on-the-go use.

How long has Bay Alarm Medical been around?

According to the company’s LinkedIn page, it has been around since 1946.

Are the Bay Alarm buttons waterproof?

The automatic fall detection alert system is water-resistant. The other wearable buttons are 100 percent waterproof. The wall help button is also 100 percent waterproof.

Does Bay Alarm Medical have a watch?

Yes, the brand offers an SOS smartwatch that offers two-way communication with a 24/7 monitoring center. It features a built-in step tracker and allows users to set movement goals.

How do you set up a Bay Alarm Medical System?

The setup process depends on the system you choose. Bay Alarm Medical has several helpful videos to assist users in installing systems once they receive them. All systems are reasonably easy to install.

Is there a warranty for Bay Alarm Medical?

You can return a Bay Alarm Medical system within 30 days of purchase for a refund or exchange. However, Bay Alarm doesn’t refund shipping costs.

The manufacturer warranty covers issues resulting from normal “wear and tear” and manufacturer defects, but not things outside this scope, including water damage and power surges.

The company does offer a protection plan for an additional $5 per month. The plan covers a single replacement of a medical alert device per calendar year. If you lose or damage the device, you’ll have to pay 50 percent of the cost to replace it, and shipping fees aren’t covered in this plan.

Replacements not covered under this protection plan will incur a $299 fee.

What home phone services work with the Bay Alarm Medical system?

You can use your home landline to set up a Bay Alarm Medical system. Cellular systems work using a 4G LTE AT&T network. You need to be within range of this cellular network, but you don’t need an AT&T cellular plan.

How do I cancel my Bay Alarm Medical service?

In order to cancel your Bay Alarm Medical plan, call the company at 1-877-522-9633.
The company will send you a confirmation email to let you know once your plan has been canceled. You will need to return the device by regular mail.

There are no fees for canceling as long as you return your device in good working condition.

Make sure to notify the company before returning your device in the mail.

Return Address:

Bay Alarm Medical Cancellations
1140 Galaxy Way, Suite #150
Concord, CA 94520

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*Pricing is accurate as of March 30, 2022.