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Medical Guardian vs. Bay Alarm Medical: Pros and Cons to Compare

Last Updated: January 27, 2022

Medical Guardian

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Bay Alarm Medical

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Whether you live in a large house or cozy apartment, home is a cherished place. As we age, our ability to remain in our own homes may be challenged by health issues, fear of falls, or isolation. The best medical alert systems on the market today enable seniors, as well as people of all ages with health conditions, to remain in the homes they love for longer.

Medical alert systems provide two-way communication and help at the push of a button. In this review, we’ll compare the products of two established medical alert companies—Medical Guardian versus Bay Alarm Medical. Both companies offer at-home and on-the-go options that can keep you or a loved one safer. Each is highly rated, but there are key differences between them which may make one a better fit for you.

Key Takeaways

If you’re weighing Medical Guardian versus Bay Alarm Medical, consider these key points:

  • Medical Guardian is a more expensive option
  • Bay Alarm Medical is easier to set up and is more user-friendly
  • Both companies provide in-home and mobile protection plans
  • Bay Alarm Medical offers bundled packages that include in-home and outdoor protection
  • Neither company includes warranties with their products
  • Only Bay Alarm Medical offers a 30-day risk free trial
  • Neither company requires a contract
  • Bay Alarm Medical has a better track record of customer reviews

Why You Can Trust Our Expert Review

Our experts independently research and recommend products we believe provide value in the lives of our readers. We’ve spent collectively more than 1,700 hours conducting in-depth research on medical alert systems. To make our picks, here’s what we did:

  • Engaged in ongoing independent research
  • Consulted with geriatricians and adult caregivers
  • Mystery shopped the brands
  • Surveyed medical alert system users
  • Tested various medical alert systems
  • Interviewed experts in the field
  • Read hundreds of verified customer reviews from trusted third parties such as Better Business Bureau and
    Consumer Reports

Medical Guardian Overview

Medical Guardian is an American company founded in 2006. They manufacture medical alert systems that can be used in the home and on-the-go.

Medical Guardian’s call center is based in the United States and available 24/7, 365 days a year.

Their CEO and founder, Geoff Gross, started the company after his grandmother experienced several falls at home. When it comes to at-home mishaps, Geoff’s grandma wasn’t unusual; according to data compiled by the CDC, people are more likely to fall repeatedly after they’ve taken that first unfortunate spill.

Medical Guardian has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. However, their customer reviews are a mixed bag. Some clients rave about fast response times and easy-to-use equipment. Others complain about problems with refunds, unauthorized auto-renewal costs, and customer service in general.

Who Is Medical Guardian Ideal for?

happy couple with dog

Medical Guardian offers options for people who spend most of their time at home, as well as for those who are active outside of the home.

Their at-home systems can be set up to work with a landline telephone or cellular service, so you don’t have to worry about connectivity. If you live in a rural area or location prone to blackouts or spotty cellular service, you’ll be glad to know that every Medical Guardian in-home system has backup battery power.

If you live with a spouse or significant other, multiple wearable help buttons can be added to your monthly subscription, providing safety coverage for both of you.

How Much Does Medical Guardian Cost?

Some people may find Medical Guardian pricey. However, when you compare Medical Guardian to Bay Alarm Medical, there is some overlap between product costs:

  • Upfront equipment fees can go be as high as $124.95
  • You’ll also pay a subscription fee on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. Monthly fees range from $29.95-$44.95
  • There are also additional monthly costs for important add-ons, such as fall detection at $10 a month, and emergency electronic alerts to your Care Circle at $2.99 a month.

Pros and Cons of Medical Guardian

Pros and cons are relative, based upon your situation and needs. What is a “pro” for you may be unimportant to someone else. Conversely, your neighbor or best friend’s “dealbreaker” may not matter to you. In general, here are some of Medical Guardian’s pros and cons:

Pros

  • No contract required
  • AT&T or Verizon cellular service is included with nationwide coverage
  • Call centers are U.S.-based
  • Call center operators are trained to assess emergencies. Even if you don’t need medical intervention, they’ll remain on the line with you until you feel calm and ready to hang up
  • At-home systems operate in a wide range (equaling the length of two to four football fields, based on the system you choose)
  • MyGuardian portal and app keeps your emergency contacts in the loop
  • According to the manufacturer, average response time is 20 seconds

Cons

  • Not every at-home package offers wall-mounted help buttons
  • Fall detection is an additional cost
  • Packages can be considered costly for some
  • For mobile units, outdoor connectivity of watches and necklaces requires proximity to a small base unit which must be worn or carried
  • Warranty protection plans must be purchased separately
  • Risk-free trial period is not included
  • Has a significant pool of customer complaints on sites like TrustPilot and the Better Business Bureau

Different Plans and Models of Medical Guardian

The Medical Guardian plans to choose from are:

Classic Guardian

Classic Guardian
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  • The Classic is a landline-connected medical alert system. If you live in an area with poor cellular service, this may be a good choice for you
  • This at-home system provides 1,300 feet (approximately three football fields) of coverage
  • No equipment fee
  • Monthly cost is $29.95
MORE ADVICE
Does AARP Cover Medical Alert Systems? - AARP members do receive discounts on some medical alert system costs. Read More

Home 2.0

Home 2.0
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  • This system has 4G LTE and WiFi connectivity. Medical Guardian calls this it’s fastest system
  • If you live in a large house or have lots of acreage, this may be a good choice for you. The Home 2.0’s reach is 1,400 feet (approximately four football fields)
  • This system also offers the option of adding additional wall buttons for $2.99 a month each
  • Upfront equipment fee is $124.95
  • Monthly cost is $34.95

Mobile 2.0

Mobile 2.0
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  • This wearable medical alert system uses a small, lightweight base that can sync to a necklace or wristband
    The battery lasts for up to five days
  • Location monitoring is done via GPS, LTE and WiFi
  • Upfront equipment fee is $124.95
  • Monthly cost is $39.95

Active Guardian

Active Guardian
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  • This mobile system has a wearable, lightweight base
  • You can wear the base device around your neck or clip it to clothing
  • You can also add a free neck pendant or wrist help button
  • It has seven-day battery life
  • Location monitoring is powered by GPS, LTE and WiFi
  • Fall detection can be added for an additional $10 monthly
  • No equipment fee
  • Monthly cost is $44.95

Mini Guardian

Mini Guardian
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  • This small, wearable device has a five-day battery life
  • It is available in black, white, or silver
  • Location monitoring is powered by WiFi and GPS
  • Fall detection is optional, and can be added for an additional $10 monthly
  • Equipment fee is $124.95
  • Monthly cost is $39.95

Bay Alarm Medical Overview

Bay Alarm Medical manufactures budget-friendly medical alert systems for indoor and outdoor use. They’re a subsidiary of Bay Alarm, a security company established in 1947.

Bay Alarm Medical’s call center is based in the United States. It’s available 24/7, 365 days a year.

Bay Alarm Medical has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Their customer reviews tend to be highly positive.

All of Bay Alarm Medical’s systems are manufactured domestically.

Who Is Bay Alarm Medical Ideal for?

senior couple watching tv

Bay Alarm Medical’s alert systems are intuitive and user friendly. Since their home systems are designed to plug in and go, no technological expertise is required for setup.

The help buttons on their at-home devices are huge, making them a really good choice for individuals with vision problems. Vision impairment is often associated with conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. These chronic conditions increase the risk of falling and can warrant the need for a medical alert system.

Bay Alarm Medical’s systems are less expensive than many comparable systems, so if you’re on a budget, consider checking them out.

How Much Does Bay Alarm Medical Cost?

Most of Bay Alarm Medical’s systems have lower monthly costs than Medical Guardian’s, although there is some overlap. However, their wall buttons are more expensive at $35 each, and fall detection is extra at $10 a month.

At-home systems start at $19.95 monthly. Mobile systems start at $29.95 monthly.

You’ll pay upfront equipment costs for mobile units. The SOS Smartwatch is $179, and the GPS button is $79.

Pros and Cons of Bay Alarm Medical

Some of Bay Alarm Medical’s pros and cons to consider are:

Pros

  • Easy setup
  • Products come with a 30-day risk-free trial
  • According to the manufacturer, average response time is 12 seconds
  • At-home systems are plug and go
  • Landline and cellular options are available

Cons

  • Products don’t come with warranties
  • Fall detection costs extra
  • Mobile packages have equipment fees

Different Plans and Models of Bay Alarm Medical

In-Home Medical Alert System

In-Home Medical Alert System
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  • This at-home system can be connected via a landline or 4G LTE cellular service
  • You don’t need to have an existing cellular account to choose cellular service. All your billing is done directly through Bay Alarm Medical
  • This system comes with a home base unit, four wall buttons (included only with the In-Home Premium plan), and a personal help button that can be worn on a necklace or wristband
  • No upfront equipment fee
  • Landline is $19.95 monthly, cellular is $29.95 monthly
MORE ADVICE
Does AARP Cover Medical Alert Systems? - AARP members do receive discounts on some medical alert system costs. Read More

On the Go GPS Help Button

On the Go GPS Help Button
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  • This mobile system provides automatic fall protection at $10 monthly
  • It is powered by 4G LTE wireless plus location tracking
  • It also includes caregiver tracking
  • Equipment fee is $99
  • Monthly fee is $29.95

On the Go SOS Smartwatch

On the Go SOS Smartwatch
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  • This sleek-looking watch may be a good choice for anyone on the go who doesn’t want to wear an obvious-looking medical alert device
  • It’s powered by 4G LTE wireless plus location tracking
  • It includes a step tracker and is a great option for more active individuals
  • Equipment fee is $179
  • Monthly fee is $29.95

Bundle Packages

In-home + GPS button

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In-home + SOS Smartwatch

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If you want to combine in-home protection with on-the-go coverage, two options are available:

  • In-home plus GPS button: $99 equipment fee plus $39.95 monthly for landline, $49.95 for cellular
  • In-home plus SOS Smartwatch: $179 equipment fee plus $39.95 monthly for landline, $49.95 for cellular

Similarities Between Bay Alarm Medical and Medical Guardian

  • Bay Alarm Medical and Medical Guardian are American companies that provide 24/7 access to U.S.-based call centers
  • Both provide quick response times
  • Both companies offer at-home and on-the-go alert system options
  • Both companies offer systems that can be run through landlines or cellular service

Main differences of Medical Guardian and Bay Alarm Medical

  • Some Medical Guardian systems are more costly
  • Bay Alarm Medical’s in-home system is easier to set up
  • Bay Alarm Medical’s mobile devices don’t require proximity to a base unit
  • Bay Alarm has a better track record of customer reviews than Medical Guardian

How We Wrote Medical Guardian vs. Bay Alarm Comparison

  • We compared the two companies 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

Other Medical Alert Systems That We Have Reviewed

Our Comparisons of Medical Alert Systems

Resources

Avant Jones, Medical Guardian chat operator. Online chat. December 8, 2021.
Facts about falls. (2021). https://www.cdc.gov/falls/facts.html
Kelly, Bay Alarm support agent. Online chat. December 9, 2021.
Vision impairment and older adult falls. (2021). https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/resources/features/vision-loss-falls.html

Author: Corey Whelan