Medical Guardian Medical Alert Review

Rating: 9.7 / 10 (Excellent)
609 Customer Reviews - see all comments
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Medical Guardian is a medical alert provider that was founded in 2005. Headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this company strives to offer services that are tailored to the consumer’s needs, complete with 24-hour monitoring. With its many plan options and devices, Medical Guardian stands out in the industry for product variety, the wide radius of its wireless devices, simple two-way communication, and for its 13, U.S. Based, 24/7 monitoring centers.

Limited time offers: Get 20% off the Mini 4G plus one month of free service when you sign an annual contract.

How is Medical Guardian rated?

Breakdown

5.0/5
Monitoring
4.8/5
Equipment
4.8/5
Contract and Price
5.0/5
Reputation and Certifications

Overall Rating: 4.9 / 5 (Excellent)

Medical Guardian provides an excellent variety of high-quality, reasonably-priced medical alert systems that cater to both users and their caregivers. The company offers professional monitoring from their 13, U.S.-based, 24/7 monitoring centers, all of which are certified and equipped to provide ongoing service even in extreme situations. Furthermore, its state-of-the-art smartwatches put Medical Guardian at the forefront of technological advancement in the realm of medical alerts. Medical Guardian scores highly with us for its diversity of products and straightforward, customizable services.

Medical Guardian Equipment

Equipment - 4.8 / 5

Medical Guardian offers five easy to use and install devices with that can be equipped with optional fall detection and your choice of landline, cellular, or mobile/GPS connectivity. They have five different medical alert packages available, each equipped with the clients' choice of pendant, wristband, or clip-on water-resistant alert buttons. Their most affordable system, the Classic Guardian, boasts an impressive 1,300-foot button-to-base station range in every direction and a 32-hour backup battery life. Other devices offer even longer battery life—up to seven days. Medical Guardian recently introduced the Guardian Mini. The unit is quite petite, weighing in at just over an ounce and measuring 1.38 inches across. You can wear it on a lanyard or clip it anywhere on your person with the clip that's included. Medical Guardian offers a mobile app that can be set up to issue a variety of alerts to family members. For family members and caregivers who prefer not to install the app, alerts can be delivered via text message or email.

The company’s latest product is the MGMove smartwatch, powered by AT&T 4G LTE. The touch-screen device has a multitude of features that combine the conveniences of a smartwatch with the functionality of a help button. It can report emergencies to the monitoring center using the SOS app, track their steps to keep up with their daily goals, check the weather at any time, and set reminders. The watch can also be used as a messaging device between the user and their Care Circle members.
System Types
Home Landline
Home Cellular
Mobile/GPS
Help Button Option
Necklace
Wristband
Bracelet
Mobile/GPS Battery Life
168 hours

Key Features

Wearable 2-Way Communication
Waterproof Help Button
Automatic Fall Detection
Supports Multiple Help Buttons
2-Way Communication
Fall Detection
Optional Fall Detection
Water-Resistant Help Button

Additional Info

Cellular Provider Options
Verizon
AT&T
Equipment Warranty
Lifetime Warranty

Monitoring

Monitoring - 5 / 5

All of Medical Guardian's 13 monitoring centers are U.S.-based and certified by Underwriters Laboratory, which recognizes the highest equipment safety and reliability standards in the industry. Their centers also hold the CSAA Five Diamond Central Station Certification, awarded to monitoring centers that are committed to achieving excellence in both quality standards and customer service. With state-of-the-art servers and telecommunications equipment, Medical Guardian's monitoring centers are capable of 100% redundancy even under the most severe scenarios.
Monitoring Options
Professionally Monitored
Monitoring Center Type
Owned
Number of Monitoring Centers
13
Services
24/7 Monitoring
Emergency Dispatch
Non-Emergency Dispatch
Multilingual Staff

Contract & Price: How much does Medical Guardian cost?

Contract and Price - 4.8 / 5

Medical Guardian provides free activation for all their standard medical alert systems. Shipping is free when you sign up for a quarterly or longer contract. Medical Guardian offers free equipment for two of its five products. Their services are equally affordable, with prices ranging from $29.95 to $49.95 a month. Its newest product, the MGMove smartwatch, has a purchase price of $199.95 and a service plan that costs $44.95. It offers enhanced features such as reminders and messaging. The lowest-cost option from Medical Guardian’s line of on-the-go and at-home medical alert devices includes a free neck pendant or wristband with a call button. Medical Guardian does not require customers to make a long-term commitment. You can pay for service monthly. However, the company discounts its prices when you select the quarterly or annual payment option.

Starting Prices per Month

Landline
$29.95
Cellular
$34.95
Mobile/GPS
$39.95
Free Monitoring for Additional Person

Contract & Fees

Contract Required?
No
Minimum Contract Length
1 months
Activation/ Installation Fee
None
Equipment Fees
Varies by product.
Free Trial Period
None
Cancellation Policy
Medical Guardian will refund any prorated amount due based on the date the equipment was received, minus a $50 restocking fee as outlined in the Terms of Service.

Medical Guardian Reputation

Reputation and Certifications - 5 / 5

Medical Guardian devices have won numerous consumer honors. Medical Guardian is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and holds an A+ rating with the organization. That rating is at odds, however, with the poor rating awarded by customers who review Medical Guardian on the BBB website: Just 1.1 out of 5 stars. The company earns an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars from customers who review it on Google. Trustpilot users aren't enthusiastic about Medical Guardian, however, and give the company a "bad" rating of 1.7 out of 5 stars. Medical Guardian does take the time to check and respond to consumer reviews. Medical Guardian monitoring services are certified by Underwriters Laboratories, The Monitoring Association, and Factory Mutual.

Professional Certifications

  • Underwriter's Laboratory (UL)
  • The Monitoring Association (TMA/CSAA)
  • Factory Mutual (FM)
  • Department of Defense

Additional Ratings

TrustPilot Rating
11.0 out of 5
BBB Rating
A+
BBB Neutral Reviews
0
Date Collected
2023-06-27

Disclaimers


Contact & Additional Information

Homepage URL
Headquarters Address
1818 Market Street Suite 1200, Philadelphia, PA, 19103
Mailing Address
1818 Market Street Suite 1200, Philadelphia, PA, 19103
Year Founded
2005

Top Rated
Our Partner

Free Month with Annual Plans
  • Selection of At-Home & On-The-Go Devices
  • Water-Resistant, Shower Safe
  • Customer Portal for Activity Tracking & Connecting with Loved Ones

Latest Medical Guardian Reviews

8.45
Based on609 Reviews fromMedical Guardian customers
friedl189

12/22/2023
BUYER BEWARE!!! We had two of this product a couple of years. The first one (I don't remember the model name & #) didn't work. So we were going to cancel, but then a slick sales person talked us into getting another one, a replacement. The second one didn't work either. We discovered this when it was dropped by accident on the floor. We thought we'd get a call from the Medical Guardian service, but no. Then we dropped it on purpose, a few times, just to test it. Nope, no call. What an expensive piece of junk. Then when I called to cancel the $56.95/month AUTOMATIC DEDUCTIONS for their "service," they said they would only cancel it upon receipt of all parts of the device, and that we... Read More


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Julie D

4/18/2023
NO GUARDIAN AT ALL! We ordered a Medical Guardian device from our mom in January of 2022 and paid the device fee of $636.18. Due to our mom’s insurance and social workers recommendation, she was not able to use the Medical Guardian Device and it was returned to the company. Today is April 18,2023 and Medical Guardian has not refunded the original cost AND in January of 2023 charged an annual fee of $539.16. After multiple conversations with Medical Guardian, they informed me that I need to submit a different form to cancel the annual fee. The cancellation form was submitted and a refund of $509.19 was returned, which was $29.97 short of the annual fee. When I contacted Medical Guardian,... Read More


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donita.retz

12/28/2022
My 81 year old mom wore the Medical Guardian pedant with fall detection in which she fell 3 separate times and it never prompted an attendant to ask through permanent if she needed help. The last fall was Dec. 24th, 2022 and she passed away and the device never activated. I called customer service to cancel service and also let them know that maybe device is faulty. They told me that they would reset device after I sent back for someone else to use. I told them they were seeing themselves up for a lawsuit if they didn't make sure that device is faulty before letting someone else uses it. It's really scary to know how much you pay for that device per year and it's a roll of the dice that... Read More


susan79014

9/7/2021
All is well on initial contact. Once the equipment arrived, none if the devices had been paired nor was there any mention during two subsequent calls that that might be the issue behind the devices not working. Once I finally got to an English speaking tech supporter, we pretty rapidly paired all the devices. She did say the pairing should have been done before the devices were sent. The next issue regards restocking fee of $50 once the devices are ready to be returned. This should be recognized as a potentially sensitive time yet one of the initial contacts was whistling. Perhaps all the medical alert companies are like this - not disclosing full details of return and shoddy quality... Read More


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Karen

8/16/2021
The Customer Care Associates do NOT know what they are selling. And the voice activation unit is a JOKE. It has a 6 foot range. A 6 foot range, are you kidding. And if you want the voice in the bathroom that only works with one model and you need to carry both the fall dependent and the base unit at all other times. My family is requiring me to have voice and fall alert but I'm not impressed.


Donna B

7/25/2021
AFTER READING THE REVIEWS I WON'T BE PURCHASING FROM YOU. Ow deliveries. Extremely poor customer service experience. Too bad for you. What a sad way to treat people


shermanchocolate

6/17/2021
Thanks so much for looking at my mom Barbara Rose in Rialto! I am just glad that you are there for her because we worry about her falling at her age. I tell everyone that your service is a must have for seniors who want some alone time without being alone.


R
Robert C

5/10/2021
I purchased two Mini Guardian VZ units for my parents on April 26, 2021. At the time of order delivery was promised at 10 business days and after a weeks passing with no notice of shipment I contacted customer care and was informed they were having warehouse issues and the orders were in process and would likely ship the first of the following week. The time came and went with no notice of shipment so I again contacted customer service and was informed they would ship shortly, with no definition of what shortly was and obviously the agent was not able to provide any further information I was left to wait the warehouse gods action. Well one unit shipped that week and after 11 business days... Read More


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Bill W

10/3/2020
What a piece of junk. Nowhere is it explained how to set the time. It has never had my correct local time. I tried to get help setting it, but the agent I talked to didn't know how. I don't care about the calendar or the messages because I wear it on my right wrist because I have to have my regular watch on my left wrist to tell time. I've got a smart phone which keeps my messages and calendar. I tried pushing the red button one time and when the agent finally responded and I explained that I read we should test the system once a month, he didn't believe me. I have to keep wearing it because I promised my grandkids I would. They're the ones paying for it.


hillinsa

7/29/2020
This company lies about their refund policy right on their website. It says there are no cancellation fees but when my sister died and I returned her unit they charged me a $50 cancellation fee. The sales people tell you there is no cancellation fee when you are purchasing the service but on the consumer agreement it is hidden in the fine print.


Darcie S

7/13/2020
Very disappointed in their service. They charged my card when ordered on April 29, 2020. Unfortunately due to Covid 19, the shipment was delayed and was not received until after we moved my mother from her apartment to my home to continue her end of life care, this was on May 8, 2020 The equipment was received the week the week of May 10th and returned within a week or two, after my mother's passing on May 19. The equipment was never used/activated or even opened. Out of $251.64 charged, they are only offering me $140.21. It was explained to me by supervisor Robert, it was company policy. During this extremely difficult time for all of us "company policy" should not be the... Read More


E
Eleanor

5/14/2020
Mark at medical guardian is a lifeline in and of himself. He was empathetic, kind spirited and eager to find the best fit for my mom possible. He explained the pros and cons and made the process (I can’t believe I’m saying this) enjoyable. The products are really varied and impressive but the guidance and care is irreplaceable. Thank you Mark and thank you Medical Guardian.


kathleenmacauto

5/12/2020
the fall down alert is not guaranteed to work. I held my pendant high in the air (as manual instructed) and there was no response. Manually pushing the button works. I called and explained the problem, relating that I have a seizure disorder and that the fall down feature is of upmost importance. The agent was very understanding but related that it is not 100%. I dropped it three times, non of which contacted a dispatcher.


jprosen55

5/6/2020
Do not use Medical Guardian! My 93 year old mother fell in the garage, and she could not communicate with the operator despite being in the range of the monitor. When they called me, they were going to dispatch an ambulance to a different city. When I explained that she no longer was as that address, and that I had changed her location, the operator's response was "call customer service". I had to call a neighbor to come over and call 911 for me. When I complained about the operator, I was told that they just trained a new batch of operators, which obviously was not adequate. They would not refund me for the cancellation of service, and I also had to pay to ship the devices back to... Read More


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Bette

3/23/2020
Refused to refund full amount of amount charged initially - even when no contract was signed. Several called yielded different excuses although one said the remaining 10% was approved. My 5th call , when I spoke to a supervisor, who said ,if he approved it , they would refuse it. Can not believe that such a big business would not be honorable enough to give a full refund. This was never revealed in any communication with them. Caveat emptor


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Diane U

3/1/2020
Disappointment doesn’t even begin to describe our experience we have had with this company. In December we signed up our 86 mother with Medical Guardian. When we receive the device, we followed all protocol as the instructions instructed. We waited two weeks for setup when we did the first test to see if the equipment worked and it failed. Tried to call to check why the system was not working or why no one had called us back. We were on hold for fifty minutes before we were disconnected. Again, tried to call and was on hold for forty minutes when someone finally answered our call. The rep. stated they were only the answering service and that we would have to call back during business... Read More


guising01

2/7/2020
Device works intermittently if at all and customer service is horrible. They say they will call you back but they never do. I am returning my device and would not recommend this company! I plan to share my review with Costco since they recommended and sold this device.


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Debra H

1/14/2020
I returned the medical guardian active after one month because they did not follow the protocol I had set up with them (contacting EMT and then me) in case my mother fell. My total cost for the unit along with fall detection and $6.99 per month in case the unit was damaged was $634.34 for the year. I requested a total refund, and I would like to add that the fall detection NEVER WORKED. I was refunded $513.11. I called the company and they said that they deducted the free shipping that I had originally received along with a restocking fee($50.00). I complained to the customer service rep and she did refund the $50.00, but I am still owed $71.23 which they won't refund. My advice is... Read More


robingorenberg

1/8/2020
I just bought the new freedom watch for my mother - i have tried calling Medical Guardian today 5 times to try to set up the account, each time to be put on hold with no one ever answering, eventually getting the answering service to take a message. No only could i not get in touch with them to set up the account, but i did a test "help" on the watch (which worked) but after the test call ended the person on the other end said she would cancel the call but the watch keeps saying "on call" and i can't turn if off! this a TERRIBLE 1st impression for a company that is for medical alerts! to not be able to reach anyone is unacceptable. And I am evaluating 4 companies and all of the other 3... Read More


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Debra H

12/26/2019
I purchased a Medical Guardian Active for my 87 year old mother in Nov. I paid for one year along with the fall detection ($10.00/mth) and $6.99/mth in case of damage. ( I thought the fall detection was included which I found out wasn't which incurred the $10.00/mth fee.) When we tested the fall detection it didn't work and the reps didn't know why! When I purchased the device I requested that the EMT's would be notified first. On Dec. 13 my mother fell and activated the device. The rep did not contact the EMT's she called me first. The rep didn't even know where my mother was when she fell. I called the company and told them this was totally irresponsible on their part when the... Read More


Carolyn S

9/30/2019
I don’t know where all these “great” reviews are coming from because my experience with them has been hell on earth!! I returned the device the middle of July 2019, canceled the service and mailed my final payment. They CONTINUED to try to bill my Discover card TWICE after the cancellation and AFTER they received the device. I called and they even lied and said they never received it until I produced the tracking number. Then they said “oh yes, we did receive it.” The only reason it didn’t go through on my card was that Discover sent a new card with a new number since our card expiration was July. It’s September 30th and I’m continuing to be harassed by these people. I think I’d rather... Read More


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Mitzie Y

9/26/2019
Changed to Medical Guardian from Lifeline because Lifeline would not service once my mom had a pacemaker. Medical Guardian has been a total disappointment. She lives in a city within 50 miles of Atlanta; however, we've had constant issues with service they've blamed on inadequate 4G service. We have a call protocol in place; however, they go by what the person wearing the device tells them if a call is initiated. It doesn't seem to matter that person is 89 years old, is diabetic, has a heart condition and may be in the middle of an emergent situation. I've asked that call protocol be followed so that valuable response time isn't lost if she (my 89 year old mom who is in the middle of... Read More


Roberta H

8/11/2019
We tried multiple times to reach the activation phone per your instructions with NO success, on multiple occasions, including yesterday 8/10/19. Each time we were on hold for at least 10 minutes and yesterday got an answering service who said someone would call in 30 minutes. Next day- no return call! This is no way to run a 24/7 service! We are planning to return the devices and cancel service through Medical Guardian! Exceptionally poor follow through after speedy initial sale! Boston customer 8/11/19


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ken

8/8/2019
Trying to get get in touch with someone on the phone line is a terrible! Moms necklet is not working and was/are trying to see about getting a new one and was on hold for 30 mins only to have someone tell me that they would have someone call me back in 30 mins. t's now been 8 hours. But when I when online like I was a new customer I got a call back in 1 min.


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jechristensen

7/22/2019
I have medical guardian. The few times I have used it, they show up right away.