ADT Medical Alert System

Bottom line: ADT Med Alert protects Mom and Dad 

You’re probably familiar with ADT’s home security systems, but did you know the company has medical alert systems too? And if you already have an ADT system, you can get discounts on a medical alert device for loved ones. 

ADT offers three different systems: On-The-Go, Medical Alert Plus, and Medical Alert Basic. Each package comes equipped with an emergency button to reach any of ADT’s six monitoring centers. 

When Mom, Dad, or any older loved one is in a scary situation, they can call on ADT’s monitoring professionals for help. Whether it’s chest pains or a slip in the shower, the company’s emergency operators stay on the line until help arrives. 

How we reviewed ADT medical alert systems 

This isn’t the first time SafeWise has put ADT under the microscope. So we used what we already know about the company. We also sifted through fine print to get details on the payment process, activation fees, and more.

To top it off, we compared the ADT system to other popular medical alert devices, looking at prices, equipment, and monitoring perks. Learn more about how we conduct our reviews from our methodology page.

ADT medical alert pricing

ADT medical alert has three packages to choose, each with its own pros and cons. We’ve compared them side by side to make the choice a little easier. 

Info current as of 08/05/20. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

ADT Medical Alert systems start at just under $30 per month and top off around $40 per month. When you start your service, expect taxes along with activation and shipping fees. Thankfully those are one-time fees. 

If you’re an existing ADT customer, good news: There are a few perks to pairing your home security system with a new medical alert device. ADT customers get a small discount per month and half off fall detection for Medical Alert Plus and On-The-Go plans. 

ADT customers also get the freedom to choose between annual or quarterly billing. Yearly payments end up saving you about $4 for each plan.

• Medical Alert Basic: $335.88/year 
• Medical Alert Plus: $419.88/year
• On-The-Go: $431.88/year

Tech and equipment 

ADT’s Medical Alert Basic and Medical Alert Plus are at-home systems with a short range. On-the-Go is a GPS unit that can go anywhere with your loved one. We dive into each system more in depth below.

ADT medical alert package comparison

Info current as of 08/05/20. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

ADT Medical Alert Basic: Home-based landline system

ADT Medical Alert Basic is the most budget-friendly option of ADT’s products. At just under $30 per month, you get a landline-connected base station and your choice of waterproof pendant or wristband. 

Your loved one will need an existing landline to use the system. But installation is as easy as plugging in a cable. Landlines may be slowly phasing out, but they’re a good choice for rural areas or places with poor reception. 

In all home-based medical alert systems, the wearable needs to stay close to the base station. ADT’s Basic system gives Mom or Dad a 300-foot radius before the connection fades. 

Compared to other medical alert systems, 300 feet is pretty limited. But it’s enough if your loved ones live in a small home or apartment. 

Unfortunately, automatic fall detection isn’t available with this system. But you can upgrade to the Plus package to get that feature with an at-home system. 

ADT Medical Alert Plus: Home-based cellular system

ADT Medical Alert Plus is an at-home system like the Basic package. But instead of a landline, it uses a cellular signal to connect with the nearest monitoring center. Cellular systems are easier to set up and even take with you. If you and your loved one need to travel, you can set it up wherever you visit. 

And like the Basic package, the wearable needs to stay in range of the base station. Thankfully, the Plus package doubles the range to 600 feet. 

The base station looks like Medical Guardian and MobileHelp systems and comes with similar features like automatic fall detection. 

But ADT adds a temperature display, something we don’t see often in medical alert systems. This feature shows the ambient temperature of the home, allowing your loved one to stay comfortably in the Goldilocks zone (not too hot, not too cold). 

The Medical Alert Plus system also comes with an additional discount for existing ADT customers. If you or your loved one already use ADT security, the company gives you half off automatic fall detection.

ADT On-The-Go: Mobile system

ADT On-The-Go is a GPS medical alert system your loved ones can take with them. From the golf course to the garden, they can call for help and connect with an ADT monitoring operator whenever they need assistance. 

The system is made of a two-way speaker button and medical alert pendant (or wristband, their choice). The two devices sync up and work together to form a mobile medical alert system. The GPS and lanyard must stay together at all times. But both pieces are small enough to fit in pockets and purses. 

The On-The-Go system also has fall detection which calls the monitoring center when after a fall (especially helpful if the fall leaves the wearer unconscious). 

And while this mobile system costs more than the other two ADT medical alert options, it’s still more affordable than other GPS units that often cost over $45 per month. 

Customer Service 

ADT has six US-based monitoring centers throughout the country. So no matter what time or day your loved one needs assistance, there’s always someone standing by. 

These redundant monitoring centers work as backup for each other in case of power outages, storms, or other natural disasters. So if the center nearest to your loved one loses power, there’s sure to be another online. 

If you have questions or comments, calling is by far the fastest way to reach ADT. You may encounter some upselling tactics, though. So brace yourself and take a look through the site so you know what you’re looking for before you call. 

We tested ADT’s customer service via the live chat service on the company’s website. A bot greets you when you start the chat, requiring you to jump through some hoops before reaching a real customer service rep.

And the process can be tricky since the bot’s navigational questions are mainly focused on ADT’s home security. 

How ADT stacks up

Info current as of 08/05/20. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

Pricing and discounts

ADT falls safely within the range of affordable medical alert systems. 

Its Basic package lands just under $30, costing more than starting rates from Bay Alarm and GetSafe but less than Medical Guardian. 

As you move through ADT’s packages, the story stays the same. Much like these other medical alert systems, ADT’s GPS device is the priciest of the bunch. But it’s a good deal compared to premium products like Philips LifeLine, which can cost up to $60 per month.

ADT is transparent about its discounts too. Some medical alert systems offer discounts for AARP members and veterans, but you have to ask first. If you’re an existing ADT customer, you can get perks like free shipping, no activation fee, and monthly discounts. 

Features and equipment

ADT’s medical alert devices are reliable and easy to use, but they don’t have all the bells and whistles other medical alert services have. For example, you won’t find a companion app that lets you track your loved one’s location with ADT. The company also lacks a smartwatch or other slick wearables. 

That said, if you need a simple, no-fuss system, all you really need is waterproof wearable equipment and automatic fall detection. 

Things to consider before you buy 

A medical alert system is one of many ways you can take care of your older loved ones. Home security systems can also protect them from break-ins, fires, and carbon monoxide. ADT offers discounts to customers with a medical alert and home security system, keeping prices sustainable and your loved ones safe.  

Final word 

Of ADT’s medical alert systems, our favorite is the On-The-Go GPS package. It’s more affordable than similar units and gives your loved one more freedom to move about their house, neighborhood, and community. 

To sum it all up, ADT offers an affordable medical alert system, even without the existing customer discounts. The equipment is simple and easy to learn without too many distracting features. You can also feel confident that help is never far away, thanks to all the professional monitoring centers under the company’s umbrella. 

ADT Medical Alert FAQ 

Does ADT require a contract?

While none of ADT’s medical alert systems require a contract, the company’s alarm system does come with a 36-month agreement. 

Do any other security systems offer medical alert systems?

No. Some of our other favorite home security providers like Link Interactive, Vivint, and Frontpoint offer standalone pendants and medical alert systems. 

Similar to ADT, you can bundle these products with your main home system if you have an older family member living with you or want to give them a medical alert system linked to your home security devices. 

How do I know when to get a medical alert system for my loved one?

Everyone ages differently, so there’s no set time or list of symptoms. If your loved one lives alone and has showed signs of lost balance, confusion, or other medical problems, it may be time to look into buying them a system. Learn how to talk to your parents about medical alert systems so they can speak with medical professionals about whether it’s right for them.

Related articles 

• Best Medical Alert Systems
• Most Affordable Medical Alert Systems
• Best Medical Alert Systems for Fall Detection
• ADT Home Security Review