One Call Alert Medical Alert System

One Call Alert has earned acclaim among medical alert companies in their two decades serving seniors. We’ve regularly tested their devices over the years. Not only have they remained consistent in reliability, they’ve also improved their at-home coverage considerably (up to 1,400 ft to be exact).

One Call Alert’s rates start as low as $19.95 per month. And while they don’t offer smart tech like the smartwatch analyzed in my HandsFree review or the smartphone/alert system hybrids found in Lively plans, One Call Alert definitely delivers dependability and peace of mind.

There’s no denying that fancy technology can be frustrating. That’s why One Call Alert offers basic medical alert systems with perks like a free medical lockbox with all subscriptions.1 We consider it an ideal system for seniors who value simplicity and affordability.

So let’s see if this alert system is the right fit for you when it comes to service plans, monthly fees, and subscription costs.

Key Features

The best features of this system:

Packages and Pricing

We appreciate that One Call Alert offers free equipment and free shipping on most plans. In addition, you will not need to worry about long-term contracts.

Like many companies that sell medical alert systems, One Call Alert offers several payment options. You have the option of paying monthly, but will receive a price break if you opt for a quarterly, semiannual, or annual payment plan. Savings range from $2 to $10 per month depending on the system and the payment plan you select.

For those who can afford to pay a larger amount up front, these optional payment plans are a good bargain. Be aware that if you do decide to go with a monthly payment plan, you will be charged an additional $29.95 processing fee and a $15 shipping fee.

One Call Alert offers a 30-day, money-back guarantee on all of their products and services. If for any reason you aren’t satisfied, you can cancel and return the equipment, and they will issue you a full refund. In my experience, this helps to take the risk out of making a decision.

Package Pricing Overview for One Call Alert

Equipment Upgrade Costs and Freebies

One Call Alert – Lockbox

When ordering the products, you will have several upgrades to choose from. One way to customize your One Call Alert plan is with fall detection, which I highly recommend for older adults, as one out of three will fall each year. It is particularly valuable for those who have fallen once before as 50 percent of falls are recurrent.2 While the technology isn’t 100 percent accurate, it could be a life-saving investment for the extra $10 per month. See below for a rundown of your other options

One Call Alert Add-ons and Accessories

Alert Systems & Monitoring Plans

One Call Alert offers five alert systems, each with their own features and devices. I am going to dive into each below, starting off with the at-home category, which is a great option for seniors who mainly stay close to home. Then, it is on to the mobile alert systems for seniors who live a more active lifestyle and would like the freedom to travel with confidence and added protection.

Finally, I’ll also look at their mobile bundled plan, which adds coverage for another person in the home, as well as a more comprehensive subscription that combines in-home and on-the-go coverage.

At-Home Alert Systems

In-Home Landline

This system includes a base station and your choice of wrist or necklace pendant help button. It’s a no-frills design, in our opinion, but it provides reliable coverage with 1,300-ft. range at a low price of $24.95 per month. While we consider it to be a fairly bare-bones plan, we think it offers similar value compared to Medical Guardian’s $30 per month standard system.

Who It’s Best For: One Call Alert’s In-Home Landline is best suited for seniors who prefer the comfort of home and have a landline.

In-Home Wireless

We appreciate the reliability of this cellular-based at-home system, which doesn’t require you to have a landline or internet connection. At $19.95 per month, we’ve found it to be a pretty good deal for the industry. We think it compares well to Bay Alarm Medical plans, also starting at $19.95 per month.

With One Call Alert’s In-Home Wireless unit, you get the same high-quality base station and waterproof wearable button, as well as slightly more range at 1,400 feet. Not bad! That said, they do charge a one-time $49.95 up-front fee in order to subscribe. That fee is waived if you opt for the annual payment plan. Definitely something to bear in mind.

Who It’s Best For: In-Home Wireless is best for seniors who want the reliability of cellular monitoring and a little extra coverage at home.

Mobile Alert Systems

Mobile On-the-Go

This all-in-one alert system keeps you protected both at home and when you’re out and about. It’s a little on the clunky side, but its GPS tracking technology gives you the flexibility to live an active lifestyle so that you feel more confident running errands or meeting with friends. At $37.95 per month, this system is on the lower end of the price range that I see for mobile alert systems. However, for the same price point, or just a tad higher, you can find a device with a sleeker design.

Who It’s Best For: The Mobile On-the-Go is best for seniors looking for nationwide cellular coverage to travel with more peace of mind.

Mobile Double

This is One Call Alert’s most expensive alert system, but it allows you to bundle your On-the-Go plan to include coverage for a spouse or loved one. At $44.95 per month, it’s not cheap; yet it’s still relatively affordable for a system that will protect two seniors. You’ll receive two waterproof devices that don’t require a landline or internet, plus your choice of one wearable help button. I like that a system for couples is offered but wish that One Call Alert would include a second help button with the order. Mobile Double does come with features like two-way talk and the free key lockbox perk we mentioned.

Who It’s Best For: Mobile Double is best for active seniors who would like to ensure another loved one is protected while away from home.

Complete Protection

This is One Call Alert’s most comprehensive system, offering complete emergency protection at home and on the go, with no landline or cell phone required. The subscription costs $41.95 per month and comes with a two-way talk base unit and mobile device with GPS tracking.

While I do question the need for a separate base unit when the mobile device essentially can act like a base unit while in the home, I do like that it comes with a 32-hour battery backup for an added layer of protection. This plan also includes one waterproof wearable help button (wrist or lanyard style), as well as free ground shipping.

Who It’s Best For: Complete Protection is best for high-risk seniors who want full protection for at-home and on-the-go coverage.

Current Deal

One Call Alert is currently offering 50 percent off of all quarterly, semiannual, and annual payment plans, which will save you $5 per month. Keep in mind, you could save even more by opting for their annual subscriptions. Other discounts and sales may be available, but note that these deals are constantly changing, so we recommend checking their website to stay up to date.

Is One Call Alert Worth It?

One Call Alert’s bare-bones systems offer great value at affordable prices. The brand doesn’t offer a whole lot in the way of smart features or sleek designs, but their freebies are pretty decent and their upgrades are priced fairly. Like other brands in the industry, One Call Alert offers fall detection for $10 per month (other competitors like ADT Medical Alert provide this service for only $5 per month — however, their cheapest alert systems start at $30 per month).

Overall, One Call Alert prices seem to be about average when compared to many other medical alert companies. But I also think that some deals are worth going after more than others. For instance, the savings you’ll enjoy with One Call’s Mobile Double subscription is pretty nice. Remember, this plan gives you coverage for two people at half the price of other brands that can cost $80 or more per month.

One Call Alert Background

One Call Alert has been in the medical alert space for over 20 years, and they’re well-known for quality service and positive customer reviews.3 We also like knowing that all of their products and services are designed and customized to meet their customers’ needs. If they don’t have a pre-configured system that makes sense for you, they will actually build and customize one that does. This tells us they truly care about seniors and the aging community.

Today, One Call Alert is owned by MobileHelp, another company that sells medical alert systems. Though they use MobileHelp equipment, they continue to use the One Call Alert name. They have also partnered with American Medical ID,4 a company that makes medical bracelets and other forms of identification to communicate critical information to first responders.

You can learn more about the company’s history — and get to know their products better — in our in-depth One Call Alert review here.

One Call Alert FAQs