Medical Guardian: Costs, Systems, and Plans
Medical Guardian Costs: Key Findings
- Medical Guardian costs start at $29.95 per month for a landline system.
- For all systems, Medical Guardian prices are slightly higher than average.
- While Medical Guardian offers discounted rates for paying for multiple months of service in advance, none of their systems require long-term contracts.
Pricing Breakdown
In-Home System (landline) | $29.95 per month |
In-Home System (cellular) | $37.95 per month |
Mobile System | $39.95 per month |
Fall Detection | $10 per month |
Extra Users | $2.99 per month |
Protection Plan | $6.99 per month |
Pro Tip: Medical Guardian makes some of our favorite systems; however, they're far from the most affordable. To find options from $20 per month, check out our guide to the best medical alert systems.
Medical Guardian Systems
There is an extensive range of Medical Guardian systems to choose from: the MGClassic, MGHome Cellular, MGMini, MGMini Lite, Mobile 2.0, and the MGMove watch. Each of them provides in-home or mobile protection.
Additionally, Medical Guardian systems include leased equipment with no activation fees or contracts. The most affordable plan starts at $29.95, and payment installments are done on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis.
To learn more about our experience with these systems, read our full Medical Guardian Review. This article will focus on the specific devices, their features, and their costs.
MGClassic
The MGClassic is Medical Guardian’s most affordable and classically styled medical alert system. The base unit connects to your home’s landline and offers two-way communication between you and the emergency response operator. The pendant has an impressive 1,300-foot range, and the system’s 32-hour backup battery is a nice feature.
MGHome Cellular
The MGHome Cellular is similar to the MGClassic, except it runs on AT&T’s cellular network. The base unit features an LED display screen and a 30-hour backup battery. The cellular connectivity is nice, but the pendant’s range is only 600 feet.
MGMini
Medical Guardian’s newest alert, the MGMini, is the company’s most affordable all-in-one mobile solution. Designed with discretion in mind, the MGMini is half the width of traditional devices. It’s only slightly taller than a matchbox and less than half the weight of one, coming in at a mere 1.3 ounces. Despite its small stature, this sleek cellular system boasts a five-day battery, water resistance, three color choices, two-way talk, and built-in GPS and WiFi tracking that can pinpoint your exact location during an emergency.
To learn more about this system, read our MGMini review.
MGMini Lite
Even smaller than the MGMini, the MGMini Lite offers similar features, with a built-in GPS, speakerphone, and fall detection system. The primary difference, here, will be the MGMini’s wristband, allowing it to be worn as a bracelet, as opposed to a pendant, as with the MGMini.
To learn more about this system, read our full MGMini Lite review.
MGMove Watch
The MGMove smartwatch is a medical alert watch with many of the same features other smartwatches have, such as SMS text messaging, schedules, and weather forecasts — but it has the added bonus of a medical alert system. This device also features GPS tracking and Wi-Fi connectivity.
This touch-screen watch doubles as a reliable medical alert system for adults who enjoy their independence. Starting at $39.95, this popular system comes with the watch, a wall charger, and a USB charging cable.
In addition to the emergency button, the MGMove also features lifesaving features such as GPS tracking, weather forecasting, text-to-speech messaging, and more. With a battery life of up to 48 hours, it doesn’t require a cell phone or Bluetooth connection.
To learn more about this system, read my full MGMove review.
Previously Sold Systems
Medical Guardian has a long history of selling high-quality medical alert systems, including the Active Guardian, and Mini Guardian systems. While Medical Guardian no longer sells these devices, they can still be purchased at retailers like Walmart and Best Buy.
Medical Guardian used to offer the Mobile 2.0 system; however, this model has been discontinued as of October 2023.
Systems Compared
System | MGClassic | MGHome Cellular | MGMini | MGMini Lite | MGMove Watch |
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Monthly Price | $29.95 | $37.95 | $39.95 | $44.95 | $39.95 |
Equipment Fees | None | $99.95 | $199.95 | $199.95 | $199.95 |
System type | In-home | In-home | Mobile | Mobile | Mobile |
Connection Type | Landline | 4G LTE Cellular | 4G LTE Cellular, WiFi, and GPS | 4G LTE Cellular, WiFi, and GPS | 4G LTE Cellular, WiFi, and GPS |
Fall Detection | $10 per month with a separate pendant | $10 per month with a separate pendant | $10 per month with additional pendant | $10 per month (built-in) | Not available |
Location Tracking | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Additional Features |
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Medical Guardian Add-Ons
In addition to its systems, Medical Guardian also offers several helpful accessories, most of which require an additional monthly payment.
Additional Medical Alert Buttons: For peace of mind, users can purchase additional medical alert buttons for their existing plans. These water-resistant buttons are compatible with both home systems, and they can be worn as a wristband or necklace. Price: $2.99 per month.
Fall Detection Pendant: For added protection, you can purchase a fall detection pendant. It is designed to automatically detect falls and alert Medical Guardian’s 24/7 monitoring centers — even if the user is unable to press a button or ask for help. Fal detection pendants are compatible with Medical Guardian's home systems. Mobile systems have fall detection built-in and don't require additional devices. Price: $10 per month.
Wireless Wall Button: Medical Guardian offers the choice of an extra wall-mounted button that can be placed around the home, either on a wall or on a surface like a nightstand. Price: $2.99 per month.
OnGuard Alerts: Add OnGuard Alerts to your Medical Guardian system. These alerts start at $2.99 per month and will provide enhanced emergency notifications and real-time text and email notifications for both you and your Care Circle. Price: $2.99 per month.
Voice-Activated Wall Button: This button can be used at home and initiates a call to the monitoring center when triggered by a voice command. The user can use their voice to say “Call Medical Guardian,” or they can pull the drawcord to be immediately connected to the monitoring center. Price: $4.99 per month.
Lockbox: Users can purchase a lockbox to safely store the key to their home in the event that EMTs need a code to access it. The lockbox gives emergency responders and other personnel access to your home if an emergency were to happen. A lockbox is a cost-effective item that removes the need for EMTs to break down your door to access your home in an emergency. Price: $2.99 per month.
Protection Plan: For $6.99 per month, you can add on a protection plan offered by Medical Guardian. Without this plan, you could incur a fee of up to $350 to replace equipment. The protection plan covers the replacement cost of one base unit or two buttons every 12 minutes. This also includes unlimited battery replacements. Price: $6.99 per month.
Purchasing From Medical Guardian
You can purchase Medical Guardian systems online, over the phone, and at stores like Walmart. With no cancellation, installation or activation fees, Medical Guardian comes with little in the way of startup costs.
You can easily select which subscription plan is right for you when you purchase systems through online checkout. For example, the subscription plan for the MGClassic starts at $29.95 per month, followed by a quarterly rate of $89.85 per quarter, and an annual plan of $329.45. This plan also includes free equipment.
Medical Guardian Warranties and Refunds
Medical Guardian doesn’t charge any cancellation fees; they do, however, provide prorated refunds for the months of unused service. While Medical Guardian doesn’t offer a free trial period for their systems, you can opt to safeguard the equipment by purchasing Medical Guardian’s protection plan which starts at $6.99 per month. Otherwise, you’ll be responsible for any damaged equipment.
MyGuardian App
Medical Guardian recently launched its new customer care portal to help individuals communicate with a close-knit network during emergencies. The new MyGuardian app is a platform that includes important health and safety information all in one place, as well as billing features to manage your account. Currently, the MyGuardian app is only available to systems that were purchased after August 1, 2021. You can download the new MyGuardian app for free on the App Store or Google Play.
Medical Guardian Monitoring
Medical Guardian provides exceptional customer service and reliable 24/7 monitoring services. Their monitoring center features emergency operators that are certified and trained to meet the industry’s highest standards. Medical Guardian currently has the following certifications: TMA Five Diamond certification, ESA Security certification, FM Approved certification, and UL Listed certification. In terms of assistance in different languages, Medical Guardian’s highly certified operators can speak with users through a third-party translation service.
Is Medical Guardian Worth It?
As a top contender in the medical alert industry, Medical Guardian provides high-quality in-home and on-the-go products that make it easier for adults to stay protected at all times. With no contracts and free equipment, Medical Guardian systems offer several benefits such as long signal range, spousal monitoring, and 24/7 UL-certified monitoring.
While there’s no free trial offer, Medical Guardian excels at providing modern devices ranging from an in-home system to a smartwatch medical alert system that works for any lifestyle. With impressive range coverage and responsive waterproof features, Medical Guardian provides streamlined systems and services for both caregivers and users.
Pro Tip: To learn more about medical alert systems, check out my medical alert system guide.
Medical Guardian is great for:
- Largest signal range in the industry: Medical Guardian’s in-home systems provide exceptional coverage range — up to 1,300 feet from the base unit (approximately four football fields of protection).
- 24/7 quality protection: Medical Guardian has UL-certified monitoring centers with highly trained emergency call operators who provide 24/7 emergency assistance. Rated as the number one system, Medical Guardian excels in customer service and maintains the highest standards.
- Flexible payment plans: Part of why Life Alert costs so much is because they require a three-year minimum contract. Medical Guardian, however, allows you to pay on a month-to-month basis. If you want to cancel at any time, all you need to do is contact Medical Guardian and send back your equipment.
- Long battery life: Medical Guardian’s mobile systems have up to seven days of battery life — the longest in the industry.
Medical Guardian is not ideal for:
- Affordability: While Medical Guardian provides high-quality products and services, they are a bit pricier than Bay Alarm Medical systems, which start at $24.95 per month. You can also check out my list of cheap medical alert systems to learn more.
Medical Guardian Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does Medical Guardian cost?
Medical Guardian systems cost as low as $27.45 per month when you purchase your subscription on an annual basis. For month-to-month subscriptions, their systems start at $29.95 per month.
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Does Medical Guardian offer spousal monitoring on all traditional devices?
The MGClassic, MGHome Cellular, Family Guardian, and Mobile 2.0 all offer the option for an additional pendant and coverage for $2.99 per month. This option is not available for the Active Guardian, Mini Guardian, or Freedom 2.0, however.
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What is the policy for lost or damaged equipment?
Up to $350 will be charged for Medical Guardian systems that are either lost or damaged. However, users can add a protection plan for $6.99 per month to avoid these charges.
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Does Medicare or other insurance companies cover Medical Guardian?
You may need to check with your specific provider regarding possible coverage. However, in general, standard Medicare will not cover the cost of a medical alert device.
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Can fall detection be added to an existing system?
You can add fall detection for an additional $10 per month to any Medical Guardian system.
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Is there an app available for all Medical Guardian devices?
Only the Freedom 2.0 has mobile apps that provide coverage.
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How long do Medical Guardian batteries last?
The Mobile 2.0 battery life lasts about three days, and Mini and Active Guardian units last about five and seven days respectively.