Medical alert systems let you call for help during an emergency with just one press on a wearable call button. But, when it comes to having a medical alert system, one consideration that people, specifically the elderly, usually ask is how much are medical alert systems. No matter how vital it is to have one, the concern of whether you can afford it is crucial in making a decision. There are various costs associated with medical alert systems, from the installation to the system itself, monthly fees, and so on. The cost may go over, and beyond the base price you might be expecting. Let’s take a look.
Breakdown Cost of Medical Alert System
Installation
If you’re wondering how much are medical alert systems, the very first thing that you are going to spend your money with is the installation fee. Although not all medical alert system requires you to pay for the installation, but the ones that require a fee will cost about $100 up just to install the system by a professional.
Total Cost: $0 – $200, one time
Base System and Accessories
Aside from installation, you will also need to pay for the physical equipment itself. This will include the base system, the wristband/pendant, or any additional accessories that are covered in the package. But this does not include extras or add-ons that you can buy at an additional cost. For some medical alert systems, these items are included at no cost for the first month. These are commonly the systems that you lease rather than purchasing from the company, so the price of the lease is part of the monthly cost.
Total Cost: $0 – $50, one time
Monthly Base Fees
When talking about how much are medical alert systems, we start getting into the confirmed cost that you have to pay each month. The actual price depends on a lot of things, including the system you chose and the upgrades you will get. For the cheapest of plans, you will be spending around $20 per month. For advanced or higher-cost plans, you will have to pay the cost from $40 to $50.
Total Cost: $20 – $50, monthly
Monthly Added Fees and Upgrades
Add-on and features can cost an extra $5 to $20 per month, depending on what features you want. Make sure that when you check your monthly base fee and add-on features, you are happy. This is definitely something that you should keep in mind as the budget is always a big factor.
Total Cost: $0 – $50, monthly
Repairs and Replacement
Are you still wondering how much are medical alert systems? Let’s proceed to another part: the repairs and replacement costs. Most people disregard this part. You may assume that your device will last longer, but repairs may be needed at some point. Depending on the system you bought, you could end up having great warranties or no warranty at all. Some offer a lifetime warranty for their products, while others offer a year or less. Some do not offer a warranty at all; instead, they offer it at an extra cost. The cost of this add-on is usually around $5 – $20, and that’s another cost per month.
If there’s no warranty for your device or you did not get any, you could end up paying for the whole cost like repairs, sending the product back, or a full replacement. This will cost you around $20 – $150 depending on the shipping cost, the repairs required, and the unit cost you have chosen.
Total Cost: $0 – $150
Cancellation Fees
If you decided to cancel your plan early, you might assume that you can get a refund and cut ties with the system. But, it’s not actually the case. Most systems will require you a lock-in period, which means you are locked into the system for a specific time. Other companies do not charge cancellation fees, but they do charge ‘restocking fees’ for the devices you will return at the end of your use. This could cost around $50 just to get the package from with your base and band and place them back on the shelf for others to use.
There are exceptions to this rule at times as some companies will let you off the hook if you certify that you will or have entered into a nursing home or other facility.
Conclusion
All in all, you could be looking at a monthly bill that exceeds $100 per month if you are not cautious with the features, services, or the add-ons you select. Remember, though, that additional costs or one-time fees can add up and should definitely be considered when you look at anything. Knowing how much are medical alert systems will help you to decide whether or not to get one. Though having a standby medical alert system is beneficial, especially for older people in an emergency, make sure that it fits your needs and budget. Here’s how to learn more about Medical Alert Systems.