Medical alert systems are designed to help ensure seniors, people living with disabilities and others enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing they can call for help at any time by simply activating a small, wearable panic button. These systems either connect to an existing landline phone service, or include a cellular transmitter that provides coverage at home and in the community.
Philips Lifeline, originally known as simply Lifeline, was founded by Dr. Andrew Dibner and his wife Susan in 1974. The couple sought to create a small, user-friendly device that allowed seniors to call for help, even if they couldn’t reach a telephone. Since that time medical alert technology has evolved, and in 2006, Philips purchased Lifeline Systems, creating Philips Lifeline, one of the oldest and most trusted names in the industry.
This guide covers Philips Lifeline medical alert systems, pricing and options, as well as a list of the pros and cons of Philips Lifeline devices and services.
What You Should Know
Philips Lifeline offers three medical alert systems, the HomeSafe Standard, GoSafe and GoSafe 2.
All of the systems are designed for self-installation, although technician installation is available for a fee. All Philips Lifeline systems can be returned for a full refund within 30 days of activation, and calls for assistance are answered by trained care specialists 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Systems that use cellular service work on the nationwide AT&T wireless network.
Philips Lifeline offers two systems with automatic fall detection — the HomeSafe with AutoAlert and the GoSafe 2. These devices are equipped with a proprietary, triple-technology fall detection system that includes accelerometers, barometric sensors and a specialized algorithm designed to accurately identify a sudden fall 95% of the time.
|
HomeSafe Standard |
HomeSafe With AutoAlert |
GoSafe 2 |
| Connection Type |
Landline |
Landline |
AT&T 4G LTE |
| Help Button |
Choice of pendant or wrist-mounted button |
Pendant |
All-in-one pendant |
| Battery |
Long-lasting, non-replaceable battery in help button is automatically monitored and replaced as needed |
Long-lasting, non-replaceable battery in help button is automatically monitored and replaced as needed |
User-rechargeable battery lasts 2-3 days, and can be charged while wearing |
| Water-rating |
Help button is waterproof Base unit is not waterproof |
Help button is waterproof Base unit is not waterproof |
Safe for use in wet environments |
| Two-way speaker |
On base unit |
On base unit |
Integrated in help pendant |
| Fall Detection |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Philips Lifeline Plans and Pricing
Philips Lifeline systems are all-inclusive, and there are no added costs or optional features.
The HomeSafe Standard landline-based in-home system is $29.95 per month. There’s also a one time $50 activation fee, and a $19.95 charge for shipping and handling.
The HomeSafe with AutoAlert (automatic fall detection) costs $44.95 per month, plus a one time activation fee of $50 and a $19.95 shipping and handling fee.
The GoSafe 2 costs $49.95 per month, plus a one time device fee of $99.95 and a shipping and handling fee of $19.95.
Pros and Cons of Philips Lifeline Medical Alert Systems
When choosing a medical alert system, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each company, the services offered and the medical alert devices.
Philips Lifeline Pros
- Long-standing medical alert company that offers personal and commercial medical alert systems
- Philips Lifeline owns and operates its own multilingual call response center
- Pricing is straightforward and easy to understand
- Systems are designed for easy self-installation, and technician installation is available for an additional fee
- Waterproof panic buttons are safe to wear in wet environments, such as the shower
- No enrollment fees, long-term contracts or cancellation fees
- Services are billed on a month-to-month basis
- Subscribers can set up a personalized response plan so they can have a trusted neighbor, family member or friend contacted before emergency services are dispatched in nonurgent situations
- Access to the Philips Cares online hub is included in all monthly service plans, and provides subscribers and authorized users with access to account, device and care plan information through any Android or iOS device
- Philips Lifeline maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau
Philips Lifeline Cons
- Philips Lifeline panic buttons look and feel like medical devices
- No option to prepay for services
- No discounts on products or monitoring services
- Range between in-home base unit and help button isn’t listed
- The only mobile medical alert system uses a pendant medical alert button — no medical smartwatch option is offered
- Monitoring costs are higher than many competitors
- Activation fees are charged, while many other companies waive the cost of activation
- Philips Lifeline charges for shipping and handling
