You probably already know ADT from their home security signs in everyone’s front yard. What you might not know is that they also make medical alert systems — and they’re actually pretty solid, if a bit pricier than the competition.
We tested all three of ADT’s medical alert plans, and what stands out is the simplicity. Three options, clear pricing, no gimmicks. Their Price Lock Guarantee means your rate literally never goes up, which is rare in this industry. David set up the Medical Alert Plus in his parents’ house and it was running in under 10 minutes — his dad was initially skeptical but admitted the button was easy to use.
The tradeoff? ADT starts at $31.99 a month, which is $7 more than Bay Alarm Medical’s entry point. There’s also a $99 activation fee that stings a bit upfront. Whether that premium is worth it depends on how much you value the ADT name and their particular feature set. We’ve got the full pricing breakdown below so you can decide for yourself.
ADT Medical Alert Cost Breakdown
| Plan | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| In-Home System (Landline) | $31.99 |
| In-Home System (Cellular) | $39.99 |
| Mobile On-The-Go System | $41.99 |
| Activation Fee (all plans) | $99 one-time |
| Fall Detection Add-On | $11 per month |
| Extra Help Button | $14.99 one-time |
ADT Medical Alert Systems
ADT offers three distinct systems, each designed for a different level of activity and lifestyle. All three share core features: waterproof help buttons, 24/7 two-way monitoring, and a Price Lock Guarantee.
Medical Alert Basic System
The Basic System is designed for seniors with a landline who primarily stay at home. It connects through your existing phone line and includes a base station and wearable help button (pendant or wristband). The button has a 300-foot range from the base — sufficient for most homes.
At $31.99 per month with free shipping, this is ADT’s most affordable option. A notable bonus is home temperature monitoring: if the house gets too hot or cold, ADT’s team is alerted — a genuinely useful feature given that older adults face significantly elevated fire and heat-related risks compared to the general population.
Medical Alert Plus System
The Plus System steps up to a cellular connection, eliminating the need for a landline. It extends the help button range to 600 feet, which means it covers not just the home interior but also backyard and porch areas. This is a good fit for seniors who enjoy spending time outdoors.
Optional fall detection is available for $11 per month and triggers an automatic call to the monitoring center without requiring a button press. Additional wristbands or pendants can be added for $14.99 each, and a free wall-mount button is available on request. This plan runs $39.99 per month plus the $99 activation fee.
On-The-Go Medical Alert System
ADT’s mobile option is built for seniors who want protection beyond the home. The small, lightweight device can be worn as a pendant or wristband and maintains a 300-foot range from the mobile base unit. It uses a cellular connection with built-in GPS so that monitoring agents can locate users anywhere in the country.
Fall detection is optional at $11 per month. Unlike the in-home systems, the On-The-Go device does not include home temperature monitoring — a reasonable trade-off for mobility. The plan costs $41.99 per month plus the one-time $99 activation fee.
ADT Systems at a Glance
| Feature | Basic | Plus | On-The-Go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | $31.99 | $39.99 | $41.99 |
| Activation Fee | $99 | $99 | $99 |
| Connection | Landline | Cellular | Cellular |
| Help Button Range | 300 ft | 600 ft | 300 ft |
| Fall Detection | Not available | +$11/mo | +$11/mo |
| GPS | No | No | Yes |
| Temperature Monitoring | Yes | Yes | No |
ADT Monitoring
Every ADT medical alert plan includes 24/7 two-way voice communication. When a user presses their help button (or fall detection triggers automatically), the process unfolds in three steps:
- Alert sent — The help button or fall sensor sends a signal to ADT’s monitoring center.
- Operator responds — A trained ADT agent answers the call and speaks directly with the user to understand the situation.
- Help dispatched — The agent contacts the appropriate party: a family member, caregiver, or emergency responder, depending on what’s needed.
ADT does not conduct automatic monthly tests. Instead, a light on the device activates monthly as a reminder to manually test the system and confirm it’s working properly.
The Policies
ADT’s pricing policies are notably consumer-friendly. The Price Lock Guarantee ensures your monthly rate can never be raised for the life of your subscription. There are no long-term contracts, so you’re free to cancel at any time without penalty.
All plans also include ADT’s Premium Protection Plan, which covers system replacement due to normal wear and tear — either at no cost or for a small deductible, as specified in your subscriber agreement.
Purchasing from ADT
Systems can be ordered online or by phone. The website allows you to compare all three plans, view accessories like lockboxes and extra buttons, and complete checkout with a credit card. Shipping is free on all orders.
Keep in mind that ADT leases its equipment — you’re paying a subscription for monitoring service and device use, not purchasing the hardware outright. When you cancel, equipment must be returned.
Is ADT Worth It?
ADT delivers solid, dependable medical alert systems with respectable features, transparent pricing, and trustworthy monitoring. The Price Lock Guarantee and no-contract policy are genuine advantages that many competitors don’t offer.
The downside is cost. At $31.99 to $41.99 per month before fall detection, ADT sits above the industry average. Providers like Bay Alarm Medical and MobileHelp offer comparable protection starting closer to $25 per month.
For those who value ADT’s brand reputation and long track record in emergency response, the premium is easy to justify. If budget is a primary concern, however, it’s worth comparing ADT’s plans against lower-cost alternatives before signing up.
Prices and availability should be verified on the provider’s website.