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Bay Alarm Medical Review
4.7 Overall Rating
Bottom Line
Bay Alarm Medical is a medical alert system offering 24/7 monitoring and trained professionals to help in urgent times of need. Bay Alarm Medical has been protecting their clients for almost 70 years. Highlights for the company include free monitoring for spouses and for other family members, as well as overwhelmingly positive customer reviews. Considering the customer accolades, Bay Alarm Medical deserves our 2018 “Great Service” award.
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About Bay Alarm Medical
Bay Alarm Medical is a medical alert system that provides a 24/7 monitoring service and connects users with trained professionals during emergencies. The team is trained to quickly verify emergencies, helping to reduce the risk of unnecessary dispatches caused by false alarms. The company has been protecting customers for nearly 80 years. Key benefits include free monitoring for spouses or other family members, along with consistently positive customer reviews.
When opening the box, we found the GPS Alert System, a first responder medical information magnet, and an information packet. The packet included a thank-you note, an emergency contact form (returnable by mail, email, or phone), and a setup guide for unboxing and activating the system. All components were neatly packed and arrived in perfect condition. Every piece was sealed in a plastic bag and secured in a foam cutout inside the box.
We began setup by plugging in the base station, then putting on the adjustable band. Within minutes, we pressed the help button, and a monitoring center associate answered to guide us through the activation process.
Pros
- Free monitoring for spouses and loved ones
- Device supports 170 languages
- Coverage in all 50 states
- No long-term contract required
Cons
- Automatic fall detection may not register every fall
How Does a Bay Alarm Medical Alert System Work?
After setup, you can call for help by pressing the help button on your wristband or pendant. Bay Alarm Medical systems require a base unit with a help button and a lanyard or wristband worn on the neck or wrist.
When you press the help button, you are connected to a Bay Alarm Medical emergency representative. The representative can call 911 for emergency assistance if the user needs help or alert a caregiver with notifications for peace of mind. If you wear a pendant or wristband with fall detection and suffer a fall, the alert system will contact the Bay Alarm Medical monitoring center and dispatch help if necessary.
Photo: Bay Alarm Medical Alert System
Picking a Bay Alarm Medical Device
Bay Alarm Medical offers multiple protection levels so customers can choose the option that best fits their needs. The standard package includes the base station, a push-button wristband or pendant, and the Vial of Life magnet. The Vial of Life magnet holds a form where the user can record health and medical information for first responders and family members. These items are included with every order. With the standard package, you can choose either a cellular base or one that connects to a landline. You can add several accessories in addition to the base station.
Additional Products
In addition to the basic package (base station, pendant or wrist button, and Vial of Life) you can purchase extra equipment for added protection. Here are the additional products Bay Alarm Medical offers to upgrade the basic package:
One accessory is a wall-mounted help button. This additional button can be mounted on any wall for easy access. Another add-on is the GPS alert system, which operates on AT&T or Verizon’s 4G LTE network. For an extra monthly charge, the device works as a portable pendant and provides location tracking for caregivers. The GPS alert system includes a one-time device fee of $49. The device includes a necklace, a portable belt clip, and a charging base, and can be upgraded with fall detection. The fall detection pendant is wearable around the neck and can automatically call emergency services after a detected fall. You can purchase an extra fall detection device for an additional monthly fee.
| Equipment Upgrades | Price |
|---|---|
| Lockbox | $30 one-time charge |
| GPS Alert System | $29.95 per month |
| Automatic Fall Detection Pendant | $10 per month and $30 device fee |
| Protection Plan | $4.95 per month |
| Pendant or Wrist button | $39 one-time charge |
| Wall Button | $35 per button |
| Bella Charms | $25 per charm |
| Bella Bands, SOS Micro designer straps | $17 for Bella Bands; $28 to $32 for SOS Micro designer straps |
| Vial of Life | $8 per vial |
Bay Alarm Medical Prices
Bay Alarm Medical offers a core package with optional accessories available to add. Each accessory adds an additional monthly charge. If your home does not have a landline, Bay Alarm Medical partners with AT&T and Verizon to provide a cellular connection instead and operates on their 4G LTE network. There is an extra charge for the fall detection feature. The GPS tracking device requires a one-time device fee plus a monthly service charge.
Each package includes free activation, a 30-day risk-free trial, and free shipping when you choose the semi-annual or quarterly payment plan; the semi-annual plan also includes a complimentary lockbox for the front door. Bay Alarm Medical offers discounts to members of various senior organizations, including AARP, USAA, AMAC, and the American Seniors Association.
| Bay Alarm Medical SOS Products | Price |
|---|---|
| SOS Home | Starting at $27.95 per month |
| SOS All-In-One 2 | Starting at $34.95 per month |
| SOS Micro | Starting at $34.95 per month |
| SOS Smartwatch | Starting at $39.95 per month |
Call Center
Bay Alarm Medical operates two call centers that run 24/7. The facilities are located in Ogden, Utah, and Rexburg, Idaho. The centers are duplicates of each other and provide a mutual backup battery in case one goes offline. Both centers are CSAA Five Diamond certified and undergo annual recertification.
Bay Alarm Medical Warranty
All Bay Alarm Medical equipment is covered by a company-provided warranty. Under the warranty, Bay Alarm Medical will replace equipment damaged from wear and tear or manufacturing defects at no charge. They also offer a Premium Protection Plan that includes a surge protector and one-time replacement of the surge protector or base if it fails. After a replacement under this plan, the original warranty may no longer apply. Customers may purchase an additional warranty if needed.
System Testing
Bay Alarm Medical performs weekly silent system tests, but the company recommends that you perform a monthly manual test by pressing the help button and informing the representative it is a test.
Bay Alarm Medical Complaints
Bay Alarm Medical is among the top-rated medical device companies on ConsumerAffairs. Other senior-focused publications also rank the company highly for reputable and reliable alert products. Online reviews often cite prompt response times and ease of use, especially for older adults with limited technical skills.
Some reviewers warn that the motion sensor can be sensitive—particularly the fall detection—so be mindful of how you wear devices and where you place sensors in the home. A few customers reported issues with customer service, cancellation charges, and shipping times on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), though many of those complaints appear to have been resolved.
Bay Alarm Medical FAQs
The basic plan for in-home systems for monitoring starts at about $24.95 per month, but depending on the system and features you select, Bay Alarm Medical’s prices can vary. The cost of the mobile device with GPS and on-the-go systems is higher, and for an additional monthly fee and with an optional fall detection feature. There are no long-term agreements and no hidden fees, but some equipment might need a one-time purchase or rental fee.
No, Bay Alarm Medical does not provide a free trial, but it does have a risk-free 30-day trial period and return policy. This enables users to test the system and return it for a complete refund, less shipping costs, within the first month if they’re not happy.
Bay Alarm Medical does not require a long-term contract, but it offers a semi-annual upfront payment plan. If you choose the semi-annual plan and return equipment before the six months are complete, Bay Alarm Medical will refund the unused months.
Bay Alarm Medical offers a 30-day money-back guarantee from the date of purchase. If you return the system within the first 30 days for any reason, you will receive a full refund. There are no restocking fees or return shipping charges.
Both the Bay Alarm Medical pendant and wristband are waterproof. The base station, however, is not water-resistant.
The GPS device can last up to 72 hours between charges. For in-home systems, wristband or pendant batteries are designed to last for the expected life of the system.
You can order online through their website; checkout is completed in six straightforward steps. You can also order by calling their toll-free number.
Many clients praise Bay Alarm Medical’s customer service for being friendly, knowledgeable, and responsive. Reviews frequently emphasize prompt emergency response times and friendly staff members who take the time to go over features or fix problems. Additionally, some customers value the company’s readiness to help them with installation and troubleshooting.
Bay Alarm Medical is generally the more affordable option, with monthly plans starting around $28 and strong customer service perks like free spouse monitoring. Medical Guardian, while a bit pricier, offers faster response times, longer-lasting batteries, and more advanced caregiver app features. Life Alert batteries last longer, but their systems are more expensive.
Conclusion
Bay Alarm Medical is a solid medical alert system with numerous upgrade options to expand your protection. For more information on other medical alert devices, see our complete guide to the best medical alert systems.
For comparisons with other medical alert systems, read: