Philips Lifeline: Plans, Features & Pricing

Established by gerontologist Dr. Andrew Dibner and his wife Susan in 1974, Lifeline is one of the oldest and most recognized names in medical alert technologies. Dr. Dibner envisioned a small, wearable personal device that would allow seniors to call for help, even if they couldn’t reach a phone. In 2006, Philips purchased Lifeline Systems and rebranded it as Philips Lifeline. Today the company offers four medical alert systems that work with either a landline phone or by connecting with the AT&T cellular network.

Lifeline’s HomeSafe Standard system comes with either a wrist-worn or pendant call button, while all other systems include a neck-worn pendant with automatic fall detection. Unlike many other medical alert companies that charge additional fees for features such as GPS locating and fall detection, Philips Lifeline prices are all-inclusive, which makes it easy for consumers to compare different service plans.

Using a medical alert system may help seniors avoid placement in a care facility and reduce care costs associated with in-home services, such as a homemaker or home health aide. The Philips Lifeline devices can also reduce stress on loved ones and caregivers by easing the physical and emotional toll that often comes with supporting aging parents.

In this guide, you’ll find an in-depth overview of all the products, plans and services Philips Lifeline offers. We also cover current pricing and the differences between each of Lifeline’s four medical alert systems.

Lifeline Features

Philips Lifeline doesn’t have any add-on features — all its services are bundled into four service packages. All but the HomeSafe Standard package include automatic fall detection, and both GoSafe packages include GPS locating. All Lifeline devices are water-resistant and guaranteed for one year from activation. The AT&T network provides cellular service for all Philips Lifeline mobile devices.

Philips Lifeline also sells a medication-dispensing device that, when connected to a landline phone, prompts users to take their medications at predetermined times. If the user doesn’t take their medications as scheduled, Philips can alert a caregiver. While the medication-dispensing device can’t be paired with a medical alert system, it’s marketed as an auxiliary device that may meet the needs of seniors who use Philips Lifeline medical alert products.

Lifeline Plans for Seniors

Philips Lifeline offers four medical alert systems ranging in price from $29.95 per month for the basic HomeSafe Standard system to $54.95 per month for the GoSafe mobile system. Startup costs range from a $50 activation fee for the HomeSafe systems up to a $149 device fee for the GoSafe system. Additional fees apply for professional in-home installation; however, all of the Philips Lifeline systems are designed for self-installation.

HomeSafe Standard Plan

Device Information

The HomeSafe Standard Plan is a wireless landline-based medical alert system that includes an in-home communicator base unit that links with either a neck-worn or wrist-worn medical alert button. When a subscriber presses the help button, the base unit calls the Philips Lifeline monitoring center and the operator initiates a two-way conversation over the speaker on the in-home communicator.

The range between the in-home communicator and the medical alert button is rated up to 800 feet; however, the actual range varies depending on the location. The battery inside the medical alert button is non-rechargeable and is remotely monitored by Lifeline. When a replacement is needed, Lifeline sends one at no charge to the user.

Pricing

The HomeSafe Standard system costs $29.95 per month plus a one-time $50 activation fee.

HomeSafe with AutoAlert

Device Information

The HomeSafe with AutoAlert system offers the same benefits as the HomeSafe Standard plan plus AutoAlert fall detection. Because the fall detection feature requires the use of a pendant medical alert button, a wrist-worn button isn’t available with this system. Users can choose either a landline-based in-home communicator or a cellular-connected in-home communicator.

Pricing

The HomeSafe with AutoAlert system costs $44.95 per month for a landline connection and $58.95 per month for a cellular connection. There’s also a one-time $50 activation fee.

GoSafe 2

Device Information

GoSafe 2 is a cellular-connected medical alert system that includes GPS location technology, automatic fall detection and two-way voice communication through the water-resistant pendant device. The pendant lasts up to three days per charge, and a simple charger is included.

Pricing

The GoSafe 2 system costs $49.95 per month plus a one-time $99.95 device fee. Extra GoSafe2 personal alert buttons cost $149.

GoSafe

Device Information

The GoSafe system includes all the services offered through the GoSafe 2 mobile system plus an in-home communicator, which allows multiple users to connect to the same service. The pendant is GPS-enabled and includes two-way communication technology that lets users speak with the Philips Lifeline call center through the pendant.

Pricing

The landline GoSafe system costs $54.95 per month, and the cellular GoSafe system costs $69.95 per month. There’s an additional one-time $149 device fee for either GoSafe system. Extra GoSafe personal alert buttons cost $99.95.

Who Should Use Philips Lifeline?

Philips Lifeline in-home medical alert systems are ideal for those who want the ability to press a button to summon help rather than relying on being able to place a phone call. The cellular-enabled systems are ideal for users who want medical alert coverage in their homes and the community, while visiting family or when traveling anywhere AT&T coverage is available.

Seniors Who Want Added Peace of Mind at Home

Seniors who are looking for a cost-effective way to stay connected while at home may want to consider the Philips HomeSafe system. As the most affordable system offered by Philips, it includes either a neck-worn medical alert pendant or a wrist-worn medical alert button along with an in-home communicator that connects to a traditional landline.

Users who are at an increased risk of falling due to age, disability, the side effects of medication or any other reason can upgrade to the HomeSafe with AutoAlert system, which adds automatic fall detection to the HomeSafe system. If the user suffers from a sudden fall, the Philips call center is notified immediately and emergency response procedures are activated even if the subscriber is unable to speak.

Active Seniors

Seniors who like to spend time outside, in the community or visiting family and friends can ensure that help is always close at hand by wearing a Philips GoSafe medical alert device. These devices are connected to the AT&T cellular network to ensure coverage anywhere within cellular range.

Both the GoSafe and GoSafe2 systems include automatic fall detection technology, which alerts the emergency call center when the neck-worn pendant detects a sudden fall. GPS location is also offered on these two mobile systems.

Adults With Medical Conditions

While medical alert systems tend to be geared toward older adults, they can also be invaluable for adults of all ages who live with a disability or medical condition. Because every Philips Lifeline wearable device is water-resistant, users can wear them while in the bath or shower; the bathroom is the most common location for in-home falls.

Pros and Cons of Philips Lifeline Devices

Like all medical alert devices, Philips Lifeline offers a number of excellent features and services, but there are some downfalls as well.

Philips Lifeline Pros:

• A licensed medical doctor designed Philips Lifeline
• Landline and cellular services are available
• Prices are disclosed up-front on the Philips Lifeline website
• It’s available in four service packages designed to meet the needs of most seniors
• Fall detection is available on cellular models/systems
• GPS location tracking is included with cellular devices/systems
• Monthly monitoring costs start at $29.95
• Help buttons are available in pendant or wrist-worn style (for HomeSafe Standard system only)
• Users don’t need to charge the battery in the HomeSafe Standard help button — Philips will automatically send a free replacement button when the battery wears out
• All Philips Lifeline help buttons are water-resistant
• There’s no service cancellation fee
• There’s no long-term contract

Philips Lifeline Cons:

• A $50 activation fee is charged for in-home systems
• There’s a $99.95 device fee for GoSafe 2
• There’s a $149 device fee for GoSafe
• Fall detection isn’t available with the lowest-priced system
• Monitoring costs are higher than some other medical alert providers
• Roommate/spouse discounts for a second subscriber in the same household aren’t available
• Devices are only guaranteed for one year
• Prices aren’t guaranteed, so monthly monitoring costs could increase at any time
• There’s no discount to customers who want to prepay their monthly monitoring fees

With dozens of medical alert companies offering a wide range of medical alert pendants, wireless help buttons and medical alert smart watches, finding the best device and monitoring service for your particular needs can be challenging. Take the time to review the pros and cons of each system and consider the services and options you need before signing up with a provider. The right medical alert system can give you and your loved ones the peace of mind that comes with knowing help is always available.