Bay Alarm Medical Plan Tiers and Monthly Monitoring Fees
Bay Alarm Medical offers a variety of plans designed to fit different lifestyles and budgets. The core cost is the monthly monitoring fee, which varies based on the type of system and its connection. All plans include 24/7 emergency monitoring by trained US-based operators and are offered on a month-to-month basis with no long-term contracts, allowing for easy cancellation.
The SOS Home
This is Bay Alarm Medical's most budget-friendly system, intended for seniors who spend most of their time at home. It includes a base unit and a wearable help button for use around the house.
- SOS Home (Landline): Starting at $27.95 per month. The equipment is leased with no upfront cost.
- SOS Home (Cellular): Starting at $34.95 per month, with free equipment lease.
- Fall Detection for SOS Home: Adding automatic fall detection to either in-home plan costs an extra $10 per month.
The SOS All-in-One 2
This hybrid system offers both at-home and on-the-go protection in a single device, making it ideal for active individuals. It does not require a separate base station.
- Basic Package: Monthly monitoring for the device starts at $34.95, plus a $149 one-time equipment fee.
- With Fall Detection: Costs $44.95 per month, plus the $149 equipment fee.
The SOS Micro
A compact and lightweight mobile device for users who are frequently on the go. It features built-in GPS and does not require a smartphone.
- SOS Micro: The standard monthly fee is $34.95, along with a $149 one-time equipment fee.
- With Fall Detection: The monthly fee is $44.95, plus the $149 equipment fee.
The SOS Smartwatch
For users who prefer a modern, discreet wearable, the SOS Smartwatch offers medical alert features in a stylish design.
- Smartwatch Only: Monthly monitoring starts at $39.95, plus a one-time equipment fee of $199.
- With Fall Detection: This plan costs $49.95 per month, plus the $199 equipment fee.
Understanding One-Time Equipment Fees and Add-Ons
In addition to monthly monitoring, several other costs may influence your total expenditure, including equipment fees and optional accessories.
- Free Leased Equipment: The in-home SOS Home systems (landline and cellular) come with a free-leased base unit and a wearable button.
- Purchased Mobile Equipment: As noted above, the mobile and smartwatch devices have a one-time upfront purchase price, ranging from $149 to $199 depending on the model.
- Automatic Fall Detection: This essential feature adds $10 per month to most plans and can automatically trigger an alert if a fall is detected, even if the wearer can't press the button.
- Bundle Packages (360°): These packages combine in-home and mobile protection for a potentially lower annual cost compared to purchasing separately. For example, a bundle with an in-home system and the SOS Micro with fall detection costs $59.95 per month.
- Accessories:
- Lockbox: $30 one-time fee to secure a spare key outside your home for responders.
- Extra Buttons: $39 for an additional waterproof wearable button.
- Wall Buttons: $35 each for wall-mounted buttons in high-risk areas like bathrooms.
- Extended Warranty (Premier Protection Plan): $4.95 per month for certain bundles, covering one free system replacement per year and discounts on lost accessories.
- Vial of Life: A card for medical information, available for $8.
Comparing Bay Alarm Medical Alert Systems
The following table provides a quick overview of the different systems offered by Bay Alarm Medical and their respective costs.
| Feature | SOS Home (Landline) | SOS Home (Cellular) | SOS All-In-One 2 | SOS Micro | SOS Smartwatch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Monthly Price | $27.95 | $34.95 | $34.95 | $34.95 | $39.95 |
| Equipment Fee | $0 (Leased) | $0 (Leased) | $149 (One-Time) | $149 (One-Time) | $199 (One-Time) |
| Connection | Landline | Cellular | Cellular | Cellular | Cellular |
| Fall Detection | Add $10/mo | Add $10/mo | Add $10/mo | Add $10/mo | Add $10/mo |
| GPS/WiPS Tracking | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Use | In-Home | In-Home | In-Home & On-the-Go | On-the-Go | On-the-Go |
Finding a Plan that Fits Your Needs
Choosing the right medical alert system requires evaluating your lifestyle and specific safety needs. While the SOS Home is an excellent, affordable choice for those who are primarily at home, more active individuals will benefit from the mobility and GPS tracking offered by the SOS Micro or Smartwatch.
For those at higher risk of falls or who may be unable to press their help button, the automatic fall detection add-on is a worthwhile investment. The company's month-to-month contracts provide flexibility, and bundles can offer comprehensive protection at a reduced combined rate. Always consider the total cost, including both equipment and monitoring, to make an informed decision.
For more information on fall prevention, you can visit the National Council on Aging website.
