Medical Guardian Watch Review

Medical alert systems save lives, but they aren’t always the most attractive devices to wear around. Medical Guardian’s watch helps get around that problem, at least slightly, with a slim device that looks like any other smartwatch. The watch offers activity tracking features, weather information, and basic communications features like chat and messaging. It’s also IP67 water resistant and has up to 24 hours of battery life, so you’ll be able to drop it on the charger overnight like an Apple Watch or similar device and have a full day of wear before needing another top-up.

Medical Guardian users have a choice between AT&T or Verizon, making the device great for people on the go. Anywhere there’s a cell signal, the watch offers protection, and the company’s 24/7 U.S.-based call centers make it easy to get in touch with professionals. Though Medical Guardian sells a range of products beyond the watch, it can function as a standalone device and does not need to be connected to a smartphone.

Medical Guardian Watch Features and Benefits

Medical Guardian’s watch offers an all-in-one experience with several features packed into a small device. It’s small and easy to wear, and the all-day battery life makes it an ideal choice for people on the go. That said, being a Jack-of-all-trades often leads to being a master of none, and that’s the case here. Though it’s feature-rich, the watch only offers basic activity tracking functions, and the built-in messaging service isn’t as user-friendly as a smartphone’s texting interface.

• IP67 Water resistance
• Mobile device with cellular connectivity
• 24-hour battery life
• Chat and messaging features
• Easy-to-read display
• Additional features available through the Medical Guardian app
• Black is the only color available
• Activity tracking features are limited
• No wellness checks available with the watch
• Fall detection costs an extra $10 per month

Medical Guardian Watch Review Editorial Rating

Trusted Company Reviews Rating Score for the Medical Guardian System: 9.8

Our Medical Guardian review highlights the company’s wide range of devices, including its slim smartwatch. Its flexible payment options make the devices easy to afford, though startup costs and shipping are higher than with other companies. The watch’s IP67 water resistance rating gives it solid durability and means that the wearer doesn’t have to remove it to go outside or wash hands, and its automatic fall detection works well, even with the additional $10 monthly charge.

Though Medical Guardian does not offer a free trial and its plans require at least a 90-day commitment, there are no long-term commitments. The company itself easily makes our list of the best medical alert systems.

Many users have reported having difficulty with the watch’s ability to connect to Medical Guardian’s call centers and it requires an ongoing cellular connection to function. You may also be surprised at your monthly costs, especially if you receive a higher number of notifications during one month. Medican Guardian charges extra for heavy notification volumes.

About the Medical Guardian Watch

The Medical Guardian watch is available in two sizes, including extra large, and its 1.25-inch face makes it easy to quickly view information and interact with notifications. Its IP67 water resistance offers peace of mind and gives the wearer the ability to walk outside in a rainstorm or wash their hands without worrying about ruining the device. Medical Guardian offers a choice between AT&T or Verizon, and the watch brings one-touch connectivity to the company’s 24/7, U.S.-based emergency contact centers.

Though it’s not a fitness watch, the device has basic step tracking functions, and users can check the weather in the built-in app. Medical Guardian’s Social Circle App enables texting and chats, but it’s not as user-friendly or feature-rich as many of today’s most popular messaging services. Additionally, the other party must use the same app to communicate with the device.

Does the Medical Guardian Watch Work Without a Home Connection?

Yes, the Medical Guardian watch can be used as a standalone device without the company’s in-home hardware. That said, it does require a cellular connection, so if the available AT&T or Verizon plans don’t offer great coverage where you live, another device might be a better choice.

Medical Guardian Watch Costs

While Medical Guardian’s watch prices seem reasonable, keep in mind that the company charges extra for fall detection and other services.

Equipment Cost

Medical Guardian’s watch costs $199.95, but the main costs are wrapped into its monthly subscription fees. Buyers have a choice between $39.95 monthly, $119.85 quarterly, or $439.45 annual plans. A device protection plan is available for $6.95 per month, an Elite 911 contact device for $9.99 per month, and a lockbox for $2.99 per month. Customers can also add an upgraded alert service for $2.99 per month, and the Support Circle apps cost $5 monthly. Finally, automatic fall detection is available for $10 per month.

No matter which plan you choose, you’ll have to pay $12.50 in shipping, and the minimum upfront cost with the equipment price and first monthly payment comes to more than $250.

Medical Guardian Watch Reviews

Medical Guardian plans have earned a range of reviews, including many at both ends of the spectrum. In general, customers report responsive service times and solid customer service, but there are more than a few reports of billing and other issues. If you’re interested in one of the company’s products, it’s best to carefully read the fine print to make sure you understand every part of the contract to avoid surprises down the road.

5-star
“I’ve had Medical Guardian for a couple of years and never needed to use it, until January 2024, when I found myself fallen across the arms of a chair and unable to move. The response, when I pushed my button, was fast and efficient. My daughter and grandson were to my house in minutes, as I had requested, and rescued me. Long story, short, I ended up with a walker, physical therapy, and very grateful that I had Medical Guardian. I would (and have) recommended your service to anyone living alone.” – J. Arpke, Trustpilot

4-star
“Medical guardian wrist device functions very well..with prompt responses . the device should hold a charge
longer and price for use could be reduced somewhat , but the performance has been very good so far ..three months use.
a live operator to answer the first call would be better but the follow up service is very good.” – Edward, Trustpilot

1-star
“Cancelled the alert service in Jan 2024 when my Mom went into care home. But they continued to bill me. Sent message to customer care but they didnt reply. Had to get my credit card company to block continued payments. Then they say they need a cancellation letter but don’t send you one…” – Mike, Trustpilot

Is the Medical Guardian Watch Worth It?

While the watch’s $199.95 cost isn’t unreasonable in the world of connected devices, the subscription and add-on features charges can start to feel heavy over time. If you decide to pay monthly and want any of the supplemental features, you could be looking at a $60 or more monthly charge.

That said, the ability to have automatic fall detection and emergency contacts on the go is hard to ignore. Widespread cellular connectivity makes the watch an excellent choice for people on the go, and the device itself flies under the radar. That means that you can take protection anywhere and not be worried about wearing a bulky monitor or other device. More information is available through Medical Guardian by phone at 800-868-9735.

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Image source: medicalguardian.com

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Chris Teague