Pros: Multiple membership types to suit varied needs. Some include medical IDs, emergency responses with GPS devices, and comprehensive management of medical records and directives.

Cons: Prices vary from $9.95-119.95 per year. Some programs require enrollment in more than one program (Travel plan requires Advantage or Gold membership). Cannot view sample of EMIR (PHR) to see ease of use or clarity.

The Bottomline: MedicAlert has plans suited to specific needs, but can be pricey. Potential users should examine each plan carefully to ensure that they are getting what they need. These plans may be helpful for those with medical conditions, but for healthy individuals, there are free or lower priced plans that will meet their needs without the high fees.

Editor’s Rating:

Reviewed on July 28, 2011

Summary:
MedicAlert has plans for several types of members. Each comes with several basic benefits and some have specific services for certain disabilities. Every plan has a joining fee and renewal fees.



Features:
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Membership Benefits

• Plans include MedicAlert Medical IDs that are personalized with free engraving service.
• Live 24 hour Emergency Response Services manned by medically trained personnel 24/7.
• Live 24 hour Family Notification Service to notify family or designated contacts in an emergency.
• Emergency Medical Information Record (EMIR) comprehensive medical record supported by member service associates.
• Emergency Wallet Card with personal information and emergency response number.
  

Plans

• Advantage Plan: $39.95 sign up and then $35/year. This plan is for adults (18+)
• Kid Smart: $29.95 to join and then $20/year. For children 17 and under.
• MedicAlert and Safe Return: $49.95 to join and then $30/year. For individuals with Alzheimers or dementia who may wander. Options include a GPS enabled device.
• MedicAlert Gold: $9.95 to join and then $9.95/month (note that this plan is monthly rather than yearly – yearly cost = $119.40). This plan is for members who wish to consolidate medical paper records into a digital “safe deposit box” for access online. In addition to regular membership benefits, it includes a document storage center. Users fax documents to a personal Document Center number for conversion to PDF files for storage. This plan has a 30 day free trial, however the link to the trial membership is broken.
• MedicAlert and Safe ‘til Stable: $49.90 to join and then $35/year. For members with bipolar disorder to reduce trauma during an emergency situation. No details are given as to any additions to regular membership benefits.
• MedicAlert and Safe and Sound: $25 to join and $20/year. This is for individuals with autism and their families. It appears that this is an addition to the Kid Smart or Advantage Plans. Child annual renewal is $20; adult annual renewal is $35. Again, there are no specifics as to additional benefits for those with autism spectrum disorders.
• Travel Plus: $119.95 to join and $199.95/year thereafter. This plan is for those who travel more than 100 miles from home and have a medical condition or severe allergy. Additional benefits include evacuation to a medical facility, finding a doctor, information services such as translation, exchange rates, visa and passport issues, and immunization requirement information. Enrollment limited to Advantage and Gold members.
• DNR Services: $39.95 to join and $35/year. Pre-Hospital Do Not Resuscitate order stored on MedicAlert ID bracelets let emergency responders know your wishes in situations when you are unable to express your wishes.
• Advance Directives: Provides state-specific forms for free to be used with MedicAlert membership.