Stay safe and independent at home with a medical alarm system. Compare New Zealand's leading providers including St John, Red Button, ADT Health, and Life Alert. Expert guide covering pricing, fall detection, GPS tracking, and 24/7 monitoring for seniors 65+.
1 in 3 Kiwis over 65 fall each year. Medical alarms can reduce emergency response times from hours to minutes. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalization for seniors in New Zealand.
A medical alarm provides 24/7 connection to help - giving you independence and your family peace of mind.
Medical alarm pricing varies based on features, technology, and monitoring services. Here's what you can expect to pay:
Compare New Zealand's leading medical alarm companies. All offer 24/7 monitoring with trained staff based in New Zealand.
New Zealand's most established and trusted medical alarm provider, operated by St John - the same organization that provides ambulance services. Over 30 years of experience protecting Kiwi seniors with NZ-based monitoring centers.
Why choose St John: Most trusted brand in NZ healthcare, seamless integration with ambulance services, proven reliability over 30+ years, strong community support programs.
Technology-focused medical alarm provider with advanced fall detection and GPS tracking. Known for innovative features and responsive customer service. Australian-owned but with NZ-based monitoring.
Why choose Red Button: Most advanced fall detection technology, excellent GPS accuracy, modern app for family members, responsive customer support, competitive pricing.
Part of ADT Security, offering integrated home monitoring and medical alarm services. Ideal for seniors who want both personal emergency response and home security. Global healthcare technology leader.
Why choose ADT Health: Comprehensive home safety (security + medical), professional installation, advanced smart home integration, ideal for seniors living alone, strong ACC relationships.
Affordable medical alarm provider focused on simple, reliable emergency response. No-frills approach keeps costs low while maintaining 24/7 monitoring. Good option for budget-conscious seniors.
Why choose Life Alert: Lowest monthly costs, no setup fees, straightforward service, good for seniors on fixed incomes, simple devices easy for elderly to use.
Ask these questions before signing up:
Understanding the different types helps you choose the right system for your lifestyle and health needs.
Traditional medical alarm with a wearable button (pendant or wristband) that connects to a base unit in your home.
Portable device with built-in GPS, cellular connection, and speaker/microphone. Works anywhere in New Zealand with cellular coverage.
Advanced system with sensors that automatically detect falls and call for help - even if you can't press the button. Uses accelerometers and impact sensors.
Modern wearable technology combining medical alarm functionality with smart watch features like heart rate monitoring, step counting, and medication reminders.
Understanding the emergency response process helps you feel confident in your medical alarm system.
You experience a medical emergency, fall, feel unwell, or need urgent help. Or, if you have fall detection, the device automatically senses a fall.
Your device immediately connects to the 24/7 monitoring center. For home systems, the base unit dials out. For GPS mobiles, the device connects via 4G cellular.
A trained emergency response operator speaks to you through the two-way speaker system. They can hear you from anywhere in your home (or via GPS device if mobile).
The operator contacts your nominated emergency contacts in the order you've specified. This might be family, neighbors, friends, or caregivers.
Based on your situation, the operator arranges the appropriate level of help:
Family member or caregiver attends. No ambulance needed.
Contact GP or arrange medical assessment. May dispatch ambulance if uncertain.
Immediately dispatch ambulance. St John alarms connect directly to St John Ambulance.
The monitoring center operator stays connected with you until help arrives. They provide reassurance, monitor your condition, and update incoming assistance.
Your family member, neighbor, caregiver, or ambulance arrives. The operator confirms you're safe before ending the call. A follow-up report is sent to your designated contacts.
Medical alarm costs in New Zealand range from $40 to $80+ per month depending on features and technology:
Additional costs: Installation fees range from free to $150 (often waived with contracts). Some providers charge for extra pendants ($5-15/month) or additional features.
Subsidies available: ACC may fully fund for eligible clients. Veterans' Affairs provides funding for war veterans. Some DHBs offer subsidies. Community Services Card holders may get reduced rates ($30-40/month).
Medical alarms are not completely free, but subsidized options exist for eligible seniors:
ACC may fully fund medical alarms for eligible clients with mobility issues, fall risk, or injury-related needs. Contact ACC on 0800 101 996 to check eligibility.
War veterans may qualify for full funding through Veterans' Affairs. Contact 0800 483 8372.
Some District Health Boards provide subsidies for low-income seniors. Ask your GP for DHB assessment.
Reduced rates (typically $30-40/month) available from some providers for card holders.
If you don't qualify for subsidies, basic medical alarms start at $39-45/month - affordable for most seniors on NZ Super.
The "best" medical alarm depends on your specific needs, but here are top recommendations:
Best for seniors wanting the most established, reliable service with direct connection to ambulance services. 30+ years of experience. NZ-based monitoring.
Price: $45-75/month | stjohn.org.nz/alarm
Best for seniors wanting advanced fall detection and GPS accuracy. Modern family portal app. Excellent customer service.
Price: $42-72/month | redbutton.co.nz
Best for seniors wanting integrated home security and health monitoring. Professional installation. Smart home features.
Price: $48-78/month | adthealth.co.nz
Best for budget-conscious seniors wanting reliable service at lowest cost. Simple operation. No setup fees.
Price: $39-69/month | lifealert.co.nz
💡 Recommendation: Compare at least 2-3 providers. All major providers offer trial periods - test the system before committing long-term.
Medical alarms work by connecting you to a 24/7 monitoring center at the press of a button:
Fall detection medical alarms can automatically detect falls and call for help even if you can't press the button. However, basic pendant alarms require manual button pressing.
Require you to press the button. If you fall unconscious or can't reach the button, no alert is sent. Cost: $39-50/month.
Use accelerometers and sensors to detect sudden movements and impacts. Automatically call monitoring center if fall detected. Cost: $70-85/month.
How fall detection works:
Fall detection is 85-95% accurate but not perfect. It may miss slow falls (sliding down wall) or gentle falls onto soft surfaces. It may trigger false alarms if you drop the device. For seniors at high fall risk, automatic fall detection is strongly recommended despite higher cost.
Yes - GPS mobile medical alarms work anywhere in New Zealand with cellular coverage. However, basic home alarms only work within 50-100 meters of the base unit.
💡 Recommendation: If you're active and leave home regularly (shopping, walks, visiting friends), invest in a GPS mobile alarm. The extra $10-20/month is worth it for complete protection wherever you go. If you rarely leave home, a basic home alarm is sufficient.
When you press your medical alarm button, here's exactly what happens:
Your alarm device connects to the 24/7 monitoring center. You'll hear a beep or voice confirmation.
A trained operator talks to you through the two-way speaker: "This is [Provider] emergency monitoring. Can you tell me what's happened?"
They ask about your condition, what help you need, if you're injured. They can see your medical profile (conditions, medications, allergies).
They call your nominated contacts (family, neighbors, caregivers) in priority order to let them know you need help.
Depending on severity: family member assists (minor), GP arranged (medical concern), ambulance dispatched (emergency).
The operator stays connected, monitoring your condition and providing reassurance until help arrives.
Once help has arrived and you're safe, they end the call. Follow-up reports sent to your emergency contacts.
No, modern medical alarms don't require a landline. Most providers now offer cellular-connected alarms that work through 3G/4G mobile networks, eliminating the need for a landline phone.
Choose a cellular-connected alarm if you: (1) Don't have a landline, (2) Use fiber broadband with VOIP phone, (3) Want maximum reliability, or (4) May disconnect your landline in the future. The extra $5-10/month is worthwhile for peace of mind. All GPS mobile alarms use cellular networks automatically.
Provider discusses your needs, home layout, and lifestyle:
Technician arrives with equipment (usually within 3-5 days):
Technician trains you on how to use the system:
Provider sets up your emergency contact list:
Reality: Medical alarms actually increase independence! You can:
Reality: False alarms are common and completely fine:
Reality: The process is designed for comfort:
Solutions: Providers have strategies to help:
Don't wait for a fall or emergency. Get a medical alarm now and give yourself and your family peace of mind. Most providers offer trial periods - try before you commit.
Compare at least 2-3 providers to find the best fit for your needs and budget.