If you’ve found your way on to this page then you’re probably looking for a medical alert device. Medi Alarms and Medic Alert accessories may sound similar but are actually entirely different. One is a wearable gadget that can communicate via 3G and 4G mobile technology in case of an emergency, while another is a personalised necklace or bracelet that holds details of your medical history on your person.
Both have their place, but are not at all interchangeable.
Medic Alert Bracelets
These accessories hold personal medical history such as allergies or preexisting conditions and are mainly for use by first responders. They will not detect falls or enable any emergency response as a result.
If you’re looking for a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace please refer to the official website.
If you’d like to know more about Medi Alarms and how they can help your loved ones then read on.
- What is a medi alarm?
- Who is a medi alarm for?
- How does it work?
- Do I need a SIM card?
- Where will it work?
- SOFIHUB vs Medi Alarm
What is a medi alarm?
A medi alarm is a personal alarm equipped with fall detection and emergency communication software. Simply put it is a device that can detect when a wearer has fallen and automatically send for help.
Systems and brands vary with some operating on a mobile 3G or 4G network, while other non-portable alarms are connected to a home phone line. In most cases have been altered to work alongside your NBN connection where a traditional home phone wouldn't. Note that alarms connected to a home phone line will only work within a limited radius of the home, and won't work in the case of a power outage.
Who is a medi alarm for?
These devices are most commonly used by the elderly or by disabled persons who are at a greater risk of harm if they experience a fall. A medi alarm fall detector can enable people to maintain their independence but give their family peace of mind to know that if an accident occurs, they will be tended to as soon as possible.
How does it work?
Medi alarms operate like a simple mobile phone system. The device uses 3G and 4G mobile networks to track its location, sending text messages and making phone calls when the alarm is activated.
Two things will trigger the alarm;
Pressing the SOS button
A serious fall
Once triggered the device will automatically text ‘help me’ and the alarm’s GPS location to a list of contacts. It will then call each number until a call is answered. Each device allows for two way communication, so the wearer can speak through the alarm to the person on the other end.
Some alarms will allow you to program '000' into the list of contacts while others won't, but be aware that emergency services can not receive text messages and will only be able to connect via phone call.
Do I need a SIM card?
Yes a medi alarm will need a SIM card in order to work, but these generally come enabled with the device so that it works straight out of the box.
Each medical alarm is locked to it's chosen provider (usually Telstra or Optus) and will not work with a SIM card from another operator. Technically you can choose to buy the device and sub in your own SIM card provided that it is on the chosen network, although some manufacturers discourage this.
We spoke to representatives from both Medi Alarm and SOFIHUB. Where SOFIHUB vehemently advises against putting your own SIM card in, Medi Alarm has no issues with users choosing their own SIM plan on the Telstra network.
Should I put my own SIM card in or stick with the provider?
Different brands offer generally the same service for vastly varied prices. If you're trying to decide what the best option is for your back pocket and your family's safety then we have broken it down for you here.
In the case of SOFIHUB users will pay $25 per month ($300 annually) for unlimited talk, text and data through the device on either the Optus or Telstra network. You are able to disassemble the device and put your own SIM in although this will void the medical alarm warranty.
Medi Alarm on the other hand charges $45 per year for the same service on the Telstra network and offers the first year of credit gratis. Users can opt to swap their SIM out at any time without effecting the warranty, but will need to stay with the Telstra network.
SIM-only prepaid plans, similar to those seen in medical alarms usually come with unlimited standard talk and text but the question remains whether you can get better data to dollar value by choosing your own plan.
These devices use the equivalent of background GPS data to track your loved ones location, which uses around 0.039MB per hour on a smartphone equaling 0.936MB every day. With this running consistently in the background round the clock, 365 days of medical alarm tracking would use approximately 340MB every year.
$300 per year for less than 1GB of usage is a hefty price, but the $45 yearly fee with Medi Alarm is excellent value. You'd be hard pressed to find any other SIM on the entire Telstra network that would offer you coverage for just $45 per year.
If you did want to swap your own SIM card into the SOFIHUB however you've got a handful of great value plans on Optus and Telstra that will save you money. The plans below offer unlimited talk and text, cost less than $300 per year and offer more data than you could ever need for the medical alarm.
Note that some of the Telstra plans operate on the Telstra wholesale network so be sure to check the coverage map before making any decisions.
All the below plans use the entire Optus network.
|
SpinTel
Editor's Pick
$23 Mobile Plan
$12.00/mth
Min. cost $12
|
Where will it work?
The official Medi Alarm will work anywhere you can access Telstra’s 3G and 4G mobile network. Varied brands may operate on different mobile networks so be sure to check with your provider.
Regardless of the network, if the wearer finds themselves outside of reception the alarm will not be able to access a mobile network in order to send emergency alerts. Whether you decide to swap your SIM out or not, double check that your provider covers the areas your loved one frequents the most.
Check your mobile coverage here.
SOFIHUB vs Medi Alarm
Medi Alarm and SOFIHUB are two major brands for medical alarms. Each operate in much the same way with some slight differences, here's a side by side comparison to help you choose what's right for you.
| SOFIHUB Beacon | Medi Alarm Pro 4G | |
|---|---|---|
| Connectivity | 3G and 4G | 3G and 4G |
| Mobile Network | Optus or Telstra | Telstra |
| Interchangeable SIM | Yes - but voids warranty Not recommended |
Yes - locked to Telstra network |
| Contacts Stored | 3 | 8 |
| GPS Locator | Yes | Yes |
| Two Way Communication | Yes | Yes |
| Can call '000' | No | Yes |
| Credit Cost | $25 per month | $45 annually Free for the first year |
| Upfront Cost | $249 | $497 |
| Total Cost (First 12 months) | $549 | $497 |
Anula Wiwatowska
Offsite Editorial Lead | Instagram
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