Medical alert systems cost anywhere from $20 to $70 per month on average, but there are some up-front fees you'll need to budget for too. Equipment fees are more common with mobile medical devices and average between $50 and $200. Activation fees are rare but typically range from $35 to $100. Installation fees are even rarer—watch out for this $20 to $100 charge from Lifeline. Shipping fees depend on your location but usually run between $10 and $20. Medical alerts aren't covered by Medicare in most circumstances. To learn more about possible hidden fees and how to keep costs low, read our guide to choosing a medical alert system.