What will a personal alarm really cost in the UK?

Set-up fees, monthly plans, fall detectors and GPS all add up. Compare what you will actually pay over one, two or three years, and check your council first.

Over 2 years, the options compared here cost from £336 to £819 in total.

Compare over
  1. Council lifeline alarm (typical)Home alarm, 24/7 response centre
    £336
    24/7 call centre Fall detection varies Device £0 + £14/month

    Many councils charge around £14 a month with free installation; it can be subsidised or free after a care assessment. Check with your local council. Which?

  2. Telecare24 Digital Pendant AlarmHome alarm, 24/7 monitoring
    £501
    24/7 call centre Device £0 + Activation £45 + £19/month

    No fall detection. Prices exclude VAT; many people qualify for VAT relief. £180 a year if paid annually. Telecare24

  3. Telecare24 GO Active! GPS alarmGPS alarm for outside the home
    £549
    24/7 call centre Device £0 + Activation £45 + £21/month

    £252 a year, annual billing only. Prices exclude VAT. Telecare24

  4. Telecare24 Digital Fall AlarmHome alarm with fall detector, 24/7 monitoring
    £621
    24/7 call centre Fall detection included Device £0 + Activation £45 + £24/month

    Prices exclude VAT; many people qualify for VAT relief. £228 a year if paid annually. Telecare24

  5. Careline365 (home, watch or GPS pendant)Alarm with fall detection, 24/7 monitoring
    £819
    24/7 call centre Fall detection included Device £99 + £30/month

    £99 one-off plus £360 a year when paid annually; paying monthly costs more. Careline365

Prices checked on 2026-10-13. They change often, so confirm with the provider before buying. We are not paid by any brand listed here.

Before you choose

Ask your council first

Many councils run their own alarm service, often cheaper than private providers and sometimes free after a care assessment.

VAT relief

If the person has a long-term illness or disability, alarms and monitoring can be VAT-free. Providers will ask you to sign a short declaration.

Fall detectors cost a little more

Expect a few pounds more each month for automatic fall detection, and more again for GPS outside the home.

Whatever you choose, add a free emergency ID. Devices without a call centre phone emergency services without passing on any medical information, and any device can run out of battery. A QR ID on the strap fills both gaps.

Create a free ID

Other calculator: What will a medical alert really cost?

Where these prices come from