GreatCall is a name that goes right under the radar. In fact, the wireless service, which is known for its Jitterbug phone, is more health-focused than the average carrier, with its target base being senior citizens. Despite its demographic focus, GreatCall is still competing with more affordable MVNOs, like Cricket Wireless, FreedomPop, and Republic Wireless. While competition is great, it makes it hard for consumers - and in this case, senior citizens - to decide what MVNO is best to go with.
Despite its demographic focus, GreatCall is still competing with more affordable MVNOs, like Cricket Wireless, FreedomPop, and Republic Wireless. While competition is great, it makes it hard for consumers - and in this case, senior citizens - to decide what MVNO is best to go with.
Furthermore, the websites contain a plethora of information which can make it hard for anyone to digest. However, we've gone ahead and made it simple and easy for you by compiling the important details revolving around the GreatCall cell phone plans and sorting them out into this here guide.
Inside this guide, you'll find information not only on the GreatCall cell phone plans but also on the available smartphone and basic phone lineup, the medical features, the cell phone company customer service and BBB report, and more. Finally, you'll be directed to our very own cell phone plan comparison tool, to help you decide whether or not the GreatCall cell phone company is right for you.
Compare GreatCall Wireless Plans
GreatCall has no-contract plans sorted by the phones it offers. There are plans for the Jitterbug Smart (which is no Samsung Galaxy S8) and the Jitterbug Flip. Note that the Jitterbug cell phones are exclusive to GreatCall.
Apparently, it's possible to port your landline number to a Jitterbug phone. Furthermore, if you want to keep your landline number separate and have a cell phone (and a cell phone number), you can instead transfer your cell phone number to the Jitterbug phone.
Also, in regards to early termination fees, you won't face an early termination fee with GreatCall, but if you purchased any Add-On Minutes, you'll find that they are not refundable and that the minutes will expire after your last bill. Furthermore, GreatCall doesn't bill for partial months, even when cancellations are effective immediately. Therefore, you'll be charged for the entire month.
The Jitterbug Smart phone monthly plans are broken up in an a la carte fashion. You can choose your monthly minutes, monthly texts, and monthly amount of data. You can select packages between 200 and 3000 minutes, 300 and 2500 texts, and 40MB and 2.5GB data.
However, you can also opt for health and safety services alongside your minutes. In fact, you can save up to 50 percent on your minutes when you select a Health and Safety Package. Health and Safety Packages offer plans between 50 and 2000 minutes, 300 and 2500 texts, and 40MB and 2.5GB of data monthly. Call waiting, caller ID, long distance, and roaming is included in your plan. Long distance and roaming are both major bonuses with GreatCall.
Finally, you'll find with GreatCall some incredibly useful medical apps. Some medical apps allow you to receive daily health tips, play brain games, take advantage of the MedCoach refill reminder, and use the fitness tracker.
Related: Compare Cell Phone Plans
Monthly Plans
You also need to select between one of three Health and Safety packages, which a unique feature to GreatCall: Basic, Preferred, and Ultimate. These Health and Safety packages should give you peace of mind.
- Basic - This no-contract plan features 5Star Urgent Response, a Medication Coach, a once-a-week wellness expert call, daily health tips, a check-in call, and brain games. A quick note: The star service (or 5Star Urgent Response) allows you to speak with an IAED Certified 5Star Agent. This star service will be able to assess your situation and get you whatever help you could need.
- Preferred - This package contains what the Basic package offers, but with the bonuses of the GreatCall Link and Urgent Care. Urgent Care grants customers 24/7 access to registered nurses and board-certified doctors.
- Ultimate - The Ultimate prepay plan adds everything that is included in the Basic and Preferred packages, but with the incentive of a Product Replacement and a Personal Operator.
These monthly plans are prepaid, meaning no annual contracts and no cancellation fees.
So what of the GreatCall Jitterbug Flip prepay plan? Well, you can select the number of monthly minutes (between 200 and 3000) and monthly texts (between 300 and 2500). Like the Jitterbug Smart plans, you can save up to 50 percent of minutes with a Health and Safety Package, which range from 50 to 2000 minutes and 300 to 2500 texts.
The Health and Safety Packages do not change with the Jitterbug Flip plans.
Unlimited Plans
GreatCall has two unlimited plans, one for Jitterbug Smart and one for Jitterbug Flip, but they are not truly unlimited data plans.
For $49.99, you'll receive unlimited talk and text with Jitterbug Smart, as well as 100MB of data.
With the Jitterbug Flip, you can obtain an unlimited talk and text plan for the same price, but without the 100MB of data included.
Cell Phone Selection on GreatCall
GreatCall has two Jitterbug cell phones, the Jitterbug Smart phone and the Jitterbug Flip phone. However, you won't find other phones with GreatCall, like the Samsung Galaxy series. Nevertheless, the Jitterbug lineup is perfect for an elderly person who may have issues with eyesight and hearing. The Jitterbug Flip contains the following:
- A bigger, brightly-colored screen, complete with larger numbers and text
- A simple menu with easy to navigate YES/NO buttons
- A Voice dial, which allows you to quickly access contacts
- 5Star button, which delivers help in an emergency
- Bigger buttons with a backlit keypad for easy viewing (a backlit keypad will help with sight issues)
- A built-in camera with flash
- A powerful speak so you can hear the caller loud and clear
- A reading magnifier with LED flashlight
The Jitterbug Smart, on the other hand, has a very large screen, with large icons and text, making usage simple and easy. Again, this is great for an elderly person who is suffering from issues regarding eyesight and hearing.
Like the Jitterbug Flip, the phone contains:
- A simple menu that's organized into a single list
- A long-lasting battery
- Voice Typing, which allows you to go from speech-to-text
- Mobile Internet Access from anywhere
- A usage meter
- Built-in camera with flash
- And the 5Star App
Both phones are quite cheap, unlike the latest phones offered by Samsung and Apple.
GreatCall does offer two other products: a mobile urgent response device, and a daily fitness tracker with an urgent response button.
Related: Compare the Best Smartphones
Phone Insurance
Is cell phone insurance worth it? Whether or not you believe insurance is right for you, you should be aware that the GreatCall Product Replacement option covers your device from being lost, stolen, or damage.
However, you must wait 60 days after enrollment of the service before you can request a replacement device. What's also unfortunate is that you're limited to one replacement per 12-month period.
How to Activate Your Device
With GreatCall, you can activate your phone with a simple process online. If you need help with the activation process, you can always call customer service at 866-482-1412.
SIM Card
The Jitterbug Smart does come with a SIM card, which contains your subscriber profile data (which you can learn more about here), but the user guide strongly emphasizes that you do not remove the card, as it may cause issues with the connectivity to the GreatCall network.
Fortunately, you do not need to obtain a new SIM card or anything of the sort, as you can only own a Jitterbug Smart or Flip with the GreatCall wireless service.
Deals, Promotions & Discounts
GreatCall only has deals on its two phones and nothing else. Sometimes, you can save up to 25 percent off of the Jitterbug Smart and the Jitterbug Flip.
Service Coverage
GreatCall is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), providing service through the Verizon Wireless network. So when it comes to coverage, expect only the best coverage. Furthermore, you can experience high speeds with your Jitterbug Smart phone.
And high speed makes it perfect for browsing emails and other content on your phone. You can compare Verizon's network coverage with the coverage of the other big three carriers with our article, "Who Has the Best Cell Phone Coverage?"
GreatCall Customer Support
GreatCall is not only praised for its phones but also for its customer service. It's evident through the user BBB reports and the A+ score it has received. Seniors absolutely love the phones and the service, applauding the Jitterbugs' larger print and enhanced audio. The representatives are also incredibly kind and professional.
To receive support, you can call the GreatCall phone number at 1-800-733-6632. You can also refer to the easy-to-follow User Guides, How-to Videos, Product Brochures, and Quick Start Guides.
Unfortunately, there is no chat box feature, but you can e-mail the service by using the form provided.
Finally, you can always connect with GreatCall via Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, YouTube, or LinkedIn.
Recap
GreatCall is fantastic for seniors, providing them with Verizon Wireless coverage and simplicity. Both the Jitterbug Smartphone and the Jitterbug Flip phone are perfect phones for those hard of hearing and with vision difficulties, with affordable plans to match. The health and safety packages are also a great touch, bringing you peace of mind. Furthermore, you won't find the health and safety packages among other the other carriers.
Interested in viewing the plans of other phone carriers? Then be sure to read our buyer's guide to cell phone plans.