AARP's Life Insurance Products

Yes, AARP offers life insurance, but it is not sold directly by AARP itself. Instead, AARP has partnered with insurance companies — primarily New York Life and other carriers — to make life insurance products available to AARP members. These policies are underwritten and managed by the insurance company, not by AARP, though AARP members often receive group rates or discounts that non-members do not.

The main types of life insurance AARP advertises are term life insurance and permanent life insurance (whole life and universal life). Term policies cover you for a set number of years — typically 10, 20, or 30 years. Permanent policies stay in force for your lifetime as long as you pay premiums, and they build a cash value component over time.

AARP also offers final expense insurance, sometimes called burial insurance or funeral insurance. These are smaller permanent policies, usually between $5,000 and $25,000, designed to cover end-of-life costs rather than replace income for your family.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP life insurance is underwritten by insurance companies like New York Life, not sold directly by AARP, though AARP members may receive group discounts.
  • Term life insurance covers you for a fixed period (10, 20, or 30 years) and is usually cheaper; permanent life insurance lasts your lifetime and builds cash value.
  • Final expense policies are smaller permanent policies meant to cover funeral and burial costs, not replace lost income.
  • You will need to answer health questions and may need a medical exam depending on the policy amount and your age.
  • Rates and available products vary by state, and not all AARP members in all states have access to the same policies.

How AARP Life Insurance Rates Are Set

AARP life insurance rates depend on your age, health history, and the amount of coverage you request. Younger applicants and those in good health typically pay lower premiums. The older you are, the more expensive the policy becomes — this is true for all life insurance, not just AARP's.

Because AARP negotiates group rates with its insurance partners, members often pay less than they would if they bought the same policy on their own from the insurance company. However, this does not mean the rates are the lowest available in the market. You may find cheaper term life insurance elsewhere, especially if you are young and healthy. Permanent policies (whole life and universal life) tend to be more expensive across the board because they last your entire life and include a savings component.

The insurance company will ask about your medical history, current medications, and sometimes your family's health history. Depending on the policy amount and your age, they may require a medical exam — usually a blood test and blood pressure check done at your home or a nearby clinic.

What Health Information You Will Need to Provide

When you request a quote or explore for AARP life insurance, you will answer questions about your current health and past medical conditions. Be prepared to list any chronic diseases (diabetes, heart disease, cancer), medications you take, and whether you smoke or use tobacco products. Tobacco use significantly raises premiums.

You will also be asked about your family's medical history — whether parents or siblings had heart disease, cancer, or other serious illnesses. Some policies ask about your occupation and whether you have been denied life insurance in the past.

If the policy amount is high or you are over a certain age (often 60 or 65), the insurance company will order a medical exam. This is not a full physical; it is usually a quick visit where someone checks your blood pressure, takes blood and urine samples, and asks you to confirm the health information you provided on the process.

Comparing AARP Life Insurance to Other Options

AARP life insurance is one option, but it is not the only one. If you are under 60 and in good health, you may find cheaper term life insurance by shopping directly with insurance companies or using online quote tools. Term life is usually much less expensive than permanent life insurance, especially at younger ages.

If you are over 75 or have significant health problems, AARP's final expense insurance may be easier to get than a traditional term or whole life policy elsewhere, because these smaller policies often have less strict health requirements. However, they also have lower death benefits — typically $5,000 to $25,000 — so they are meant to cover specific end-of-life costs, not replace income.

Some employers and unions offer group life insurance as a benefit. If you have access to group coverage through a current or former employer, that is often cheaper than individual policies because the group spreads the risk across many people. Check whether you have any group coverage before buying an individual policy.

How to Get a Quote and What Happens Next

You can request an AARP life insurance quote through AARP's website or by calling the phone number listed in AARP materials. You will be asked basic health and personal information to generate a quote. This quote is not a binding offer — it is an estimate based on the information you provide.

If you decide to move forward, you will complete a formal process. The insurance company will review your answers and may order a medical exam if needed. The underwriting process — the company's review of your process — typically takes one to four weeks. During this time, the company may ask follow-up questions about your health or request medical records from your doctor.

Once approved, you will receive a policy document that spells out the death benefit amount, the premium you will pay, how often you pay (monthly, quarterly, or annually), and when the coverage begins. Most policies have a waiting period of 30 to 60 days before the coverage is active.

What to Ask Before You Buy

Before signing up for any AARP life insurance policy, ask the insurance company these questions:

  • Is this a may provide issue policy, or will I be underwritten based on my health? (may provide issue means approval without a medical exam, but premiums are usually higher.)
  • What is the death benefit amount, and is it fixed or does it decrease over time?
  • Can I cancel the policy and get my money back if I change my mind? (Most policies have a free look period of 10 to 30 days.)
  • If this is a permanent policy, what is the cash value, and can I borrow against it or withdraw it?
  • Are there any exclusions — situations where the company will not pay the death benefit? (For example, some policies exclude death by suicide in the first two years.)
  • What happens to my premiums if I live past a certain age? (For some policies, premiums increase significantly at age 80 or 85.)

When to Seek Help From Your Doctor or a Financial Advisor

If you have a chronic illness or take multiple medications, talk to your doctor before explore. Your doctor can tell you whether your condition is stable and well-controlled, which affects how the insurance company will rate you. If you have been denied life insurance in the past, ask your doctor why — sometimes it is a misunderstanding that can be cleared up.

If you are unsure whether life insurance makes sense for your situation, consider talking to a financial advisor or your accountant. They can help you figure out how much coverage you actually need and whether the premium fits your budget. Life insurance is a long-term commitment; you will be paying premiums for years, so make sure it is something you can afford.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an AARP member to buy AARP life insurance?

Yes, you must be an AARP member to purchase life insurance through AARP's partnerships. AARP membership is open to people 50 and older. If you are not yet a member, you can join AARP and then request a life insurance quote.

What is the difference between term and permanent life insurance?

Term life covers you for a set period — 10, 20, or 30 years — and is much cheaper. If you die during the term, your beneficiary gets the death benefit. If the term ends and you are still alive, the coverage stops. Permanent life (whole life or universal life) lasts your entire life and builds a cash value you can borrow against, but premiums are significantly higher.

Can I get AARP life insurance if I have a pre-existing condition?

You can explore, but the insurance company will underwrite your process based on your health history. Having a pre-existing condition does not automatically disqualify you, but it may increase your premiums or result in a denial if the condition is very serious. Final expense policies sometimes have less strict health requirements than term or whole life policies.

What happens if I stop paying my premiums?

If you miss a premium payment, the insurance company will usually give you a grace period — typically 30 days — to pay. If you do not pay within that time, the policy lapses and coverage ends. With permanent policies, you may be able to use the cash value to keep the policy in force, but check your policy document for the exact rules.

Can I have more than one AARP life insurance policy?

Yes, you can own multiple policies, but the insurance company will ask how much total life insurance you have. They do this to prevent fraud — someone cannot insure another person's life for more than that person's actual financial value. Be honest about any other policies you own when you explore.