AARP's Travel Insurance Offerings

AARP does not sell travel insurance directly. Instead, AARP partners with insurance companies to offer travel insurance plans that members can purchase through AARP's website or by phone. The plans available vary by state and change periodically, so what is offered in one state may differ from another.

The travel insurance products marketed through AARP are underwritten by third-party insurers — typically companies like Nationwide, Allianz, or others depending on your location. AARP acts as a broker, meaning it negotiates rates and terms on behalf of members but does not assume the risk itself. When you buy a plan, you are buying from the insurance company, not from AARP.

Common coverage types include trip cancellation (reimbursement if you cancel before travel), trip delay (payment if your flight is delayed beyond a set number of hours), baggage loss, and emergency medical coverage while abroad. Some plans bundle several of these; others let you pick individual coverages.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP partners with insurance companies to offer travel insurance, but does not underwrite the policies itself.
  • Available plans and pricing vary significantly by state, so you must check AARP's website or call to see what is offered where you live.
  • Coverage typically includes trip cancellation, trip delay, baggage protection, and emergency medical care, though specific terms depend on the plan you choose.
  • You can also purchase travel insurance directly from insurers like Allianz, Nationwide, or others without going through AARP.

How to Find AARP Travel Insurance Plans

Start by visiting AARP.com and searching for "travel insurance" or navigating to the insurance section. You will see a list of plans available in your state, along with brief descriptions and premium estimates. Most pages let you enter your age, trip dates, and destination to get a quote.

You can also call AARP's member services line — the number is on your membership card or on the AARP website. A representative can walk you through available options and answer questions about what each plan covers. Phone representatives often have access to the same plans shown online but can explain the fine print more clearly.

When comparing plans, note the deductible (the amount you pay out of pocket before coverage kicks in), the maximum payout for each type of claim, and any exclusions. A plan with a low premium but a high deductible may cost you more in the end if something goes wrong.

What Travel Insurance Through AARP Typically Covers

Trip cancellation reimburses you if you cancel your trip before departure for a covered reason — illness, injury, death of a family member, or job loss are common examples. The payout is usually a percentage of your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs, up to a stated maximum (often $5,000 to $10,000, though this varies).

Trip delay pays a daily benefit if your flight or other transportation is delayed beyond a set number of hours — typically 12 to 24 hours. This covers meals, lodging, and other necessary expenses while you wait.

Baggage and personal belongings coverage reimburses you for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage and its contents. Coverage limits are usually $2,500 to $5,000 per person.

Emergency medical coverage pays for hospital care, doctor visits, and emergency dental work if you become ill or injured while traveling outside the United States. This is especially valuable if your regular health insurance does not cover international care.

Read the policy document carefully before buying. Exclusions are common — for example, many plans do not cover cancellations due to pre-existing medical conditions unless you buy the plan within a set number of days of your initial trip deposit.

Cost and Membership Requirements

You must be an AARP member to purchase travel insurance through AARP's program. Membership costs $16 per year for a standard membership. Travel insurance premiums themselves depend on your age, the length of your trip, your destination, and the coverage level you choose.

A week-long domestic trip for someone in their 60s might cost $30 to $60 for basic coverage. International trips, longer trips, and older travelers typically cost more. Some plans offer a one-time purchase option; others let you buy annual coverage that applies to all trips you take in a year.

AARP membership is separate from travel insurance. You pay the membership fee to AARP, then pay the insurance premium to the underwriting company. Neither cost is refundable if you decide not to travel.

Alternatives to AARP Travel Insurance

You do not have to buy travel insurance through AARP. Many insurers sell travel policies directly to the public at similar or identical rates. Allianz, Nationwide, World Nomads, and Generali are among the larger providers. Comparing a few directly can help you understand whether AARP's negotiated rates are genuinely better for your situation.

Some credit cards include travel insurance as a cardholder benefit — trip cancellation, baggage delay, or emergency medical coverage — at no extra cost. Check your card's benefits guide or call the card issuer to see what is included. This can be a cheaper option if you already carry the card.

Travel agents sometimes bundle travel insurance with flight and hotel bookings, and may have access to group rates. If you book through an agent, ask whether insurance is included or recommended.

Common Exclusions and Limitations

Travel insurance does not cover everything. Most policies exclude claims related to pre-existing medical conditions unless you buy within a narrow window after your initial trip deposit. Cancellations due to pandemics or government travel warnings are often excluded, though some insurers have added pandemic coverage in recent years.

Claims for travel to countries under government travel advisories, or travel you booked knowing you were already ill, are typically denied. If you are traveling against medical information or have a known condition that might flare up, disclose it to the insurer before buying — some plans offer riders (add-ons) that cover these situations at a higher premium.

Read the policy's definition of "covered reasons" for cancellation carefully. A plan that only covers illness or injury may not reimburse you if you cancel because a family member's emergency requires you to stay home, depending on how the policy is worded.

How to File a Claim

If you need to use your travel insurance, contact the insurance company directly — not AARP. The policy document will list a claims phone number and the address to mail documents. Most insurers have online claim portals as well.

You will need to provide proof of your loss: receipts for cancelled flights and hotels, a doctor's note if you cancelled due to illness, a death certificate if a family member passed away, or documentation of the delay from the airline. Keep all receipts and correspondence.

Claims typically take two to four weeks to process, though complex cases may take longer. The insurer will either approve and pay your claim, request more information, or deny it with an explanation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a current AARP member to buy travel insurance?

Yes, AARP travel insurance is only available to AARP members. You can join AARP at any time, and membership is effective when ready. The annual membership fee is separate from the travel insurance premium.

Does AARP travel insurance cover COVID-19 or pandemic-related cancellations?

Coverage depends on the specific plan and when you buy it. Some plans exclude pandemic-related claims entirely; others include them if you purchase within a certain timeframe. Check the policy details or ask the representative when you get a quote.

Can I buy travel insurance after I have already booked my trip?

Yes, but some coverages — especially pre-existing condition waivers — require you to buy within a set number of days of your initial trip deposit, often 14 to 21 days. Buying early gives you more options and better rates.

What is the difference between AARP travel insurance and travel insurance I buy directly from an insurer?

The coverage and terms are often identical; the difference is mainly in how you purchase it. AARP negotiates rates on behalf of members, which may result in lower premiums, but you can compare directly with insurers to confirm.

If I cancel my trip, how long does it take to get reimbursed?

Most insurers process claims within two to four weeks of receiving all required documentation. Complex claims or those requiring investigation may take longer. Contact the insurance company's claims department for a status update if you have not heard back within a month.