Yes, AARP offers life insurance through partner companies, but you buy the policy directly from the insurer, not from AARP itself

AARP endorses and markets life insurance products underwritten by companies like New York Life, Transamerica, and Mutual of Omaha. When you see "AARP life insurance," you are looking at a standard life insurance policy that AARP members can purchase, often at rates negotiated for the group. AARP does not underwrite the insurance or pay claims — the insurance company does. You explore directly to the insurer, and your membership in AARP may lower your premium, but it does not change how the policy works or who handles it.

The policies available through AARP include term life insurance (coverage for a set number of years) and permanent life insurance (coverage that lasts your lifetime, with a cash value component). The specific products, costs, and terms depend on which insurance company AARP has partnered with in your state and which plan you choose.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP-endorsed life insurance is underwritten by private insurance companies like New York Life and Transamerica, not by AARP.
  • You explore directly to the insurance company and pay premiums to them; AARP membership may lower your rate but does not change the policy terms.
  • Both term life (temporary coverage) and permanent life (lifetime coverage with cash value) are typically offered through AARP partnerships.
  • Rates and available products vary by state and change over time, so comparing quotes from multiple insurers is still worth doing.

How AARP life insurance partnerships work

AARP negotiates group rates with insurance companies on behalf of its members. This means the insurer agrees to offer lower premiums to people who are AARP members than they might otherwise pay. However, AARP itself is not the insurance company — it is a membership organization that endorses the product and handles marketing.

When you decide to purchase, you contact the insurance company directly (or through their website or phone line). You fill out an process, answer health questions, and may have a medical exam depending on the coverage amount. The insurance company decides whether to issue the policy and at what rate. AARP does not make that decision or collect your premiums.

This structure means that if you have a claim or a question about your policy, you contact the insurance company, not AARP. AARP's role ends once you have bought the policy.

Types of life insurance AARP offers

Term life insurance through AARP partnerships typically covers you for 10, 15, 20, or 30 years. If you die during that term, the insurance company pays your beneficiary the death benefit. If the term ends and you are still alive, the coverage stops and you receive nothing back. Term life is usually the least expensive option and works well if you need coverage for a specific period — for example, until a mortgage is paid off or children are grown.

Permanent life insurance (also called whole life or universal life) covers you for your entire life as long as you pay premiums. Part of each premium goes into a cash value account that grows over time. You can borrow against this cash value or withdraw from it. Permanent life costs more than term life but does not expire, and it builds a savings component.

The exact products available depend on your state and the current partnerships AARP has in place. You can contact AARP directly or visit their website to see which insurers and plans are offered where you live.

Cost and how membership affects your rate

AARP membership typically lowers your life insurance premium compared to what you would pay as a non-member buying the same policy from the same company. The discount varies by insurer and plan but is often in the range of 5 to 15 percent. However, this is not may provide — rates depend on your age, health, the coverage amount, and the type of policy.

Because rates and discounts change, and because different insurers offer different prices, it is worth getting quotes from multiple companies before you buy. You can get a quote through AARP's website or by contacting the insurance company directly. A quote does not commit you to anything and helps you compare what is actually available to you.

Keep in mind that AARP membership itself costs money (currently around $16 per year for a basic membership). If you are considering AARP primarily for the life insurance discount, calculate whether the savings on your premium over time will exceed the membership cost.

Who can buy AARP life insurance

You must be an AARP member to purchase life insurance through AARP partnerships. AARP membership is open to anyone age 50 and older. Some policies may have additional age limits — for example, some term life policies are not offered to people over a certain age, or permanent life policies may have different age ranges. You will find these details when you request a quote.

You will also need to pass the insurance company's health underwriting. This means answering questions about your medical history, current health, medications, and sometimes lifestyle factors like smoking. Depending on the coverage amount and your age, the insurer may require a medical exam. People with pre-existing conditions can still purchase AARP life insurance, but the premium may be higher, or in rare cases, the insurer may decline to issue a policy.

How to get a quote or buy AARP life insurance

Visit AARP.com and look for the life insurance section, or call AARP's member services line. You will be directed to the insurance company's website or phone number. From there, you can answer a few basic questions (age, health status, coverage amount you are interested in) and receive a quote. The quote will show the monthly or annual premium and the policy terms.

If you decide to move forward, you will complete a full process with the insurance company. This includes detailed health questions and may include scheduling a medical exam. The insurer will review your process and either issue the policy, offer it at a different rate, or decline it. This process typically takes one to four weeks.

You can also contact insurance companies directly and ask if they offer AARP member discounts. Some people find it helpful to compare an AARP-endorsed quote with quotes from other insurers to make sure they are getting the best rate available to them.

Alternatives if AARP life insurance is not right for you

If AARP life insurance does not meet your needs — because the premium is too high, the coverage options do not fit, or you do not want to join AARP — you can purchase life insurance directly from any insurance company. You do not need AARP membership to buy life insurance; the membership straightforward may lower your rate with certain insurers.

Other options include buying term life or permanent life directly from New York Life, Mutual of Omaha, State Farm, or other major insurers. You can also work with an independent insurance agent who represents multiple companies and can help you compare options. Some employers offer group life insurance as a benefit, which is often less expensive than individual policies.

If you are on a tight budget, you might also explore whether you need life insurance at all. Life insurance makes sense if someone depends on your income — a spouse, adult child, or grandchild you support. If you have no dependents and modest debts, life insurance may not be necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, but the insurance company will review your condition during underwriting. You may be offered coverage at a higher premium, or in some cases, the insurer may decline. Being honest on your process is important — misrepresenting your health can lead to a claim being denied later. Ask the insurer what health conditions affect rates for the specific policy you are interested in.

What happens to my AARP life insurance if I cancel my AARP membership?

Your life insurance policy continues. Canceling AARP membership does not cancel your insurance. However, you may lose the member discount on future premium increases or if you renew the policy. Check your policy documents or contact the insurance company to understand how membership status affects your rate going forward.

Is AARP life insurance the same as Medicare or Medigap?

No. Life insurance pays a lump sum to your beneficiary when you die. Medicare and Medigap are health insurance that help pay for medical care while you are alive. They are completely separate products. You can have both life insurance and Medicare at the same time.

Can I get a quote without committing to buy?

Yes. Getting a quote is free and does not obligate you to purchase. You can request quotes from multiple insurers and compare them before deciding. A quote typically includes the monthly premium, coverage amount, and policy type so you can make an informed choice.

What is the difference between AARP life insurance and life insurance from any other company?

The main difference is the discount. AARP-endorsed policies may cost less because AARP negotiated group rates. The actual policy — how it works, what it covers, how claims are paid — is the same as any other life insurance policy from that company. You are buying from the insurance company, not from AARP.