AARP's travel insurance offerings and how to find them
AARP does not sell travel insurance directly, but it offers members discounted access to travel insurance plans through partner companies. The most common option is through Allianz Global information, which AARP members can purchase at reduced rates. You can also find travel insurance through other AARP-endorsed partners, though the specific plans and discounts change based on your membership level and location.
Travel insurance through AARP partners typically covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies abroad, lost luggage, and emergency evacuation. The cost and coverage limits vary by plan and your age, so comparing options before booking a trip is important. You access these plans through AARP's website or by calling AARP directly to learn which partners currently offer discounts to your membership tier.
Key Takeaways
- AARP members can purchase discounted travel insurance through Allianz Global information and other partner companies, not directly from AARP.
- Common coverage includes trip cancellation, medical emergencies, evacuation, and lost baggage, though specific benefits depend on which plan you choose.
- Discounts for AARP members vary by partner and membership level, so comparing quotes from multiple providers is worth your time.
- You can find current partner offers on AARP's website or by calling AARP's member services line to confirm what is available to you.
- Some credit cards and homeowner's insurance policies also include travel coverage, so check what you already have before purchasing additional insurance.
How to find AARP-endorsed travel insurance
Start by visiting AARP's official website and looking for the travel insurance section under member discounts or benefits. The page will list current partner companies and direct you to their sites, where you can enter your AARP membership number to see member pricing. You can also call AARP Member Services at 1-888-687-2277 to ask which travel insurance partners are currently offering discounts and to get a direct link to their offers.
When you reach a partner's website, you will typically enter your trip dates, destination, and age to get a quote. The system will show you available plans and their costs. Read the coverage details carefully — trip cancellation limits, medical coverage amounts, and exclusions differ between plans. Some plans cover pre-existing medical conditions for an extra fee, while others exclude them entirely.
What travel insurance typically covers
Trip cancellation insurance reimburses you if you cancel your trip before departure for a covered reason — illness, injury, or death of a family member are common examples. The reimbursement usually covers the non-refundable portion of your airfare, hotel, and tour costs, up to a stated limit. Pre-existing medical conditions are often excluded unless you purchase the plan within a certain number of days of your initial trip deposit.
Medical and evacuation coverage pays for emergency medical treatment while you are abroad and covers the cost of emergency evacuation to the nearest adequate medical facility or back to your home country. This is especially valuable for trips outside the United States, where your regular health insurance may not cover you. Lost baggage coverage reimburses you for essential items if your luggage is delayed or lost, and some plans also cover emergency dental or vision care.
Comparing AARP travel insurance to other options
Before purchasing through an AARP partner, check whether your existing coverage already includes travel protection. Many homeowner's or renter's insurance policies cover baggage and personal belongings while traveling. Credit cards, especially premium travel cards, often include trip cancellation and medical coverage for cardholders. Medicare does not cover you outside the United States, but supplemental insurance (Medigap) policies vary in what they cover abroad — contact your provider to ask.
Travel insurance companies not affiliated with AARP also sell directly to consumers, and their rates may be competitive with AARP discounts depending on your age and trip details. Getting quotes from at least two or three sources — including an AARP partner and one or two independent providers — takes 15 minutes and can save you money. Use a comparison tool or call providers directly and provide the same trip details to each so you can see the real cost difference.
Common exclusions and limits in travel insurance plans
Most travel insurance plans exclude claims related to pre-existing medical conditions unless you purchase the plan within a set window (often 14 days) of your initial trip deposit. Pandemics and government travel warnings are often excluded, though some plans now include pandemic-related cancellation. High-risk activities like mountaineering, professional sports, or adventure travel may not be covered or may require an additional premium.
Coverage limits are important to understand. A plan might reimburse up to $5,000 for trip cancellation but only $500 for lost baggage. Medical coverage limits also vary widely — some plans cover up to $100,000 in emergency medical expenses, while others cap it at $50,000. Read the fine print on what counts as a "covered reason" for cancellation; some plans only cover illness or injury, not job loss or change of plans.
When travel insurance makes sense for older adults
Travel insurance is most valuable if you are booking an expensive trip, traveling far from home, or have health conditions that could cause you to cancel. A $3,000 cruise or international flight is worth protecting, especially if you have paid a deposit that is non-refundable. If you have a chronic condition that sometimes flares up or you are recovering from recent surgery, the cost of cancellation coverage is often worth the peace of mind.
Travel insurance is less necessary for short, inexpensive trips close to home or trips where you can easily reschedule. It is also less critical if you are using a credit card that already covers cancellation or if you are traveling with a tour operator that offers its own cancellation protection. Consider your health, the cost of the trip, how far in advance you are booking, and what you already have covered before deciding whether to purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AARP travel insurance cover pre-existing medical conditions?
Most plans exclude pre-existing conditions unless you purchase the insurance within 14 to 21 days of your initial trip deposit. Some plans offer a rider (extra coverage) for an additional fee that includes pre-existing conditions. Check the specific plan details before buying, as this varies by partner and plan type.
Can I buy AARP travel insurance after I have already booked my trip?
Yes, but if you want coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, you usually must buy within a specific window of your initial deposit — often 14 days. For other coverage like trip cancellation, you can buy anytime before your departure, though the sooner you buy, the more trip costs are protected.
What if I am traveling outside the United States — does AARP travel insurance cover me?
Yes, travel insurance through AARP partners is designed for international travel and covers medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip cancellation abroad. However, coverage details and limits vary by plan. Always confirm that your destination is covered and that medical coverage includes the countries you are visiting.
Is AARP travel insurance cheaper than buying directly from an insurance company?
AARP member discounts can save you 10 to 20 percent depending on the partner and plan, but not always. Get quotes from both AARP partners and independent providers using the same trip details to compare. Sometimes a non-AARP company offers a better rate for your specific age and destination.
Do I need travel insurance if I have Medicare?
Medicare does not cover you outside the United States, so travel insurance is important for international trips. Supplemental insurance (Medigap) policies vary in what they cover abroad — contact your provider. For domestic travel, check whether your existing coverage and credit card benefits are sufficient before purchasing additional insurance.