AARP offers insurance products through partner companies, not insurance it underwrites itself

AARP does not sell insurance directly. Instead, it licenses its name to insurance companies that design and sell products marketed to AARP members. The most common are supplemental health insurance (Medigap), Medicare Advantage plans, long-term care insurance, and auto and home insurance. AARP receives a commission when you buy, which funds its operations.

This matters because it means the insurance company — not AARP — sets the rates, decides what is covered, handles claims, and determines whether to renew your policy. AARP membership does not lower your premiums automatically. Some plans offer member discounts, but you will see the actual price before you commit.

The products vary widely in what they cover and what they cost. A Medigap plan from one AARP partner may cover different things than a Medigap plan from another company. Rates change by age, location, and health history depending on the insurer's underwriting rules.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP-branded insurance is sold by partner companies, not by AARP itself, so the insurance company sets rates and handles claims.
  • Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans through AARP partners cover different things and cost different amounts depending on the insurer and your location.
  • You can compare AARP-branded plans against plans from other insurers using Medicare.gov or your state's health insurance counselor.
  • Long-term care and auto/home insurance through AARP partners work the same way — you pay the partner company, not AARP, and the partner company pays claims.
  • AARP membership is not required to buy these insurance products, though some discounts may explore to members.

Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans sold under the AARP name

AARP partners with UnitedHealthcare to sell both Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans. Medigap covers costs that Original Medicare does not — copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Medicare Advantage is an alternative to Original Medicare that bundles hospital, medical, and usually prescription drug coverage into one plan, often with lower premiums but narrower networks.

The plans available to you depend on where you live. UnitedHealthcare does not sell in every state or every county. You can see which plans are offered in your zip code on Medicare.gov by entering your address during the annual enrollment period (October 15 to December 7 each year).

Rates for AARP-branded Medigap plans vary by age, location, and the specific plan letter (Plan A, Plan B, Plan G, and so on). Rates also depend on whether the company uses community rating (everyone in your area pays the same) or age-based rating (older people pay more). You will see the exact monthly premium before you enroll.

If you already have a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan from another company, you can switch to an AARP-branded plan during the annual enrollment period or during a may have access to life event (turning 65, losing employer coverage, moving to a new state).

Long-term care insurance through AARP partners

AARP partners with insurance companies to offer long-term care insurance, which covers nursing home care, assisted living, adult day care, and home care. This is not health insurance — it covers the cost of custodial care when you cannot manage daily tasks like bathing, dressing, or taking medication.

Long-term care insurance is underwritten based on your health history. The insurance company will ask detailed questions about past and current medical conditions, medications, and sometimes require a medical exam. If you have a serious health condition, you may be declined or offered coverage at a higher rate.

Premiums are fixed when you enroll but can increase over time if the company raises rates for your entire age group. The longer you wait to buy, the higher your premium will be, because rates are based on your age at enrollment. There is no age limit, but coverage becomes expensive after 75.

Long-term care insurance is optional and not right for everyone. Some people use Medicaid to cover long-term care instead, which requires spending down assets first. Others self-insure by saving. A financial advisor or elder law attorney can help you decide whether it makes sense for your situation.

Auto and home insurance sold under the AARP brand

AARP partners with insurance companies to offer auto and home insurance. These are standard policies — the AARP branding does not change what is covered. The partner company sets rates based on your driving record, claims history, home characteristics, and location, the same way any insurer does.

AARP members may receive a discount on premiums, but the discount varies by state and by company. You will see the discount amount (if any) in your quote before you commit. Non-members can also buy these policies; AARP membership is not required.

You can compare quotes from AARP-branded insurers against quotes from other companies using online comparison tools or by calling insurers directly. Rates change frequently, so comparing every few years can save money even if you have been with the same company for years.

How to find out what an AARP insurance plan actually costs

For Medicare plans (Medigap and Medicare Advantage), go to Medicare.gov during open enrollment and enter your zip code. The site will show you plans available in your area, the monthly premium, and what each plan covers. You can compare AARP-branded plans against plans from other insurers side by side.

For long-term care insurance, contact the partner company directly for a quote. The company will ask health questions and may require a medical exam. Get quotes from multiple companies — rates vary significantly.

For auto and home insurance, you can get a quote from AARP-branded insurers through their websites or by phone. Compare the quote against quotes from at least two other insurers to see whether the AARP discount (if any) makes it the cheapest option in your area.

Your state's health insurance counselor (part of the State Health Insurance information Program, or SHIP) can also help you compare Medicare plans at no cost. You can find your state counselor at shiptalk.org or by calling 1-877-839-2675.

What happens if you have a problem with an AARP insurance policy

If you have a billing problem, coverage question, or claim dispute, contact the insurance company directly — not AARP. The insurance company's customer service number is on your policy documents and on your billing statement. The company is responsible for handling your claim and resolving disputes.

If you cannot resolve the problem with the company, you can file a complaint with your state's insurance commissioner. Every state has an insurance department that investigates complaints against insurers. You can find your state's office at naic.org/state-insurance-commissioners.html.

AARP does not handle claims or resolve coverage disputes, but you can contact AARP to report problems with how a partner company is treating members. AARP may investigate if it receives multiple complaints about the same issue.

AARP membership and insurance discounts

AARP membership costs $16 per year and is required to receive some discounts on insurance products. However, you do not have to be an AARP member to buy AARP-branded insurance. Non-members can purchase the same policies; they straightforward will not receive the member discount (if one exists).

The discount amount varies by product and state. Some AARP-branded plans offer no additional discount beyond what the insurance company offers to all customers. Others offer 5 to 15 percent off premiums for members. Ask the insurance company what discount applies to your specific plan and location before you enroll.

If you are considering AARP membership primarily to get an insurance discount, calculate whether the discount saves you more than the $16 annual membership fee. If the discount is small or does not explore to the plan you want, membership may not be worth it for insurance alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be 65 or older to buy AARP insurance?

For Medicare plans (Medigap and Medicare Advantage), yes — you must be enrolled in Medicare, which typically begins at 65. For long-term care, auto, and home insurance, there is no age requirement, though rates vary by age. Some AARP-branded auto policies are available to people as young as 50.

Can I switch from one AARP insurance plan to another?

Yes, during the annual enrollment period (October 15 to December 7 for Medicare plans) or if you have a may have access to life event like moving to a new state or losing coverage. Outside these windows, you may be locked in until the next enrollment period, depending on the plan type.

What if I do not live in a state where AARP insurance is sold?

AARP-branded plans are not available everywhere. If your state is not covered, you can buy the same types of insurance from other companies. Medicare.gov and your state's health insurance counselor can help you find plans in your area.

Does AARP insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

For Medicare plans, pre-existing conditions are covered — Medicare does not exclude them. For long-term care insurance, the company may decline coverage or charge more based on your health history. For auto and home insurance, pre-existing conditions do not explore; underwriting is based on driving record and home characteristics.

Can I cancel an AARP insurance policy if I change my mind?

Yes. Most policies have a free look period (usually 30 days) during which you can cancel and get your money back. After that, you can cancel anytime, but you will not receive a refund for the time you have already paid. Check your policy documents for the exact cancellation terms.