AARP travel insurance is a package of protections sold through AARP membership that covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies abroad, lost luggage, and emergency evacuation.

AARP offers travel insurance through a partnership with a third-party insurer — the specific carrier and coverage details depend on which plan you choose. The policies are designed for people 50 and older and typically cost between $100 and $300 for a single trip, though annual plans that cover multiple trips are also available. Coverage applies only to trips you book after you purchase the insurance, and you must buy it within a set number of days of your initial trip deposit (usually 14 days).

The main reason to consider AARP travel insurance is that it protects you against losses that your regular health insurance and credit card benefits may not cover. If you cancel a nonrefundable flight or hotel, standard travel insurance reimburses what you paid. If you fall ill abroad and need evacuation to a hospital that can treat you, the policy covers the cost — which can run into tens of thousands of dollars. These are real financial risks on trips outside the United States.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP travel insurance must be purchased within 14 days of your initial trip deposit to cover cancellations and most other claims.
  • Coverage typically includes trip cancellation, emergency medical care abroad, emergency evacuation, lost or delayed luggage, and travel delay reimbursement.
  • The policy does not cover claims related to pre-existing medical conditions unless you buy the insurance within 14 days and meet other conditions set by the insurer.
  • You can purchase single-trip policies or annual plans that cover multiple trips throughout the year.
  • AARP travel insurance is sold through AARP membership and requires you to be at least 50 years old.

What the coverage actually includes

Trip cancellation is the most commonly used benefit. If you cancel a prepaid, nonrefundable trip for a reason the policy covers — illness, injury, death of a family member, or job loss — the insurer reimburses your prepaid costs up to the policy limit, usually $5,000 to $10,000 per person. You must cancel before you depart, and you need documentation of the reason (a doctor's note, death certificate, or termination letter).

Emergency medical coverage pays for hospital care, doctor visits, and prescription medications you need while traveling outside the United States. The coverage limit is typically $100,000 to $250,000. This matters because your Medicare coverage does not explore outside the U.S., and your supplemental insurance may have limits or exclusions for foreign care. Emergency evacuation coverage — which pays to transport you to the nearest adequate hospital if you become seriously ill or injured in a remote area — is often included and can cover costs of $250,000 or more.

Lost or delayed luggage coverage reimburses you for essential items if your bags are delayed more than 12 or 24 hours (depending on the plan) or lost entirely. Travel delay reimbursement covers hotel and meal costs if your flight is delayed more than 12 or 24 hours. Some plans also cover missed connections and emergency dental care.

What is not covered

Pre-existing medical conditions are the biggest exclusion. If you have a chronic illness — diabetes, heart disease, arthritis — and you cancel because of it, the policy will not pay unless you buy the insurance within 14 days of your initial trip deposit and meet other conditions. Some insurers waive the pre-existing condition exclusion entirely if you buy within that window; others require that your condition be stable (no new medications, no hospitalizations) for a set period before you book. Read the fine print for your specific plan.

Claims related to alcohol or drug use, high-risk activities (mountaineering, professional sports), travel to countries under government travel warnings, and trips you book knowing you are already ill are typically excluded. If you cancel because you are afraid to fly or because you change your mind, the policy does not cover it. Pregnancy-related cancellations are usually covered only up to 24 weeks of gestation.

How to buy AARP travel insurance

You purchase AARP travel insurance through the AARP website or by phone. You will need your AARP membership number, your trip details (destination, departure date, cost), and the names and birthdates of all travelers. The insurer will ask about your health history to assess pre-existing condition exclusions. You can buy the policy when ready after booking your trip, but you must do so within 14 days of your initial deposit to get the broadest coverage, including the pre-existing condition waiver.

Once you buy the policy, you receive a confirmation email with your policy number and a copy of the full terms and conditions. Keep this document — you will need the policy number to file a claim. Some AARP plans allow you to purchase coverage for a single trip or to buy an annual policy that covers multiple trips in a calendar year. Annual plans are cheaper per trip if you travel more than once.

Filing a claim

To file a claim, contact the insurance company (not AARP) using the phone number on your policy document. You will need to submit proof of your loss — for a cancellation, a copy of your booking confirmation and evidence of the reason you cancelled (medical records, a death certificate, a job termination letter). For a medical claim, you need itemized receipts and proof of payment. For lost luggage, you need the airline's written report and receipts for items you purchased while waiting for your bag.

The insurer typically has 30 to 90 days to review your claim and make a decision. If approved, reimbursement is sent by check or direct deposit. If denied, you receive a written explanation. You can appeal a denial by submitting additional documentation, though the appeal process varies by insurer.

How AARP travel insurance compares to other options

Travel insurance sold by airlines, hotels, or travel booking sites is often more expensive and narrower in scope than AARP plans. Credit card travel protections (offered by some premium cards) cover trip cancellation and baggage delays but usually do not include emergency evacuation or medical care abroad. Standalone travel insurance from companies like World Nomads or Allianz may offer more flexibility for younger travelers or those with complex medical histories, but AARP plans are priced competitively for people 50 and older.

If you travel frequently, an annual AARP plan is usually cheaper than buying single-trip policies each time. If you travel rarely, a single-trip policy costs less upfront but covers only that one journey. Some travelers buy travel insurance only for international trips and skip it for domestic travel, since U.S. health insurance covers you at home.

Questions to ask before you buy

Ask the insurer whether your pre-existing conditions are covered and, if so, what conditions must be met. Ask what the exact reimbursement limits are for trip cancellation, emergency medical care, and evacuation — these vary widely. Ask whether the policy covers travel to the specific countries you plan to visit, since some insurers exclude certain regions. Ask how long you have to file a claim after you return home (usually 90 days). Ask whether the policy covers you if you travel against government travel warnings.

If you have questions about your specific AARP plan, call the AARP member services line or the insurance company directly. Do not rely on a travel agent or hotel staff to explain the coverage — they often do not know the details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy AARP travel insurance after I leave home?

No. You must buy the policy before you depart, and you must buy it within 14 days of your initial trip deposit to get full coverage. If you buy it after you leave, the claim will be denied.

Does AARP travel insurance cover me if I get sick from COVID-19 while traveling?

Most AARP travel insurance policies cover illness-related cancellations, including COVID-19, if you become ill before departure and cancel your trip. If you become ill during the trip, emergency medical coverage applies. Check your specific policy, as some insurers have added COVID-related exclusions or limitations.

What if I have a heart condition and want to travel?

You can still buy AARP travel insurance, but the pre-existing condition exclusion may explore. If you buy the policy within 14 days of your initial deposit and your condition has been stable (no new medications, no hospitalizations for a set period), the waiver may explore. Contact the insurer before you book to confirm coverage for your specific condition.

Does AARP travel insurance cover my spouse if they are not an AARP member?

Yes. Your spouse can be covered under your AARP travel insurance policy even if they do not have their own AARP membership. You straightforward list them as a traveler when you buy the policy.

How much does AARP travel insurance cost?

Single-trip policies typically cost $100 to $300 depending on your age, the trip cost, and the coverage level you choose. Annual plans that cover multiple trips usually cost $200 to $400 per year. The exact price depends on the insurer and the specific plan.