AARP offers travel insurance through partnerships with insurance companies, not as a direct AARP product

AARP does not underwrite or sell travel insurance itself. Instead, AARP has partnerships with insurance carriers — primarily Nationwide and other companies — that offer travel insurance plans to AARP members. These are branded as AARP Travel Insurance, but the actual coverage is provided and managed by the insurance company, not by AARP.

The plans available through AARP typically include trip cancellation, trip delay, baggage loss, emergency medical coverage abroad, and emergency evacuation. The specific coverage, limits, and costs depend on which plan you choose and which insurance company backs it. You purchase the policy directly from the insurance carrier or through AARP's website, and claims go to that carrier.

Because AARP membership often qualifies you for discounted rates on these policies, many members find the AARP-branded option cheaper than buying the same coverage elsewhere. However, the coverage itself is not unique to AARP — you can buy identical or similar policies from the same insurance companies without AARP membership, usually at a higher price.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP travel insurance is underwritten by insurance companies like Nationwide, not by AARP itself, though AARP negotiates member discounts.
  • Coverage typically includes trip cancellation, trip delay, baggage loss, and emergency medical or evacuation costs while traveling outside the United States.
  • You purchase the policy directly from the insurance carrier through AARP's website or by phone, and you file claims with that carrier.
  • AARP membership usually lowers the cost of the policy, but the coverage terms and limits are set by the insurance company, not AARP.
  • You can buy the same or similar coverage from the insurance company directly without AARP membership, but you will pay the full price instead of the member rate.

What coverage is included in AARP travel insurance plans

Trip cancellation covers the cost of your prepaid trip if you have to cancel for a covered reason — typically illness, injury, or death of a family member. The policy reimburses you for nonrefundable airfare, hotel deposits, tour fees, and similar costs up to the policy limit. The limit varies by plan; some cap reimbursement at $5,000 per person, others higher.

Trip delay coverage reimburses you for meals and lodging if your flight is delayed more than a set number of hours — usually 12 or 24 hours — and you miss your connection or have to stay overnight. Baggage loss and baggage delay coverage reimburse you if your luggage is lost, damaged, or delayed beyond a certain time frame, usually 12 to 24 hours.

Emergency medical and dental coverage pays for treatment you need while traveling outside the United States. Emergency evacuation coverage pays for transport to a hospital or back to the United States if you have a serious medical event abroad. These are particularly valuable for older travelers, since Medicare does not cover care outside the country.

Pre-existing condition waivers are sometimes available if you purchase the policy within a certain number of days of your initial trip deposit — often 14 to 21 days. This means a health condition you had before buying the policy may be covered under trip cancellation. The exact rules depend on the plan and the insurance company.

How to purchase AARP travel insurance and what it costs

You can view AARP travel insurance plans and get a quote on AARP's website under the Travel Insurance section, or by calling AARP's travel insurance phone line. You will need to provide your trip dates, destination, and the number of travelers. The quote tool will show you available plans, coverage limits, and the cost for your specific trip.

Pricing depends 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, while a two-week international trip for someone in their 80s could cost $150 to $300 or more. The older you are and the longer or more remote your trip, the higher the premium.

You must purchase the policy before your trip departs. Most plans require you to buy within a certain window of your initial trip deposit — often 14 to 21 days — if you want pre-existing condition coverage. If you buy after that window, pre-existing conditions are usually not covered.

Once you purchase, you receive a policy document by email or mail that outlines exactly what is covered, what is not, the dollar limits, and how to file a claim. Keep this document and your receipt. If you need to cancel your trip or file a claim, you contact the insurance company directly, not AARP.

Comparing AARP travel insurance to other options

AARP travel insurance is one option among many. Credit card companies often include trip cancellation and baggage coverage automatically if you book your trip with that card — no extra cost. Some homeowners or renters insurance policies include limited travel coverage. Travel booking sites like Expedia and Kayak offer their own travel insurance at checkout.

The main advantage of AARP travel insurance is the member discount. If you are an AARP member, you will usually pay less for the same coverage than you would buying directly from the insurance company. If you are not an AARP member, the cost may be higher than other options.

The main disadvantage is that AARP does not customize plans to your specific needs — you choose from the plans AARP offers. If you need coverage for a specific risk (such as coverage for a pre-existing condition that does not may have access to for the waiver), you may need to buy from a different insurance company that specializes in that coverage.

Before buying any travel insurance, check what coverage you already have through your credit cards, employer, or existing insurance policies. Many people find they already have some trip cancellation or baggage coverage and do not need to buy additional insurance.

What AARP travel insurance does not cover

Travel insurance does not cover cancellations due to financial hardship, change of mind, or a trip you decide not to take. It covers only specific named reasons — illness, injury, death of a family member, or other events listed in the policy.

Pre-existing medical conditions are not covered unless you purchase the policy within the required window (usually 14 to 21 days of your initial trip deposit) and the condition is disclosed when you buy. Even then, some conditions may be excluded.

Travel to countries under government travel warnings or advisories may not be covered, or may be covered only at a higher cost. High-risk activities like mountaineering, professional sports, or extreme adventure travel are typically excluded or require a rider.

Claims filed after the important date in your policy document will be denied. Most policies require you to file within 90 days of the event that triggered the claim. Keep receipts, medical records, cancellation notices, and any other documentation the insurance company requests.

How to file a claim with AARP travel insurance

If you need to file a claim, contact the insurance company listed in your policy document — not AARP. The policy will include a claims phone number and mailing address. You can usually start the process by phone and then submit documents by mail or online.

For a trip cancellation claim, you will need to provide proof of the reason you cancelled (a doctor's note for illness, a death certificate for a death in the family, for example), proof of your prepaid trip costs (receipts, booking confirmations, credit card statements), and proof that you could not recover the money from the trip provider or credit card company.

For a baggage claim, you will need the airline's baggage report, receipts for the items lost or damaged, and proof of the delay or loss. For a medical claim, you will need itemized medical bills, receipts, and proof of payment.

The insurance company will review your claim and respond within a set timeframe — usually 30 to 60 days. If approved, they will send payment to you or directly to the provider, depending on the type of claim. If denied, they will explain why in writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy AARP travel insurance if I am not an AARP member?

No. AARP travel insurance is available only to AARP members. However, you can buy the same or similar coverage from the insurance company directly without AARP membership — you will straightforward pay the full price instead of the member discount rate.

Does AARP travel insurance cover COVID-19 related cancellations?

Coverage depends on the specific plan and when you purchased it. Some plans exclude pandemic-related cancellations entirely. Others cover cancellation if you personally contract COVID-19 or a family member dies from it, but not if you cancel because of general travel restrictions or fear of exposure. Check your policy document or call the insurance company to confirm what is covered.

What is the age limit for buying AARP travel insurance?

AARP travel insurance is available to AARP members of any age. However, premiums increase significantly with age, and some plans may have upper age limits or may exclude certain high-risk activities for very old travelers. Ask about age limits when you get a quote.

Can I cancel my travel insurance policy after I buy it?

Most policies have a free look period — usually 14 days — during which you can cancel and receive a full refund. After that period, cancellation refunds depend on the policy terms. Some policies are non-refundable once purchased. Check your policy document for the cancellation terms.

Does AARP travel insurance cover trips within the United States?

Yes, AARP travel insurance covers domestic trips. However, the emergency medical and evacuation coverage — which is most valuable for older travelers — applies only to travel outside the United States. Domestic plans typically focus on trip cancellation, trip delay, and baggage coverage.