AARP does not offer its own medical insurance — it endorses and sells plans from other insurance companies

AARP is not an insurance company. It is a membership organization that negotiates with insurance carriers to offer plans under the AARP brand. When you buy "AARP insurance," you are buying a policy from United Healthcare, Humana, or another carrier that has paid AARP for the right to use its name and member discounts.

This matters because it changes where you go with problems. If your claim is denied or your bill is wrong, you contact the insurance company, not AARP. AARP's role is to market the plans and sometimes to help members understand what they bought — not to handle claims or coverage decisions.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP sells Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans through United Healthcare and other insurers, but does not underwrite the policies itself.
  • AARP also offers long-term care insurance, auto and home insurance, and life insurance through partner companies.
  • AARP membership is not required to buy these plans, though members usually receive discounts.
  • You can compare AARP-branded plans against non-AARP plans from the same carrier on Medicare.gov or your state's insurance marketplace.

Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans sold through AARP

AARP's largest insurance business is selling Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans. These are sold through United Healthcare, which is the primary carrier. Medicare Advantage plans combine hospital, medical, and usually prescription drug coverage in one plan. Medicare Supplement plans work alongside Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to cover costs that Medicare does not pay.

You can enroll in these plans during Medicare's open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7 each year) or during your initial enrollment window when you first turn 65 or become may be able to access for Medicare. AARP advertises these plans heavily, but you can also buy the same United Healthcare plans without going through AARP — the underlying coverage is identical.

The difference is usually price. AARP members may pay lower premiums than non-members buying the same plan from the same carrier. However, you should compare the actual premium, deductible, and out-of-pocket limits on Medicare.gov before assuming AARP's version is cheaper. Prices change yearly, and the best deal depends on your specific situation and location.

Long-term care insurance and other coverage types

AARP also sells long-term care insurance through Transamerica and other carriers. This type of policy covers nursing home care, assisted living, and in-home care if you need help with daily activities later in life. These policies are sold year-round (not just during Medicare enrollment) and require medical underwriting — you answer health questions and may need a medical exam.

Beyond health insurance, AARP-branded policies include auto and home insurance (through The Hartford), life insurance (through New York Life and others), and travel insurance. These are not health insurance but may be relevant if you are shopping for coverage across multiple categories.

How to compare AARP plans against other options

The best way to decide whether an AARP plan makes sense for you is to compare it directly against other plans available in your area. For Medicare plans, go to Medicare.gov and use the plan finder tool. Enter your zip code, current medications, and preferred doctors. The tool will show you every Medicare Advantage and Medigap plan available, including AARP-branded plans and non-AARP plans from the same carriers.

Write down the premium, deductible, copays for your most-used services, and the out-of-pocket maximum for each plan you are considering. Do not assume AARP is cheaper just because it is well-known. In some areas and for some people, a non-AARP plan from the same company costs less. In others, AARP's negotiated rates are genuinely lower.

For long-term care insurance, you will need to request quotes from multiple carriers. AARP can provide a quote through its partner, but you should also contact Genworth, Lincoln National, and other major long-term care insurers directly to compare premiums and benefit structures. Long-term care policies vary widely in what they cover and how much they cost, so shopping around is essential.

AARP membership is not required to buy AARP-branded insurance

You do not have to be an AARP member to buy an AARP-branded insurance plan. However, AARP members usually receive a discount on premiums. If you are not a member, you can still buy the same underlying policy from the insurance company directly, but you will pay the non-member rate.

AARP membership costs $16 per year for the first year, then $24 per year after that. If the member discount on your insurance premium is more than $8 per year, membership pays for itself. For many people buying Medicare Advantage or Supplement plans, the discount is substantial enough to make membership worthwhile even if you do not use any other AARP services.

What happens if you have a problem with your AARP insurance

If your claim is denied, your bill is wrong, or you have a coverage question, contact the insurance company directly — not AARP. The policy document will list a customer service phone number. That number connects you to United Healthcare, Humana, or whichever carrier issued your plan.

AARP can sometimes help you understand your coverage or explain how to file a complaint, but it does not make coverage decisions or handle claims. If you are unhappy with how the insurance company handled your case, you can file a complaint with your state's insurance commissioner. That office investigates complaints against insurance companies and can sometimes force them to reconsider a decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AARP insurance the same as Medicare?

No. Medicare is a federal health insurance program run by the government. AARP-branded insurance is sold by private companies and is designed to work with or alongside Medicare. You must be enrolled in Medicare to buy most AARP health plans.

Do I have to buy AARP insurance if I am an AARP member?

No. AARP membership and AARP insurance are separate. You can be a member without buying insurance, or buy insurance without being a member. Membership straightforward gives you a discount on the insurance premium.

Can I switch from an AARP plan to a different plan mid-year?

For Medicare plans, you can only switch during the annual open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7) or if you have a may have access to life event like moving to a new state. Outside these windows, you are locked into your current plan until the next enrollment period.

What if I do not like my AARP plan after I buy it?

Medicare plans have a trial period. If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you have until December 31 of the year you enroll to switch to a different plan or to Original Medicare without penalty. After that, you must wait until the next open enrollment period.

Does AARP offer dental or vision insurance?

AARP does not sell standalone dental or vision insurance. Some AARP Medicare Advantage plans include dental and vision benefits, but coverage varies by plan and location. Check the plan details on Medicare.gov to see what is included.