AARP does offer travel insurance, but it's sold through partner companies, not directly by AARP

AARP itself does not underwrite or sell travel insurance. Instead, AARP has partnerships with insurance companies — primarily Allianz Global and other carriers — that offer travel insurance products to AARP members. When you buy through AARP's website or marketing materials, you're purchasing a policy from one of these partner companies, though AARP may negotiate rates or terms for its members.

The policies available through AARP cover common travel risks: trip cancellation, trip delay, baggage loss, emergency medical care abroad, and emergency evacuation. Coverage amounts and what's included vary by plan. Some plans are sold as standalone products; others bundle with other AARP member benefits.

Understanding the difference between AARP as the seller and the actual insurance company matters because your claim goes to the insurance company, not to AARP. If something goes wrong with a claim, you'll work with Allianz or whichever carrier issued your specific policy.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP partners with insurance companies like Allianz to offer travel insurance to members; AARP does not issue the policies itself.
  • Coverage typically includes trip cancellation, trip delay, baggage loss, and emergency medical or evacuation costs, though what's covered depends on which plan you choose.
  • Rates for AARP members may be lower than buying the same policy elsewhere, but you should compare the actual coverage and cost against standalone policies from other insurers.
  • Claims are handled by the insurance company that issued your policy, not by AARP, so read the policy documents carefully to understand the process.
  • Some travel insurance through AARP is bundled with other member benefits, while other policies are sold separately depending on your membership level.

What's covered under AARP travel insurance plans

Trip cancellation coverage reimburses you if you have to cancel your trip before departure for a covered reason — typically illness, injury, or death of a family member. The reimbursement usually covers the prepaid, non-refundable portion of your trip: airfare, hotel, tour packages. Most plans have a maximum payout per trip, often between $5,000 and $10,000, though this varies by plan.

Trip delay coverage pays for meals and lodging if your flight is delayed beyond a set number of hours — usually 12 or 24 hours — and you miss a connection or prepaid hotel night. Baggage coverage reimburses lost, damaged, or delayed luggage and its contents up to a stated limit per bag.

Emergency medical and evacuation coverage pays for unexpected medical treatment you need while traveling outside the United States, and for emergency evacuation back to the U.S. if you become seriously ill or injured abroad. This is especially important for international travel, since your regular health insurance often does not cover care outside the country.

The exact coverage limits, exclusions, and what counts as a "covered reason" for cancellation differ between plans. Before buying, request the full policy document (called the Certificate of Insurance or policy brochure) and read the exclusions section carefully. Pre-existing medical conditions, for example, are often excluded unless you purchase within a certain number of days of your initial trip deposit.

How AARP travel insurance pricing works

AARP negotiates rates with its partner insurance companies, so member pricing is often lower than what you'd pay buying the same coverage directly from the insurer. However, "lower than retail" does not mean it's the cheapest option available. Some standalone travel insurance companies, especially those selling online without a membership model, may offer comparable or better rates.

The cost of a policy depends on your age, the length of your trip, the total cost of the trip you're insuring, and which coverage options you choose. A week-long domestic trip for someone in their 60s might cost $50 to $150. An international trip for someone in their 80s could cost $200 to $500 or more. These are rough ranges; your actual quote will depend on the specific plan and your details.

AARP members sometimes receive discounts on top of the negotiated member rate, particularly if you're purchasing other AARP insurance products like auto or home coverage. Check your AARP membership materials or call AARP directly to see what current promotions explore.

Where to find and purchase AARP travel insurance

Travel insurance through AARP is available on the AARP website under the Insurance section. You can get a quote online by entering your trip details, age, and the coverage options you want. The website will show you available plans, their costs, and a summary of what each covers.

You can also call AARP's insurance customer service line to discuss options with a representative. The phone number is listed on your AARP membership card and on the AARP website. A representative can answer questions about what's covered, help you compare plans, and process your purchase over the phone.

Some travel insurance through AARP is also available through travel agencies or tour operators that partner with AARP, particularly if you're booking a group tour or cruise. Ask whether travel insurance is included or available when you book.

How AARP travel insurance compares to buying elsewhere

The main advantage of buying through AARP is the negotiated member rate and the simplicity of purchasing through a trusted organization. If you're already an AARP member and comfortable with the organization, buying through AARP is straightforward.

The main disadvantage is that you're not necessarily getting the lowest price available. Other travel insurance companies — Allianz (which AARP uses as a partner), World Nomads, IMG Global, and others — sell policies directly to consumers, sometimes at rates comparable to or lower than AARP member pricing. The coverage may also differ: some standalone policies cover adventure activities or pre-existing conditions more broadly than AARP plans do.

If you travel frequently, some standalone insurers offer annual policies that cover multiple trips in a year, which can be cheaper than buying separate policies for each trip. AARP does not typically offer annual multi-trip coverage in the same way.

Before purchasing through AARP, spend 15 minutes getting quotes from one or two other insurers for the same trip. Compare not just the price but what's actually covered, the deductible, and the maximum payout. A cheaper policy that excludes what you need is not a bargain.

What to do if you need to file a claim

If something happens that you believe is covered — your flight is cancelled, your baggage is lost, you need emergency medical care abroad — contact the insurance company that issued your policy, not AARP. The policy documents will include a claims phone number and the process for filing.

You'll need to gather documentation: receipts for the trip, proof of payment, airline or hotel cancellation notices, medical records if applicable, and any other evidence supporting your claim. The insurance company will review your claim and determine whether it's covered under the policy terms.

Claims typically take two to four weeks to process, though complex claims involving medical care or evacuation can take longer. Keep copies of everything you submit and note the date and name of anyone you speak with at the insurance company.

If your claim is denied and you believe it should have been covered, you have the right to appeal. The policy documents will explain the appeal process. Some states also have insurance commissioners' offices that can help if you believe you've been treated unfairly.

AARP travel insurance and pre-existing medical conditions

Most travel insurance plans, including those through AARP, exclude claims related to pre-existing medical conditions unless you purchase the policy within a certain window after your initial trip deposit. This window is often 14 to 21 days, though it varies by plan.

If you have a chronic condition like diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis, and you want coverage for a flare-up or related emergency while traveling, you need to purchase the policy early. Read the policy definition of "pre-existing condition" carefully — some plans define it narrowly (only conditions diagnosed in the past year) while others are broader.

If you're unsure whether your condition is covered, contact the insurance company before you travel. It's better to ask and learn you're not covered than to file a claim and be denied.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does AARP travel insurance cover COVID-19 or pandemic-related cancellations?

Most travel insurance policies, including those through AARP, exclude claims related to pandemics or epidemics unless you purchase within a specific window after booking. Some plans sold during or after the COVID-19 pandemic may include pandemic coverage, but you need to check your specific policy. Call the insurance company and ask directly whether pandemic-related trip cancellation is covered under your plan.

Can I buy AARP travel insurance if I'm not an AARP member?

No. Travel insurance through AARP is available only to AARP members. If you're not a member, you can purchase travel insurance directly from Allianz, World Nomads, IMG Global, or other insurers. You may pay a higher rate than AARP members, but the coverage is similar.

Does AARP travel insurance cover adventure activities like hiking or skiing?

Standard AARP travel insurance plans typically exclude high-risk activities like mountaineering, professional sports, or extreme skiing. Some plans may cover recreational skiing or hiking at lower elevations. Check your specific policy or ask the insurance company before you travel if your planned activities are covered.

What's the difference between trip cancellation and trip delay coverage?

Trip cancellation reimburses you if you cancel before you leave and the reason is covered. Trip delay reimburses you for meals and lodging if you're delayed en route and miss a connection or prepaid accommodation. They cover different situations and are often sold as separate add-ons to a base policy.

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

Most travel insurance policies have a "free look" period, usually 10 to 14 days, during which you can cancel and receive a full refund if you haven't already left on your trip. After that window, cancellation policies vary. Check your policy documents or call the insurance company to understand your cancellation rights.