What you get with an AARP membership

AARP membership gives you access to discounts on insurance products, travel, dining, and retail purchases, plus a magazine and website with health and financial information. The core benefit is not a single thing but a bundle: you pay a membership fee (currently $16 per year for the basic membership) and in return you can use AARP's negotiated rates with partner companies and read their content.

The membership itself does not provide health insurance, prescription drug coverage, or government benefits. Those are separate products you can purchase through AARP, or you can ignore AARP entirely and buy them elsewhere. The distinction matters because AARP advertises heavily and it is straightforward to assume membership includes more than it does.

What actually comes with membership: a monthly magazine mailed to your home, access to AARP.com (articles, tools, and a community forum), a member card you can show at partner retailers, and the ability to purchase discounted products and services. You do not have to buy anything. The discounts are optional.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership costs $16 per year for basic coverage and gives you access to discounts with partner companies, not free products or services.
  • The discounts cover hotels, rental cars, restaurants, insurance products, and some retail stores, but the savings vary widely and are not available everywhere.
  • AARP publishes a magazine and runs a website with articles about health, money, and aging, which members can read at no additional cost.
  • AARP sells Medicare supplement insurance, prescription drug plans, and life insurance as separate products; membership alone does not include any of these.
  • You can read AARP content and use some tools on AARP.com without paying for membership, though members get earlier access to some articles.

Discounts that actually save money

The discounts that tend to have real value are in travel and lodging. Hotels like Choice Hotels (Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Clarion) and some Marriott properties offer 10 percent discounts to AARP members. Car rental companies including Hertz, Avis, and Budget have AARP rates that sometimes beat their standard online prices, though you have to book through AARP's website or call their dedicated number to get the rate.

Restaurants and retail stores offer smaller discounts—typically 5 to 10 percent—and availability varies by location. A Denny's in one town may honor the discount while another does not. Movie theaters, some pharmacies, and certain grocery stores participate, but the list changes and you should call ahead or check AARP.com before assuming a discount is available where you shop.

The math on membership is straightforward: if you take one discounted hotel stay per year, the $16 membership fee pays for itself. If you never travel and do not eat at partner restaurants, the discounts may not be worth the cost to you. AARP publishes a searchable discount directory on their website so you can see what is available in your area before you join.

Insurance products sold through AARP

AARP does not provide insurance itself. Instead, AARP has partnered with insurance companies—UnitedHealthcare for Medicare Advantage and Medigap, Cigna for dental and vision, and other carriers for life and auto insurance—and markets their products to AARP members. When you buy through AARP, you are buying from the insurance company, not from AARP.

This matters for two reasons. First, the rates you see advertised for "AARP Medicare plans" are not unique to AARP members; you can often find the same plan and rate by going directly to the insurance company's website or calling them. Second, AARP receives a commission when you buy, which is why they advertise these products so heavily in their magazine and on their website.

If you are shopping for a Medicare supplement or prescription drug plan, comparing AARP's offerings to plans from other insurers is worth your time. AARP's plans may be competitive, but they are not automatically cheaper just because they carry the AARP name. Use Medicare.gov's plan finder tool to see all available options in your area and their actual costs.

Content and community resources

AARP publishes a monthly magazine that covers health, money, caregiving, and lifestyle topics. The magazine is included with membership and mailed to your home. The same articles appear on AARP.com, where you can also find videos, interactive tools (like a retirement calculator or health symptom checker), and a community forum where members discuss topics and ask questions.

The content is written for a general audience and covers common topics like managing medications, understanding Social Security, paying for long-term care, and staying active. It is not personalized to your situation and should not be treated as medical or financial information. If you need specific guidance, you should speak with your doctor or a financial advisor.

You do not have to be a member to read most AARP.com articles. The site is free and open to everyone. Members get some perks like early access to certain articles and the ability to comment in the community forum, but the core content is available whether you pay or not.

When AARP membership makes sense

Membership is worth considering if you travel regularly, eat out at partner restaurants, or want a magazine delivered to your home. It is also worth joining if you are actively shopping for Medicare supplement or prescription drug insurance and want to compare AARP's offerings alongside other carriers—you can join, compare plans, and decide whether to buy.

Membership is less useful if you do not travel, do not shop at participating retailers, and already have reliable sources for health and financial information. The $16 annual cost is low, so the decision is not urgent, but it is also not automatic just because you are over 50.

AARP also offers a free membership tier that gives you access to some content and discounts without paying. You can explore what is available at no cost before deciding whether the paid membership is worth it to you.

How to join and what happens next

You can join AARP online at AARP.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail. You must be 50 or older. The membership fee is $16 per year for the standard membership. AARP also offers a three-year membership for $43, which works out to about $14 per year.

After you join, you will receive a membership card in the mail within two to three weeks. You can start using your membership number online when ready to book discounted hotel rooms or rental cars. Your first magazine will arrive within four to six weeks.

Your membership renews automatically each year unless you cancel. You can cancel anytime by calling AARP, visiting their website, or writing to them. If you cancel, you will not be charged again, but your membership benefits end when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to buy insurance to be an AARP member?

No. Membership is separate from any insurance products. You can join AARP, use the discounts, read the magazine, and never buy insurance through them. The insurance products are optional and sold by partner companies.

Can I use AARP discounts without showing a membership card?

It depends on the discount. For hotels and rental cars, you usually book online or call a dedicated number and provide your membership number. For retail stores and restaurants, you typically show your card at checkout. Some discounts require the card; others just need your membership number.

Is AARP the same as Medicare?

No. AARP is a membership organization. Medicare is a federal health insurance program. AARP sells Medicare plans made by insurance companies, but AARP itself is not Medicare and does not run the program.

What if I join and do not use the discounts?

You can cancel anytime and will not be charged for renewal. There is no penalty for joining and then deciding it is not for you. You can also let your membership lapse and rejoin later if you change your mind.

Does AARP membership cover prescription drugs?

No. Membership does not include prescription drug coverage. AARP sells prescription drug plans (Part D) made by insurance companies, but you have to purchase those separately and pay the monthly premium. Membership alone does not cover medications.