AARP does not sell life insurance directly, but it partners with several reputable insurers to offer members discounted term and whole‑life policies. Eligibility generally requires AARP membership (or a spouse's membership) and age 50 + for most plans. The partnership lets members access group‑rate pricing, simplified underwriting, and member‑only benefits, though the actual policies are underwritten by the partner carriers, not AARP itself.
- How AARP's Life‑Insurance Partnerships Work
- Current Partner Insurers and Policy Types
- Eligibility Requirements
- Cost Factors and Typical Premium Ranges
- Benefits of Choosing an AARP‑Partnered Policy
- Potential Drawbacks to Consider
- How to Compare AARP Policies with Non‑AARP Options
- Steps to Purchase Life Insurance Through AARP
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Does AARP issue the policy itself?
- Can non‑members purchase these policies?
- What happens if I cancel my AARP membership?
- Are there age limits for enrollment?
- Is there a waiting period for coverage?
More from this site
Keep reading the latest coverage
How AARP's Life‑Insurance Partnerships Work
AARP acts as a membership organization that negotiates group rates with partner insurers. When a member applies, the application is processed by the carrier, and the policy is issued in that carrier's name. AARP provides the member with a single point of contact for quotes, comparisons, and enrollment, but the contractual relationship is between the member and the insurer.
Current Partner Insurers and Policy Types
| Partner Insurer | Policy Types Offered | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Nationwide | Term Life, Whole Life | Level premiums, optional accelerated death benefit, no‑exam for qualified term |
| Transamerica | Term Life, Universal Life | Flexible death‑benefit options, cash‑value growth, simplified issue up to $250,000 |
| New York Life | Whole Life, Variable Life | Guaranteed cash value, dividend potential, extensive rider menu |
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be an AARP member (or spouse of a member).
- Typical age range: 50 – 80 for most term policies; whole‑life options often extend to age 85.
- U.S. citizenship or legal residency.
- Health underwriting varies by carrier – some offer no‑exam policies up to certain face amounts.
Cost Factors and Typical Premium Ranges
Premiums depend on age, gender, health, coverage amount, and policy type. Because AARP members receive group‑rate discounts, costs are often 5‑15 % lower than comparable retail quotes.
| Age | Term Life (20‑year, $250,000) | Whole Life (Lifetime, $100,000) |
|---|---|---|
| 55 | $22‑$28 per month | $85‑$110 per month |
| 65 | $38‑$45 per month | $140‑$170 per month |
| 75 | $78‑$92 per month | $210‑$250 per month |
Benefits of Choosing an AARP‑Partnered Policy
- Member‑only pricing: Group discounts can lower premiums.
- Simplified underwriting: No‑exam options for healthy applicants up to $250,000.
- One‑stop comparison tool: AARP's website lets members view quotes from all partners side‑by‑side.
- Additional member perks: Some carriers bundle accidental death riders or provide AARP‑specific wellness resources.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
- Limited carrier choice – you're restricted to AARP's partners.
- Policy terms and riders may differ from what you'd get buying directly from a carrier.
- Renewal premiums on term policies can increase sharply after the initial term.
How to Compare AARP Policies with Non‑AARP Options
Use a three‑step framework:
Steps to Purchase Life Insurance Through AARP
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AARP issue the policy itself?
No. The policy is issued by the partner insurer; AARP's role is to facilitate the quote and enrollment process.
Can non‑members purchase these policies?
The same carriers offer comparable products to the general public, but the group‑rate discounts are exclusive to AARP members.
What happens if I cancel my AARP membership?
Your existing policy remains in force, but you may lose the ability to obtain new discounted quotes through the AARP portal.
Are there age limits for enrollment?
Most term policies cap enrollment at age 80, while whole‑life options often allow enrollment up to age 85.
Is there a waiting period for coverage?
Term policies typically have a 30‑day contestability period; whole‑life policies may have a shorter or no waiting period for the full face amount.