Best Premium Payment Policy
AARP is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1958 and has a long-standing history of helping Americans feel at peace about their end-of-life planning. AARP isn’t an insurance company; however, it partners with New York Life insurance to deliver life and burial insurance coverage to members and their spouses. AARP aims to improve the lives of people over 50 across America through programs like this.
As a guaranteed acceptance burial insurance program, this product through AARP offers the added benefit of completing all payments by the age of 95 with coverage lasting to the end of life, even if that’s beyond the age of 95.
Pros and Cons of AARP’s Burial Insurance
Pros:
- The “Paid-Up” feature allows all payments to be completed by age 95
- Access to insurance for spouses aged 45 to 80
- Coverage up to $25,000
- Fixed rates for predictable payments throughout the coverage period
- 30-day satisfaction guarantee
Cons:
- 2-year waiting period for full payout to beneficiaries
- Not available to residents of New Jersey or Washington
- No cash value
Overview of AARP’s Burial Insurance
AARP’s Guaranteed Acceptance Burial Insurance is a convenient option for older adults and seniors between the ages of 50 and 80. The coverage is also available to AARP members’ spouses between the ages of 45 and 80. Those who choose to purchase this coverage don’t require any medical exam or extensive questionnaires for approval. They can also expect to pay premiums until the age of 95 despite retaining coverage for the duration of their lives.
|
Eligible Ages |
Approval Process |
Death Benefit Amount |
Waiting Period |
Policy Maturity |
| Guaranteed Acceptance Life Insurance |
AARP Members 50-80 — Member Spouses 45-80 |
No Exam — No Questionnaires |
Up to $25,000 |
2 Years |
Premiums End at Age 95, but Coverage Continues |
How Much Does AARP’s Burial Insurance Cost?
The cost of AARP’s Burial Insurance is always at a fixed rate. The amount a policyholder pays is based on their age and the amount of coverage they want (up to $25,000) for their beneficiaries upon the policyholder’s death. However, the amount a policyholder pays on their premiums may vary from the onset of the policy if they make changes to the coverage at any point.
Altering the coverage amount or changing the payment schedule can result in an increase or decrease in premiums.
Eligibility, Plan Details & Other Information
Eligibility Requirements
There are limited eligibility requirements for AARP’s burial insurance, including an age limitation. Applicants must be between 50 and 80 years old to qualify, and their spouses should be 45 to 80 if they’re also seeking coverage. However, in the state of New York, the cut-off age for eligibility is 75. This life insurance policy is administered by New York Life and is only available to AARP members and their spouses.
Those interested in the coverage but aren’t AARP members can visit the AARP website to find out how to obtain membership.
There are no medical eligibility requirements, such as taking a medical exam or completing extensive health questionnaires, to qualify. Therefore, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or a history of health problems benefit from the loose eligibility requirements.
Coverage
The AARP Guaranteed Acceptance Burial Insurance offers AARP members up to $25,000 in life insurance coverage depending on their needs. The amount selected is distributed to their beneficiaries after the policyholder’s death for uses such as covering funeral expenses, burial costs and unpaid debts. It can also be used for retroactively covering unpaid bills or rent and mortgage payments, so loved ones aren’t left to deal with any financial stress in the event of the policyholder’s death.
Fixed Rates and Payment Duration
Guaranteed Acceptance Burial Insurance from AARP comes with a fixed-rate premium, so the policyholder has predictable payments for the rest of their life. Once an application is approved and coverage begins, the amount the policyholder pays for their policy doesn’t change unless they decide to alter their payment schedule or increase the coverage amount.
A benefit of AARP’s burial insurance is that members stop paying premiums at age 95, at which time they’re considered “paid-up.” However, coverage continues to the end of their lives.
Satisfaction Guarantee
Although an applicant receives their Certificate of Insurance as soon as their policy is approved, they have 30 days from the start of coverage to assess how satisfied they are with the policy and their payments. If the policyholder decides they’re not happy with the coverage and wants to terminate it, they can get a full refund on any premiums paid during this period.
Application Process
The application process for AARP’s burial insurance is quick and simple for seniors. There are no stringent requirements or medical obstacles to overcome in order to qualify. AARP members within the eligibility age bracket can simply request a quote online via the AARP website.
Once they receive their quote and are happy with the number, they can complete the application and send it by mail. AARP suggests that individuals looking for coverage above $25,000 call New York Life directly at (800) 247-2055.
Who Should Consider AARP’s Burial Insurance?
AARP Members Over 50
This guaranteed acceptance life insurance coverage through New York Life is available at these rates only to members of AARP ages 50 to 80 and their spouses (who are 45 to 80). Anyone who’s already paying for an AARP membership can benefit from access to this life insurance coverage.
Individuals with Pre-existing Medical Conditions
AARP’s Guaranteed Acceptance Burial Insurance is the ideal choice for AARP members with pre-existing medical conditions that could otherwise disqualify them from receiving approval for life insurance coverage. Those who have conditions or a history of health problems and want to avoid exceptionally high fees or application denials can feel confident that their application for coverage through AARP will be accepted. There are no medical exams or health questionnaires to complete before an applicant can be approved. They must simply meet the eligibility age requirements and be an AARP member.
What Are People Saying About AARP’s Burial Insurance?
As of September 2021, New York Life Insurance Company has the highest financial strength ratings awarded to any U.S. life insurance provider. These ratings are awarded by notable companies, such as A.M. Best, Fitch, Moody’s Investors Service and Standard & Poor. New York Life received the highest possible rating from A.M. Best, Fitch and Moody’s Investors Service. It was given the second-highest rating available by Standard & Poor.
There are some complaints online that AARP as an organization isn’t worth the membership money for its services. However, NerdWallet rated AARP five out of five stars for its insurance program in December 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Burial Insurance Cover?
Burial insurance can pay for funeral expenses, burial costs and the policyholder’s unpaid debts, or it can help loved ones financially.
Click here for our full answer to this question.
What Type of Insurance Covers Burials?
Burial insurance or life insurance are the types of policies to look for when seeking coverage for burial services.
Click here for our full answer to this question.
How Do You Buy Burial Insurance?
Individuals can buy burial insurance by selecting an insurance company they want coverage from and visiting their website. Typically, the individual requests an online quote and then either mails in a completed application form or fills out and submits the form online.
Click here for our full answer to this question.
Do Burial Insurance Policies Have a Cash Value?
Some burial insurance policies have a cash value, meaning the policy builds equity that the policyholder can borrow against, like a loan, over time.
Click here for our full answer to this question.
How Does Burial Insurance Work?
The insurance company pays out the agreed-upon amount to the policyholder’s chosen beneficiaries after they pass away.
Click here for our full answer to this question.
