Do I have to join AARP to get their insurance?

It depends on the type of insurance: for Medicare plans (Advantage/Drug), you generally don't need to be an AARP member to enroll through UnitedHealthcare, but for Medicare Supplement (Medigap), Auto, Home, or Life insurance, membership in AARP is required, though you can often join AARP when you sign up for the policy.


Is insurance cheaper with AARP?

$577 Average Member Savings

You could save hundreds on car insurance with AARP Auto Insurance from The Hartford. Members can get exclusive savings like up to 10%* off their premium, plus discounts for requesting a quote online or for bundling auto and home policies.

Is AARP health insurance worth it?

AARP health insurance (backed by UnitedHealthcare) can be worth it for those prioritizing brand trust, wide networks, and extra benefits like gym access and nurse lines, especially for Medicare Advantage (low/no premium, but network restrictions) or Medigap (higher cost, more freedom). However, it's crucial to compare local plans for the best value, as lower-premium or specialized options might exist elsewhere, and some users find costs/complexity challenging. 


Do you need AARP for UnitedHealthcare?

Yes, for AARP Medicare Supplement Plans, you must be an AARP member; however, for AARP-branded Medicare Advantage (MA) and Prescription Drug Plans (PDP), AARP membership is not required, though you can join for a small fee, with UnitedHealthcare paying royalty fees to AARP for using the name, according to this AARP Medicare Plans page and this UHC page. 

What is the disadvantage of UnitedHealthcare for seniors?

Disadvantages of UnitedHealthcare (UHC) for seniors often involve its Medicare Advantage plans, including potentially restrictive provider networks, frequent prior authorizations slowing care, high denial rates for claims, and significant geographical variations in plan quality, meaning benefits and costs can differ greatly by location, sometimes leading to surprise out-of-pocket costs or limited access to specific doctors/hospitals. 


Know These Things BEFORE Joining AARP!



Is it better to go on Medicare or stay on private insurance?

Neither Medicare nor private insurance is universally "better"; the best choice depends on individual needs, but Medicare often offers lower overall costs and simplicity for seniors, while private insurance excels in covering dependents and potentially offering more choice with networks/out-of-pocket caps, though at higher premiums. Medicare boasts lower admin costs and standardized coverage, but Original Medicare lacks an out-of-pocket maximum, a feature typically found in private plans and Medicare Advantage (Part C). 

Which HealthCare insurance denies the most?

In 2023, roughly one third of all in-network claims made to AvMed were denied by the medical insurance company. In this year, AvMed and United HealthCare were the medical insurance companies with the highest denial rate for in-network claims in the United States, at 33 percent each.

Do you have to be an AARP member to get their insurance?

Yes, for most AARP-branded insurance plans, like Medicare Supplement (Medigap), Auto, and Home, you generally must be an AARP member to enroll, though UnitedHealthcare often covers the first year of membership for new enrollees in their Medicare Supplement plans. You don't need to be a member for some other AARP-endorsed plans, such as certain Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug plans (Part D) offered by UnitedHealthcare, but membership is required for the Medigap plans. 


What is the best health insurance for seniors on Medicare?

There's no single "best" health plan, as it depends on your needs, but top providers for Medicare Advantage (Part C) include Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and BCBS, offering diverse benefits like $0 premiums, extra perks, and strong networks, while Medigap (Medicare Supplement) complements Original Medicare by filling gaps, with popular carriers like AARP/UHC, Anthem, and Cigna providing standardized policies (Plans G, F, N), with personalized choices best found via your State SHIP counselor or broker. 

What is the difference between AARP UnitedHealthcare and UnitedHealthcare?

AARP UnitedHealthcare refers to specific Medicare plans (Supplements/Medigap, Advantage, Part D) that UnitedHealthcare (UHC) offers under the AARP brand, requiring AARP membership for Supplements and paying UHC royalties for brand use. UnitedHealthcare is the parent insurance company, offering a wide range of health plans (commercial, Medicare, etc.) broadly, while "AARP UnitedHealthcare" is UHC's Medicare division, leveraging AARP's trusted name for seniors, making them the largest Medigap provider. The key difference is branding and target audience for specific Medicare products, not two separate companies. 

Who is the best insurance company for seniors?

AARP/UnitedHealthcare has the best Medicare Advantage plans for 2026 because of its low prices, good coverage and high levels of customer satisfaction. AARP/UnitedHealthcare has the best combination of affordability, coverage and quality for seniors.


Why is it not a good idea to have supplemental insurance?

One of the most significant drawbacks of supplemental insurance policies is the coverage limits. For instance, with Mechanical Repair Coverage, you'll typically need to pay out of pocket until your deductible is met on your primary policy before supplemental insurance takes over to cover a costly vehicle repair.

What's the best age to purchase long-term care insurance?

Like most types of insurance, your age plays a big role in how much you'll pay for long-term care coverage. The younger you are when you buy a policy, the lower your premiums are likely to be. Most experts recommend purchasing between ages 50 and 65, when rates are more affordable, and your health profile is stronger.

How much does a $100,000 life insurance policy cost a month?

A $100,000 life insurance policy can cost anywhere from under $10 to over $250 per month, depending heavily on the type (term vs. whole), your age, health, gender, and the term length (for term life). For example, a healthy 30-year-old might pay under $10-$12/month for a 20-30 year term, while a 60-year-old could pay $172.50/month for a 20-year term, and whole life policies are significantly more expensive. 


What are the real benefits of joining AARP?

AARP membership offers real benefits like significant discounts (dining, travel, insurance, cell service), free financial/legal advice, advocacy for seniors (Medicare/Social Security), health programs (hearing, vision), and perks like magazines/games, saving members money and providing resources for retirement, health, and everyday life, with the first year often discounted and a free household membership. 

Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?

If you don't get premium-free Part A, you pay up to $565 each month. If you don't buy Part A when you're first eligible for Medicare (usually when you turn 65), you might pay a penalty. Most people pay the standard Part B monthly premium amount ($202.90 in 2026).

Is Blue Cross or UnitedHealthcare better?

UnitedHealthcare gets slightly higher overall star ratings than BCBS and may offer lower prices, but BCBS might offer a better customer experience.


How much does the average senior pay for health insurance?

Average Health Insurance Premiums Ages 62-65

Multiplying $373.24 by these authorized age factors reveals that the estimated average monthly benchmark premiums escalate to $1,072 at age 62, $1,101.80 by age 63 and top out at $1,120 for those ages 64-65.

Is it necessary to join AARP?

An AARP membership gives you a wide variety of carefully chosen discounts, information and services, as well as an advocate for important issues like Medicare and Social Security.

What does Suze Orman say about long-term care insurance?

Buy only what is affordable.

It is far smarter to buy the amount of coverage for which you are sure you can keep making the premium payments. It makes no sense to buy a policy today that you will have to abandon in a few years because it is too expensive; you will get no benefit if that happens.


What company has the best Medicare Advantage plan for seniors?

There's no single "best" Medicare Advantage plan; it depends on your needs, but top providers like Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and Kaiser Permanente (in CA) consistently rank high for network size, customer satisfaction, affordability (including $0 premiums), and extra benefits (dental, vision, wellness). The best plan for you will match your doctors, preferred hospitals, prescription drugs, budget, and desire for extra perks, so compare options using the official Medicare Plan Finder. 

Which insurance to avoid?

8 Insurance Policies You Should Avoid
  • Mortgage, Whole, and Child Life Insurance. ...
  • Accidental Death Insurance. ...
  • Credit Card Loss Protection Insurance. ...
  • Extended Warranties. ...
  • Identity Theft and Cyber Breach Insurance. ...
  • Cell Phone Insurance. ...
  • Flight Insurance. ...
  • Old Car Collision.


Does age of my home affect insurance costs?

Many of the unique qualities in older homes also make them riskier to insure, which can lead to a higher rate and the need for specialized coverage.


Which health insurance company has the most complaints?

There isn't one single "worst" company for complaints as it varies by source, but Allstate is frequently cited in the U.S. for aggressive tactics and lowball offers in property/casualty, while UnitedHealth and Elevance Health (Anthem) (now part of larger groups) are often named in health insurance for claim denials and low reimbursement rates, with some reports highlighting Star Health & Allied Insurance (India) as having high complaint volumes. Common complaints across insurers involve claim handling, denials, delays, and unsatisfactory settlements, with specific issues depending on whether it's health, auto, or property insurance.