AARP's life insurance phone line and what to expect when you call

AARP's life insurance phone number is 1-800-523-5800. This line connects you to representatives who can answer questions about the life insurance products AARP offers, explain coverage options, and discuss rates. The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern time. Sunday hours vary by season.

When you call, have your age and general health history ready. Representatives cannot quote you a price without basic information, and they will ask whether you smoke, whether you have had any serious illnesses, and sometimes about medications you take. This conversation does not commit you to anything — it is how they determine which products might fit your situation.

AARP also partners with insurance carriers to offer life insurance, so the person on the phone may transfer you to an underwriter or agent from the actual insurance company if you move past the information stage. That is normal and expected.

Key Takeaways

  • Call 1-800-523-5800 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern, or Saturday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern to reach AARP's life insurance line.
  • AARP offers term life and permanent life insurance products through partner carriers, and the phone line can explain the differences and what each costs.
  • You will need to answer health questions before getting a quote, and some calls may be transferred to the insurance company's underwriter.
  • AARP membership is not required to buy life insurance through AARP's programs, though some products may have age or membership restrictions.

What AARP life insurance products actually cover

AARP offers two main types of life insurance: term life and permanent life (usually universal life or whole life). Term life covers you for a set number of years — typically 10, 15, or 20 years — and pays out a lump sum to your beneficiary if you die during that term. Permanent life covers you for your whole life as long as you pay premiums, and it builds a cash value component over time.

Term life is usually cheaper month to month but expires. Permanent life costs more but does not expire and can be borrowed against. The phone representative can walk you through which might make sense based on your age, health, and what you are trying to cover — a mortgage, final expenses, or income replacement for dependents.

AARP does not sell the insurance directly; it partners with carriers like New York Life, Transamerica, and others depending on your state and age. The phone line can tell you which carrier serves your area and what that carrier's rates and terms are.

Age limits and who can call

AARP life insurance is marketed to people 50 and older, though some products may be available to people in their 40s. There is no upper age limit — AARP offers quotes to people in their 80s and 90s, though premiums rise significantly with age and health conditions become more relevant to pricing.

You do not have to be an AARP member to buy life insurance through AARP's programs. However, some products may offer better rates or different terms to members. When you call, ask whether membership would change your options or pricing.

What happens after you call

If you ask for a quote, the representative will collect your information and either give you a range on the phone or tell you that someone from the insurance company will call you back within one to three business days. Some calls result in an when ready quote; others require a more detailed underwriting conversation.

If you decide to move forward, you will fill out a formal process. Depending on the coverage amount and your health, the insurance company may ask for medical records, require a phone interview with a nurse, or order a medical exam. This process typically takes two to four weeks from process to approval or denial.

You can cancel at any time during a free look period — usually 30 days after the policy arrives — and get your money back. After that, cancellation is permanent, though you can reduce your coverage or switch to a lower premium option with most carriers.

Other ways to reach AARP about life insurance

Beyond the phone line, you can visit AARP.com and use their online quote tool, which asks similar health questions and gives you estimated rates without speaking to anyone. This is useful if you want to compare products before calling.

You can also mail questions to AARP's customer service address, though this is slower than calling. Some people prefer email or online chat if AARP offers it on their website at the time you visit.

If you are already an AARP member, your membership card may have a customer service number on the back that can route you to the life insurance team as well.

Common reasons the call does not go as expected

If you call and the representative says they cannot quote you, it is usually because you fall outside the age range for a particular product, or because a health condition makes you ineligible for that specific coverage. This does not mean you cannot get life insurance — it means that product is not available to you. Ask what alternatives exist.

If you are transferred to an underwriter and the conversation becomes very detailed, that is a sign the company is seriously considering your process. Underwriters ask more questions than the initial phone line does because they are assessing actual risk. This is normal.

Wait times can be long during open enrollment season (October through December) or early in the week. If you reach a busy line, ask when call volume is typically lower and try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an AARP member to call this number?

No. The line is open to anyone interested in AARP life insurance products. However, some products may offer better rates or terms to members, so mention if you are considering membership or already belong.

Will they pressure me to buy something on the first call?

No. The initial call is informational. Representatives answer questions and provide quotes, but you are not obligated to move forward. Many people call multiple times or compare quotes before deciding.

What if I have a health condition like diabetes or heart disease?

You can still get life insurance, but premiums will be higher and some products may not be available. Call and be honest about your health history. The underwriter will determine what is possible based on your specific situation and medications.

Can I get a quote without giving my Social Security number?

Yes, for an initial estimate. You will need your Social Security number only if you decide to formally explore. The phone line can give you a range based on age, health, and coverage amount alone.

What if I call and no one answers?

Leave a message with your name, phone number, and the best time to reach you. Representatives typically return calls within one business day. You can also try the online quote tool on AARP.com while you wait for a callback.