AARP burial insurance—offered through New York Life—is a popular option for seniors seeking affordable end-of-life coverage without medical exams or complicated underwriting. This article explains how it works, who qualifies, typical costs, which health conditions are accepted, and whether it’s right for you.
What Is AARP Burial Insurance?
AARP offers two types of burial insurance for seniors aged 50–80 (and 45–80 for spouses):
1. Guaranteed Acceptance Life Insurance
- No medical exam
- No health questions
- Coverage: $2,500–$25,000
- Cannot be denied unless you fall outside age range
- Includes a two-year waiting period before full benefits begin
2. Simplified Issue Life Insurance
- No exam, but includes basic health questions
- Instant approval for relatively healthy applicants
- Coverage: up to $50,000
How Much Does AARP Burial Insurance Cost?
Premiums vary by age, gender, and policy type. Typical sample rates from New York Life:
- Age 50: ~$15–$20/month for $5,000 coverage
- Age 70: ~$35–$45/month for $5,000 coverage
- Age 80: ~$70–$90/month for $5,000 coverage
These premiums do not increase with age once the policy is issued.
Sources provided at bottom.
What Health Conditions Make You Eligible? (IMPORTANT Addition)
AARP burial insurance is particularly popular because many seniors with chronic illnesses still qualify.
✔ Conditions Accepted for Guaranteed Acceptance (No Health Questions)
The following conditions do NOT affect eligibility, because AARP does not ask about health history for this plan:
- Heart disease
- Congestive heart failure
- Prior heart surgery or stents
- Diabetes (including insulin-dependent)
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Stroke history or TIA
- COPD, asthma, or other lung conditions
- Cancer history (non-terminal)
- Chronic kidney disease
- Arthritis and chronic pain disorders
- Depression or anxiety
- Thyroid disorders
- Autoimmune diseases
- Obesity
- Mobility limitations (wheelchair, cane)
This makes AARP one of the more accessible burial insurance options for older adults with significant medical histories.
⚠ Not Suitable For
- People needing immediate full coverage (due to the 2-year waiting period)
- Individuals who are over age 80
How AARP Burial Insurance Helps Seniors
1. Easy Approval
Perfect for seniors wanting simple, no-hassle coverage.
2. Helps Families Pay for Final Expenses
Covers:
- Funeral or cremation
- Medical bills
- Outstanding debts
- Family support
3. Fixed Premiums
Your price never increases, even as you age.
4. Lifetime Coverage
As long as you pay premiums, coverage continues for life.
Is AARP Burial Insurance Worth It?
AARP burial insurance is most beneficial for:
- Seniors 50–80 wanting small coverage for final expenses
- Individuals with health issues who are often declined elsewhere
- Families seeking predictable, stable premiums
- People who prefer no medical exam
However, some competitors offer lower-priced policies with first-day coverage. Seniors should compare options before choosing.
Major Data Sources (Links)
- AARP / New York Life Burial Insurance Overview https://www.nylaarp.com/life-insurance
- AARP Guaranteed Acceptance Life – Product Details https://www.nylaarp.com/life-insurance/guaranteed-acceptance
- AARP Simplified Issue Life Insurance https://www.nylaarp.com/life-insurance/simplified
- National Funeral Directors Association – Average Funeral Costs https://nfda.org/news/statistics
- CDC Chronic Disease Data (Used for health-condition eligibility context) https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/index.htm