aarp travel insurance

How Anyone Can Use AARP to Save on Travel, Even If You Aren't Retired

Margaret Littman

April 4, 2024

In the spring of 2022, it seemed like everyone was hopping on a plane. (Others called it “revenge travel.” I just called it “happy to be out of the house.”) A friend whom I hadn’t seen since before the pandemic and I decided to spend a weekend in Charleston. We wanted to eat our way through the city, see the ocean, take some architecture tours, and catch up and hang out.

Everyone else had the same idea at the same time. Azaleas were in bloom. Rental cars were scarce, and hotels were overbooked. After being surprised by rates that were out of our budget, I logged in to AARP’s Travel Center and found a deal at Emeline, a design-forward boutique hotel in Charleston’s historic district. I snagged a car rental, too. They were both such a bargain, I double-checked that they were for real. 

I hesitated to tell my friend how I booked the room—I didn’t want her to think we were “old,” by getting help from AARP. But she couldn’t deny it: Our South Carolina getaway weekend was saved.

What is AARP? 

In the late 1940s, a retired school principal named Ethel Percy Andrus (in fact, the first female high school principal in California) saw that her peers needed health insurance. Medicare didn’t kick in until age 65, and those who retired before that age had few health insurance options and small pensions to pay for healthcare out of pocket. She started advocating for them, reaching out to insurance companies to see who would cover these retirees as a group during the pre-Medicare gap.

She was successful, and eventually, in 1958, the organization she founded became the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). The organization has gone through many changes since then. Now, the acronym stands alone as its name as the group’s scope has broadened. But Andrus’s vision of an advocate for senior citizens remains. 

Today, AARP is a non-partisan 501(c) (4) non-profit. It advocates for people over the age of 50 on topics such as Medicare and Social Security and has lobbyists who raise those issues in Washington, DC.  State offices disseminate local information on health, safety, and politics. In addition, AARP shares information with its members through events, a magazine, an app, its website, and newsletters, covering everything from retirement planning to choosing a new puppy, and even provides entertainment, such as free movie screenings. 

Who can join AARP? 

AARP has more than 38 million members. Anyone ages 18 and older can join, although the organization is focused on peopl ages 50 and older. One way you’ll know that your 50 th birthday is imminent is you’ll get a red and white membership solicitation in the mail. 

While anyone can join, those between the ages of 18 and 50 may not be eligible for all the discounts offered (such as those relating to insurance and others with third-party requirements). Those under 50 do not receive  AARP magazine .

How much is AARP membership? 

To welcome you into the fold, annual membership is $12 for the first year (if you sign up for automatic renewal) and $16 a year after that. Lower rates are available if you choose a longer period: $43 for three years or $63 for five years. Black Friday and other specials occasionally lower the price further. Military service members and veterans are eligible for a 43% discount.

Members ages 50 and older are eligible for a free secondary membership for any other adult in their house.

AARP travel benefits and discounts

AARP members receive a host of different benefits and discounts, from small savings on retail gift cards to health insurance to resume services, cell phone services, and online games. All of those benefits are separate from AARP travel perks , which are offered on a separate travel center website (with a separate log-in) administered by Expedia. 

Many of the discounts and offerings change frequently, so it is worth checking back often, particularly if you are planning a big-ticket trip. While most of the travel partners stay consistent, the rates of discounts vary based on peak periods and availability, just like all travel deals. Some discounts are flagged with expiration dates, such as British Airways, but for the most part, those are renewed from year to year. There are no guarantees in life or in travel, though, so if you see a great deal that works for you, book it!

Some of the discounts are similar to modest deals you can get with AAA and other memberships or by searching various online sites. It is handy to have it all in one place, and the perks for packages (for booking hotel, car, and flights at the same time) are unusual. Typically, lower AARP rates cannot be combined with other discounts, so you won’t stack multiple discounts to snag a free trip. The website allows you to search for last-minute deals, finding even lower discounts (often an additional 10%) for trips within the next two weeks.

In addition to the cents off, AARP is an advocate for its members, so if there is a problem with a booking, you can get a live person to sort things out. A dedicated phone number, 800-675-4318, connects members to the Travel Center. When I needed to change my South Carolina car rental to a one-way trip so I could add a roadtrip to Greenville, it was an easy modification.

Once you get where you are going, you may also find AARP discounts on tickets for shows through Ticketmaster, as well as discounted gift cards and meals at some chain restaurants. 

Best Western Hotels and Resorts

Best Western hotels and their related brands—including BW Premier Collection, Executive Residency by Best Western, Glo, SureStay Collection by Best Western, SureStay Hotel by Best Western, and Vib—offer 5% or more off the best available room rate. These brands include more than 4,000 hotels. AARP members who are also Best Western Rewards members 10% more bonus points on each stay.

Choice Hotels

AARP members receive a 10% discount at brands under the Choice brand umbrella, including Ascend Hotel Collection, Cambria Hotels, Clarion, Country Inn and Suites by Radisson, Econo Lodge, Quality Inn, Radisson, Radisson Blu ,  Rodeway Inn, Sleep Inn, and others.

Hilton Hotels & Resorts

Nab up to 10% off rooms at this collection of brands, including Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Curio Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Tru by Hilton, and Waldorf Astoria. In addition to the discounted rate, members can request lake checkout until 2pm at no additional fee. AARP members who are Hilton Honors members earn points as usual on the discounted room, which is not always the case when booking through a third-party site.

AARP members can save 10% off the best available rate at the chain that claims to “leave a light on for you.” Request a late check out until 2pm at no additional fee.

Red Roof Inn

Save 10% off the best available room rate with an AARP membership Red Roof Inn, Red Roof PLUS+, Hometowne Studios by Red Roof, and The Red Collection .  Members also receive one free bottle of water per room at check-in.

Wyndham Hotels and Resorts

Brands under the Wyndham umbrella—including AmericInn, Baymont, Days Inn, Howard Johnson, La Quinta, Microtel, Ramada, Super 8, Travelodge, Wyndham, and others—offer 10% discounts to AARP members.

All Resort Store

Find discounts of 10%-25% off on all-inclusive resort packages. Booking online requires setting up an account with All Resort Store.

Car Rentals

Avis and budget.

These car rental companies offer 30% off the base rate plus a number of other benefits, such as free upgrades, discount credits on future rentals, and additional drivers at no extra cost. An additional $15 off is available for three-day rentals that are paid in advance. In my experience, they also may have cars available through the Travel Center when direct booking flags locations as sold out.

AARP members receive 5% of the off of base rates, plus a free upgrade.

AARP members can choose car sharing, rather than traditional rentals, with $20 off an annual Zipcar membership.

Airport parking

Park Ride Fly offers 12% off parking reservations at 50 different locations across the country. Most reservations include airport shuttles and luggage assistance. 

Trains, tours, and cruises

Collette Cruise Tours

Receive $50 - $100 off per person on river cruises in China, Egypt, and Norway.

Grand European Travel 

AARP members are eligible for up to $100 off per person on luxury river cruises in Europe, Egypt, and Asia.

Holland American Line

AARP Members who book Princess Cruises, Holland America, and Celebrity Cruises will find limited-time discounted offers on specific routes for specific dates. In addition, AARP members receive a $200 onboard credit.

Hurtigruten Expeditions 

The cruise line offers 5% off cruises plus a €100 per-person onboard credit to AARP members and non-members who book with the member. Hurtigruten discounts and offers are stackable.

Vacation By Rail 

Snag 5% off on more than 40 rail and cruise combination trips to National Parks, Alaska, Canada, and elsewhere in the U.S.

Through a partnership with AARDY, a travel insurance marketplace, members can compare discounted rates on different travel insurance policies in the U.S.

AARP members receive 20% off memberships to Medijet, which provides hospital-of-choice medical transfers when you are 150 miles or more from home. Services include transport and evacuation services.

Flight and vacation packages through British Airways

Book a flight on British Airways and receive $65 off a round-trip economy flight (not applicable to basic economy rates) or $200 off a round-trip business class ticket.

Most deals Going finds are bookable directly on the airline. So, when Going sends you an alert about a deal on British Airways, you can save a little bit more by booking directly with British Airways to get that AARP discount. 

It also pays to plan ahead. Members who purchase everything all at the same time, be that a flight and a hotel room, a flight, and a car rental, or all three together, receive a $50 gift card to select merchants.

Passport and visa services

AARP members can purchase passport renewal bundles that include shipping and government fees. Special pricing and expedited services through Rush My Passport are available for all passport types, including renewals, name changes, passport cards, travel visas, and other services. This is handy if you need to expedite processing for an upcoming trip. This benefit also applies to members' family members. 

How AARP discounts work

Most of the travel discounts are accessed through the AARP Travel Center website, which is operated by Expedia. Limited-time and special offers relating to travel may also be posted on the AARP website or in the app and then are booked or redeemed through a third-party site, some of which require a promo code. Logging into the AARP Travel Center requires an AARP membership number. Reservations can be made by calling 800-675-4318, although it can be harder to browse options over the phone.

Members may need to show their AARP membership card on check in to verify the discount. AARP provides digital cards for those who don’t want to carry a physical card.

Frequently asked questions about AARP Travel

AARP members receive modest discounts on many aspects of travel, from hotels to car rentals to passport expediting, all accessible from the same website. AARP’s low-cost membership fee makes it relatively easy to earn back the cost. Unlike booking through some other third-party sites, it is still possible to earn reward program points, though some discounts may be subject to some blackout periods.

The bottom line: Even if you aren’t yet in the typical AARP demographic, the annual membership can pay for itself with the discounts available. And pair it with a Going membership that helps you save on flights, and you could be traveling a lot more this year for less. 

Freelance Writer

Published April 4, 2024

Last updated April 4, 2024

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Is an AARP Membership Worth It for Travelers? [Best Benefits]

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What is AARP?

Who is eligible for an aarp membership, general travel, rental cars, entertainment, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

A membership with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is often overlooked as a great resource for travel discounts and benefits. In fact, an AARP membership can provide members with big savings across a wide variety of travel categories.

If you’re like most people, you’re probably thinking that, since you aren’t retired, you aren’t eligible for an AARP membership and the travel benefits that come with it. Well, that’s where you’re mistaken!

In this post we breakdown how you, too, can be eligible for an AARP membership, and the travel savings that come along with it.

AARP was founded in 1958 with the mission to “empower people to choose how they live as they age.” It is an influential lobbying group in the U.S. focusing largely on issues affecting the elderly. AARP sells paid memberships and markets insurance products and other services to its members.

Their flagship membership program provides dozens of discounts and perks and has attracted over 38 million members as of 2018.

Many people are under the impression that only retired people, or the elderly, are eligible for an AARP membership — but this is simply not true.

AARP used to offer 2 types of memberships: the standard membership for those who were 50 and older, and associate memberships for those who had not yet reached the age of 50.

Now, AARP offers just 1 membership option , and regardless if you’ve reached age 50 or not, you can join, too! Better yet, AARP memberships are just $16 a year ($12 if you opt for the auto-renew plan), and you can add a spouse or partner for free.

Bottom Line:  Many people are under the impression that they have to be over the age of 50 to join the AARP program, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Everyone is eligible for an AARP membership, no matter what your age is. 

AARP Travel Benefits

So now that you know you’re eligible for an AARP membership, does that mean you should automatically sign up? Are the travel benefits actually worth it? Here are some ways that an AARP membership can save you money on your travel expenses.

AARP has partnered with the online travel platform Expedia to offer the AARP Travel Center by Expedia . The Travel Center functions just like the standard Expedia website, allowing users to search for flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises, and other activities, but also includes all items that are eligible for an AARP discount.

One of the most popular AARP travel benefits is the ability to save quite a bit of money on British Airways flights . Those who have an AARP membership and book through the AARP British Airways discount page can score a $65 discount on all round-trip economy tickets and a $200 discount on all round-trip business class tickets.

Better yet, this discount is valid on British Airways-operated flights and BA codeshare flights, including those operated by American Airlines and Iberia Airlines.

Hot Tip:  Utilizing 1 British Airways $65 economy flight discount would cover your membership fees for over 4 years! An AARP membership is a no-brainer even if you fly with British Airways once a year. 

Your AARP membership won’t just save you money on your flights — members can also receive discounts at thousands of hotels worldwide, including up to 15% off at hotel chains  such as Hilton , Best Western , Radisson , and Wyndham .

AARP memberships can net you up to a 30% discount on car rentals from companies like Avis , Budget , and Payless, as well as select free vehicle upgrades, discounted GPS rates, and an additional driver at no cost.

When you’re traveling, you’ve got to eat, and AARP can regularly save you money on restaurants too. AARP memberships offer 10% to 15% off at restaurant chains like Bonefish Grill, Carrabba’s, Corner Bakery Cafe, Denny’s, Outback Steakhouse, and many more.

AARP members can save on their entertainment purchases, too, with merchants like Regal Cinemas and Ticketmaster. With Ticketmaster specifically, members can save up to 40% on tickets to select shows and events, and offers also include 2-for-1 tickets, Me + 3 (4-packs), and special events with select tickets under $40.

Now that you know anyone can be eligible for an AARP membership , and some of the great travel benefits that come along with it, you may be wondering if the membership is worth it. But given that the annual membership price is just $16 a year ($12 with auto-renewal), it is hard to imagine how it wouldn’t be.

Between savings on British Airways flights, hotels, rental cars , and popular restaurant chains, if you’re someone who can take advantage of some of the discounts offered, you can easily offset the cost of your annual membership. If your worried people might snicker at you when you pull out your AARP card, they won’t be snickering for long when you tell them how much money you’re saving!

Frequently Asked Questions

What travel benefits does aarp offer.

AARP memberships can save you money on dozens of different travel purchases, including airfare, hotels, rental cars, and entertainment tickets.

How much does an AARP membership cost?

AARP memberships are just $16 per year, or $12 if you sign-up for auto-renewal.

How old do you have to be to join AARP?

Many people are under the impression that you have to be at least 50, or retired, to join AARP, but this is not the case. There is no age requirement in order to have an AARP membership.

Is an AARP membership really worth it?

If you have a look at all of the benefits and discounts offered from an AARP membership, and think those discounts will save you more than $16 a year, then it is definitely worth signing up.

What is the AARP discount on British Airways tickets?

If you hold an AARP membership, and book through the AARP British Airways discount page , you’ll receive a $65 discount on all round-trip economy tickets, and a $200 discount on all round-trip business class tickets on British Airways-operated flights, including BA codeshare flights operated by American Airlines and Iberia Airlines.

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About Jarrod West

Boasting a portfolio of over 20 cards, Jarrod has been an expert in the points and miles space for over 6 years. He earns and redeems over 1 million points per year and his work has been featured in outlets like The New York Times.

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Sign in to your account, travel protection plans, expedia cancellation plan.

When plans change, there's help. Expedia Cancellation Plan from Berkely can cover your expenses if you need to cancel or change your flight. Don't leave home without it!

• Includes trip cancellation coverage
• Interruption coverage can provide reimbursement for airfare home
• Coverage for travel in the continental U.S. only

Booking a hotel along with your flight? Get broader coverage with the Expedia Package Protection Plan

Please see Terms and Conditions for full terms, including limitations and exclusions.

• Plan Coverage
• What's Not Covered
• Claim Instructions
• Terms Of Coverage
• Definitions

Stonebridge Casualty Insurance Company Policy Number MZ0911076H0000A

DESCRIPTION OF COVERAGE

• Schedule: Expedia, Inc Maximum Benefit Amount

PART A. TRAVEL ARRANGEMENT PROTECTION

• Trip Cancellation Up to Total Flight Cost
• Trip Interruption Up to Total Flight Cost

Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Benefits Pre-Departure Trip Cancellation

We will pay a Pre-Departure Trip Cancellation Benefit, up to the amount in the Schedule if you are prevented from taking your Covered Trip due to your, an Immediate Family Member's, Traveling Companion's, or Business Partner's Sickness, Injury or death or Other Covered Events as defined, that occur(s) before departure on your Covered Trip. The Sickness or Injury must: a) commence while your coverage is in effect under the plan; b) require the examination and treatment by a Physician at the time the Covered Trip is cancelled; and c) in the written opinion of the treating Physician, be so disabling as to prevent you from taking your Covered Trip.

Pre-Departure Trip Cancellation Benefits

Post-departure trip interruption, post-departure trip interruption benefits.

• 1. the additional transportation expenses by the most direct route from the point you interrupted your Covered Trip: a) to the next scheduled destination where you can catch up to your Covered Trip; or (b) to the final destination of your Covered Trip;
• 2. the additional transportation expenses incurred by you by the most direct route to reach your original Covered Trip destination if you are delayed and leave after the Scheduled Departure Date. However, the benefit payable under (1) and (2) above will not exceed the cost of a one-way economy air fare by the most direct route less any refunds paid or payable for your unused original tickets.
• being directly involved in a documented traffic accident while en route to departure;
• being hijacked, Quarantined, required to serve on a jury, or required by a court order to appear as a witness in a legal action, provided you, an Immediate Family Member traveling with you or a Traveling Companion is not: 1) a party to the legal action, or 2) appearing as a law enforcement officer;
• having your Home made uninhabitable by fire, flood, volcano, earthquake, hurricane or other natural disaster;
• Your involuntary termination of employment or layoff which occurs after your effective date of coverage and was not under your control. You must have been continuously employed with the same employer for 1 year prior to the termination or layoff. This provision is not applicable to temporary employment, independent contractors or self-employed persons.

Contact Information

This program was designed and is administered by Aon Affinity Berkely Travel. Aon Affinity is the brand name for the brokerage and program administration operations of Affinity Insurance Services, Inc.; (AR 244489); in CA, MN & OK , AIS Affinity Insurance Agency, Inc. (CA 0795465); in CA, Aon Affinity Insurance Services, Inc., (CA 0G94493), Aon Direct Insurance Administrators and Berkely Insurance Agency and in NY and NH, AIS Affinity Insurance Agency. Affinity Insurance Services is acting as a Managing General Agent as that term is defined in section 626.015(14) of the Florida Insurance Code. As an MGA we are acting on behalf of our carrier partner.

Please see Terms and Conditions for full details include plan terms, conditions and exclusions.

WE WILL NOT PAY FOR ANY LOSS CAUSED BY OR INCURRED RESULTING FROM:

• mental, nervous, or psychological disorders, except if hospitalized;
• being under the influence of drugs or intoxicants, unless prescribed by a Physician;
• normal pregnancy, except if hospitalized; or elective abortion;
• declared or undeclared war, or any act of war;
• service in the armed forces of any country;
• operating or learning to operate any aircraft, as pilot or crew;
• any unlawful acts, committed by you or a Traveling Companion (whether insured or not);
• any amount paid or payable under any Worker's Compensation, Disability Benefit or similar law;
• Elective Treatment and Procedures;
• medical treatment during or arising from a Covered Trip undertaken for the purpose or intent of securing medical treatment;
• business, contractual or educational obligations of you, an Immediate Family Member or Traveling Companion;
• failure of any tour operator, Common Carrier, or other travel supplier, person or agency to provide the bargained-for travel arrangements;
• a loss that results from an illness, disease, or other condition, event or circumstance which occurs at a time when the plan is not in effect for you.

Policy Number MZ0911076H0000A

• TRIP CANCELLATION CLAIMS: Contact Expedia, Inc. and Berkely IMMEDIATELY to notify them of your cancellation and to avoid any non-covered expenses due to late reporting. Berkely will then forward the appropriate claim form which must be completed by you AND THE ATTENDING PHYSICIAN, if applicable. If you are cancelling due to a death, a death certificate will be required.
• ALL OTHER CLAIMS: Report your claim as soon as possible to Berkely. Provide the policy number, your travel dates, and details describing the nature of your loss. Upon receipt of this information, Berkely will promptly forward you the appropriate claim form to complete. If you are interrupting due to a death, a death certificate will be required.

Online: www.travelclaim.com Phone: 1-877-718-4651 or 1-(516) 342-2720 Mail: Berkely 300 Jericho Quadrangle, P.O. Box 9022, Jericho, NY 11753 Office Hours: 8:00 am - 10:00 pm ET, Monday - Friday; 9:00 am - 5:00 pm ET, Saturday IMPORTANT: In order to facilitate prompt claims settlement upon your return, be sure to obtain as applicable: detailed medical statements from Physicians in attendance where the Accident or Sickness occurred. These statements should give complete diagnosis, stating that the Sickness or Injury prevented traveling on dates contracted. Provide all unused transportation tickets, official receipts, etc.

Claims Provisions

Payment of Claims Claims for benefits provided by the plan will be paid as soon as written proof is received. Benefits are paid directly to you, unless otherwise directed. Any accrued benefits unpaid at your death will be paid to your estate, or if no estate, to your beneficiary. If you have assigned your benefits, we will honor the assignment if a signed copy has been filed with us. We are not responsible for the validity of any assignment. Travel Insurance is underwritten by Stonebridge Casualty Insurance Company, a Transamerica company, Columbus, Ohio; NAIC # 10952 (all states except as otherwise noted) under Policy/Certificate Form series TAHC5000. In CA, HI, NE, NH, PA, TN and TX Policy/Certificate Form series TAHC5100 and TAHC5200. In IL, IN, KS, LA, OR, OH, VT, WA and WY Policy Form #’s TAHC5100IPS and TAHC5200IPS. Certain coverages are under series TAHC6000 and TAHC7000. This is a brief Description of Coverage which outlines benefits and amounts of coverage that may be available to you. If you are a resident of one of the following states (IL, IN, KS, LA, OH, OR, VT, WA, or WY), your Policy is provided on an individual form. You can request a copy of your Individual Policy or Group Policy for all other states by calling 1-800-453-4090. Your Individual Policy or Group Policy will govern the final interpretation of any provision or claim. Notice to California residents: This plan provides cancellation coverage for your trip and other insurance coverages that apply only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker. The purchase of this plan is not required in order to purchase any other travel product or service offered to you by your travel retailers. Unless individually licensed as an insurance agent, your travel agent is not qualified or authorized to answer your technical questions about the benefits, exclusions or conditions of this plan or to evaluate the adequacy of any existing insurance coverage you may have. Questions should be directed to the plan administrator at the toll-free number provided.

For questions or claims, please contact Berkely. Call: 1-800-453-4079 Email: [email protected] Office Hours: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM EST Mon-Fri, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST Sat.

• the date the Covered Trip is completed;
• the Scheduled Return Date;
• your arrival at the return destination on a round-trip, or the destination on a one-way trip;
• cancellation of the Covered Trip covered by the plan.

In the certificate, "you", "your" and "yours" refer to the Insured. "We", "us" and "our" refer to the company providing the coverage. In addition certain words and phrases are defined as follows: Accident means a sudden, unexpected, unintended and external event, which causes Injury. Business Partner means an individual who is involved, as a partner, with you in a legal general partnership and shares in the management of the business. Covered Trip means a period of travel away from Home to a destination outside your city of residence; the purpose of the Trip is business or pleasure and is not to obtain health care or treatment of any kind; the Trip has defined departure and return dates specified when the Insured enrolls; and the Trip does not exceed 31 consecutive days in length. Common Carrier means any land, water or air conveyance operated under a license for the transportation of passengers for hire. Domestic Partner means a person who is at least eighteen years of age and you can show: 1) evidence of financial interdependence, such as joint bank accounts or credit cards, jointly owned property, and mutual life insurance or pension beneficiary designations; 2) evidence of cohabitation for at least the previous 6 months; and 3) an affidavit of domestic partnership if recognized by the jurisdiction within which they reside. Flight means a scheduled trip for which coverage has been elected and the plan payment paid and all travel arrangements are arranged by Expedia, Inc. prior to the Scheduled Departure Date of the trip. Home means your primary or secondary residence. Hospital means an institution, which meets all of the following requirements

• it must be operated according to law;
• it must give 24 hour medical care, diagnosis and treatment to the sick or injured on an inpatient basis;
• it must provide diagnostic and surgical facilities supervised by Physicians;
• registered nurses must be on 24 hour call or duty; and
• the care must be given either on the hospital's premises or in facilities available to the hospital on a pre-arranged basis.

Why should I purchase Expedia Cancellation Plan? You've saved, you've waited, and now you're all set to go on the trip of your life. Preparing for your trip should include covering yourself against unfortunate occurrences that may interfere with even your best-laid plans. By purchasing Expedia Cancellation Plan, you may be reimbursed for covered cancellation or interruption penalties. Unexpected situations can happen to anyone, even immediate family members that are not traveling with you, and provide you with a reason you might need to cancel or interrupt your trip. Did you know that Expedia Cancellation Plan can reimburse covered expenses if:

• You become ill and can't travel.
• Someone in your immediate family has an illness or injury and you must cancel or interrupt your trip, even if he or she is not scheduled to travel with you.
• Involuntary job loss
• Your house becomes uninhabitable due to a hurricane.
• An immediate family member back home passes away and you must return from your trip early.
• You are injured and must visit a doctor while traveling.
• Many other unforeseeable events as listed in the Description of Coverage.

What does Expedia Cancellation Plan cover? Expedia Cancellation Plan includes coverage for Trip Cancellations and Trip Interruptions. If you must cancel or interrupt your trip for a covered reason, the plan provides coverage for covered penalties and expenses up to the cost of your originally booked flight. In the event of an interruption, covered benefits include the new airfare paid, less the value of an unused return travel ticket, to return home or rejoin your trip (up to a maximum of the cost of the originally booked flight). Covered reasons include illness, injury or death to you, a traveling companion or an immediate family member. Additional covered reasons for cancellation include jury duty, the issuance of a subpoena for court or administrative hearing, involuntary job loss, having a home made uninhabitable by a natural disaster, hijacking, quarantine, and being involved in a documented traffic accident en route to departure. Please refer to the Description of Coverage for full details. There is no Pre-existing Condition Exclusion in Expedia Cancellation Plan. Will my current home, renters, or credit card policies cover me during my trip? Most people don't have any insurance coverage at all for penalties incurred when they need to cancel their flight. It is not a typical coverage found in homeowners and renters policies. Likewise, most credit cards do not offer trip cancellation coverage; however, check your documentation carefully to see if yours might. Who can I contact for more information? You may call Berkely, the plan administrator, with any questions regarding Expedia Cancellation Plan. Their CustomerCare representatives will be happy to assist you. Hide Via email: [email protected] Via phone: 1-877-718-4651 or 516-342-2720 Via mail: Berkely P.O. Box 9022 300 Jericho Quadrangle Jericho, NY 11753 Office Hours:8AM-10PM (EST), Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM (EST), Saturday This program was designed and is administered by Aon Affinity Berkely Travel. Aon Affinity is the brand name for the brokerage and program administration operations of Affinity Insurance Services, Inc.; (AR 244489); in CA, MN & OK, AIS Affinity Insurance Agency, Inc. (CA 0795465); in CA, Aon Affinity Insurance Services, Inc., (CA 0G94493), Aon Direct Insurance Administrators and Berkely Insurance Agency and in NY and NH, AIS Affinity Insurance Agency. Affinity Insurance Services is acting as a Managing General Agent as that term is defined in section 626.015(14) of the Florida Insurance Code. As an MGA we are acting on behalf of our carrier partner. ` When is payment for the plan due? The plan must be purchased when your flight is purchased. How do I enroll in Expedia Cancellation Plan? The option to enroll is presented to you while booking your ticket. If you would like to purchase Expedia Cancellation Plan, simply select it and the cost of the plan is automatically included in the total amount due for your trip. Simply pay the amount indicated to purchase the plan. When does coverage go into effect and will it cover me for the entire length of my trip? The Trip Cancellation coverage takes effect upon receipt of the required plan cost by Expedia. The Trip Interruption Coverage takes effect at 12:01 AM on your scheduled departure date and location. The plan will cover you for the entire length of your Expedia-booked ticket. I am not a resident of the U.S. or Canada. Can I purchase the plan? Expedia Cancellation Plan is available only to U.S. residents and non-U.S. residents traveling to the U.S. who book their travel arrangements with Expedia. What happens if I need to cancel my trip? Please contact Expedia and Berkely as soon as possible in the event of a claim, as the insurer will not reimburse you for any additional charges incurred due to a delay in notifying Expedia of your cancellation. Berkely will then forward you the appropriate claim form in order to file a claim. How do I file a claim? You may request a claim form online via www.travelclaim.com or alternatively, call Berkely, the plan administrator, at 1-877-718-4651 from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm EST Mon-Fri or 9:00 am to 5:00 pm EST Sat. Please note that you may want to have a copy of your Expedia invoice handy as there are some details that will be needed in order to initiate your claim. This information includes your travel dates, date of cancellation, booking number, and some brief information regarding your reason for cancellation or interruption. Important: Be sure to also contact Expedia to notify them of cancellations, as well as to avoid additional expenses due to late reporting. Who is considered an "Immediate Family" member under the plan? Our definition of "Immediate Family" is quite broad. It's not just the family members who reside with you. "Immediate Family" includes: parents, spouses, domestic partners, grandparents, siblings, siblings-in-law, children, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and business partners. See the Definitions section of the Description of Coverage for a full listing. Are there exclusions? Certain restrictions do apply. For example, the coverage in the plan does not provide duplicate payments if there are other sources of reimbursement available. Please see the Terms and Conditions for a full list of exclusions. Is there a Pre-Existing Condition exclusion? Expedia Cancellation Plan does not have a pre-existing condition exclusion.

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10 Ways to Save Money on Travel with AARP

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

If you enjoy traveling, you’re likely interested in finding ways to save money — after all, travel isn’t always cheap. One option is using travel credit cards to earn rewards in the form of points or miles when making everyday purchases. Then, you can cash in your rewards for free or discounted flights and hotel stays.

Another way to reduce travel costs is by joining a membership-based program to access money-saving travel discounts. One such organization is AARP, which offers savings on shopping, entertainment, health, travel and more to its members — and you don’t have to be retired to take advantage of the benefits.

Here's how you can keep more money in your pocket by taking advantage of AARP travel discounts.

What is AARP and how much does it cost to join?

AARP is a nonprofit organization that advocates for Americans ages 50 and older. While the organization is popular among retirees, adults of all ages can join — and many do so to get discounts on everyday expenses.

You’ll need to pay a membership fee to take advantage of AARP’s money-saving perks. Here’s a breakdown of what it costs to join AARP:

One-year membership: $16.

One-year membership with auto-renew: $12.

Three-year membership: $43. 

Five-year membership: $63.

You can save on AARP membership fees using the shopping cash-back portal Rakuten. Current offers include $6 back on a one-year membership, $10 back on a three-year membership and $20 back on a five-year membership. You must activate this offer before joining to qualify for cash-back earnings.

» Learn more: How cash-back sites give you money for shopping

10 ways to save money on travel with AARP

If you’re not careful when planning for and booking your next vacation, the cost of your trip could add up quickly. But if you’re strategic and take advantage of discounts like AARP travel deals, you can plan an unforgettable adventure without spending more than you can afford.

AARP provides its members with many opportunities to save money on travel. Here’s a sampling of some of the travel discounts and perks available:

Avis: Get up to 30% off base rates or up to 35% off when selecting Pay Now. When booking, members also receive a 3% credit to apply to future rentals within 12 months. You’ll also get an upgrade on compact through full-size car class bookings, when available, and you can add an additional driver at no cost. These benefits are available when booking online or by phone through Avis.

British Airways: Save $65 when booking an economy or premium economy class ticket or $200 when booking a business class ticket on select round-trip transatlantic fares through the British Airways website.

Collette Cruise Tours: Save $50 per person on all cruise tours.

Hilton Hotels & Resorts: Get up to 10% off and a 2 p.m. checkout when available. Hilton Honors members also get instant Hilton Honors Silver status and can keep their status for the next year when they complete two stays within six months.

Holland America Line: Get up to $200 in onboard credit per stateroom. The credit amount varies based on the length of the cruise and the stateroom.

Kimpton Hotels & Resorts: Get discounts of 10% or more off the best available rate.

Payless Car Rental: Save 5% on leisure daily, weekly, weekend and monthly base rates. Members are also eligible for a free upgrade on compact through full-size car class bookings.

Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts: Get up to 10% off and a 2 p.m. checkout when available.

Wyndham: Get up to 10% off the best available rate when booking by phone or online. Join the Wyndham Rewards program to take advantage of extra perks.

Zipcar: Get $20 off an annual Zipcar membership. New Zipcar users will also receive $40 in driving credit.

Keep in mind this is just a sampling of available deals. AARP members can review current travel deals and discounts by logging in to their accounts.

» Learn more: Your guide to hotel bonus point promotions

Book your travel reservations through the AARP Travel Center

Discounts above aren't the only way to save on travel costs. AARP members can also get a deal when booking travel reservations through the AARP Travel Center, a booking platform powered by Expedia . How much money you can save by using the travel center varies depending on what you’re booking.

Here's a look at of some of the AARP Travel Center savings available to members:

Car rentals: Save up to 30% on base rates at Avis and Budget and 5% on rentals from Payless Car Rental. You can also get free upgrades, an additional driver at no cost and insurance benefits when booking car rentals through the AARP Travel Center.

Cruises: Get up to $100 in onboard credit on select voyages to certain destinations when booked through AARP Travel Expedia.

Flights and vacation packages: When booking a flight package through the AARP Travel Center, you'll get a $50 gift card of your choice.

Hotels: When booking select Choice, Wyndham and Best Western properties through the portal, you'll get a 10% discount.

Are you looking for other ways to save money when booking travel reservations as an AARP member? The AARP Travel Center has exclusive deals and seasonal savings, so regularly reviewing discount opportunities is worthwhile to ensure you don't miss out.

» Learn more: Best hotel credit cards

Is an AARP membership worth it for travelers?

Only you can decide if an AARP membership is worthwhile. But considering the affordable annual fee to become a member and the variety of ways to save on travel expenses, a membership could be worth it.

When deciding if this membership will meet your needs, consider how often you travel and whether you'd use the perks offered. Combining AARP deals with travel loyalty and rewards programs, along with a travel credit card , makes for an excellent money-saving strategy.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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Entry Requirements & COVID-19 Travel Resources 

Confused about entry requirements for your destination? Our  interactive map shows current travel rules and restrictions for each destination, including info on COVID-19 testing, necessary travel documents and quarantine periods.

Find out how our  Epidemic Coverage Endorsement can protect your next trip from certain losses related to COVID-19.

Why do I need travel insurance?

Because sometimes..., you have to cancel a trip last-minute..

Travel insurance can reimburse you for your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs — including vacation rentals, car rentals, hotels and flights — if you have to cancel for a covered reason.

Travel delays leave you stranded.

Travel insurance can reimburse you for eligible meals, accommodation and transportation expenses during a covered delay.

You get sick or hurt when you're far from home.

Travel insurance can reimburse you for care following a covered medical emergency while traveling. We can even arrange and pay for a medical evacuation if needed.

Fender-benders are unavoidable.

Renting a car means taking on a big financial risk; even a tiny scrape can cost you hundreds. Low-priced rental car insurance lets you drive worry-free.

You need help in a hurry.

Whether you're planning a week-long road trip or a weekend getaway, you never know what might happen. Travel insurance gives you access to our 24-Hour Assistance hotline for expert, personalized support in a crisis.

Why go with Allianz Travel Insurance?

As a world leader in travel protection, we help more than 70 million people answer the call of adventure with confidence every year.

We're Protecting You

From protection for trip cancellation to medical bills abroad, our benefits are designed to help you explore reassured.

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We've got your back with award-winning 24/7 assistance and a worldwide network of prescreened hospitals to help you get the right care.

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From our Allyz ® TravelSmart app to proactive SmartBenefits, we innovate for the way you travel today - and tomorrow.

TRAVEL RESOURCES

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What Does Rental Car Insurance Cover?

Is It Too Late to Buy Travel Insurance?

The Comprehensive Guide to Annual Travel Insurance

5 Ways the Allyz ®  TravelSmart App Can Help During Winter Travels

Travel Insurance with Emergency Medical Benefits

Destination Guide: Croatia

Travel Insurance & COVID-19: The Epidemic Coverage Endorsement Explained

More Travel Resources »

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Insurance benefits underwritten by BCS Insurance Company (OH, Administrative Office: 2 Mid America Plaza, Suite 200, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181), rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best Co., under BCS Form No. 52.201 series or 52.401 series, or Jefferson Insurance Company (NY, Administrative Office: 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233), rated “A+” (Superior) by A.M. Best Co., under Jefferson Form No. 101-C series or 101-P series, depending on your state of residence and plan chosen. A+ (Superior) and A (Excellent) are the 2nd and 3rd highest, respectively, of A.M. Best's 13 Financial Strength Ratings. Plans only available to U.S. residents and may not be available in all jurisdictions. Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Travel Insurance are marks of AGA Service Company dba Allianz Global Assistance or its affiliates. Allianz Travel Insurance products are distributed by Allianz Global Assistance, the licensed producer and administrator of these plans and an affiliate of Jefferson Insurance Company. The insured shall not receive any special benefit or advantage due to the affiliation between AGA Service Company and Jefferson Insurance Company. Plans include insurance benefits and assistance services. Any Non-Insurance Assistance services purchased are provided through AGA Service Company. Except as expressly provided under your plan, you are responsible for charges you incur from third parties. Contact AGA Service Company at  800-284-8300 or 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233 or [email protected] .

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This $12 annual membership can save you hundreds on flights and hotels

You might say I'm an old soul.

I've been this way for as long as I can remember. I've never longed for a wild night out — instead, I'd much rather stay in and sit on my couch, catching up on my never-ending Netflix queue. I'll take a night of watching movies with my grandparents (hi, Gram and Jerry!) over a bar or club any day.

And now, my new American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) membership is really just the icing on the cake — and it's not just because it solidifies my status as an aspiring retiree. As an AARP member , I have access to pretty significant travel savings. And no, you don't need to be over 50 years old to get it. Let me explain.

For just $12, if you enroll in automatic renewal (or $9 per year when you commit to a five-year term with the Labor Day special ), you can get an AARP membership that comes with a host of great travel benefits. And travelers of all ages and employment can sign up, so there's really no reason not to have this on your radar.

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Travel benefits

If I need to rent a car when I travel, I'll have access to savings from Avis, Budget and Zipcar, just to name a few. With Avis and Budget, for example, I can save a whopping 30% off base rates and get upgrades on certain vehicle types, as well as an additional driver at no cost.

If I'm considering a cruise in the future, I can choose from the AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia , Collette River Cruises or Grand European Travel . With Grand European Travel, for example, I can save $100 per person on over 30 different itineraries. The operator sets sail to popular destinations such as Italy, France, Greece, Spain, Morocco and Egypt.

Where the program really shines, however, is with its hotel benefits. There are over 60 participating hotel brands, including a few of Hilton's luxury brands (Waldorf Astoria, Conrad and Curio Collection), that confer discounts and even elite-like benefits to AARP members. At Conrad and Waldorf Astoria hotels, I can take advantage of a 10% discount off the best available rate and a 2 p.m. late checkout, when available.

If anything, this means I have a really good excuse to go back to one of my favorite hotels in the world: the Conrad Tokyo . Room rates usually go for around $545 a night, but with my 10% discount, I can pay $490.50 per night ... and put that $55 in savings toward sushi, ramen and udon .

I can also utilize this benefit at budget properties such as Homewood Suites, Embassy Suites and Wyndham. You'll have to book your stay directly with the hotel, but for a Hilton Diamond member like me, getting 10% off plus elite benefits is a major win in my book.

For Marriott and Hyatt loyalists, the program does fall flat. Neither brand has properties that participate in the program. Instead, the bulk of the AARP collection comprises hotels from Hilton, Choice, Wyndham and Radisson, among other lesser-known brands.

One of the most prominent AARP benefits is the ability to save up to $200 per year on round-trip, trans-Atlantic British Airways flights. Travelers can save $65 on World Traveller and World Traveller Plus fares, and as much as $200 when flying business class.

While British Airways might be the buzziest of the bunch, there are a handful of other airline and vacation package perks that could be a better fit for your travel plans. Tour company Collette, for example, offers $50 to $100 off select tours of seven days or more — and that includes everything from river cruises and rail itineraries to traditional land tours.

Just keep in mind that these benefits and partners can change. Xanterra Travel Collection — manages lodges in some of the most popular U.S. national parks — is no longer participating.

Related: Tips for taking a vacation on a budget

Other perks

Though we're obviously here for the fun travel deals and discounts, an AARP membership comes with many other benefits. You can save 20% on a Medjet membership; get 10% discounts at major restaurant chains including Carrabba's Italian Grill, Outback Steakhouse and Bonefish Grill; and even save money on cellphone plans, home security plans and Audible memberships.

If you're under 50, just keep in mind that you'll have an "associate" membership, not the full AARP membership . That means you won't get access to age-restricted insurance products or other benefits limited by the vendors.

You don't need to be a mathematician to know that it doesn't take much for the membership to pay for itself. For just $1 month, I could save approximately $50 at my favorite hotel in the world, between $65 and $200 on flights to London and even earn 50 points for every dollar spent on Walgreens-branded health and wellness products, to say nothing of the discounts on car rentals and restaurants.

Depending on your travel style, interests and budget, you can easily maximize an AARP membership. Just one trip could make the membership worthwhile for years.