Using AARP membership for international travel
While AARP is a U.S.-based organization, a significant number of its benefits are accessible for members traveling abroad. The key is understanding which offers are valid internationally and how to redeem them, as most benefits are tied to specific commercial partners rather than AARP itself.
Accessing international travel benefits
Members can take advantage of various travel deals by booking through the AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia or directly with partner companies. The AARP Travel Center acts as a central hub, curating deals on flights, hotels, and car rentals specifically for AARP members.
Some of the specific international travel benefits include:
- British Airways: AARP members can receive discounts on transatlantic, round-trip flights to over 130 destinations globally.
- Cruise Lines: Discounts and on-board credits are available through various cruise line partners, including Holland America Line and HX Expeditions.
- Tour Operators: Partnering with companies like Grand European Travel and Collette offers members exclusive savings on guided international tours and river cruises.
- Medjet Travel Protection: Members can get discounts on Medjet memberships, which offer medical transport and travel security services when traveling more than 150 miles from home.
What to know about health insurance abroad
Original Medicare offers virtually no coverage for medical care received outside the United States, with a few very limited exceptions. For AARP members, options for international emergency health coverage vary.
- Medigap Plans: Some Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans, such as C, D, F, G, M, and N, offer limited foreign travel emergency coverage. This coverage is capped at a lifetime maximum of \$50,000 and only applies during the first 60 days of a trip. Plans C and F are no longer available to new Medicare beneficiaries.
- Travel Insurance: For comprehensive international medical coverage, AARP strongly advises its members to purchase separate travel insurance. AARP has partnered with travel insurance providers to offer special rates on policies that include more robust coverage for emergency medical needs and medical evacuation overseas.
International membership and restrictions
Interestingly, AARP membership itself is not limited to U.S. residents. However, there are significant restrictions, particularly for those living in the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK).
Who can join from abroad?
- Non-EU/UK Residents: Individuals living outside the U.S., EU, and UK can join AARP. These members can typically only sign up for a one-year membership term and receive physical publications and materials internationally. They can use discounts when visiting the U.S. and access international partner benefits.
- U.S. Citizens and Residents Abroad: American citizens living overseas can join AARP and receive benefits. Their ability to use domestic benefits depends on the specific service, but international travel discounts generally apply.
Why are EU and UK residents restricted?
AARP, being a U.S.-based organization, has chosen not to fully comply with the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This decision was made to avoid the substantial costs and time commitment required, allowing the organization to focus on its core social mission in the U.S.. As a result, residents of EU member countries and the UK are ineligible to join.
AARP international travel benefits at a glance
| Feature | Domestic Use | International Use | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Membership Eligibility | For US residents 50+ | Limited | Non-EU/UK residents can join for one year; EU/UK are excluded due to GDPR. |
| Flights | Discounts with various airlines | Discounts with select airlines | British Airways offers savings on round-trip transatlantic flights. AARP Travel Center (Expedia) offers packages worldwide. |
| Hotels | Discounts with multiple chains | Discounts with global partners | Partners like Choice Hotels, Best Western, and Wyndham offer worldwide savings. |
| Car Rentals | Discounts with Avis, Budget, etc. | Discounts with select agencies | Avis and Budget often have international presence and offer member discounts. Booking through the AARP Travel Center is an option. |
| Medical Coverage | Medicare/Medigap coverage | Very limited | Original Medicare does not cover overseas. Some Medigap plans (C, D, F, G, M, N) offer limited emergency coverage. |
| Travel Insurance | N/A | Highly Recommended | AARP offers special member pricing on comprehensive travel insurance policies through partners like AARDY.com. |
| Cruises/Tours | Discounts on cruises/tours | Discounts on international cruises/tours | Includes deals with Holland America, HX Expeditions, Grand European Travel, and Collette. |
Conclusion
Yes, an AARP membership can be used internationally, but primarily through its travel-related partnerships. While many health and other domestic benefits do not extend overseas, members can access exclusive discounts on international flights, hotels, car rentals, and guided tours. The most critical point for international travelers is to arrange for separate, comprehensive travel insurance, as standard health coverage through Medicare and most Medigap plans is insufficient abroad. For non-U.S. residents, eligibility depends on your location, with EU and UK residents being excluded. By leveraging the AARP Travel Center and specific partner offers, members can still find significant savings on global adventures.
