Check Prices
3.25/5
Overall Score

Choice Mutual’s ratings are determined by a review formula that weights the following four factors to determine a score between 0 and 5:

FactorScore Value
Price of Coverage
40%
No-Waiting-Period CoverageNo Waiting Period
20%
Financial Strength
20%
NAIC Complaint Index
20%
Overall Maximum
100%

Our ratings are tested with scoring model 1.1, a review formula that ensures consistency and accuracy in our assessments.

Rating methodology
Score Breakdown
Price of Coverage
Price of Coverage
40% of overall score

Using this quote calculator, we compare the price of the insurer’s coverage to competitors with equivalent products. The score they receive is based on how close their price is to those three least expensive providers:

  • 5
    0-5% more expensive
  • 4
    6-10% more expensive
  • 3
    11-20% more expensive
  • 2
    21-30% more expensive
  • 1
    ≥ 40% more expensive
Price audit
3.0
No-Waiting-Period CoverageNo Waiting Period
No-Waiting-Period Coverage
20% of overall score

This scoring factor assesses whether an insurer offers coverage with no waiting period and, if so, how difficult it is to qualify for it. If an insurer does not provide coverage with no waiting period, it gets an automatic 1. A score from 2 to 5 indicates that immediate coverage is possible, and the higher the rating, the easier it is for the average applicant to qualify for it.

  • 5
    Most applicants qualify
  • 4
    Fairly easy qualification
  • 3
    Somewhat difficult qualification
  • 2
    Very difficult qualification
  • 1
    No-waiting-period coverage unavailableNo-waiting-period unavailable
2.0
Financial Strength
Financial Strength
20% of overall score

Our financial strength scores are based on A.M. Best’s Financial Strength Ratings (FSR), which measure an insurer’s financial strength and ability to meet its ongoing insurance policy and contract obligations. The scores they receive are based on the following scale:

  • 5
    Superior (A+ or A++)
  • 4
    Excellent (A- to A)
  • 3
    Fair/Good (B- to B++)
  • 2
    Weak/Marginal (C- to C++)
  • 1
    Poor (D or Not Rated)
5.0
NAIC Complaint IndexNAIC Complaints
NAIC Complaint Index
20% of overall score

The NAIC (National Association of Insurance Commissioners) complaint index measures how frequently an insurer obtains consumer complaints relative to a median score across all insurers. Our scoring model is based on an insurer’s NAIC complaint index for the most recently available year and for ‘Individual Life’ products:

  • 5
    0.0 - 1.0 (avg or below avg complaints)
  • 4
    1.01 - 1.5 (slightly above avg complaints)
  • 3
    1.51 - 2.0 (up to 2x avg complaints)
  • 2
    2.01 - 3.0 (up to 3x avg complaints)
  • 1
    ≥ 3.01 (more than 3x avg complaints)
5.0
Check Prices
Our Verdict

For most people, but not all, AARP burial insurance is not the best investment. The prices seem reasonable, but there are concrete reasons to opt for other providers if you need a final expense policy.

Regardless of which type of life insurance you want (term life, whole life, or guaranteed acceptance), the primary problem is that AARP funeral insurance is often more expensive than other final expense insurance companies.

For example, below is a side-by-side cost comparison for a $25,000 no-waiting period whole life policy for a 70-year-old female who does not use tobacco.

  • Mutual of Omaha: $128.29
  • Aflac: $133.63
  • AARP: $148.00

The other big issue is that while AARP offers final expense insurance with no waiting period, consumers often report it’s difficult to obtain. To get immediate coverage, you have to apply for one of their policies that asks about your health history. Based on feedback from real customers who applied with them, AARP seems to deny most applicants with pre-existing conditions. Instead, they counter with a policy featuring a 2-year waiting period and a much higher premium.

If you need insurance to cover your funeral expenses, many other providers, such as Mutual of Omaha, Aflac, and Aetna, among others, frequently offer lower prices and no waiting period. That is especially true if you’ve experienced prior health issues.

However, it’s not all bad. For example, AARP allows policyholders to manage their coverage online and offers small amounts of term life insurance (as low as $10,000), which is uncommon in the life insurance industry. Additionally, prices for females aged 50-60 are very competitive, and for seniors aged 80 (no coverage is available for those aged 81 and above).

Pros

  • You can see quotes and buy online.
  • No medical exam is required to qualify.
  • Policies are underwritten by New York Life, which holds the highest possible financial ratings.

Cons

  • It is very hard to qualify for no waiting period coverage.
  • Rates are higher than most of their competitors.
  • There are no options for seniors over 80.

BBB
---
No reviews
Trustpilot
2.2/5
26 reviews
Google
3.7/5
65 reviews
Yelp
1.5/5
60 reviews
Ratings and scores valid as of 03/09/2026.
    Policy Type
    Whole Life
    New Applicant Age Range
    50-80
    Coverage Limits
    $5,000-$50,000
    States Where Available
    All
    Builds Cash Value
    Yes
    Has Health Questions
    Yes
    2-Year Waiting Period
    No
    Medical Exam Required
    No
    Age When Policy Expires
    Never
    Prices Increase
    Never
    Policy Type
    Whole Life
    New Applicant Age Range
    50-80
    Coverage Limits
    $5,000-$30,000
    States Where Available
    All
    Builds Cash Value
    Yes
    Has Health Questions
    No
    2-Year Waiting Period
    Yes
    Medical Exam Required
    No
    Age When Policy Expires
    Never
    Prices Increase
    Never
    Policy Type
    Term Life
    New Applicant Age Range
    50-74
    Coverage Limits
    $10,000-$150,000
    States Where Available
    All
    Builds Cash Value
    No
    Has Health Questions
    Yes
    2-Year Waiting Period
    No
    Medical Exam Required
    No
    Age When Policy Expires
    80
    Prices Increase
    Every 5 years

    How Does AARP Final Expense Life Insurance Work?

    AARP final expense insurance from New York Life offers three types of policies: Term life, permanent whole life, and guaranteed acceptance whole life. All plans don’t require a medical exam, and the payout is always a tax-free cash benefit to your loved ones, which they can use for any purpose (not just funeral expenses).

    • Guaranteed issue: The guaranteed acceptance option is a whole life policy with no health questions. There is no underwriting, so you’re guaranteed approval regardless of any pre-existing conditions. Because there are no health questions, there’s a two-year waiting period before you’re insured for natural causes of death. Any non-accidental death during the first two years will only result in a refund of your premiums. The premiums will not increase over time, and the coverage lasts your entire life.
    • Permanent whole life: This whole life policy is permanent life insurance with a fixed premium. To qualify, you must complete a health questionnaire. If you’re approved, there is no waiting period. There’s also an option (for an additional cost) to buy this policy with “living benefits” that would allow you to access up to 50% of the death benefit if you develop a chronic illness for at least 90 days. Because it’s whole life insurance, the premium and death benefit will never change. Also, the coverage lasts forever.
    • Term life: Term life insurance is the most common type of policy AARP promotes. The price increases every five years, and when you reach age 80, the policy ends, and you don’t receive a refund of your premium. Eligibility is based on your past health conditions. There is a guaranteed exchange provision that allows you (at any time) to change the policy from term to whole life coverage.

     

    How Much Does AARP Burial Insurance Cost?

    The cost of an AARP burial insurance policy can range from $12 per month to $500 per month. AARP life insurance rates are determined by factors such as age, gender, coverage amount, state of residence, policy type, and health history.

    Age & Gender$10,000$25,000
    Female age 50$33$79
    Male age 50$44$109
    Female age 55$38$93
    Male age 55$50$124
    Female age 60$44$109
    Male age 60$60$148
    Female age 65$52$127
    Male age 65$70$172
    Female age 70$64$159
    Male age 70$84$208
    Female age 75$88$131
    Male age 75$111$276
    Female age 80$112$278
    Male age 80$144$358
    Source for monthly prices: Choice Mutual quote calculator. Data retrieved on 03/09/2026.
    Age & Gender$10,000$25,000
    Female age 50$24$55
    Male age 50$33$77
    Female age 55$30$68
    Male age 55$42$99
    Female age 60$36$83
    Male age 60$50$118
    Female age 65$47$109
    Male age 65$62$150
    Female age 70$62$148
    Male age 70$81$196
    Female age 75$79$193
    Male age 75$100$246
    Female age 80$92$225
    Male age 80$122$301
    Source for monthly prices: Choice Mutual quote calculator. Data retrieved on 03/09/2026.
    Age Bracket & Gender$10,000$25,000
    Female 50-54$11$18
    Male 50-54$14$26
    Female 55-59$13$22
    Male 55-59$18$36
    Female 60-64$17$32
    Male 60-64$24$50
    Female 65-69$21$44
    Male 65-69$31$67
    Female 70-74$33$74
    Male 70-74$42$95
    The monthly price increases every time you enter a new age bracket.
    Source for monthly prices: Choice Mutual quote calculator. Data retrieved on 03/09/2026.

     

    AARP prices compared to 10 competitors for a $10,000 policy

    50
    5055606570758085
    AARP
    24.00
    Transamerica
    24.23
    Mutual of Omaha
    24.31
    Foresters Financial
    26.05
    Aflac
    26.98
    TruStage
    27.00
    Aetna
    27.30
    Physicians Mutual
    34.50
    State Farm
    34.82
    Colonial Penn
    49.75
    $0

    Source for monthly prices: Choice Mutual Quote Calculator. Rates are for a whole life policy calculated at a non-tobacco rating and are valid as of 03/09/2026.

     

    How Does AARP Final Expense Insurance Stack Up vs Other Insurance Providers?

    While AARP is undoubtedly better than companies like Globe Life or Colonial Penn, they are usually beaten (in terms of value) by most final expense insurance companies.

    0.75/5
    Overall Score

    Choice Mutual’s ratings are determined by a review formula that weights the following four factors to determine a score between 0 and 5:

    FactorScore Value
    Price of Coverage
    40%
    No-Waiting-Period CoverageNo Waiting Period
    20%
    Financial Strength
    20%
    NAIC Complaint Index
    20%
    Overall Maximum
    100%

    Our ratings are tested with scoring model 1.1, a review formula that ensures consistency and accuracy in our assessments.

    0.75/5
    • $10K Policy Cost$79.60/month*
    • New Applicant Ages50-85 (50-75 in NY)
    • Death Benefit Options1-25 Units
    • 2-Year Waiting PeriodYes
    See PricesRead Colonial Penn review
    *Policy costs are for a 65 y.o. female non-tobacco user
    4.75/5
    Overall Score

    Choice Mutual’s ratings are determined by a review formula that weights the following four factors to determine a score between 0 and 5:

    FactorScore Value
    Price of Coverage
    40%
    No-Waiting-Period CoverageNo Waiting Period
    20%
    Financial Strength
    20%
    NAIC Complaint Index
    20%
    Overall Maximum
    100%

    Our ratings are tested with scoring model 1.1, a review formula that ensures consistency and accuracy in our assessments.

    4.75/5
    • $10K Policy Cost$41.01/month*
    • New Applicant Ages45-85
    • Death Benefit Options$2,000-$50,000
    • 2-Year Waiting PeriodNo
    See PricesRead Mutual of Omaha review
    *Policy costs are for a 65 y.o. female non-tobacco user
    3.25/5
    Overall Score

    Choice Mutual’s ratings are determined by a review formula that weights the following four factors to determine a score between 0 and 5:

    FactorScore Value
    Price of Coverage
    40%
    No-Waiting-Period CoverageNo Waiting Period
    20%
    Financial Strength
    20%
    NAIC Complaint Index
    20%
    Overall Maximum
    100%

    Our ratings are tested with scoring model 1.1, a review formula that ensures consistency and accuracy in our assessments.

    3.25/5
    • $10K Policy Cost$43.99/month*
    • New Applicant Ages45-80
    • Death Benefit Options$2,000-$50,000
    • 2-Year Waiting PeriodNo
    See PricesRead Aflac review
    *Policy costs are for a 65 y.o. female non-tobacco user

    How we review & rate insurance companies

     

    Remember that the best burial insurance companies are typically available only through independent insurance agencies rather than being sold directly by the insurer.

    Independent insurance agents, also known as “brokers,” compare policies from multiple burial insurance companies for their clients to find the best possible deal.

    Dealing directly with insurers like New York Life, Colonial Penn, or TruStage typically results in higher prices (and often a waiting period).

    If you’re looking for burial insurance or life insurance for any reason, it’s advisable to find a reputable independent broker. Tell them what you’re looking for so they can find you the best policy.

     

    The Application Process

    To apply for an AARP final expense policy, you have a few options:

    1. Fill out the application online directly on the New York Life AARP website. You will have to enter all your personal information, such as name, DOB, SSN, address, beneficiary names, and payment details. In addition, you will answer the health questions and sign (digitally) various authorizations.
    2. Call them at (800) 247-2055. One of their agents will read you authorizations, ask the health questions, and gather all your information.
    3. Request a paper application to fill out, sign, and return to them.

    If your application is approved, expect a paper policy in the mail within a few weeks, and your coverage will begin on whichever day your first payment is set to process.

     

    How To File A Claim

    The easiest way to file a death claim on an AARP burial policy is to submit it online. Per their website, they state the process is as follows:

    1. Complete the notification of death form
    2. Wait for review (up to 7-10 business days)
    3. Provide documentation (such as a death certificate)
    4. Complete claims packet
    5. Confirmation

    Alternatively, you can call them at 1-800-695-5165, where an agent will walk you through the process.

     

    Frequently Asked Questions

    AARP membership does not automatically include a benefit that covers end-of-life expenses. However, AARP does sell life insurance options that can cover cremation and burial costs. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the average cost of a funeral is $8,300. A final expense policy from AARP can offset funeral and other final expenses.

    Only the AARP guaranteed acceptance whole life insurance policy has a waiting period. If you die during the first two years, your loved ones will only receive 110% of the premiums you’ve paid. If you buy a simplified issue AARP policy, there is no waiting period (if approved) because your eligibility is based on your past and current health status.

    AARP offers what they call a “term rider protect plus” that you can add on to an existing policy. It’s term life coverage that increases every 5 years and expires at age 80. To qualify, you’ll need to answer health questions.

    All AARP life policies can be used as cremation insurance. AARP life insurance policies pay out a tax-free cash benefit to your beneficiaries, which can be used to pay for cremation or other final expenses.

    AARP offers members access to exclusive insurance policies, product discounts, and other benefits, but it does not assist with funerals, help pay for them, or with preplanning. At best, AARP can sell you life insurance plans, which do provide peace of mind knowing the policy can be used to pay for cremation costs or burial expenses.

    Only AARP term policies increase in cost every five years. On the other hand, AARP’s whole life insurance coverage has a fixed price for your entire life.

    Our Insurance Review Methodology

    Every company we review has an overall score that illustrates how well it stands out in the market relative to its competitors. These scores are not subjective. Instead, we utilize a defined 5-star scoring system that applies a weighted average of particular factors, all of which are outlined below and on our review methodology page.

    Factor #1
    Price of Coverage
    40%
    Price of Coverage
    20%
    No-Waiting-Period
    Coverage
    20%
    Financial
    Strength
    20%
    NAIC
    Complaint Index

    We measure the price of a company’s most popular they promote relative to its competitors. The closeness of their cost to other companies determines the final score. Read a full breakdown of the price of coverage factor on our review methodology page.

    Factor #2
    No-Waiting-Period
    Coverage
    40%
    Price of Coverage
    20%
    No-Waiting-Period
    Coverage
    20%
    Financial
    Strength
    20%
    NAIC
    Complaint Index

    This factor assesses whether a company offers immediate coverage and, if so, how difficult it is to qualify for it. Read a full breakdown of the no waiting period coverage factor on our review methodology page.

    Factor #3
    Financial
    Strength
    40%
    Price of Coverage
    20%
    No-Waiting-Period
    Coverage
    20%
    Financial
    Strength
    20%
    NAIC
    Complaint Index

    A company’s financial strength is based on its rating with A.M. Best. Read a full breakdown of the financial strength factor on our review methodology page.

    Factor #4
    NAIC
    Complaint Index
    40%
    Price of Coverage
    20%
    No-Waiting-Period
    Coverage
    20%
    Financial
    Strength
    20%
    NAIC
    Complaint Index

    The National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ complaint index measures an insurer’s frequency of consumer complaints compared to the rest of the market. The score the insurer receives is based on how it stacks up to the median score of other insurers. Read a full breakdown of the NAIC complaint index factor on our review methodology page.

    Why trust Choice Mutual?

    When we review products, our findings are unbiased and free of any influence from partnerships or methods of compensation. All findings, good or bad, are solely the derivative of our objective analysis of any given product or company.

    As noted on our review methodology page, our researchers evaluate the financial stability of the insurer, policy costs, product limitations, state availability, customer satisfaction, waiting periods (if applicable), and other relevant factors. We aggregate all this cumulative data to develop objective overall scores based on pre-defined weighted factors.

    In addition, a qualified expert who is well-qualified to speak on the matter will provide opinion-based feedback about the company or product being reviewed.

    For over a decade, Choice Mutual has been an insurance agency specializing in final expense life insurance. Our expertise in this type of insurance is well-documented in numerous authoritative publications, some of which are listed below:

    The Washington Post logoThe Washington Post logo
    MarketWatch LogoMarketWatch Logo
    AP LogoAP Logo
    CNN LogoCNN Logo
    New York Post LogoNew York Post Logo
    Fortune LogoFortune Logo
    Forbes LogoForbes Logo
    Usa Today LogoUsa Today Logo
    Bloomberg LogoBloomberg Logo
    Bankrate logoBankrate logo

    Choice Mutual’s mission is to provide consumers with unbiased expert commentary and explanations of the topics being discussed. We want our readers to be armed with information and tools that cannot be found anywhere else on the internet, so they can truly make an informed decision.

    All content on this website is written by Anthony Martin, who is a licensed life insurance agent with over a decade of expertise in this industry and has been quoted as an expert source hundreds of times by many reputable news outlets.

    Per our editorial guidelines, we have never, and will never, use artificial intelligence to create our content. Every word printed on this website is produced and curated 100% by human beings who have firsthand experience with the subject matter.

    Anthony Martin
    Anthony Martin
    Choice Mutual CEO & Writer
    Author
    • Nationally licensed life insurance agent with over 16 years of experience.
    • Personal annual production that puts him in the top .001% out of all life insurance agents in the nation.

    Anthony Martin is a nationally licensed insurance expert with over 16 years of experience and has personally served over 10,000 clients with their life insurance needs. He frequently authors entrepreneurial and life insurance content for Forbes, Inc.com, Newsweek, Kiplinger, and Entreprenuer.com. Anthony has been consulted as an expert life insurance source for dozens of high-profile websites such as Forbes, Bankrate, Reuters, Fox Business, CNBC, Investopedia, Insurance.com, Yahoo Finance, and many more.

    Jeff Root
    Jeff Root
    Life Insurance Expert, Choice Mutual Fact Checker
    Editor
    • Nationally licensed life insurance agent with over 20 years of experience
    • Best selling Amazon author.

    Jeff Root is a nationally licensed life insurance expert with over 20 years of experience. He has personally helped over 3000 clients with their life insurance needs. Jeff is a best-selling Amazon author and the managing partner of a highly successful insurance brokerage that manages over 2,500 licensed insurance agents across the USA. He has been a featured life insurance source for prestigious websites such as Forbes, Bloomberg, MarketWatch, Nerdwallet, and many more.

    David Duford
    David Duford
    Life Insurance Expert, Choice Mutual Fact Checker
    Editor
    • Nationally licensed life insurance agent with over 15 years of experience
    • Best selling Amazon author of five insurance sales books.

    David Duford is a nationally licensed insurance expert with over 15 years of experience. He has personally helped more than 15,000 clients buy life insurance. David has been featured as an expert source for highly authoritative publications such as A.M. Best and Insurancenewsnet. He also runs one of the largest Youtube channels to help aspiring insurance agents serve their clients better.

    Jeff Root
    Jeff Root
    Life Insurance Expert, Choice Mutual Fact Checker
    Editor
    • Nationally licensed life insurance agent with over 20 years of experience
    • Best selling Amazon author.

    Jeff Root is a nationally licensed life insurance expert with over 20 years of experience. He has personally helped over 3000 clients with their life insurance needs. Jeff is a best-selling Amazon author and the managing partner of a highly successful insurance brokerage that manages over 2,500 licensed insurance agents across the USA. He has been a featured life insurance source for prestigious websites such as Forbes, Bloomberg, MarketWatch, Nerdwallet, and many more.

    David Duford
    David Duford
    Life Insurance Expert, Choice Mutual Fact Checker
    Editor
    • Nationally licensed life insurance agent with over 15 years of experience
    • Best selling Amazon author of five insurance sales books.

    David Duford is a nationally licensed insurance expert with over 15 years of experience. He has personally helped more than 15,000 clients buy life insurance. David has been featured as an expert source for highly authoritative publications such as A.M. Best and Insurancenewsnet. He also runs one of the largest Youtube channels to help aspiring insurance agents serve their clients better.

    Choice Mutual often cites third-party websites to provide context and verification for specific claims made in our work. We only link to authoritative websites that provide accurate information. You can learn more about our editorial standards, which guide our mission of delivering factual and impartial content.

    1. guaranteed acceptance option. https://www.nylaarp.com/life-insurance/guaranteed-life
    2. whole life policy. https://www.nylaarp.com/life-insurance/permanent
    3. living benefits. https://www.nylaarp.com/life-insurance/permanent-living-benefits
    4. Term life insurance. https://www.nylaarp.com/life-insurance/term/protection
    5. National Funeral Directors Association. https://nfda.org/news/media-center/nfda-news-releases/id/8134/2023-nfda-general-price-list-study-shows-inflation-increasing-faster-than-the-cost-of-a-funeral
    6. Moody's. https://www.moodys.com/research/null-Moodys-affirms-Aaa-ratings-of-Northwestern-Mutual-and-New-York-Rating-Action--PR_1000008574#RATINGS-RATIONALE
    7. S&P Global. https://www.newyorklife.com/newsroom/Company-strength-ratings-affirmed-2023
    8. BBB. https://www.bbb.org/us/ny/new-york/profile/insurance-companies/new-york-life-insurance-company-0121-349
    9. Trustpilot. https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.newyorklife.com
    10. Yelp. https://www.yelp.com/biz/new-york-life-insurance-company-new-york-2
    11. BBB Score & Accreditation. https://www.bbb.org/us/ny/new-york/profile/insurance-companies/new-york-life-insurance-company-0121-349
    12. A.M. Best. https://ratings.ambest.com/CompanyProfile.aspx?ambnum=6820&AltNum=17026820
    13. Google. https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&sca_esv=193f1ef4569f6575&sca_upv=1&q=New+York+Life+Insurance+Company&ludocid=11889585487692568853&lsig=AB86z5V1SwFA1nblUCqKyU6DWO4G&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjIj8qA3vyGAxXHATQIHSpwC4YQoAJ6BAglEAw&biw=1920&bih=878&dpr=1#lrd=0x89c258e913690e0f:0xa5004b01e08e1915,1,,,,
    14. NAIC Complaint Index. https://content.naic.org/cis_refined_results.htm?TABLEAU=CIS_COMPLAINTS&COCODE=91596&REALM=PROD&COCODE=91596&REALM=PROD
    15. guaranteed exchange provision. https://www.nylaarp.com/life-insurance/exchange
    16. New York Life AARP website. https://www.nylaarp.com/life-insurance
    17. their website. https://www.nylaarp.com/claims
    18. term rider protect plus. https://www.nylaarp.com/life-insurance/term-rider
    Article Published
    9 years ago
    Article History Added
    10 months ago
    History feature implemented
    major Update
    Article date updated
    8 months ago
    Added a new banner image, cost comparison tool, and updated the sample prices and all written content.
    major Update
    Article date updated
    Today
    Implemented dark mode and changed the table of contents layout.