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Published: Mar 01, 2024 37 min read

Best Long-Term Care Insurance Takeaways

Our top picks include Mutual of Omaha, New York Life and GoldenCare.

  • Long-term care insurance shields your assets from extended care expenses.
  • Two main LTC insurance options are traditional and hybrid policies.
  • Only about nine insurers offer traditional LTC insurance plans.
  • More companies now offer hybrid policies, which are more expensive.
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  • Brokers with decades of experience
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  • Eligibility: ages 45-79, $100k+ net worth, in good health

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  • 10 insurers reviewed
  • 6 categories scored
  • 25 authoritative sources consulted

Our Top Picks for the Best Long-Term Care Insurance Companies

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Best Long-Term Care Insurance Reviews


Issue Ages

 40-75 (as of last birthday)

Benefit Amount

$2,500 to $20,833 per month

Benefit Period

2-7 years

Elimination Period

90 calendar days

Why we chose it: We chose Nationwide as the best long-term care insurer for policy customization because its CareMatters® II plan is one of the best hybrid policies available. Its numerous terms and customizable design make it stand out from its competitors.

Pros
  • Offers universal and variable universal life insurance policies with an LTC rider
  • Provides inflation protection riders and flexible payment schedules
  • Hybrid policies pay cash benefits
  • Unlicensed caregivers permitted
Cons
  • No stand-alone long-term care policies
  • Policy with shared pool of benefits not available in NY or CA
  • LTC rider isn't available in Montana or U.S. territories

CareMatters® II is a flexible hybrid policy tied to a fixed-premium universal life insurance plan that will pay out a guaranteed minimum death benefit — even if you receive long-term care. Unlike other LTC policies, which require you to pay out of pocket and submit a claim for reimbursement, CareMatters® II pays cash benefits, so you can avoid all the monthly paperwork.

Couples looking for long-term care coverage can opt for Nationwide’s CareMatters Together℠, which offers a shared pool of benefits that can be used by either partner. For example, if a couple buys a policy with six years of shared benefits and one spouse needs care for one year, the other spouse would still have five years of coverage remaining.

Regardless of which of these products you choose, you have the option of funding the policy through a one-time payment or monthly or annual payment for five years, 10 years or up to a specified age. Benefit period options range from two to seven years. Nationwide also offers an LTC rider that can be added to some of its life insurance policies.

Nationwide is one of the largest insurers in the United States and was ranked second best for customer satisfaction in J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Life Insurance Study. It also has a low complaint index with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

Read Nationwide Long-term Care Insurance Review


Issue Ages

25-79 for traditional policies; 30-79 (75 in NY) for Asset Flex

Benefit Amount

$1,500-$10,000 per month

Benefit Period

2-5 years

Elimination Period

0, 30, 60, 90, 180 or 365 calendar days

Why we chose it: Mutual of Omaha is our choice for the best long-term care insurer for stand-alone LTC policies because it's one of just six companies currently offering stand-alone long-term care plans. Moreover, its higher-tiered policy is highly customizable and even allows policyholders to choose between cash benefits and reimbursement.

Pros
  • Offers three types of discounts to policyholders
  • LTC policies include care coordination services
  • Option to change your preferred benefit payment method
  • Several optional benefits available, including return of premium and inflation protection
Cons
  • Couples discount is only available if married or living together for 3 years
  • Premiums are likely to increase over time

Mutual of Omaha offers two stand-alone long-term care plans, MutualCare Custom Solution and MutualCare Secure Solution. These include:

  • Monthly benefits from $1,500 to $10,000
  • Home care benefits like caregiver training, durable medical equipment, home modification and more
  • International benefits for up to 12 months
  • Alternate care benefit when the policyholder uses care coordination
  • Includes bed reservation benefit and covers hospice and respite care
  • Optional benefits such as inflation protection, return of premium, shared care, waiver of elimination period and nonforfeiture

While both policies are relatively similar, MutualCare Custom Solution allows for greater customization. For example, policyholders can choose whether to get cash benefits or opt for a reimbursement-based structure.

Mutual Care Secure Solution offers 24, 36, 48 or 60 months of coverage and elimination period options between 90, 180 and 365 calendar days. On the other hand, Mutual Care Custom Solution provides greater flexibility through a pool of dollars between $50,000 and $500,000 (in $500 increments) and even more elimination period options (0, 30, 60, 90, 180 or 365). Plus, survivorship and joint waiver of premium add-ons are only available with the custom plan.

Mutual of Omaha offers stackable discounts that could translate into considerable savings if you qualify for more than one. For example, if you qualify for the 15% insured couple's discount or the 5% discount for married customers, you could get an additional 15% off your policy for being in good health.

Mutual of Omaha also earns consistently high customer satisfaction ratings. It ranked third in J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Life Insurance Study and has a solid A+ financial strength rating from AM Best.

Read Mutual of Omaha Long-Term Care Insurance Review


Issue Ages

30-75

Benefit Amount

$1,500-$7,000 per month

Benefit Period

2, 3, 5 or 7 years

Elimination Period

90 calendar days (0 for home care under Asset Flex)

Why we chose it: We chose New York Life as the best long-term care insurance company for financial stability because it has superior financial strength ratings from AM Best (A++), Fitch (AAA), Moody’s (Aaa) and S&P (AA+). It also ranks above the industry average in J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Individual Life Insurance Study.

Pros
  • Some policies can cover 100% of care costs
  • Premiums on stand-alone policies are guaranteed for the first three years
  • Offers a return of premium on linked-benefit policies
  • New York Life Secure Care and New York Life My Care are eligible for dividends
Cons
  • Benefit period options and covered benefits may vary by state
  • No online quotes are available at this time
  • Asset Flex is not eligible for dividends

New York Life offers two stand-alone long-term care insurance options, New York Life My Care and New York Life Secure Care. Here's how they compare:

NYL My Care

NYL Secure Care


Coverage amounts

$1,500-$12,000 per month 

OR

$50,000-$500,000 per lifetime

$50-$400 per day

OR
$36,500-$1,022,000 per lifetime

Max reimbursement rate

80% of all eligible charges

100% up to the daily maximum ($400)

Benefit period options

Depend on the reimbursement rate and policy lifetime max — plus four pre-designed plans available

2, 3, 5 or 7

Waiting period 

None — a one-time deductible

90, 180 or 365 days

Deductible

$4,500 to $144,000

None
 

Dividend eligibility

Yes 

Yes

Discounts

Couples discount (up to 25%)

Couples discount (up to 25%)

Riders

Shared pool, inflation protection, nonforfeiture

Shared pool, inflation protection, nonforfeiture, partner's benefit, legacy benefit

Other features

Return of premium up to age 65, waiver of premium, international coverage, in-home support equipment coverage

Restoration of benefits, waiver of premium, international coverage, in-home support equipment coverage

New York Life My Care is structured to resemble a health insurance policy; it carries a one-time annual deductible and can reimburse policyholders for up to 80% of eligible LTC expenses. New York Life Secure Care, on the other hand, resembles traditional policies in that it features a waiting period as opposed to a deductible. It also includes return of premium and restoration of benefits features.

Lastly, Asset Flex is a linked benefit policy that offers up to $750,000 in life insurance and up to $1,750,000 in long-term care benefits. It features a 90-day elimination period that can be waived for home care if the policyholder creates a personalized care plan with a New York life specialist. Asset Flex policies are not eligible for dividend payments.

Inflation protection options are available on all three plans, as is a nonforfeiture benefit that allows policyholders to continue receiving a reduced benefit amount if they don't renew their policy after the third policy year. A couples discount is also available on all plans.

Read New York Life Long-Term Care Insurance Review


Issue Ages

18-79

Benefit Amount

$1,500 – $12,000 per month in $100 increments

Benefit Period

3 or 6 years

Elimination Period

6, 12, 25 or 52 weeks

Why we chose it: Northwestern Mutual is our pick as the best long-term care insurance company for couples because of its higher-than-average spousal discount of up to 30% if both partners are approved (10% if only one does). Companion relationships of two or more years also qualify — even if they're family — provided both partners are of the same generation and plan to continue living together in the future.

Pros
  • Generous spousal or companion discount of up to 30%
  • Waive premiums once you need care, even if you're not receiving benefits
  • LTC policies are “participating” policies eligible for dividends
  • Up to 20% of monthly benefit can go toward caregiver training
Cons
  • No online quotes available at this time
  • Only two benefit periods: three or six years
  • Covers care services rendered only by plan-approved providers

Northwestern Mutual's traditional LTC insurance policy, QuietCare, can be paired with a survivorship benefit rider that allows surviving partners to be exempt from future premium payments after the death of their spouse. To qualify, both spouses would have to be enrolled in a QuietCare policy with this rider. The plan's maximum monthly benefit can range from $1,500 to $12,000 in $100 increments. You can also choose between four elimination period options: six, 12, 25 or 52 weeks.

One major drawback of this policy is that it will only cover services offered by providers approved by the plan, and not all approved care providers are certified in every state. However, reinstating your QuietCare policy is easy. Lapsed policies can be reinstated within a year if past-due premiums are paid. For those with a cognitive impairment, reinstatement is possible within just five months.

Northwestern Mutual holds superior financial strength ratings from all major credit rating agencies. It also has a remarkably low complaint index for long-term care policies and ranks above the industry average in J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Individual Life Insurance Study.

Read Northwestern Mutual Long-Term Care Insurance Review


Issue Ages

Varies by company

Benefit Amount

Varies by company

Benefit Period

Varies by company

Elimination Period

Varies by company

Why we chose it: We chose GoldenCare as the best long-term care insurance option for comparing multiple providers because it partners with 18 well-known carriers to help match customers with companies that meet their needs. You can get multiple quotes in one place, and a Golden Care agent can guide you through the process.

Pros
  • Shop and compare multiple long-term care providers
  • Specializes in critical care, life and long-term care hybrid policies, life insurance and annuities
  • Partners with multiple LTC providers
Cons
  • No online long-term care insurance quotes
  • The company is an insurance broker, not a carrier

As an online insurance broker, GoldenCare partners with some of the most prominent long-term care insurance providers. The company currently works with 18 insurers (some of which are among our top picks), including Mutual of Omaha, Transamerica, Aetna, Thrivent, Securian Financial, OneAmerica and National Guardian Life Insurance Company.

GoldenCare matches clients with a long-term care specialist who will work on their care plan and recommend the insurer that best aligns with their situation. It also offers various insurance products for Medicare clients.

For those who don't qualify for long-term care insurance because of a pre-existing condition, GoldenCare offers critical illness insurance policies. These policies may cover loss of income, co-pays, rehabilitation, travel, lodging, home modifications and medical equipment such as wheelchairs and portable oxygen.

Read GoldenCare Long-Term Care Insurance Review

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A+ score, BBB-accredited

  • A+ score, BBB-accredited
  • Brokers with decades of experience
  • Many long term care provider partners
  • Comprehensive, affordable plans
  • Protects your assets with tax-free benefits
  • Eligibility: ages 45-79, $100k+ net worth, in good health

Other long-term care insurance companies we considered

While the following carriers didn’t make our list of top long-term care insurance companies, they offer LTC coverage and with attractive features.

OneAmerica (State Life Insurance Company)

Pros
  • Sells hybrid life insurance and annuity plans with LTC benefits
  • Policies underwritten by State Life Insurance Company
  • Get LTC benefits for a limited period or opt for guaranteed lifetime benefits
Cons
  • No stand-alone LTC policies are available
  • High complaint ratio
  • Low financial strength ratings

OneAmerica is a financial services and mutual insurance company specializing in life insurance and annuity products. It offers hybrid life insurance policies and annuity plans with LTC benefits. It didn't make our list because of its relatively high NAIC complaint ratio.

Read OneAmerica Long-Term Care Insurance Review


Brighthouse Financial

Pros
  • Guaranteed death benefit and terminal illness benefit
  • Cash indemnity plan pays out base benefit regardless of the actual expense amount
  • Coverage up to $1,000,000 or more
Cons
  • No stand-alone LTC policies are available
  • Low customer satisfaction ratings

Brighthouse Financial sells a universal life insurance policy called SmartCare that provides long-term care benefits through riders; it does not sell stand-alone LTC policies. Its limited selection of long-term care products, below-average customer satisfaction score and high NAIC complaint ratio disqualified it from our main list.


Lincoln Financial Long-Term Insurance

Pros
  • Benefits are available internationally
  • Two inflation protection options
  • Includes care coordination services
Cons
  • Product features and benefits may vary by state
  • Low J.D. Power score

Lincoln Financial offers two hybrid life and long-term care insurance policies with unusually high maximum issue ages (up to 80 years of age). However, the applicant must be in good health and meet other underwriting criteria, which may include income or asset requirements. Additionally, its score on the latest J.D. Power U.S. Life Insurance Study was ten points below the industry average.

Read Lincoln Financial Long-Term Care Insurance Review


Transamerica

Pros
  • Offers an LTC insurance rider for some of its universal life policies
  • Multiple riders available to customize its life insurance policies
Cons
  • No longer issues new long-term care insurance policies
  • LTC rider not available with all life insurance products
  • No online claims filing
  • Low J.D. Power Score

Transamerica is a financially stable insurer offering a great selection of life insurance policies and riders. However, its low J.D. Power score and high NAIC complaint ratio kept it out of our top picks. Moreover, it no longer issues long-term care insurance policies, and its LTC rider cannot be added to all of its life insurance products.

Read Transamerica Long-Term Care Insurance Review


California Long Term Care Insurance Services (CLTC)

Pros
  • Works with different carriers
  • Offers critical illness insurance, annuities and LTC riders
Cons
  • Plan information on the site is lacking
  • Not available in all states

California Long Term Care Insurance Services, also known as CLTC Insurance Services, is an independent insurance brokerage that specializes in selling long-term care insurance and related products in the state of California. Since CLTC’s services are limited to one state, it did not make our main list.


National Guardian Life (NGL)

Pros
  • Includes international benefits and emergency response system coverage
  • Couples can share a policy and premium
  • Offers inflation protection and two return of premium riders
  • Shared benefit rider allows access to a third pool of money
Cons
  • Low daily benefit amount ($50 to $300)
  • Only two benefit period options, unless you purchase a rider
  • Waiver of premium only available when comprehensive benefits are selected
  • Not rated by J.D. Power

National Guardian Life offers a traditional LTCi policy called EssentialLTC. It includes unique built-in benefits such as international coverage (30 days per calendar year) and coverage for caregiver training, respite care, bed reservations and emergency response systems. It also offers contingent benefits in the event of a policy lapse.

However, the plan's daily benefit maximums are comparatively low — between $50 and $300 — and prospective policyholders only get two benefit period options, two or three years, unless they purchase an extension rider. Policy details also suggest the option to waive premium payments while receiving benefits is only available with comprehensive plans.


Long-Term Care Insurance Guide

The following guide includes details about how long-term care insurance works, what it covers and how much it costs. Keep reading to find out more.

What is long-term care insurance?

Long-term care insurance provides reimbursement or full payment for the costs of extended care, whether it takes place in a long-term care facility or at home. You pay a monthly premium for coverage that begins if you're diagnosed with cognitive impairment or can’t perform two or more Activities of Daily Living (ADL), such as eating, dressing, walking and toileting (using the bathroom).

Is long-term care insurance worth it?

For those who can afford it, long-term care insurance can be worth it. It can help middle-income adults cover costly extended care services later in life. Having long-term care coverage can also help them protect their assets and avoid placing the responsibility of caregiving solely on their loved one's shoulders.

According to the Administration of Community Living (ACL), a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, most people over 65 will require long-term care sometime in their lives. This statistic is especially relevant to women, as they tend to outlive men by about five years and are more likely to require care for longer.

Long-term care insurance could be especially beneficial to those who:

  • Are in their early to mid-50s or early 60s
  • Are in relatively good health
  • Don't qualify for Medicaid or VA benefits
  • Don't have enough money to self-insure
  • Want to safeguard their assets and savings
  • Want to spare their loved ones the responsibility of caregiving

How does long-term care insurance work?

Long-term care insurance works similarly to health insurance in that you pay a lump sum or monthly premium and the policy will cover qualifying expenses once you require care. However, unlike most health insurance policies, LTC policies are intended to cover custodial or skilled nursing care for a year or more.

A healthcare provider must prescribe long-term care assistance for your insurance policy to cover the services.

Here are some points about how long-term care insurance works:

  • Coverage: It pays for assisted living or nursing facilities or in-home care.
  • Benefits: Benefits commence when you have a cognitive impairment or can't perform two or more of the six activities of daily living (ADL).
  • Disbursement: Companies pay benefits to cover the cost of long-term services either daily, weekly or monthly.
  • Premium: The cost of a policy depends on many factors, but average monthly premiums are $75 per month.

What LTC insurance covers

Again, long-term care insurance policies cover the following types of care:

  • Custodial care: Refers to assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing and eating. The caregiver doesn’t need to be licensed
  • Skilled nursing: Defined as care provided by a licensed medical professional such as a registered nurse (RN).

Despite popular belief, this care can take place in a variety of settings, whether that's an assisted living facility, nursing home or your own home.

Jesse Slome, Director of the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance, says "There are a lot of misconceptions about long-term care because it started as a product that primarily only paid for nursing home care, and that's the scariest proposition out there. But most people don't and won't need nursing home care, or they might for only a short period of time towards the very end."

He adds that the kind of care most of us will require is custodial care for things like getting up and about our own homes.

LTC policies may also cover specialized services, such as:

  • Hospice care
  • Respite care
  • Alzheimer's and dementia care
  • Family member training, medical equipment and home modifications

Keep in mind that your policy may include restrictions on how long you can be covered for these specialized services or set limits on how much of your benefit can go toward them. Nevertheless, some insurers may allow exceptions in extraordinary circumstances (such as a global pandemic).

What LTC insurance doesn't cover

While long-term care insurance covers the cost of nursing and custodial care provided in a variety of settings, policies have some notable exclusions. These may vary by policy but generally include:

  • Treatment of mental illnesses, not including Alzheimer's Disease or senile dementia
  • Self-inflicted injuries or conditions resulting from alcoholism or drug addiction
  • Care in government nursing facilities
  • Coverage outside the U.S. — yet some policies offer international benefits for a limited time, typically 12 months
  • Extended care provided by family members, except in extraordinary circumstances

How much is long-term care insurance?

The cost of long-term care insurance will depend on your age, health status, the type of coverage you need and whether you buy a policy with level benefits or inflation protection.

According to the 2023 Long-Term Care Insurance Price Index published by the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance (AALTCI), the monthly premium for a policy with $165,000 in level benefits could range between $75 and $225.

Policyholders who want their long-term care insurance benefits to grow annually and keep up with inflation should expect to pay twice as much.

Annual long-term care Insurance costs

Issue Age

$165,000 in level benefits

With 1% yearly increase

With 2% yearly increase

With 3% yearly increase

Wtih 5% yearly increase

55-year-old male

$900

$1,295

$ 1,650

 $2,100

$3,500

55-year-old female

$1,500

$2,100

$2,725

$3,600

$6,200

55-year-old couple

$2,080 (combined)

$3,000 (combined)

$3,870 (combined)

$5,025 (combined)

$8,575 (combined)

60-year-old male

$1,200

$1,200

$2,060

$2,060

$3,820

60-year-old female

$1,960

$2,650

$3,325

$4,450

$6,800

60-year-old couple

$2,550 (combined)

$3,425 (combined)

$4,425 (combined)

$5,670 (combined)

$8,550 (combined)

The age at which you apply for coverage is crucial in determining policy costs. A single man purchasing a plan with $165,000 in level benefits could expect to pay $900 annually at age 55. At age 65, he could expect to pay $1,700 per year for the same policy. That’s a whopping 89% premium increase.

Your age will also affect your eligibility. As you get older, your chances of qualifying for coverage decrease. And if you already require assistance with activities of daily living, have dementia or a chronic or critical illness, your application will likely be denied.

Applicant age group

Percentage of applications denied

40 to 49
 

12.4%
 

50 to 59
 

20.4%
 

60 to 64
 

30.2%
 

65 to 65

47.2%

Average costs of long-term care services

Long-term care costs increase annually. National Health Expenditure Data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reveals the average cost of assisted living facilities is projected to grow at a rate of 4.7% annually until 2030. Home health care costs are expected to increase at an even higher rate — 7% each year, on average.

This chart shows the average annual costs of typical long-term care options:

Long-term care service

Average annual cost

Increase since 2020

Homemaker services

$59,488
 

10.64%
 

Home health aide
 

$61,766
 

12.50%
 

Adult day care center

$20,280
 

5.41%
 

Assisted living facility
 

$54,000
 

4.65%
 

Semi-private room in a nursing home
 

$94,000
 

1.96%
 

Private room in a nursing home

$108,405

2.41%

Factors that affect the cost of long-term care insurance

  • Age and health: While some insurers offer policies to individuals up to age 79, the reality is that your odds of approval decrease as you age and develop health conditions. Purchasing a policy in your late 40s or mid-50s can also help you secure a lower rate.
  • Gender: Statistics reveal women tend to outlive men by about five years, on average. This means women have a higher likelihood of requiring extended care in their later years. Because of this, they also pay more than men for long-term care insurance.
  • Marital status: Most insurers offer couples discounts and shared benefits to spouses who purchase long-term care insurance together.
  • Insurance company: Since insurers assess risk differently, premiums for similar LTC insurance policies can vary considerably between companies. Discounts, optional riders and other perks also vary by company.
  • Elimination period: Most LTC insurance policies have a waiting or elimination period, which is the time between when you require care and when the policy starts paying benefits. Opting for a shorter elimination period means you can start receiving benefits faster, but you'll likely pay higher premiums.
  • Benefit amount: Your policy's benefit amount is the most your plan will pay toward your long-term care expenses. The higher your policy's maximum benefit, the higher your premium.
  • Optional add-ons: Optional add-ons or riders can significantly increase the cost of your policy. However, benefits like inflation protection may be highly beneficial if you want your benefit to keep up with the rising costs of care.

Types of long-term care insurance

There are two main kinds of LTC insurance policies: stand-alone and hybrid. Understanding the differences between these policies can help you make the right decisions for you and your loved ones.

Traditional long-term care insurance policies

Traditional long-term care insurance policies, also known as stand-alone policies, generally provide a daily, weekly or monthly benefit amount paid out during a predetermined benefit period (typically two to five years). The policy disburses the benefits after an elimination period ranging from 0 to 365 calendar days, depending on the plan.

Most insurers offer riders you can add to your LTC policy to increase or modify coverage. For example, a popular rider for long-term care coverage is inflation protection, which keeps your benefit from losing value as the cost of living increases.

Hybrid long-term care insurance policies

Hybrid long-term care policies, also known as linked-benefit policies, typically combine two types of coverage: a life insurance policy or a qualifying annuity and a long-term care rider.

The advantages of a hybrid or linked-benefit policy include:

  • A guaranteed death benefit amount that goes to your beneficiaries, regardless of whether you use long-term care benefits.
  • Premium payments that are guaranteed to remain the same over the life of the policy.
  • Potentially less stringent underwriting and lower pricing for women (a medical exam is still required, though).
  • Surrender clauses that let you access the cash value the policy has accumulated over time.
  • The possibility of being refunded a portion of the premiums you paid — if you purchased a return of premium rider.

But hybrid long-term care insurance policies also have drawbacks, at least for some. Premiums for hybrid policies can be much higher than for stand-alone LTC insurance, and you may not need life insurance coverage at all.

According to Slome, "a traditional long-term care insurance policy is always going to get you the most financial bang for your buck because it's only doing one thing. People like [the hybrid policy], or they like the concept, because they're being told 'If you don't use this policy, you get a death benefit.' Well, the question you have to ask yourself is, 'Do I want or need a death benefit 15-20 years from now?' because you're not getting it for free."

Ultimately, the choice to purchase a stand-alone policy or a hybrid one will depend on your personal and financial goals. An insurance agent can guide you toward the best life insurance option for your long-term care needs.

Pros and cons of long-term care insurance

Pros
  • Protect your assets and savings against the high costs of long-term care
  • Most policies allow for flexibility in care options
  • Provide peace of mind knowing you'll be cared for later in life
Cons
  • Premiums are generally high
  • Some policies have "use it or lose it" benefits
  • All policies have exclusions and limitations

How to choose the best long-term care insurance

The best long-term care insurance policy for you will depend on your needs and priorities. With that in mind, make sure your long-term care preferences are well-defined and you have shared your concerns and wishes with loved ones before starting your search.

Once you've defined your needs, shop around and compare policies from at least three insurance companies to get the best price for the type of coverage you want. If you want to save time, a broker like GoldenCare could do some of the legwork for you.

When comparing policies, consider the following:

  • Coverage amount: Most long-term care insurance policies have daily benefit maximums as well as lifetime maximums. Consider how much coverage you would need to pay for the type of care you want to receive. A higher coverage amount will mean a higher premium.
  • Benefit triggers: Each policy will specify the conditions that must be met before the policy starts paying benefits. Most require a medical professional to certify the insured is unable to perform two or three activities of daily living (ADL) for coverage to kick in.
  • Benefit period: The benefit period is the length of time your policy will pay out. According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), the benefit period can range from two years to a lifetime. Opting for a longer benefit period will increase your premium.
  • Covered care settings: Read the coverage details carefully to determine whether the policy will pay out the same benefit amount regardless of where care takes place. The III states some policies may pay out half as much per day if the policyholder elects in-home care.
  • Waiting or elimination period: How long must you wait before your policy begins to pay benefits? The longer the waiting period, the higher your out-of-pocket expenses. Yet a policy with a shorter waiting period will generally cost more.
  • Reimbursement or indemnity model: Both indemnity- and reimbursement-based policies have their benefits. Under an indemnity policy, if your costs of care are less than your maximum benefit amount, you can use the difference in whatever way you see fit. Under a reimbursement model, spending less than the allotted monthly benefit amount could help you extend your benefit period. It could also ensure the benefit is used for your care if you develop a cognitive impairment and can't manage your finances without assistance.
  • Inflation growth option: Inflation protection riders allow your benefit to compound at a fixed percentage year-over-year to keep up with rising costs of care. Adding this and other riders to your policy will increase its cost.

Alternatives to long-term care insurance

If private insurance isn’t the right solution for you, there are a few other long-term care alternatives available.

Medicare

Medicare does not cover extended nursing home stays. The program covers costs related to illnesses and injuries and will help pay for up to 100 days of rehabilitation or skilled nursing care after a major health issue, based on a doctor’s recommendation.

Medicaid

As a joint federal and state public insurance program for low-income Americans, Medicaid is the largest public payer of long-term care services. Eligibility for the program is strictly needs-based. If you didn't qualify for it in the past, you may qualify now or in the future if you spend a significant portion of your assets paying for care. Contact your state’s Medicaid office for more information on eligibility.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

The VA offers a Veterans Aid & Attendance Pensions Benefit, which provides qualified veterans and surviving spouses an additional monthly amount on top of their pension if they are housebound or require help with ADLs. The benefit is tax-free and can be used for in-home, assisted living or nursing home care.

To qualify, the veteran must receive a VA pension and meet at least one of the following requirements:

  • Need help in performing daily living activities
  • Be bedridden due to an illness
  • Receive services at a nursing home due to a disability
  • Have limited eyesight even with glasses or contact lenses

Life insurance with accelerated death benefits

Adding an accelerated death benefit (ADB) rider to your life insurance policy allows you to access a portion — typically up to 50% — of the death benefit while you are living. Whatever you receive will be subtracted from the money disbursed to your beneficiaries upon your death, but you can use those funds to cover the cost of long-term care services. To qualify for benefits under an ADB, you must be diagnosed with a chronic or terminal illness.

Using an ADB to cover long-term care costs has advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, any unused funds will go to your beneficiaries. The drawbacks are that the payout is usually lower than you would receive from a dedicated long-term care insurance policy and it could impact your Medicaid eligibility.

Savings

People with plenty of money saved for retirement can likely cover long-term care costs without help. That said, outliving their savings can be one of the biggest risks people face in retirement.

According to Jay Zigmont, Ph.D., CFP® and Founder of Childfree Wealth, "In general, if you have $3 million or more in net worth you may want to consider self-insuring." Otherwise, you may not have enough to cover the costs of care by the time you require it.

Of course, the best way to save for retirement is to invest. "The challenge is that you need to set aside money just for long-term care and keep in mind tax considerations. Long-term care is increasing by 5% each year on average, so you need to ensure any money you invest at least keeps up with that rate," says Zigmond.

One tool that can help you maximize your savings is a health savings account (HSA). If you pay for care using this account, you don't have to pay taxes on the medical expenses associated with long-term care.

Short-Term Care Insurance

Short-term care insurance provides coverage for a limited period of time, often a year or less. And since most insurers offer a no-elimination-period option, you can start receiving benefits right away.

According to Slome, "[short-term care insurance] is an ideal product for several categories of people. First, people who are too old to qualify. Second, people who have health issues, since short-term care policies are generally easier to qualify for. They're also less expensive because they pay benefits for up to a year, which is all the care that most people are going to need," says Slome.

But there's a specific demographic that could benefit the most from short-term care policies: single women. Premiums for long-term care insurance are influenced by the applicant's sex, so women pay more for equal amounts of insurance than men. However, with short-term care policies, women basically pay the same as men even though they account for 60% of all claims.

If you're interested in this type of product, GoldenCare partners with insurers that offer short-term care coverage.

More About Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-Term Care Insurance FAQs

How much does long-term care insurance cost?

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According to 2023 cost averages, a $165,000 level-benefit policy would cost between $900 and $2,700 per year. However, the actual cost of long-term care insurance will depend on several factors, including the policyholder's age and health when they purchased the policy, the daily benefit amount, the length of the benefit period and any optional benefits selected.

What is hybrid long-term care insurance?

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Hybrid long-term care insurance is a type of insurance policy that combines permanent life insurance coverage or a qualifying annuity with a long-term care rider. Premiums are fixed throughout the life of the policy, but tend to be pricier than standalone long-term care insurance.

When should you buy long-term care insurance?

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The American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance (AALTCI) recommends you apply for long-term care insurance coverage in your mid-50s. This should improve your chances of qualifying for a policy and securing a good rate. As you age, you are less likely to qualify for health discounts and your policy application is more likely to get turned down.

Is long-term care insurance worth it?

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If you're concerned about who will care for you in your old age or fear becoming a financial burden to your loved ones, long-term care insurance can be well worth it. A healthy 55-year-old can expect to pay between $75 and $516 per month on a traditional policy, while the national average cost of care can range from $1,690 to over $9,000 per month, depending on the type and level of care you require.

What are long-term care insurance state partnership plans?

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The Long Term Care Partnership Program is an initiative between the state governments of California, Connecticut, Indiana and New York and private insurers that aims to promote the purchase of private long-term care insurance policies. It also offers policyholders a way to protect their assets so they don't have to spend down their savings to qualify for Medicare.

You see, to be eligible for Medicaid, you must meet the income and asset limits determined by your state. If you exceed those limits, you must spend down your assets to qualify for Medicare. But if you purchase a partnership-qualified policy, you get dollar-for-dollar asset protection. So, for every dollar you spend on long-term care coverage, you get to protect a dollar of your assets from that spend-down requirement.

Who needs long-term care insurance?

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Experts agree that long-term care insurance can be most beneficial for middle-income individuals who don't have enough savings and assets to self-insure but wouldn't qualify for government assistance (Medicaid) in their state. Those who can comfortably afford monthly long-term care insurance premiums and want to protect their retirement income from being depleted by potential long-term care costs should consider this type of policy.

How We Chose The Best Long-term Care Insurance Companies

To find the best long-term care (LTC) insurance companies in the industry, we extensively researched LTC products and their features, benefits and costs. With a clear understanding of the different types of policies available, we evaluated insurers based on the following criteria.

Customer satisfaction

Customer satisfaction scores provide valuable insight into how clients perceive a company's services. To select the best long-term care insurers, we carefully considered the results of the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Individual Life Insurance Study.

With the exception of Golden Care, a broker that offers the convenience of working with different carriers, all of our top picks have above-average customer satisfaction ratings based on J.D. Power's latest findings.

Financial strength

In the U.S., insurance guaranty associations protect policyholders if an insurance company becomes insolvent by managing claims and transferring policies to financially stable carriers. Despite this protection, policyholders may be affected by delayed claims processing and administrative hassles if their insurer goes out of business.

With this in mind, we carefully vetted the insurance carriers on our list to ensure they have good or excellent financial strength ratings from major credit rating agencies like A.M. Best, Moody's, S&P and Fitch Ratings. All of these carriers have a strong or excellent ability to meet their future insurance obligations.

Consumer complaints

In our thorough evaluation of carriers, we also reviewed long-term care insurance complaint data as collected by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

We carefully reviewed NAIC Company Complaint Index report data from the various subsidiaries of the companies featured in our list. This was done to ensure the data didn't exceed market averages or suggest significant issues with the companies' service quality, underwriting, claims processes or sales and marketing practices.

Coverage options and benefits

There are three long-term care insurance options available to consumers:

  • Stand-alone LTC insurance
  • Hybrid policies that combine life insurance with LTC benefits
  • LTC insurance riders that can be added to select life insurance products

These three options have unique features and benefits, and product details may vary by company and state. So while it's hard to make an apples-to-apples comparison of long-term care insurance products, we pared down our list of top providers by choosing those who offer several policy options, highly customizable plans or exclusive benefits.

Flexibility and customizability

Insurance policies aren't one-size-fits-all products, and long-term care insurance is no exception. When it comes to choosing a policy, customizability is key. Having multiple different policy features to choose from can help you tailor your policy to your projected future needs.

With that in mind, we chose companies that offer several elimination and benefit period options and allow flexibility with regard to how premiums can be paid and benefits can be used. Several of our top picks also waive the elimination period for certain types of care and offer nonforfeiture benefits, so policy owners can receive a partial benefit or premium refund after a lapse in coverage.

Cost savings and inflation protection

We also considered projected future increases in the cost of care to narrow down policy features that safeguard consumers' investments. One such feature is inflation protection. This optional add-on increases the benefit amount each year, typically by a fixed percentage, so your investment isn’t eroded by rising costs.

All of our selections offer inflation protection as well as other cost-saving benefits or add-ons, including potential for dividend payments, discounts or shared benefits for couples, guaranteed premiums and return of premium options.

Long-Term Care Insurance Price Index Data

When vetting companies, we referenced the latest Long-Term Care Insurance Price Index Data published by the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance (AALTC) to understand cost trends within the LTC insurance industry.

We also spoke to experts like Jesse Slome, Director of the AALTCI, in order to understand which features consumers should focus on when purchasing long-term care coverage.

Summary of Money’s Best Long-term Care Insurance of March 2024