Best Long-Term Care Insurance Companies of March 2026

We research all brands listed and may earn a fee from our partners. Research and financial considerations may influence how brands are displayed. Not all brands are included. Learn more. Insurance Long-Term Care Insurance Share Share Close Mail Page URL https://money.com/best-long-term-care-insurance/ Link copied! Best Long-Term Care Insurance Companies of March 2026 By: Liliana Hall Liliana Hall Reporter | Joined March 2025 Liliana Hall joined Money in 2025. She is an Austin-based reporter for Money, where she covers a range of topics, including financial news, policy, banking, investing, passive income, financial planning and student loan debt. Has also written: Student Loan Interest Rates for March 2026 IRS Delays: These Tax Returns and Refunds Are the Most Likely to Get Held Up in 2026 From Baristas to Influencers, These 68 Jobs Qualify for ‘No Tax on Tips’ How Much Is an Olympic Medal Worth? Record Gold and Silver Prices Are Driving Up Their Value Peer Pressure Is Making You Broke. Here Are 7 Ways to Set Smarter Money Boundaries See full bio Editor: Mallika Mitra Mallika Mitra Contributor | Joined May 2020 Mallika Mitra is a contributor to Money, where she covers investing, crypto, debt and many other personal finance beats. Her byline has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Barrons, and USA Today. Has also written: 8 Best Tax Relief Companies of March 2026 Your Home Equity Could Be the Secret to Getting Out of Debt Best Banks for Money Market Accounts for 2026 How to Choose a Financial Advisor Here's How 4 Borrowers Paid Off Their Student Loans Early See full bio Published: Mar 6, 2026 31 min read Key TakeawaysThe five best long-term care insurance companies for March 2026 include Nationwide, New York Life and Northwestern Mutual Methodology: We extensively reviewed long-term care insurance companies by evaluating customer satisfaction scores, financial strength ratings, complaint data, policy options and benefits, flexibility and customizability, cost savings and inflation protection and industry pricing trends.Editor’s take: The best long-term care insurance companies typically offer a range of flexible and customizable policy options, solid customer satisfaction and built-in protections like inflation coverage to help policyholders prepare for future care costs.Updated March 2026. Planning for long-term care is a smart way to prepare for the realities of aging. As Americans live longer, more of us will eventually need support later in life — whether through in-home care, assisted living or nursing facilities. In fact, nearly 70% of adults over age 65 will require some form of long-term care, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). But that care can be costly. The HHS estimates that the average cost for adults 65 and older is about $121,000 for just under a year of paid long-term care. Long-term care insurance helps cover these costs, but the policies themselves can be expensive. Before buying, it's important to review your finances and evaluate whether coverage makes sense for your situation. For those shopping for long-term care insurance, we've reviewed the top providers based on key factors such as coverage, cost, flexibility and customer satisfaction. Here's what you need to know before choosing long-term care insurance. What to Know About Long-Term Care Insurance Long-term care services in the U.S. cost an average of about $121,000 for just under a year of care, according to the HHS. Long-term care insurance can help you cover LTC costs without depleting your savings. The best time to buy LTC insurance is in your mid-50s to early 60s, while you're healthy. The two main long-term care insurance options are traditional and hybrid policies. Our list features both traditional and hybrid policies with different disbursement options. Ads by Money. We may be compensated if you click this ad.AdOur PartnerCompany HighlightTOP PARTNEROur PartnerVIEW RATESNation’s leader in Long-Term Care insurance since 1976 Applicable for adults between the ages of 50 and 75 As an independent brokerage, they provide unbiased information based on your needs GoldenCare has access to the Top LTC companies & discounts available They also offer Hybrid Long-Term Care insurance, Short-Term Care & Home Health Care plans Speak to a GoldenCare agent to see if you qualify for Long-Term or Short-Term Care coverage Our PartnerVIEW RATESLong-term care benefits provided with life insurance and annuities Intended for adults between the ages of 50 and 72 Individual and joint policy options available Members can receive in-home and/or facility care Coverage for hospice and respite care, and caregiver training included Offers other insurance policies and products for individuals and businesses Our PartnerVIEW RATESA+ score, BBB-accredited Eligibility: ages 55-70, $100k+ net worth, in good health Brokers with decades of experience Many long term care provider partners Comprehensive, affordable plans Protects your assets with tax-free benefits Our PartnerVIEW RATESLong-term care insurance provider Appropriate for individuals between 50 to 72 Over 100 years of industry experience Facility care and/or in-home care coverage options available Completely customizable policies Special pricing for joint policies available How We Chose Our Top Picks Our editors and writers evaluate insurance companies independently, ensuring our content is precise and guided by editorial integrity. We reviewed 11 insurers, scored them across five categories and consulted 25 authoritative sources. Read the full methodology to learn more.

Our Top Picks for the Best Long-Term Care Insurance Companies Mutual of Omaha: Best for Stand-Alone LTC Insurance Nationwide: Best for Policy Customization New York Life: Best for Financial Stability Northwestern Mutual: Best for Couples GoldenCare Insurance: Best for Comparing Multiple Providers Ads by Money. We may be compensated if you click this ad.AdLong-Term Care Insurance allows you to know that you and your loved ones are financially protected as you ageRegular health insurance, disability insurance, and Medicare are not designed to cover long-term care costs. Get Long-Term Care Insurance today - select your state to get a free quote.HawaiiAlaskaFloridaSouth CarolinaGeorgiaAlabamaNorth CarolinaTennesseeRIRhode IslandCTConnecticutMAMassachusettsMaineNHNew HampshireVTVermontNew YorkNJNew JerseyDEDelawareMDMarylandWest VirginiaOhioMichiganArizonaNevadaUtahColoradoNew MexicoSouth DakotaIowaIndianaIllinoisMinnesotaWisconsinMissouriLouisianaVirginiaDCWashington DCIdahoCaliforniaNorth DakotaWashingtonOregonMontanaWyomingNebraskaKansasOklahomaPennsylvaniaKentuckyMississippiArkansasTexasView Rates Best Long-Term Care Insurance Reviews Best for Stand-Alone LTC Insurance: Mutual of OmahaOur PartnerView Rates 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 protectionCouples discount is only available if married or living together for 3 years Premiums are likely to increase over time HIGHLIGHTSIssue Ages25-79 for traditional policies; 30-79 (75 in NY) for Asset FlexBenefit Amount$1,500-$10,000 per monthBenefit Period2-5 yearsElimination Period0, 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. Mutual of Omaha offers two long-term care plans: MutualCare Custom Solution and MutualCare Secure Solution. These plans offer monthly benefits from $1,500 to $10,000, home care benefits, and international coverage for up to 12 months. They also provide stackable discounts: 15% for insured couples, 5% for married customers, and 15% for good health. MutualCare Secure Solution allows policyholders to choose between cash benefits or a reimbursement-based structure, offers 24, 36, 48 or 60 months of coverage and three elimination period options (90, 180 and 365 calendar days).

Mutual Care Custom Solution provides a pool of dollars between $50,000 and $500,000 (in $500 increments), more elimination period options (0, 30, 60, 90, 180 or 365) and can be customized with survivorship and joint waiver of premium add-ons. Optional benefits include inflation protection, return of premium, shared care, waiver of elimination period and a nonforfeiture option. Read Mutual of Omaha Long-Term Care Insurance Review Best for Policy Customization: Nationwide Offers universal and variable universal life insurance policies with an LTC rider Provides inflation protection riders and flexible payment schedules Hybrid policies pay cash benefitsUnlicensed caregivers permittedNo stand-alone long-term care policiesPolicy with shared pool of benefits not available in NY or CALTC rider isn't available in Montana or U.S. territories HIGHLIGHTSIssue Ages 40-75 (as of last birthday)Benefit Amount$2,500 to $20,833 per monthBenefit Period2-7 yearsElimination Period90 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. Nationwide offers two hybrid (also called linked-benefit) policies that cater to the needs of both individuals and couples. These policies are 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. CareMatters® II pays cash benefits, so you can avoid the hassle of having to file for reimbursement every month. CareMatters Together℠ is a plan for couples that provides a shared pool of benefits that can be used by either partner. Both policies can be funded 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.

Read Nationwide Long-term Care Insurance Review Best for Financial Stability: New York LifeView Rates Some policies can cover 100% of care costsPremiums on stand-alone policies are guaranteed for the first three yearsOffers a return of premium on linked-benefit policiesNew York Life Secure Care and New York Life My Care are eligible for dividendsBenefit period options and covered benefits may vary by state No online quotes are available at this time Asset Flex is not eligible for dividends HIGHLIGHTSIssue Ages25-79Benefit Amount$1,500-$20,833 per monthElimination Period90 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 ranked above the industry average in J.D. Power’s 2022 and 2023 U.S.

Individual Life Insurance Study.

New York Life offers two stand-alone long-term care insurance options, New York Life My Care and New York Life Secure Care, as well as a linked-benefit policy called Asset Flex. All three plans offer inflation protection options and a nonforfeiture benefit after the third year. Additionally, a couples discount is available on all plans.

New York Life My Care carries a one-time dollar deductible ($4,500 to $144,000) and can reimburse up to 80% of eligible expenses. Coverage amounts range from $50,000 to $250,000 per lifetime, and benefit period options depend on the coverage amount.

New York Life Secure Care features a 90-day waiting period instead of a deductible and covers 100% of eligible expenses up to the daily maximum ($100-$250). Benefit period options include 2, 3, 5 or 7 years and lifetime coverage amounts range from $36,500 to $1,022,000. Asset Flex provides $750,000 in life insurance and $1,750,000 in LTC benefits. Its 90-day elimination period can be waived for home care if the policyholder creates a personalized care plan with New York Life. This product is ineligible for dividend payments.

Read New York Life Long-Term Care Insurance Review Best for Couples: Northwestern MutualView Rates 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 trainingNo online quotes available at this time Only two benefit periods: three or six years Only covers care services rendered by appropriately licensed or registered providers HIGHLIGHTSIssue Ages18-79Benefit Amount$1,500 – $12,000 per month in $100 incrementsBenefit Period3 or 6 yearsElimination Period6, 12, 25 or 52 weeks Why we chose it: Northwestern Mutual is our top choice for couples seeking long-term care insurance. It offers a spousal discount of up to 30% if both partners are approved (10% if only one is). Additionally, companion relationships of two or more years qualify, even if they're family, as long as both partners are of the same generation and plan to continue living together. Northwestern Mutual's QuietCare policy can be paired with a survivorship benefit rider, exempting surviving partners from future premium payments upon their spouse's death. Both spouses must be enrolled in QuietCare with this rider to qualify. QuietCare features: Maximum monthly benefits ranging from $1,500 to $12,000 in $100 increments Four elimination period options: six, 12, 25 or 52 weeks A maximum lifetime benefit of 6 years (72 months) or 3 years (36 months) A caregiver training benefit equal to 20% of the maximum monthly limit Policy reinstatement within a year upon payment of past due premiums, or within five months if the policyholder has a cognitive impairment Read Northwestern Mutual Long-Term Care Insurance Review Best for Comparing Multiple Providers: GoldenCare InsuranceOur PartnerView Rates Partners with multiple well-known LTC providersSpecializes in life, critical illness, linked benefit policiesOffers annuities and short-term care insuranceNo online long-term care insurance quotesThe company is an insurance broker, not a carrier HIGHLIGHTSIssue AgesVaries by companyBenefit AmountVaries by companyBenefit PeriodVaries by companyElimination PeriodVaries by company Why we chose it: GoldenCare is an insurance broker, not a direct underwriter, making it an great choice for comparing providers. It offers expert guidance and partners with 19 well-known carriers, giving customers a wide range of options and the ability to get multiple quotes in one place. As an online insurance broker, GoldenCare partners with 19 long-term care insurance providers, including Mutual of Omaha, Aetna, Thrivent and National Guardian Life Insurance Company. It pairs clients with a long-term care specialist who can help them develop a care plan and recommends insurers that align with their situation. It’s also one of the few companies that offer short-term care insurance, a cost-effective option, especially for women. Read GoldenCare Long-Term Care Insurance Review Ads by Money. We may be compensated if you click this ad.AdLeader in LTC insurance since 1976View RatesNation’s leader in Long-Term Care insurance since 1976 Applicable for adults between the ages of 50 and 75 As an independent brokerage, they provide unbiased information based on your needs GoldenCare has access to the Top LTC companies & discounts available They also offer Hybrid Long-Term Care insurance, Short-Term Care & Home Health Care plans Speak to a GoldenCare agent to see if you qualify for Long-Term or Short-Term Care coverage LTC benefits provided with life insurance & annuitiesView RatesLong-term care benefits provided with life insurance and annuities Intended for adults between the ages of 50 and 72 Individual and joint policy options available Members can receive in-home and/or facility care Coverage for hospice and respite care, and caregiver training included Offers other insurance policies and products for individuals and businesses A+ score, BBB-accreditedView RatesA+ score, BBB-accredited Eligibility: ages 55-70, $100k+ net worth, in good health Brokers with decades of experience Many long term care provider partners Comprehensive, affordable plans Protects your assets with tax-free benefits Over 100 years of industry experienceView RatesLong-term care insurance provider Appropriate for individuals between 50 to 72 Over 100 years of industry experience Facility care and/or in-home care coverage options available Completely customizable policies Special pricing for joint policies available Other companies we considered Although the following carriers didn’t make our list of top long-term care insurance companies, they offer products with attractive features. OneAmerica (State Life Insurance Company) OneAmerica didn't initially make it into our top picks because our earlier assessment flagged a relatively high NAIC complaint ratio, which applied to a closed block of traditional long-term care policies it no longer markets. According to the company, complaints and customer satisfaction for its hybrid policies are tracked through the base policy structure of individual life and individual annuities. By these measures, State Life — the insurance company that underwrites OneAmerica's long-term care plans — indexes below the market average for consumer complaints in both individual life and annuities. 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. While not part of our core ranking, OneAmerica is a notable provider for consumers exploring annuity-based LTC coverage. However, the company provides limited information online; to get a quote or purchase a policy, you must visit a branch or contact an agent. Read OneAmerica Long-Term Care Insurance Review National Guardian Life (NGL) National Guardian Life's EssentialLTC policy offers international benefits (30 days per calendar year), caregiver training coverage and contingent benefits for policy lapses. However, it has comparatively low daily benefit maximums ($50 to $300) and limited benefit period options (two or three years), unless an extension rider is purchased.

California Long Term Care Insurance Services (CLTC) 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.

What You Need to Know About Long-Term Care Insurance 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 helps cover the cost 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 the money. It can help middle-income adults cover costly extended care services, protect their assets and alleviate the burden of caregiving on loved ones. According to the Administration for Community Living (ACL), most people over 65 will need long-term care in their lives, a statistic particularly pertinent to women, who tend to outlive men by about five years and may 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 (by, for example, selling a mortgage-free home and using the equity from the sale to pay for care) Want to safeguard their assets and savings Want to spare their loved ones the responsibility of caregiving However, long-term care insurance is also not the only option to pay for your care in your old age, should you need it. For example, people who own a home with considerable equity can consider using that asset as all or part of how they might finance long-term care as needed. It's wise to consult with a financial planner or other professional to evaluate whether long-term care insurance is the best choice for you. 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 for a policy that covers qualifying expenses once you require care. However, unlike health insurance policies, LTC insurance is 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 insurance because it started as a product that primarily paid for nursing home care — 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 toward 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. (although some policies offer international benefits for up to 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 2024 Long-Term Care Insurance Price Index by the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance (AALTCI), monthly premiums for $165,000 in level benefits range from $140 to $800. 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 premiums Issue Age $165,000 in level benefits With 2% yearly increase With 3% yearly increase Wtih 5% yearly increase 55-year-old male $950 $ 1,750 $2,075 $3,690 55-year-old female $1,500 $2,800 $3,700 $6,400 55-year-old couple $2,080 (combined) $3,875 (combined) $5,025 (combined) $8,575 (combined) 60-year-old male $1,200 $2,060 $2,585 $3,800 60-year-old female $1,900 $3,325 $4,400 $6,700 60-year-old couple $2,600 (combined) $4,500 (combined) $5,800 (combined) $8,700 (combined) Source: American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance, 2024. Your age when applying for coverage significantly affects policy costs. For instance, a single man buying a plan with $165,000 in level benefits might pay $900 annually at age 55, compared to $1,700 at age 65 — an 89% premium increase. Applicant age group Percentage of applications denied 40 to 49 12.4% 50 to 59 20.4% 60 to 64 30.4% 65 to 69 38.2% 70 to 74 47.2% Source: American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance, 2022 Average costs of long-term care services Long-term care costs rise annually. Data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services shows that assisted living facility costs are projected to increase by 4.7% annually until 2030, while home health care costs are expected to rise by an average of 7% per year. This chart shows the average annual costs of typical long-term care options: Long-term care service Average annual cost Increase since 2023 Homemaker services $75,504 10% Home health aide $77,792 3% Adult day care center $26,000 5% Assisted living facility $70,800 10% Semi-private room in a nursing home $111,325 7% Private room in a nursing home $127,750 9% Source: Genworth's Cost of Care Survey, 2024. 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: LTC insurance policies typically have a waiting or elimination period, the time between when care is needed and when benefits start. Choosing a shorter elimination period means faster benefit payouts but usually 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 LTC insurance policies, also called stand-alone policies, offer a predetermined benefit amount paid out daily, weekly or monthly over a benefit period (usually two to five years). Benefits kick in after an elimination period, which can range from 0 to 365 days depending on the plan. The following companies offer stand-alone long-term care policies: Northwestern Mutual Life Mutual of Omaha New York Life National Guardian Life Bankers Life Thrivent Thrivent for Lutherans 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. The main problems with hybrid long-term care insurance policies are their high cost and the fact that you may not need life insurance coverage at all. According to Slome, "a traditional long-term care insurance policy is going to get you the most financial bang for your buck because it only does one thing. People like the concept [of the hybrid policy] because they're told they get a death benefit if they don't use the policy. You have to ask yourself if you want or need a death benefit in 15 to 20 years, because you're not getting it for free." Ultimately, whether you opt for a stand-alone policy or a hybrid one depends on your goals. An insurance agent can help you choose the best life insurance option for your long-term care needs. Pros and cons of long-term care insurance 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 lifePremiums 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. Before beginning your search, ensure your preferences are well-defined and communicate your concerns and wishes with loved ones. Once you've defined your needs, shop around and compare policies from at least three insurance companies to get the best price for the coverage you want. When comparing policies, consider the following: Coverage amount: Most long-term care insurance policies set daily and lifetime benefit maximums. Assess your needs based on the care you anticipate requiring. Higher coverage means a higher premium. Benefit triggers: Each policy outlines the conditions that must be met before benefits begin. Typically, a medical professional must certify that the insured can't perform two or three activities of daily living (ADLs). Benefit period: The benefit period determines how long your policy pays out. It can vary from two years to a lifetime. Opting for a longer period raises your premium. Covered care settings: Check your coverage details to see whether the benefit amount is the same regardless of care setting. The III states some policies may pay out half as much per day if the policyholder elects in-home care. Waiting or elimination period: The waiting period determines when your policy starts paying benefits. Longer waits mean higher out-of-pocket costs, but shorter waits usually mean higher premiums. Reimbursement or indemnity model: Both policies offer perks. With an indemnity policy, you can use leftover funds as you wish if care costs are lower than your maximum benefit. With a reimbursement policy, you can extend the benefit period if you spend less than the monthly benefit amount and ensure the funds are used for your care. 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. Methodology 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 gouge customer satisfaction, we leveraged the J.D. Power 2024 U.S.

Individual Life Insurance Study. Except for Golden Care, a broker representing multiple carriers, all our top picks boast above-average customer satisfaction ratings, as per J.D. Power's latest report. Financial strength: In the U.S., insurance guaranty associations safeguard policyholders in case of insurer insolvency, managing claims and transferring policies to stable carriers. Despite this, policyholders may face payout delays and administrative issues if their insurer fails. We selected carriers with strong financial ratings from agencies like A.M. Best, Moody's and S&P, ensuring their ability to meet future payment obligations. Consumer complaints: We also took into account long-term care insurance complaint data as collected by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), specifically Company Complaint Index. We did this to ensure our top picks didn't significantly exceed market averages, as that can signal issues with service quality, underwriting, claims processes or sales and marketing practices. Coverage options and benefits: Providers of long-term care insurance offer standalone LTC policies, hybrid policies that combine life insurance with LTC benefits, and LTC insurance riders that can be added to select life insurance products. It's hard to make an apples-to-apples comparison of long-term care insurance products, as each of these options have unique features and benefits. Instead, we focused on choosing providers that offer several policy options, highly customizable plans or exclusive benefits. Flexibility and customizability: Long-term care insurance policies aren't one-size-fits-all products, so customizability is key. We selected companies offering multiple elimination and benefit period options, along with flexible premium and benefit usage terms. Many of our top picks also waive the elimination period for specific types of care or offer nonforfeiture benefits, ensuring partial benefits or refunds after a coverage lapse. Cost savings and inflation protection: We prioritized policy features that protect against future increases in care costs, such as inflation protection. This option increases benefits annually to counter rising expenses. All of our top picks offer inflation protection as well benefits like dividend payments, couples' discounts, guaranteed premiums and return of premium options. Long-Term Care Insurance Price Index Data: When vetting companies, we consulted the latest Long-Term Care Insurance Price Index Data from the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance (AALTC) to understand cost trends within the industry. We also sought insights from experts like Jesse Slome, Director of AALTCI, to identify key features for consumers considering long-term care coverage. Latest News in Long-Term Care Insurance As people age, the likelihood of needing long-term care increases. Yet many adults underestimate this risk and aren't financially prepared for the high costs of nursing homes or in-home health aides. This problem is aggravated by the common misconception that Medicare will pay for long-term care if it's necessary (it won't). A recent report from America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) highlights the growing role of long-term care insurance in filling this gap. Over 6.9 million Americans currently hold long-term care insurance policies, and in 2024 alone, insurers paid out more than $16.8 billion in claims. Market trends The long-term care insurance market is evolving as more Americans prepare for rising health care costs and an aging Baby Boomer population. Costs can vary widely depending on the type of care, from in-home support to nursing facilities. Insurers are responding by offering more flexible policies designed to fit different budgets and meet a range of consumer needs. Federal program changes Some federal initiatives that provide healthcare support to seniors are in flux. Despite assuring that Medicare and Social Security would not be affected by budget cuts, the HHS announced staff reductions last year, along with consolidations within some federal programs that serve older Americans and people with disabilities, including the Administration for Community Living (ACL). The ACL offers programs like protective services for vulnerable seniors, resource centers for people who are paralyzed or who've lost a limb and initiatives that help seniors prevent falls. In a March 2025 press release, the HHS said that the ACL's responsibilities will be integrated elsewhere within the department. As of early 2026, no further details have been released. Legislative efforts: The WISH Act Representatives Tom Suozzi, D-NY, and John Moolenaar, R-Mich, reintroduced legislation in March of 2025 to create the Well-Being Insurance for Seniors to be at Home (WISH) Act. The bill would establish a federally administered long-term care insurance trust fund that would help eligible individuals cover the cost of at-home care. The WISH Act would provide monthly long-term care benefits after a waiting period of one to five years, depending on income. During that time, individuals would need to rely on other methods — such as personal savings, family assistance or Medicaid (if eligible) — to cover costs. After the federal benefit kicks in, it would offer ongoing financial assistance for long-term care expenses. Aside from the program's direct benefits, the idea is that it will eventually reduce the cost of long-term care insurance obtained on the open market. "This proposal will incentivize private insurers to offer more affordable products and increase public awareness of the need to plan for long-term care costs before elderly individuals become disabled,” Moolenaar said in a press release. Independent research has suggested that the WISH Act could reduce retirees' risk of outliving their savings. A study conducted by Morningstar last year used its Model of U.S. Retirement Outcomes to estimate how the WISH Act could affect retirees' financial security. For households likely to qualify for WISH benefits, the study found large reductions in the risk of running short of money in retirement. For example, the shortfall rate for single women dropped from 58% to 28%, with similar improvements among single men and middle-income households. Long-Term Care Insurance FAQsWhat disqualifies you from long-term care insurance?chevron-downchevron-upCertain pre-existing conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease or kidney failure, can disqualify you from long-term care insurance coverage. Relying on mobility aids or needing assistance with daily activities such as bathing or toileting can also affect your eligibility. Lastly, qualifying for coverage and securing an affordable premium becomes increasingly challenging as you age, so look into purchasing coverage in your mid-50s to early 60s.How much is long-term care insurance?chevron-downchevron-upAccording to 2024 cost averages, a $165,000 level-benefit policy would cost between $950 and $2,700 per year. However, the actual cost of long-term care insurance will depend on several factors, including the policyholder's sex, their age and health when they purchased the policy, the daily benefit amount, the length of the benefit period and any optional benefits selected.What are alternatives to long-term care insurance?chevron-downchevron-upSome alternatives to long-term care insurance include self-insuring (investing early on or setting money aside to cover care expenses on your own), using a health savings account (HSA) to pay for related medical expenses, spending down your income or assets to qualify for Medicaid, or purchasing an annuity with long-term care benefits. Speak with a financial advisor to see which of these is right for you.When should you buy long-term care insurance?chevron-downchevron-upThe AALTCI recommends applying for long-term care insurance coverage in your mid-50s to 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.What are long-term care insurance state partnership plans?chevron-downchevron-upThe Long Term Care Partnership Program — available in California, Connecticut, Indiana and New York — safeguards assets, sparing policyholders from depleting savings to qualify for Medicare. Normally, exceeding Medicaid's income and asset limits demands that you spend down your assets to qualify for coverage. However, partnership-qualified policies protect assets dollar-for-dollar, offsetting the spend-down requirement. Summary of Money’s Best Long-term Care Insurance of March 2026 Mutual of Omaha: Best for Stand-Alone LTC Insurance Nationwide: Best for Policy Customization New York Life: Best for Financial Stability Northwestern Mutual: Best for Couples GoldenCare Insurance: Best for Comparing Multiple Providers