Last updated: March 2026
How Much Does Long-Term Care Insurance Cost?
Cost Breakdown by Type
| Type / Procedure | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Individual Policy (age 55, monthly) | $0 – $0 | $100 – $300 |
| Couple Policy (both age 55, monthly) | $0 – $0 | $200 – $500 |
| Hybrid Life/LTC Policy (monthly) | $0 – $0 | $150 – $400 |
What Affects the Cost
- Your age, location, and health status
- Coverage level and deductible chosen
- Provider or carrier
- Claims history
- Credit score (for some insurance types)
- Discounts available (bundling, loyalty, safe driver, etc.)
Insurance Coverage
Typical coverage: Long-term care insurance covers nursing home, assisted living, and home health care costs not covered by Medicare or health insurance.
Insurance costs vary widely based on coverage level, location, age, and claims history. Shopping around and comparing quotes is the single most effective way to save money on insurance premiums.
How to Save Money
- Compare quotes from at least 3-5 providers
- Bundle policies (home + auto) for 10-25% discounts
- Choose higher deductibles for lower monthly premiums
- Ask about all available discounts
- Review coverage annually during open enrollment
- Consider employer-sponsored plans which subsidize 50-80% of premiums
Related Procedures & Costs
Frequently Asked Questions
A 55-year-old can expect to pay $100 to $300 per month for a policy with $150 to $200 daily benefit. Premiums increase significantly with age at purchase.
The ideal time is in your mid-50s. Buying earlier locks in lower premiums, but buying too early means paying premiums for decades. After 65, premiums may be prohibitively expensive.
Medicare only covers skilled nursing care for up to 100 days after a hospital stay. It does not cover custodial care, which is what most people need in assisted living or nursing homes.