Long-term care insurance is a cost-effective way to help protect your assets — and your family — against the high cost of long-term care. It can provide you with the control and financial resources to help cover the cost of long-term care services and the independence to choose where to receive care.

You’ll want to consider LTC insurance if you want to:

    • Feel confident about protecting your retirement savings and assets
    • Be proactive about reducing the burden of care that often falls on family members
    • Take control of your long-term care decisions and maintain the independence to choose where you receive care

How much coverage will you need? 

When thinking about your coverage options, it is important to take the following into consideration:

Amount of assets you want to protect
Long-term care insurance should be a factor in your overall retirement planning. Because needs, resources and situations differ, R&R's long-term care professionals will guide you through your long-term care options to create the coverage that’s right for you. 

Current cost of care of where you live or plan to retire
Whether you plan to move to a warmer climate or closer to loved ones, the cost of care varies by state and by region. Where you end up is an important factor in determining the amount of coverage you will need. View a Cost of Care map that will help you estimate your needs.
 
Length of time you’d like to be covered
Research shows that people need assistance for an average of three years. You will want to take into consideration your health and any family history of illness (i.e. a prolonged illness or Alzheimer’s disease) that may require you to need care for a shorter or longer period of time.
 
Inflation protection
Since the cost of care is likely to rise, inflation features can help your benefits increase over time. The pace of the increase will depend on the inflation feature you choose.

The right time to buy long-term care insurance

When it comes to long-term care planning, there are two important reasons to address your future needs sooner rather than later:

  1. The cost of long-term care insurance is primarily based on your age and health when you apply for coverage. Therefore, the younger and healthier you are, the more affordable your insurance policy will be.
  2. The coverage you buy for your future can also help protect you today. If an accident or illness were to occur when you were relatively young, which required you to need long-term care, owning a long-term care insurance policy would ensure you have coverage to help pay for the cost of care.

The cost of waiting to buy long-term care insurance

While many individuals recognize the value of long-term care insurance, many delay their purchase decision without realizing the potential risk associated with waiting. Premiums are directly related to your age and health. The younger you are when you purchase a policy, the lower your premium. Also, if you wait to buy a policy, a change in your health could leave you ineligible for coverage.

By being proactive in your 40s and 50s and purchasing long-term care insurance, you can help reduce the uncertainty of later years and maintain control over important care decisions, your assets, and your family’s future.