Long-Term Care Insurance Cost Estimator

Average annual premium varies sharply with age at issue — buying earlier is much cheaper.

Inputs

Result

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How to use this calculator

  • Enter age you'd buy at (or current age if buying now).
  • Pick daily benefit ($200 covers most US nursing homes today).
  • Pick benefit period.

About this calculator

LTC insurance covers nursing home, assisted living, or home care. Premiums rise sharply with age at issue (every year of delay adds ~7%). Women pay 30-50% more because they live longer and need care longer. The 3-year benefit period covers the median nursing-home stay; longer periods get expensive fast.

Frequently asked

When should I buy LTC insurance?+
Industry says ages 55-65 — old enough to want it, young enough to qualify. Earlier is cheaper but ties up money longer.
What's the cheapest path?+
Buy at 55, hold for 25-30 years, receive benefits if needed. Or self-insure if net worth allows.
Can premiums go up?+
Yes — many older policies have had 50-100% rate hikes. Newer policies must pre-disclose any rate-increase risk.
Hybrid life-insurance/LTC?+
Combines LTC rider with permanent life insurance. More expensive but premiums don't rise unilaterally.
How accurate is this estimate?+
Within ±30% — actual quotes vary by carrier, health, and benefit features (inflation rider, shared spouse benefits, elimination period).

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