If you're under 60 and healthy, LTC insurance might still pencil. If you're over 65, the math is brutal — premiums spike, policies have lifetime caps, and many insurers have left the market. Self-funding through a dedicated savings/investment bucket is increasingly the realistic path.
| LTC Insurance | Self-Funding | |
|---|---|---|
| Best age to buy | 50-60 | Anytime |
| Premium predictability | Subject to insurer rate hikes | You control the budget |
| Coverage cap | Often $200,000-$400,000 lifetime | No cap; runs until money runs out |
| Inflation rider cost | Significant — doubles premium for 5% compound | Built into your investment growth |
| Use-it-or-lose-it | If you never need care, premiums gone | Money stays in your estate |
| Hybrid (life + LTC) | Available — combines life insurance with LTC rider | N/A |
| Best for | 50-somethings with family LTC history | Wealth above $1.5M or willingness to plan for Medicaid spend-down |
Tell us what's going on. We'll help you sort the right next move — without the sales pitch.
Get a real opinionNo. This is the most-repeated truth in eldercare planning. Medicare covers short-term skilled nursing. It does not cover long-term assisted living, memory care, or extended nursing-home stays.
You apply for Medicaid. The look-back period reviews any asset transfers in the prior 5 years. Plan for this scenario at least 5 years before you might need it.
Often, yes — especially for people who don't want use-it-or-lose-it. Premiums are higher but the death benefit returns money to your heirs if you don't need long-term care.