Updated 2026-04

Long-Term Care Insurance Calculator

Free long-term care insurance calculator. Estimate annual premium and coverage benefit by age, gender, and benefit period. Compare to self-funding $100K-$300K annual care cost.

Long-Term Care Insurance Calculator



계산 방식

직장가입자 기준 (세전)

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How to use

  1. 1 Enter age and gender. Premiums rise rapidly with age — best to buy LTC insurance in your 50s.
  2. 2 Choose daily benefit ($150-$300/day common), benefit period (3-6 years typical), and elimination period (90-day waiting period most cost-effective).
  3. 3 Choose inflation rider: 3% compound is the default to keep up with care cost inflation. Skip only if buying very large initial benefit.
  4. 4 Click Calculate to see annual premium estimate.
  5. 5 Compare to self-funding: with $1M+ portfolio you may self-insure; with $300K-$1M, LTC insurance or hybrid policy makes sense; below $300K, Medicaid will cover (but only after spending down assets).

FAQ

Q How much does long-term care cost?

Genworth 2024 Cost of Care Survey: $111,325/year nursing home semi-private, $127,750 private, $70,800 assisted living, $77,792 home health aide. Costs in NY, MA, CA, DC run 30-60% above national median; Mississippi and Louisiana run 20-30% below. Costs rose 3-5% annually for the past decade.

Q At what age should I buy LTC insurance?

Best window: ages 55-65. Premiums rise rapidly after 65, and underwriting becomes harder if you develop health issues. By 70, many applicants are denied due to medical conditions. Buy at 55-60 to lock in the lowest premium while still healthy enough to qualify.

Q Is LTC insurance worth it?

For net worth $300K-$1M, generally yes. Below $300K, Medicaid will eventually cover after spending down — buying LTC insurance often doesn't protect anything. Above $3M, you can self-insure since your portfolio can absorb a 2-3 year nursing home shock without hardship. The middle wealth band benefits most.

Q What is hybrid LTC insurance?

Combines life insurance or annuity with long-term care coverage. Single premium ($50K-$100K typical) provides LTC benefit if needed, death benefit if not used. Eliminates the "use it or lose it" risk of traditional LTC. Premiums can't increase (locked at issue). Hybrid policies dominated new sales since 2015.

Q Will Medicare cover long-term care?

Mostly no. Medicare covers up to 100 days of skilled nursing care after a 3-day hospital stay (Days 1-20 fully covered, days 21-100 with $209.50/day copay in 2026). Medicare does not cover custodial care (help with bathing, dressing, toileting), which is what most long-term care actually involves.

Q How does Medicaid cover long-term care?

After you spend down assets to about $2,000 ($3,000 couple in some states). Medicaid covers nursing home stays in all states; assisted living and home care varies by state. The 5-year look-back period prevents gifting assets to qualify. The home is initially exempt but subject to estate recovery after death in most states.

Q What does Washington state WA Cares offer?

Washington State's WA Cares Fund began benefits in July 2026. Funded through a 0.58% payroll tax on Washington workers, it provides up to $36,500 lifetime LTC benefit. Modest amount that supplements (doesn't replace) private LTC. Other states (CA, NY, MN, IL) are considering similar programs.

Q How long does typical long-term care last?

About half of Americans turning 65 will need some form of LTC. Average duration about 2 years; women average longer (3.7 years) than men (2.2 years). 14% need care 5+ years. Most care is provided informally by family members; only about 35% requires paid in-home care, assisted living, or nursing home.