Most Private Long Term Care Insurance Is Sold to
Long term care insurance rates vary (2020).
Don't Pay TWICE AS MUCH for the same coverage!
According to the 2020 long term care insurance Price Index the costs for LTC insurance can vary significantly. That's why we believe it is so important to talk to a specialist before you buy.
AVERAGE Long Term Care Insurance Rates for Age 55
Average Cost - Single MALE: $1,700-per-year *
Average Cost - Single FEMALE: $2,675-per-year *
Average Cost - Couple BOTH AGE 55: $3,050-COMBINED--per-year *
LOWEST Long Term Care Insurance Rates for Age 55 **
LOWEST - Single MALE: $1,876-per-year *
LOWEST - Single FEMALE: $3,141-per-year *
LOWEST - Couple BOTH AGE 55: $4,826-COMBINED--per-year *
HIGHEST Long Term Care Insurance Rates for Age 55 **
HIGHEST - Single MALE: $3,081-per-year *
HIGHEST - Single FEMALE: $5,085-per-year *
HIGHEST - Couple BOTH AGE 55: $8,534-COMBINED--per-year *
* Age 55, standard health rate. Initial policy benefit for EACH is $164,000 based on a Daily benefit of $150 and 3 year benefit period. Coverage value will increase annually because a 3 percent compound inflation growth option was included.
** Comparison of top policies sold in 2020. Basically the top 5 companies available currently as of September 2020.
WHY do long term care rates vary so much?
Each insurance company sets their own rate and we have found that each company has a "sweet spot". Plus rates can change as insurance companies discontinue selling a certain policy and introduce a new policyfor sale in your state.
The Association's annual LTC insurance Price Index looks at the leading insurance companies including the AARP long term care insurance plan and we find that the company offering the best rate for a 55-year-old couple DOES NOT offer the best rate for a 65-year-old couple.
RECOMMENDATION Ask the insurance agent or financial representative the following question: "How many insurance companies are you APPOINTED to sell?". Some are only appointed (approved) to sell insurance from one company; and of course that is the one they will strongly recommend. Most knowledgeable long term care insurance specialists are appointed with five or six of the leading long term care insurance companies Only they will do a fair evaluation because they can sell you any of these policies.
Questions to get best long term care rates
We already explained why asking How many insurance companies are your APPOINTED to sell?" is such an important questions. The Ford dealer is going to sell you a Ford as the best car. A Toyota dealer will tell you only why their car is best. With long term care insurance, you want an insurance agent who shops and compares for you when making a recommendation.
Ask what long term care insurance discounts you may qualify for. The Association's website has some great consumer guides that explain the various discounts available.
If you have some existing health issues or take prescription medications, ask whether these will be acceptable and don't simply accept the comment, "let's complete the application and see!". A knowledgeable long term care insurance agent will have a good sense of what is acceptable. Conditions that can result in you paying more with one company may be acceptable (with no added cost) from another insurer.
Ask when the policy was first approved for sale in your state. Most of the larger, committed long term care insurance companies issue newer policies every few years. An older policy may be fine but it could also used older pricing which means you could face potential larger increases down the road.
A final suggestion provides you with a nice way to see how many long term care insurance policies the agent you are working with sells and how long they have been in the profession. Ask have any of their clients filed a claim on their long term care insurance policy? It's a nice way of seeing if they just dabble- or whether they specialize. Chances are you won't read your policy until you have to file a claim. You want an insurance professional who has read the various policies he or she is representing to you.
Ways to get best long term care costs
Only a long term care insurance professional can tell you whether you can health qualify for this protection - and compare current rates from multiple insurance companies to get you the best coverage for the lowest cost.
While the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance does not sell insurance we want to help. You can call our office to get general questions answered. The phone number is (818) 597-3227 from 9 AM until 3 PM Pacific Time.
Or click the box below and complete our private request for information form. Your information will be shares WITH ONLY ONE long term care insurance specialist appointed in your state and able to compare multiple insurance policies. You are under no obligation and there is no cost.
Most Private Long Term Care Insurance Is Sold to
Source: https://www.aaltci.org/long-term-care-insurance-rates/