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3 Best Long-Term Care Insurance Companies

Jodie Price

By Jodie Price | Updated November 10, 2025

The best long-term care insurance helps protect your savings while ensuring access to quality care as costs rise. Top policies balance affordability, flexibility, and financial strength, whether through traditional coverage or hybrid options. This guide highlights how leading choices compare so you can plan confidently for the future.

  • Bankers Life

    A standout option is the “Best for Maximum Issue Age,” with Bankers Life offering the SimpleChoice Standard policy. It allows applicants up to age 84, one of the highest in the industry, making it accessible for older buyers. The plan provides a maximum benefits period of two years, giving short-term but meaningful coverage for care needs.

    Our Expert Take

    Bankers Life offers coverage for nursing home care, assisted living, and in-home services, making it versatile for different long-term care needs. One of its biggest advantages is a high maximum issue age of 84, which is higher than most competitors. Its SimpleChoice Standard policy also skips the elimination period, allowing you to use benefits immediately.

    The company is well known for its network of local agents who provide in-person support, which can be appealing if you prefer face-to-face service. However, customer satisfaction ratings are mixed, with some policyholders citing delays in claims processing. Its financial strength ratings also lag behind some top competitors, which is worth considering.

    Bankers Life policies allow customization with different benefit periods and daily amounts, giving you flexibility. That said, premiums may be higher than expected for the coverage offered, so comparing quotes with other providers is important to ensure value.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Offers in-person support through local agents
    • Flexible policy options for different care settings
    • Long history in the insurance market
    • Coverage includes home health care, assisted living, and nursing homes

    Cons

    • Financial strength ratings are weaker than leaders like Mutual of Omaha
    • Premiums can be higher than competitors for similar coverage
    • Customer service and claims satisfaction often receive mixed reviews
    • Limited digital tools compared to larger insurers

  • National Guardian

    An excellent choice is the “Best for Maximum Benefits Period,” with National Guardian’s EssentialLTC policy. It accepts applicants up to age 79 and offers a lifetime maximum benefits period, providing long-term protection without a cap on years of coverage. This makes it a strong option for those seeking extended security in their care planning.

    Our Expert Take

    National Guardian’s EssentialLTC policy stands out for offering lifetime benefits instead of capping coverage after a set number of years, unlike many competitors. This makes it a strong choice if you want long-term protection without restrictive limits. Customizable elimination periods also allow you to decide how soon benefits begin after a claim, balancing flexibility with cost.

    Pricing is generally competitive, particularly for applicants in good health. Flexible payment options, including annual, semi-annual, or monthly installments, make it easier to fit premiums into your budget. This helps ensure coverage remains affordable over the long run.

    The company also has a solid reputation for financial stability and reliable claims handling. Given the long-term nature of this type of insurance, stability is critical for ensuring benefits will be available when you need them most.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros

    • Competitive pricing across age groups
    • Choice of elimination periods to match your budget and needs
    • Flexible payment options (monthly, semi-annual, or annual)
    • Strong financial ratings and stability
    • Good track record for claims service

    Cons

    • Premiums may rise over time, depending on policy type
    • Limited availability of certain riders compared to larger insurers
    • Discounts may be smaller than what some competitors offer
    • Underwriting can be strict for older applicants or those with health issues

  • Thrivent Financial

    A notable option is the “Best for Minimum Issue Age,” offered through Thrivent Long-Term Care Insurance. This policy accepts applicants up to age 79 and provides a maximum benefits period of 8 years. It’s a practical choice for those who want meaningful coverage with a balance of affordability and flexibility.

    Our Expert Take

    Thrivent Financial offers both traditional long-term care insurance and hybrid policies that combine life insurance with long-term care benefits. This flexibility allows you to choose how your premiums are applied and provides more control over your financial planning. Coverage often extends to in-home services, home health care, and facility-based care, giving you options.

    To keep pace with rising costs, policies can include inflation protection, which is especially valuable since the average annual cost of care can exceed $100,000. Eligibility for benefits generally requires being unable to perform at least two activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing or dressing.

    Optional riders, like a return of premium, add even more customization by refunding part of your payments if coverage is never used.

    Thrivent is seen as a stable and trustworthy provider due to its strong financial ratings and reliability. Its broad policy choices and customer-focused features make it a solid option for individuals seeking both security and flexibility in long-term care planning.

    Pros & Cons

    Pros:

    • Offers both traditional and hybrid long-term care insurance
    • Covers a wide range of services, including in-home care and facility care
    • Inflation protection options available
    • Strong financial ratings and customer satisfaction
    • Return of premium rider available

    Cons:

    • Premiums may be higher than some competitors
    • Health underwriting can make it harder to qualify if you have pre-existing conditions
    • Fewer digital tools and online resources compared to larger insurers
    • Hybrid policies may reduce life insurance benefits if long-term care is used

Frequently Asked Questions

How do the best long-term care insurance policies compare in terms of coverage and benefits?

Top policies cover services like nursing homes, assisted living, and in-home caregiving. Some include inflation protection, which helps benefits keep pace with the rising cost of care. Others may add care coordination services to guide you in choosing facilities or providers.

What are the average premium costs for leading long-term care insurance plans?

Premiums depend on age, health, and coverage level. On average, you can expect to pay several thousand dollars per year for a new policy. Using a cost of care calculator helps you see how premiums compare with projected long-term care expenses.

Which long-term care insurance companies offer the most flexible policy options this year?

Some companies let you adjust benefit periods, daily benefit amounts, and inflation riders. Others provide hybrid policies that combine life insurance with long-term care coverage. Flexibility matters because it allows you to match your plan with your financial goals and caregiving needs.

What are the key factors to consider when choosing a long-term care insurance provider?

You should look at financial strength, coverage options, and how well the policy fits your budget. Customer satisfaction ratings give insight into how claims are handled. Also consider whether the plan works alongside Medicare, since Medicare does not cover most long-term care costs.

How have customer service ratings influenced the rankings of long-term care insurance companies?

Companies with strong customer satisfaction scores rank higher because policyholders value clear communication and timely claims processing. Surveys show that people place high importance on how insurers respond during stressful caregiving situations. Good service can make a major difference when you need benefits the most.