Updated October 2026 · daily benefit · elimination period · inflation rider

Compare the Best Long-Term Care Insurance (2026)

Long-term care can be expensive. Compare traditional and hybrid policies that help pay for in-home care, assisted living and nursing homes.

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Providers

Featured long-term care insurance providers

Best for older applicants
1

Mutual of Omaha

Traditional long-term care coverage

  • Accepts applicants up to age 79
  • Benefit periods of 2 to 5 years
  • Discounts for couples who apply together
Read our Mutual of Omaha review →
Best hybrid life + LTC
2

New York Life

Hybrid life insurance with long-term care benefits

  • Combines life insurance with long-term care benefits
  • Benefit periods of up to 7 years
  • A++ financial strength rating from AM Best
Read our New York Life review →
Best for linked benefits
3

Nationwide

Linked-benefit life and long-term care policies

  • Linked-benefit policies combining life and LTC
  • Unused LTC funds go to beneficiaries
  • Higher monthly benefit options
Read our Nationwide review →

Our top picks, explained

Best for older applicants

Mutual of Omaha

Accepts applicants older than many competitors.

Pros and cons
  • High maximum issue age
  • Couples discounts
  • Traditional premiums can rise over time
Visit site

Best hybrid life + LTC

New York Life

A hybrid policy pays a death benefit if long-term care is never needed.

Pros and cons
  • Top financial strength rating
  • Death benefit if care isn't needed
  • Higher upfront cost than traditional coverage
Visit site

Best for linked benefits

Nationwide

Its linked-benefit design keeps value for your family even if care isn't needed.

Pros and cons
  • Guaranteed death benefit
  • Flexible benefit amounts
  • Requires a larger premium commitment
Visit site

Side-by-side comparison

Mutual of Omaha
New York Life
Nationwide
Policy typeTraditionalHybrid life/LTCLinked benefit
Issue agesUp to 79Up to 75Up to 75
AM BestA+A++A+
Visit siteVisit siteVisit site

Provider details were checked against public sources in October 2026; confirm current rates and terms with the provider. Listings may include providers that compensate The Top 10 Experts. Order and placement may be influenced by compensation. Advertiser disclosure.

Before you choose

What to compare

Use these points to compare any long-term care insurance provider, whether or not it appears on The Top 10 Experts.

Benefit

Daily or monthly benefit

The maximum the policy pays per day or month of care. Compare it with care costs where you live.

Elimination

Elimination period

The waiting period before benefits start, often 30 to 90 days. Longer periods lower premiums.

Inflation

Inflation protection

Care costs rise over time. An inflation rider helps the benefit keep pace.

Hybrid

Traditional vs. hybrid

Hybrid life/LTC policies pay a death benefit if care is never needed, but cost more upfront.

Common questions

When should I buy long-term care insurance?

Many people look in their 50s or early 60s, when premiums are lower and health qualification is easier.

Does Medicare cover long-term care?

Medicare covers limited skilled nursing care, not ongoing custodial care.

Can premiums go up?

On traditional policies, yes, insurers can raise rates for a whole class of policyholders with state approval.

More in Insurance

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