Compare your options
Traditional, hybrid,
or pay your own way?
There's no single right answer. Here's how the main ways to cover long-term care actually compare.
| Traditional LTC | Hybrid life/LTC | Annuity/LTC | Self-fund | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per $ of benefit | Lowest | Higher | Higher | Dollar for dollar |
| Premium increases | Possible | Often guaranteed not to | None (single deposit) | n/a |
| If no care is needed | Premiums gone | Death benefit to heirs | Account value kept | Savings kept |
| Return of premium | Rare | Common option | Account value accessible | n/a |
| Underwriting | Full | Full or simplified | Simplified | None |
| Inflation protection | Optional rider | Optional rider | Some designs | Depends on investments |
| Biggest risk | Rate increases; paying for nothing | Higher upfront cost | Money committed long term | Running out; burden on family |
General comparison; features vary by carrier and state.
Which one fits you?
Traditional LTC
You want the most coverage per premium dollar, you're comfortable with possible rate increases, and you mainly want insurance.
Hybrid life / LTC
You have savings to reposition, want guaranteed costs, and want your money to go to your family if you never need care.
Annuity / LTC
You have an old annuity or CDs, you're older or have health concerns, and you want tax-free care money from savings you already have.
The fifth option
Doing nothing is a plan too.
Without a plan, care is usually paid from savings until they run low, then by Medicaid, with fewer choices about where and how you get care. Family members often step in as unpaid caregivers. A plan protects your choices and your family.
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Your next step
See your numbers before you decide anything.
A free, no-pressure review. We'll compare asset-based long-term care options from top-rated carriers side by side, including what happens if you never need care.