You don't have to insure every possible dollar of care. The goal is to protect your savings and your choices, while using your income and other assets for the rest.
Step 1: Pick a monthly benefit
Start with the cost of care where you live. In 2025 the national median was $6,200 a month for assisted living and about $9,600 to $10,800 a month for a nursing home. Subtract the income you'll have anyway (Social Security, pensions) that could go toward care.
Step 2: Pick a benefit period
Many people choose three to six years of benefits. Hybrid policies with continuation riders can extend benefits for years after the death benefit is used, and some offer lifetime benefits.
Step 3: Decide on inflation protection
If you're in your 50s or early 60s, care may be 20 or more years away. At 3% growth, costs roughly double in 24 years. Inflation riders cost more but keep your benefit meaningful.
Step 4: Run your number
Use our long-term care cost calculator to estimate your total, then we'll design coverage around it.
Questions
Should I insure the full cost of care?
Not necessarily. Many people insure most of the cost and cover the rest from income. The right balance depends on your savings, income and how much you want to protect.
What's the average length of a long-term care need?
Needs vary widely. Many people need care for less than two years, while others, especially with dementia, need care for many years. Planning for about three years is a common starting point.