How Consumers Prefer to Cover Long-Term Care Costs | HowMoneyWorks
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How Consumers Prefer to Cover Long-Term Care Costs

June 22, 2023
Long Term Care
It’s a fact – consumers prefer long-term care riders to stand-alone long-term care (LTC) insurance. 

In 2018, 350,000 Americans bought long-term care insurance.¹

84% chose linked-benefit coverage. 

In other words, their LTC insurance was a rider on a life insurance policy or another financial vehicle.

Only 16% chose stand-alone LTC insurance.

If you had to guess why riders won out, what would you say?

  • Because LTC riders are often far more affordable than stand-alone insurance?²
  • Because LTC riders aren’t subject to steadily increasing premiums?³
  • Because stand-alone LTC insurance is growing harder and harder to qualify for?⁴

If you guessed any of the above, you’d be right! They’ve all contributed to the rising popularity of LTC riders.

For many, LTC riders are a no-brainer. If something’s more affordable, easier to qualify for, and less subject to change, wouldn’t you prefer it, too? And considering that 70% of people age 65 and older will need LTC, it’s a form of financial protection everyone should explore.⁵

That’s not to say an LTC rider is the perfect solution for your situation. If you don’t need permanent life insurance, then a stand-alone policy may be the way to go. 

That’s why it’s critical to meet with a licensed and qualified financial professional—they can evaluate your situation and what tools and strategies best meet your needs.