Nationwide, founded in 1926, is one of the most recognizable names in the insurance and financial service industry. Its long-term care (LTC) solutions are offered through linked-benefit life insurance products, primarily the CareMatters II suite. Nationwide is known for its focus on cash indemnity benefits, giving policyholders flexibility to spend LTC benefits as they wish — whether on professional caregivers, family support, or other qualified expenses.
How Nationwide LTC Works
Nationwide policies are sold through licensed financial professionals. The process typically includes a needs analysis, application, and medical underwriting (questionnaire, possible exam). Long-term care benefits begin when the policy holder experiences an inability to perform two or more Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) or cognitive impairment. Nationwide’s cash indemnity structure means once a benefit is approved, the monthly benefit is paid directly — families don’t have to submit receipts, which sets it apart from reimbursement-based competitors.
Pros and Cons
Strengths
- The cash indemnity model allows spending flexibility (no receipts required)
- Guaranteed premiums on hybrid policies
- Multiple payment options (single pay, 5-pay, 10-pay, level premium)
- Large, stable insurer with strong financial ratings
Weaknesses
- Higher upfront cost than traditional LTC policies
- Only available through hybrid products (no standalone LTC)
- The application process can be strict for health underwriting
- Some riders can add a significant expense
Nationwide Long-Term Care Insurance
- Nationwide combines long-term care with life insurance, giving families two layers of financial protection.
- Policyholders appreciate the ability to use benefits for care needs or leave a legacy to loved ones.
- Competitive pricing and flexible riders make it easy to shape coverage around your lifestyle.
- With a strong reputation and national reach, Nationwide delivers peace of mind for the future.
- Nationwide Long Term Care Insurance Review
Its CareMatters II policies stand out for using a cash indemnity model, providing families with complete flexibility in how LTC benefits are spent — no receipts are required. Nationwide is ideal for those who want guaranteed premiums and control over benefit use.
- Pros: Cash indemnity payouts, multiple funding options, brand trust
- Cons: Higher cost than traditional LTC, no standalone policies
Costs and Fees
Premiums depend on age, health, benefit level, and the chosen funding option. Nationwide’s hybrids can be structured as single-premium lump sums or spread over 5, 10, or more years. Because premiums are guaranteed, there’s no risk of future increases. The trade-off is higher initial costs than traditional LTC. Riders include inflation protection, extended benefit riders, and return-of-premium options.
Customer Experience
Nationwide has an A+ rating from AM Best and strong consumer trust. Families and advisors consistently praise the cash indemnity model for its flexibility, although some note that the policies can be complex to structure correctly. On forums like Reddit and financial planning blogs, Nationwide is often recommended for individuals seeking predictable premiums and maximum control over how benefits are utilized.
Comparison Nationwide Long Term Care Insurance
Compared to New York Life, Nationwide’s advantage lies in its cash indemnity structure, which offers more flexibility than reimbursement hybrids. New York Life provides strong brand trust and death benefit legacy features, but policyholders must submit care expenses for reimbursement.
In comparison to OneAmerica, Nationwide is more accessible to a broader market. OneAmerica is known for its lifetime benefit options, but these typically require larger lump-sum funding. Nationwide balances flexibility, multiple payment structures, and solid coverage, making it easier for middle- to upper-income families to enter the hybrid LTC market.
When stacked against Mutual of Omaha, Nationwide is a distinctly different product class: hybrid versus traditional. Nationwide wins on premium guarantees and flexibility of benefits, while Mutual of Omaha appeals to those who want lower entry costs and are willing to accept the risk of rate increases.
Our Ranking of Nationwide Long-Term Care Insurance
We compared Nationwide to the top long-term care insurance providers, and here’s how it ranked:
- Customer Experience (30%): 9 / 10
- Fees & costs (25%): 7.5 / 10
- Product Options (20%): 9 / 10
- Application Process (15%): 8.5 / 10
- Overall Score: 8.6 / 10
AssistedKin’s Top 5 Picks for Long-Term Care Insurance
| Company | Recommended For | Product Type | Premiums Guaranteed | Editor's Rating (Out of 10) | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mutual of Omaha | Best for Traditional Long-Term Care Coverage | Standalone Policy | No | 8.2 | Get Rates |
| GoldenCare | Best for Comparing Policy Options | Brokerage (Multi-products available) | Yes - Varies by Carrier | 8.0 / 10 | Get Rates |
| OneAmerica | Best for Lifetime Coverage | Hybrid (Life/Annuity) | Yes | 8.5 | Get Rates |
| Nationwide | Best for Cash Indemnity Flexibility | Hybrid (Life Insurance/Long-Term Care) | Yes | 8.6 | Get Rates |
| Lincoln Financial | Best All-Around Hybrid Value | Hybrid (Life Insurance) | Yes | 8.4 | Get Rates |
Final Thoughts
Nationwide’s CareMatters suite is a strong choice for families who want guaranteed premiums, asset protection, and maximum flexibility in how LTC benefits are used. While more expensive upfront than traditional LTC, the cash indemnity model and brand trust make it one of the most versatile hybrid solutions available in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about Nationwide long-term care insurance.
No. Nationwide offers LTC benefits only through hybrid life insurance policies (CareMatters II).
It uses a cash indemnity model, so benefits are paid directly without requiring receipts.
Pricing varies widely, but hybrids usually require larger upfront premiums compared to standalone LTC — in exchange for guaranteed costs.
Families who want guaranteed premiums, flexibility in how benefits are spent, and are open to hybrid life + LTC products.