Founded in 1905, Lincoln Financial Group is a Fortune 500 insurer with a strong reputation in life insurance and retirement products. Its flagship long-term care solution is the MoneyGuard series, a set of hybrid life insurance policies with LTC benefits. Lincoln is widely regarded as one of the most competitive and consumer-friendly hybrid LTC providers, balancing affordability, flexibility, and strong financial ratings.
Pros and Cons
Strengths
- Popular MoneyGuard hybrid series with flexible benefit structures
- Guaranteed premiums with no risk of rate hikes
- Multiple funding choices: single pay, 10-pay, or level premium
- Strong financial ratings (A from AM Best, A+ S&P)
Weaknesses
- No standalone LTC policies available
- Primarily reimbursement-based (less flexible than indemnity models)
- Some complaints about claims documentation requirements
- Upfront premiums are higher than traditional LTC
Compare Long-Term Care Insurance Providers
Process
Applicants work with a licensed financial professional to design a MoneyGuard policy. Underwriting typically requires a health questionnaire and may also involve a phone interview or a medical examination. Benefits are triggered by the inability to perform 2+ ADLs or cognitive impairment. Lincoln’s LTC benefits are reimbursement-based, although relatively straightforward compared to those of some peers.
Costs and Fees
Premiums depend on age, health, and policy design. Lincoln’s hybrids are generally priced competitively compared to peers like New York Life and Nationwide. Policyholders can choose single-pay, 10-pay, or level premiums. Optional riders include inflation protection and return of premium. Guaranteed premiums are a significant selling point, especially for families wary of rate hikes on traditional LTC.
Customer Experience
Lincoln holds strong financial ratings (A from AM Best, A+ from S&P, and A1 from Moody’s) and is widely respected for its hybrid offerings. Customers and advisors highlight predictable pricing and the well-designed MoneyGuard structure as positives. Critiques usually involve the reimbursement requirement, which adds paperwork to claims, and some mixed reviews on service speed.
Comparison to Competitors
Compared to Nationwide, Lincoln is similar in hybrid design but differs in payout method: Nationwide offers cash indemnity, while Lincoln uses reimbursement. Many families value Lincoln’s competitive pricing, while Nationwide is better for those who want flexibility in spending.
Against OneAmerica, Lincoln doesn’t offer a lifetime benefit option, but its policies are often easier to fund (smaller upfront premiums). OneAmerica caters to wealthier families with significant assets, while Lincoln appeals to a broader middle- to upper-income market.
When stacked against New York Life, Lincoln is often more competitive in terms of pricing and simplicity. New York Life offers a broad rider menu and brand trust, but at higher costs.
Our Ranking of Lincoln Financial Long-Term Care Insurance
We compared Lincoln Financial to the best long-term care insurance providers, and here’s how it ranked:
- Customer Experience (30%): 8.5 / 10
- Fees & Costs (25%): 8 / 10
- Product Options (20%): 9 / 10
- Application Process (15%): 8 / 10
- Overall Score: 8.4 / 10
Compare AssistedKin’s Top 5 Picks for Long-Term Care Insurance
| Recommended For | Company | Product Type | Premiums Guaranteed | Editor's Rating (Out of 10) | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for Traditional Long-Term Care Coverage | Mutual of Omaha | Standalone Policy | No | 8.2 | Get Rates |
| Best for Comparing Policy Options | GoldenCare | Brokerage (Multi-products available) | Yes - Varies by Carrier | 8.0 / 10 | Get Rates |
| Best for Lifetime Coverage | OneAmerica | Hybrid (Life/Annuity) | Yes | 8.5 | Get Rates |
| Best for Cash Indemnity Flexibility | Nationwide | Hybrid (Life Insurance/Long-Term Care) | Yes | 8.6 | Get Rates |
| Best All-Around Hybrid Value | Lincoln Financial | Hybrid (Life Insurance) | Yes | 8.4 | Get Rates |
Final Thoughts
Lincoln Financial’s MoneyGuard series is one of the strongest hybrid LTC options on the market in 2025. With guaranteed premiums, flexible funding, and strong financial backing, it strikes a balance between affordability and reliability. While Nationwide edges ahead in flexibility with indemnity payouts, Lincoln is a top-tier choice for families who want predictable costs and broad hybrid availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about Lincoln Financial’s long-term care insurance.
Its primary offering is the hybrid MoneyGuard series.
Yes. Premiums are guaranteed and cannot increase.
Lincoln uses reimbursement for LTC benefits, while Nationwide offers cash indemnity.
Families who want competitive hybrid coverage with predictable premiums and solid financial backing.
