Long-term care (LTC) insurance helps families prepare for the rising cost of assisted living, nursing home care, and in-home support. With many insurers exiting the market, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. Some companies focus on traditional LTC policies, while others offer hybrid solutions that combine life insurance or annuities with long-term care benefits.
To help make the decision easier, we reviewed dozens of providers to highlight the five best LTC insurance companies of 2025. These companies strike a balance between financial strength, flexible benefits, and exceptional customer experience to serve families planning for the future.
| 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 |
Best Companies for Long-Term Care Insurance
Mutual of Omaha Long-Term Care Insurance
- Backed by over a century of trust, Mutual of Omaha is a top name in long-term care coverage.
- Flexible policy options let you tailor benefits to fit your family’s needs and budget.
- Premiums reflect the company’s strength, giving you confidence your plan will be there when you need it.
- Known for dependable claims support, Mutual of Omaha helps make care transitions smoother and less stressful.
- Read More: Mutual of Omaha Long-Term Care Insurance Review
One of the last insurers selling traditional standalone LTC policies, with customizable benefits, inflation protection, and shared care riders. A trusted name, but premiums are not guaranteed and may rise over time.
- Pros: Traditional coverage, trusted brand, flexible riders
- Cons: Premiums may increase, and stricter health underwriting
GoldenCare Long-Term Care Insurance
- Nation’s leader in Long-Term Care insurance since 1976
- Applicable for adults between the ages of 50 and 75
- As an independent brokerage, they provide unbiased information based on your needs
- GoldenCare has access to the Top LTC companies & discounts available
- They also offer Hybrid Long-Term Care insurance, Short-Term Care & Home Health Care plans
- Speak to a GoldenCare agent to see if you qualify for Long-Term or Short-Term Care coverage
- GoldenCare Long Term Care Insurance Review
An independent brokerage that partners with multiple carriers (including Mutual of Omaha, NGL, and Transamerica) to provide choice. GoldenCare is ideal for families seeking an advisor to compare quotes from various insurers.
- Pros: Wide carrier access, independent advice, LTC specialists
- Cons: Not a direct insurer, service quality depends on the advisor
OneAmerica Long-Term Care Insurance
- Long-term care benefits provided with life insurance and annuities
- Intended for adults between the ages of 50 and 72
- Individual and joint policy options available
- Members can receive in-home and/or facility care
- Coverage for hospice and respite care, and caregiver training included
- Offers other insurance policies and products for individuals and businesses
- OneAmerica Long Term Care Insurance Review
A leader in asset-based hybrids, OneAmerica is the only primary carrier offering lifetime long-term care benefits. Policies require significant asset repositioning but provide unmatched protection for those seeking unlimited coverage.
- Pros: Lifetime benefit option, guaranteed premiums, strong advisor reputation
- Cons: Higher upfront costs, smaller insurer than peers
Lincoln Financial Long-Term Care Insurance
- Lincoln Financial specializes in hybrid policies that blend long-term care benefits with life insurance protection.
- Flexible payout options let you use coverage for care, cash value, or a death benefit for your family.
- Strong financial ratings and steady performance make Lincoln a reliable choice for long-term planning.
- Customers value its balance of affordability and security, helping them safeguard both care and legacy goals.
- Lincoln Financial Long Term Care Insurance Review
Best known for its MoneyGuard hybrid series, Lincoln offers a balance of affordability, guaranteed premiums, and flexible funding—a top choice for families seeking reliable hybrid coverage without the higher costs associated with lifetime benefit riders.
- Pros: Competitive pricing, strong financials, flexible premium structures
- Cons: Reimbursement-based (requires receipts), no traditional LTC option
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
Moving Forward with Long-Term Care Insurance Options
Long-term care insurance isn’t as straightforward as car or health insurance. There are different types of policies, and not all of them work the same way.
Here are the most common options:
- Traditional Long-Term Care Insurance
This is the classic kind. You pay premiums (usually annually), and if you need care down the road, the policy kicks in. If you never need care, though, you don’t get the money back. - Hybrid or Linked-Benefit Policies
These combine long-term care insurance with either life insurance or an annuity. If you never need long-term care, your family still gets a death benefit. - Life Insurance Riders
Some life insurance policies allow you to add a long-term care rider that lets you tap into the death benefit to cover care costs. These can work, but the coverage is often limited.
To get started:
- Research Providers – Focus on financial strength, reputation, and recent customer feedback.
- Get Quotes Early – Premiums are based on age and health, so earlier usually means cheaper.
- Compare Policy Terms – Look closely at daily benefit amounts, elimination periods, inflation protection, and benefit durations.
- Work With a Specialist – Many people don’t understand all the moving parts. There are brokers and financial planners who focus on this area.
Risk Factors of Long-Term Care Insurance
As much as you can plan, we also need to be honest about the not-so-great side of long-term care insurance:
- Rising Premiums: Premiums often go up over time, especially with older traditional policies. Some providers have scaled back or exited the market altogether due to the rising cost of coverage.
- Use-It-or-Lose-It: With traditional policies, if you never need care, you get nothing back.
- Complicated Policy Terms: There’s a learning curve. Things like “elimination period” or “inflation rider” aren’t exactly intuitive.
- Limited Carriers: Since not every insurance company still offers long-term care insurance, shopping around can be more challenging.
That said, a lot of these risks can be reduced if you work with a specialist and know what you’re getting into.
Final Thoughts
Planning for long-term care isn’t something most of us want to think about, but it’s one of the most important steps you can take to protect both your health and your finances. The truth is, none of us know what the future holds, and whether we’ll need in-home support, an assisted living community, or round-the-clock nursing care. Having the right coverage in place can give you and your loved ones peace of mind, knowing that when care is needed, the financial burden won’t fall entirely on your family.
The best long-term care insurance policy is the one that balances affordability with the type of benefits you’re most likely to use. Some people may prefer the flexibility of hybrid life insurance and LTC policies, while others may find that a more traditional plan fits better with their budget and needs. Either way, thinking through these options now means you’ll have more choices later.
Ultimately, long-term care insurance is less about predicting the future and more about buying peace of mind. If you’ve ever had to help a parent, spouse, or grandparent navigate care options, you know how valuable that sense of security can be. Taking the time to choose the right policy today is a gift not just to yourself, but to the people who matter most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
We answer the questions that matter most about long-term care insurance.
Long-term care insurance helps pay for services that regular health insurance or Medicare often won’t, like in-home care, assisted living, memory care, or nursing home stays. It covers things like help with daily activities (bathing, dressing, eating), which become essential as people age or face chronic illnesses.
The ideal time is typically between your late 40s and early 60s, when you’re more likely to qualify for better rates and coverage. Waiting too long can lead to higher premiums or even denial if health issues arise. Many millennials are buying hybrid policies earlier to lock in rates and build long-term protection.
A traditional policy offers coverage specifically for long-term care but has no payout if you never use it, like home or car insurance. A hybrid policy combines life insurance or an annuity with long-term care coverage. If you don’t end up needing care, your beneficiaries still receive a death benefit. Hybrid plans are increasingly popular due to their flexibility.
It depends on factors like where you live, your family’s health history, and care preferences (in-home vs. facility-based). Start by researching average local care costs and decide how much of that you’d want insurance to cover. A financial advisor or LTC specialist can help run projections based on your goals and budget.