Policies differ enormously in what triggers a claim, usually needing help with a set number of activities of daily living or having cognitive impairment, and in waiting periods and daily limits.
It cannot be bought once dementia is diagnosed. Where an older policy exists, it is worth reading carefully: many pay for home care.
Why it matters
If a parent has a policy, finding it early can fund years of care the family assumed they would pay for.
Sources
Where to check this, and where to read more. All external and all authoritative.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners
- National Institute on Aging: Paying for long-term care
Long-term care insurance where you live
The local guide on this, for each city we cover.
- Baltimore, MD
- Boston, MA
- Buffalo, NY
- Charlotte, NC
- Chicago, IL
- Columbus, OH
- Dallas, TX
- Denver, CO
- Detroit, MI
- Houston, TX
- Los Angeles, CA
- Memphis, TN
- Milwaukee, WI
- New York, NY
- Philadelphia, PA
- Phoenix, AZ
- San Antonio, TX
- San Diego, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Tucson, AZ