The idea of long term care and long term care insurance may seem too distant to think about in your younger years, but that is precisely when you should consider long term care insurance. Waiting too long can leave you without the ability to get coverage.
If you need long term care once you retire, your Medicare or other health insurance may not help with the expenses. Thankfully, long term care insurance is available for those who need it.
What Does it Cover? 
Long term care insurance can cover necessary care both in and outside of your home. This includes:
- Skilled nursing care
- Occupational, speech, physical and rehabilitation therapy
- Personal care including bathing and dressing
- Adult day service centers
- Hospice care
- Respite care
- Assisted living facilities
- Alzheimer’s special care facilities
- Nursing homes
This insurance can even cover some housekeeping and cooking services, if it is directly related to your long-term care needs.
It is generally recommended that you purchase long term care insurance before you need these services. This way, you can have a policy in place before you face expensive bills for important care. You may want to purchase a long-term care insurance policy as you near the age at which you intend to retire.
The majority of long-term care insurance claims come from policyholders 70 years of age or older. However, many individuals choose to purchase this insurance earlier, such as in their 40s and 50s. There is no set age at which you must purchase long-term car insurance. Instead, this insurance should be purchased when you feel that you may need it.
Do I Need Long Term Care Insurance?
Living without this insurance can be risky as you grow older, as both in-home and facility care can be expensive. Not only can this insurance help you, but it can also help anyone tasked with taking care of you when you are in need of extra care.
If you have any trouble getting around or performing everyday tasks, you may need long term care. Without a large financial cushion or the right coverage, you could face not having the help you need when you need it most.
Connect with an insurance agent and speak with your loved ones about purchasing a long term care insurance policy that can protect you when you need it at the price you want.