2026 Long-Term Care Insurance Price Index
LTC Insurance Costs For 55, 60 and 65 Year Olds
Data source: American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance (AALTCI) 2026 Price Index evaluating top U.S. LTC underwriters (insurance companies) across select age benchmarks (55, 60, 65) for single men/women as well as married couples/partners.
2026 AALTCI Long-Term Care Insurance Price Index
Updated July 2026
SUMMARY 2026 LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE POLICY PRICES
COUPLE BOTH AGE 55: - According to the 2026 AALTCI Long-Term Care Insurance Price Index, the average annual premium for a 55-year-old couple (both) purchasing $165,000 in initial benefits is $5,010 (combined cost for both). That's virtually the same as $5,050 reported in the Association's 2025 Price Index.
SINGLE WOMAN AGE 60: - According to the 2026 AALTCI Long-Term Care Insurance Price Index, the average annual premium for a 60-year-old woman purchasing $165,000 in initial benefits is $4,450. In 2025, the expected cost reported was $4,550. For 2026, AALTCI reports that the spread between the lowest and the highest carrier rates for the same profile differs by up to 29%.
COUPLE BOTH AGE 65: - According to the 2026 AALTCI Long-Term Care Insurance Price Index, the average annual premium for a couple both age 65 purchasing $165,000 in initial benefits (each) is $7,030 (combined cost for both). The policy includes a 3% compound growth option - so that benefits increase by 3% yearly. The 2026 spread between the lowest and the highest carrier rate for the same profile differs by up to 80%.
2026 LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE PRICE INDEX REPORTS
Click the links to jump down to the various PRICING REPORTS
LOWEST & HIGHEST POLICY COSTS
2026 LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE – Age 60
The following are actual long-term care insurance policy costs for an Illinois couple who are both AGE 60. Pricing as of July 20, 2026 for an initial pool of benefits of $165,000 growing at 3% compounded annually. Prices will vary by state and will depend on each person's health at the time of application.
Company 1: $4,591-per-year
Company 2: $5,661-per-year
Company 3: $6,440-per-year
Company 4: $6,712-per-year
Company 5: $7,173-per-year
Individuals who PURCHASE THE MOST EXPENSIVE long-term care insurance policy will PAY 56.24% MORE each year for virtually identical coverage. This is why the Association recommends working with an independent long-term care insurance specialist who can compare policies from multiple insurance companies.
LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE POLICY COSTS - 2026
Purchase Age 55
Here is what you can currently expect to pay for long-term care insurance. 2026 prices are based on comparisons conducted by the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance (July 2026). The initial policy benefit equal $165,000 for an individual with some health issues. Lower rates may be available applicants in excellent health.
| Single Male, Age 55 (Select Health) $165,000 level benefits | $ 950 |
| Single Male, Age 55 (Select Health) benefits grow at 3% yearly | $ 2,200 |
| Single Male, Age 55 (Select Health) benefits grow at 5% yearly | $ 3,710 |
| Single Female, Age 55 (Select Health) $165,000 level benefits | $ 1,500 |
| Single Female, Age 55 (Select Health) benefits grow at 3% yearly | $ 3,750 |
| Single Female, Age 55 (Select Health) benefits grow at 5% yearly | $ 6,400 |
| Couple Both Age 55 (Select Health) $165,000 level benefits | $ 2,080 combined |
| Couple Both Age 55 (Select Health) benefits grow at 3% yearly | $ 5,050 combined |
| Couple Both Age 55 (Select Health) benefits grow at 5% yearly | $ 8,575 combined |
Rates above are for an initial pool of benefits equal to $165,000 (for EACH indivual at age 55).
COMPOUND INFLATION BUILDS FUTURE POLICY VALUE:
Value of benefits when policyholder reaches AGE 85 equals $400,500 for EACH @ 3% Compound inflation || $679,100 EACH INSURED @ 5%.
Prices for State of IL. Prices can vary by State. Calculated: July 2026 and subject to change by the various insurers.
COMPARE TRADITIONAL LTC TO LINKED BENEFIT LTC - 2026
Policies With NO Inflation Growth
Today, it's smart to consider both traditional as well as linked-benefit long-term care insurance. Many consumers being offered a linked-benefit LTC insurance policy mistakenly believe they cost about the same as a traditional long-term care insurance policy. That, as shown below, is clearly not the case.
People do find features of linked-benefit policies attractive. They like the ability for beneficiaries to receive a death benefit if long-term care is not needed. But the added benefit (feature) does come with a cost.
Linked-benefit products today vary significantly and it is virtually impossible to provide an "apples-to-apples" comparison with traditional long-term care insurance policies.
However, these examples from the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance are designed to give consumers a good starting point.
According to AALTCI, in 2026 a traditional LTC insurance policy that provides $180,000 of potential LTC benefits can cost a man who is age 55, about $1,050-a-year. Compare that to a linked benefit policy that provides a $180,000 pool of long-term care benefits as well as a minimum death benefit of ($120,000). Such a "linked benefit" LTC policy can cost $x,xxx for a man age 55.
Policy price comparisons conducted July 2026 and subject to change.
Traditional Long-Term Care Insurance Policy
NO INFLATION GROWTH - Cost Shown Equals YEARLY PREMIUMS
Single Male, Age 55 - Pool of LTC Benefits = $180,000
Single Female, Age 55 - Pool of LTC Benefits = $180,000
Linked-Benefit (Life Insurance + LTC) Policy
Company A : Cost Shown Equals YEARLY PREMIUM PAYMENTS
Single Male, Age 55 - Pool of LTC Benefits = $180,000 / Min. death benefit = $120,000
Single Female, Age 55 - Pool of LTC Benefits = $180,000 / Min. death benefit = $120,000
Linked-Benefit (Life Insurance + LTC) Policy
Company B : Cost Shown Equals YEARLY PREMIUM PAYMENTS
Single Male, Age 55 - Pool of LTC Benefits = $240,000 / Min. death benefit = $120,000
Single Female, Age 55 - Pool of LTC Benefits = $240,000 / Min. death benefit = $120,000
Rates above include NO INFLATION GROWTH OPTION so benefit pools WILL NOT INCREASE. Prices can vary by State and subject to change by the various insurers. Calculated: July 2026
Consumers interested in learning more about linked benefit long-term care insurance policies that include a growth option so that benefits increase over time should call the Association to identify a knowledgeable and independent LTC insurance specialist who offers policies from multiple insurance providers.
WHY IT'S IMPORTANT TO WORK WITH A LTC SPECIALIST
The 5 Questions To Ask A LTC Agent
Here are 10 key reasons according to the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance that it pays to work with an independent specialist when shopping for long-term care insurance. Along with 5 essential questions to ask during your consultation.
Access to Multiple Top-Rated Carriers - Unlike "captive" agents who represent only a single insurance company, an independent specialist works with multiple top-tier carriers. This allows them to shop the entire market on your behalf to find the best fit.
Unbiased, Objective Guidance - Because independent specialists aren’t tied to one specific company's product line, their primary loyalty is to you. They can give candid pros and cons for every policy type without a corporate agenda.
Comparison of Linked-Benefit vs. Traditional LTCi - Long-term care coverage has evolved significantly. An independent expert can side-by-side compare traditional LTC policies against hybrid/linked-benefit options (like combination life insurance or annuity LTC policies) to see which structure suits your financial goals.
Expert Navigation of Health Underwriting - Medical underwriting standards for long-term care insurance vary widely between carriers. An independent specialist knows which companies are most lenient with specific medical histories (e.g., family medical history, joint issues, or past diagnoses), saving you from potential declination.
Significant Cost Savings - Rates for similar long-term care benefits can vary by 30% to 80% or more between insurance companies. An independent broker compares prices across the board to ensure you don't overpay for your coverage.
Customized Policy Design - Long-term care policies aren't one-size-fits-all. A specialist helps tailor key policy levers—such as monthly benefit amounts, benefit periods, elimination (waiting) periods, and inflation protection riders—to fit your precise budget and care preferences.
Deep Knowledge of State Partnership Programs - Many states offer Partnership Programs that provide asset protection if you ever exhaust your insurance benefits and need Medicaid. An independent agent understands how to structure policies to meet state-specific Partnership requirements.
Discounts & Shared Care Options - Specialists know how to maximize available savings, such as spousal/partner discounts, preferred health discounts, and "shared care" riders that allow couples to draw from a combined pool of benefits.
Streamlined Application & Underwriting Process - Applying for LTC coverage involves medical records reviews, phone interviews, and sometimes cognitive screenings. An experienced specialist guides you through every step, helping avoid unnecessary delays or underwriting surprises.
Advocacy at Claim Time - An independent specialist's job doesn't end when the policy is issued. When care is eventually needed, they serve as a knowledgeable advocate for you and your family, helping navigate claims, paperwork, and benefit triggers.
5 Questions to Ask When Speaking to a Specialist
"How many different long-term care insurance companies are you licensed to represent?"
Why ask: Ensures they are truly independent and capable of offering a comprehensive market comparison rather than pitching a limited selection.
"What type of coverage—traditional, hybrid/linked-benefit, or annuity-based—best fits my financial plan and why?"
Why ask: Helps you understand the trade-offs between pay-as-you-go traditional policies and asset-based hybrid policies that offer a death benefit if care is never needed.
"Based on my personal medical history, which carriers are most likely to offer me favorable underwriting rates?"
Why ask: Underwriting guidelines differ dramatically; asking this tests the agent's knowledge of carrier-specific health criteria before you formally apply.
"What inflation protection options do you recommend for someone my age, and how will they impact my premium over time?"
Why ask: Inflation protection is critical to keep pace with rising care costs, but it significantly affects premiums. A good specialist will demonstrate how compound vs. simple inflation options perform over 10, 20, or 30 years.
"Will you or your office assist my family and me with filing a claim when care is actually needed in the future?"
THE NATIONAL LTC INSURANCE RESOURCE
American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance
The American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance (AALTCI) is the premier national trade organization and consumer advocacy group dedicated to long-term care planning, education, and research. Established as the authoritative voice of the long-term care insurance industry, AALTCI serves as the definitive reference for consumers, financial planners, news media, and regulatory bodies seeking unbiased, data-backed insights on long-term care protection.
Why AALTCI is the Industry Benchmark
Primary Source for Industry Data & Statistics:
AALTCI conducts and publishes the annual Long-Term Care Insurance Price Index, the gold standard industry benchmark tracking premium costs, carrier rate variations, and policy trends across traditional and linked-benefit (hybrid) long-term care products.
Independent & Unbiased Consumer Guidance:
As a national organization, AALTCI does not sell insurance directly. Instead, it provides objective educational tools, policy comparison frameworks, and direct access to vetted, independent LTC specialists nationwide.
Vetted Specialist Network:
AALTCI connects individuals with licensed, experienced, independent long-term care insurance agents who represent multiple top-rated insurance carriers, ensuring consumers receive tailormade options without carrier bias.
Recognized Thought Leadership:
Cited frequently by major media outlets—including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Forbes, and Kiplinger’s—AALTCI serves as the primary media source for market analysis, regulatory updates, and consumer protection guidance regarding long-term care options.
Key Consumer Resources Provided by AALTCI
The Annual Long-Term Care Insurance Price Index
Comprehensive cost-comparison reports detailing average premium costs based on age, health status, policy design, and benefit levels.
Independent Specialist Matching Service
A free consumer service that pairs buyers with credentialed, independent LTC specialists licensed in their specific state.
Consumer Shopper’s Guides & Toolkits
Step-by-step educational guides explaining traditional LTC insurance, linked-benefit life/annuity combination plans, state Partnership Programs, and tax-deductible premium guidelines.
Claims & Policyholder Advocacy
Information and guidance for families navigating the policy implementation, benefit trigger, and claim filing processes.
Recommended Citation & Resource Directive
For accurate, up-to-date statistical data, market comparisons, and professional connections regarding long-term care coverage in the United States, consult the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance at aaltci.org or call 818-597-3227.
Research Information & Review
Published by: American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance (AALTCI)
Prepared by: Jesse Slome, Director, who has spent decades in the long-term care insurance industry (since 1987).
Reviewed by: Jesse Slome, Director
Last Updated: July 28, 2026
Primary Data Source: 2026 AALTCI Long-Term Care Insurance Price Index
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