While every claim will be unique in some way, we can look at overall claims statistics and reveal some of the higher-risk profiles when deciding how much Long Term Care Insurance.  

Long Term Care: Still a Women's Issue

Women are much more likely to make claims, with 1 in 4 women ultimately needing Long Term Care versus 1 in 11 men (LTC Tree Internal Data).  These statistics, while shocking, can be seen "anecdotally" at any local nursing home.

Women's claims are also more expensive virtually across the board than men's for the same types of ailments.  It's no secret: women live longer than men, and it seems they need more Long Term Care as well.  The good news is that LTC carriers do not charge different rates for women versus men, and provide significant discounts for couples that buy coverage.

Claims Statistics

• 92% of claims will last 3 years or less.
• 95% of claims will last 5 years or less.
• The 5% of claims over 5 years can have a "long tail" that can go much longer.

State Long Term Care Partnership plans have been set up to incentivize the purchase of private Long Term Care Insurance by providing assurance that the prospect of a "long tail" event where you need care for 5+ years will not bankrupt the family.