International benefit provisions can vary significantly as you can see below.

Because policy provisions can vary (by State) and can change, we are not listing companies by name. The following demonstrates CURRENT provisions for leading long term care insurance carriers (Dec. 2014).

Company A: Outside the US: Up to 50% of nursing home maximum (purchased) and up to 25% for home health care limited to 365 days. Maximum time period of four (4) years. Premiums NOT waived if receiving benefits.

Company B: Worldwide 100% of Daily Benefit or Maximum Benefit up to 1 year limit (except hospice care, additional stay at home services, care advisory services).

Company C: No exclusions.

Company D: Global coverage up to 365 days (maximum limit regardless of coverage amount purchased). Payment is 75% of maximum daily benefit.

Company E: Outside the US benefits are paid up to one half (50%) the Daily Benefit amount. If the policy has a Lifetime Benefit Period, the maximum amount payable is 1825 times.

Company F: Outside the US 100% monthly benefit for facility care or 50% monthly benefit for home and community care for up to 1 year (only).

Company G: Outside the US or territories limited to 100 times the nursing home daily benefit lifetime maximum.

Company H: Full policy benefits IF in Canada. NO benefits in every other country.

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Both Husband and Wife Covered For Less + A Future Option To Add

He said they couldn't afford to insure both      Mark is 51, his wife was 49. Utah residents they were given a cost quote for long-term care insurance that was $2,590 a year. That was more than John wanted to spend. John told the specialist that "he couldn't afford to insure both spouses now, so he thought maybe he should just get a policy for his wife."

The specialist explained a better way ...
First, insuring just his wife would cost $1,714 because insurers charge women more (than men) for LTC insurance.
Second, with a couples discount, when both spouses buy insurance, costs are reduced for both (couples discount).
Third, John had been shown a 2.5 percent yearly benefit growth option. This would increase his benefits by 2.5% yearly. However, home care costs have averaged a one percent annualized increase over the past decade (AALTCI 2014 LTC Sourcebook). Lowering the policy's growth rate would reduce costs for both.

Finally, the specialist noted an option offered by a leading insurer. This would allow John and his wife to increase their policy's inflation growth rate at any time in the future. If they wanted more benefits and could afford it down the road, this would be possible. The key benefits were saving money now and locking in their health insurability for any future increases.

The NEW actual cost for both Mark and his wife: $1,600-per-year with the flexibility to add to their protection in future years.

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If you would like to be connected with a designated long term care insurance specialist call the Association at 818-597-3227 or Click here to complete our simple online questionnaire.

He Already Provides Care, What If They BOTH Need Care At The Same Time?

When one spouse already cares for the other, how can they plan for the risk they'll both need care at the same time?      Bill, age 62, is the primary caregiver for his wife who suffers from Multiple Sclerosis (MS). His big worry; what if they both needed long-term care at the same time.

The specialist recommended an option that few are aware of. Because his wife was not insurable (due to her MS), Bill would buy long-term care insurance and add a special Spousal Security rider. This rider provides his wife with an additional 60% of his benefit if the time came that he needed care. The additional (60%) monthly cash payment can be used for the care and living expenses of the uninsured (in this case his wife).

The New Jersey couple found this a perfect solution. The rider costs an additional 60 percent of the long term care insurance policy and does NOT require meeting health qualifications. The rider solution provides flexibility to design a plan to suit available budgets.

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If you would like to be connected with a designated long term care insurance specialist call the Association at 818-597-3227 or Click here to complete our simple online questionnaire.

Three Times The Cash To Pay A Family Member (58% Lower Commission For Agent)

She wanted her daughter to care for her.      Joan, was age 50 when she looked into long-term care insurance. She understood what was involved with caregiving, as her husband (age 67) had health issues and was already uninsurable.

If she ever needed care, the Maryland resident wanted to be able to pay her daughter to care for her at home. Many of the insurance company brochures talk about the benefits of home care and Joan already had a quote from a leading insurer.

The policy Joan had been shown would cost $1,461-per-year and it looked like what she wanted. Seeking a second opinion, Joan called the Association and we connected with a specialist. Because he was familiar with all policies, he explained how the the policy language and policy definitions govern how much the insurer will pay and the requirements to be reimbursed.

He explained that this particular policy would only pay $900 a month as a cash benefit should care be provided by an unlicensed family member. As an option, he recommended a long term care insurance policy that cost $883-per-year PLUS an additional $318 for a Cash Benefit Rider . This policy would pay $3,000 per-month (more than 3x) without limitation as to who provided Joan's care.

When the specialist shared this story with the Association, he explained that he could have sold Joan the first product and earned 58% more commission for the sale. "She wouldn't have known, about the limits until she needed to file a claim one day," he noted. Commissions vary from insurer to insurer and he correctly knew that offering the policy with the rider was the right thing to do and that's never a losing strategy.

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Financial Planner Oversold Coverage, Didn't Know Options That Would Benefit Couple

An 'off-the-shelf' proposal was all her financial planner knew. Luckily a specialist knew better.      Laura, had a proposal for LTC insurance from the couple's financial planner. The premium was $2,510-a-year for the Texas resident (age 51) and her husband (age 52). They could afford this but decided to seek a second opinion from a specialist.

"The financial planner didn't understand how State LTC Partnership plans work, and didn't understand the 'shared care' option that allows spouses to pool their policies," the specialist explained. "When it comes to long-term care insurance many financial planners tend to take a one-size-fits all approach to how much long-term care insurance people should need," she added. "They may know one insurance policy but lack the specialization to really tailor a customized plan that meets their client's financial situation or one that could actually cost less."

After an hour on the phone with the specialist, Laura understood a lower monthly insurance benefit was not just enough for their situation but would save them money. The couple applied with the very same insurance company recommended by the planner but their coverage now cost $1,674-a-year . It also included the 'shared care' option that gives each spouse access to the other spouse's pool of benefit dollars -- a very significant benefit come claim time.

"They could have taken my recommendation and bought the policy from their financial planner," the specialist admitted. "But I think Laura understood that time is money and decided that expertise deserved to be rewarded," she added. "The 33% yearly savings for the couple probably didn't hurt either.

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If you would like to be connected with a designated long term care insurance specialist call the Association at 818-597-3227 or Click here to complete our simple online questionnaire.

From $5,000 A Year For 1 - To $1,400 A Year For 2; His Veteran's Benefits Played A Role

Lynn, age 56, left the meeting with her financial planner disappointed and disgruntled. Good move: She saved $3,600 a year!      The planner knew her net worth and while that may not have been the reason he proposed LTC insurance costing just under $5,000 a year, she just felt that was more than she wanted to spend for her own coverage.

The California woman went online, found an Association specialist who explained that while Lynn was not married, the fact that she lived with someone could qualify her for a significant discount. Her significant other partner's ardent opposition to coverage, plus his qualification for Veteran's benefits could be overcome, Lynn was advised.

A solid plan of long term care insurance protection currently valued at $164,000 but growing at 3% yearly would cost Lynn just $1,100 a year, thanks to the 40% spousal/partner discount. To qualify for the roughly $800 discount, Lynn's 62-year-old 'significant other' could purchase a minimal amount of coverage costing only $300 a year. This would provide him with some coverage just in case the Veteran's benefits didn't stack up to what he imagined (or hoped for).

She had just saved $3,600 a year and now they both had some protection. Two smart moves for less money!

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Heart Condition Did NOT Prevent Getting Coverage -- Just The Agent's Lack Of Knowing Who To Ask

The specialist's contacts helped when an existing health condition seemed like a predictable decline.      This particular situation involved a physician (Pat) who was forthright in explaining he had suffered a heart attack several years earlier and had some current cardio issues. The insurance agent who came to their house said they could apply for the physician's wife. But, he told Pat that because of his heart condition he'd have to apply to a substandard (poorly rated) insurance carrier for his policy.

When the agent refused to leave any paperwork behind, the Texas doctor decided to get a second opinion. The long-term care insurance specialist said she'd contact the Underwriting Departments of the leading insurance companies to determine if they would review his health records. Because of the volume of insurance applications the specialist typically submits, she has direct relationships with Underwriting Departments. Two insurers agreed to review the medical records. Contrary to what the original agent thought, both were willing to offer the physician insurance coverage.

Since the wife's policy was already in the works, the specialist recommended allowing hers to complete the health approval process. By changing the premium payment schedule from annual to monthly, the couple would be assured she had coverage while his policy awaited final approval. Smart moves ... and good bedside manner all around.

An existing health condition or a prior health issue may NOT prevent you from obtaining long-term care insurance. But this is when the expertise and connections of a LTC insurance specialist can really benefit you.

If you would like to be connected with a designated long term care insurance specialist call the Association at 818-597-3227 or Click here to complete our simple online questionnaire.

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Thinking Of Retiring Outside Of U.S.A. - Better Get The Right Long-Term Care Insurance Policy

International coverage: the small print details really matter come claim time!      When he retires, this approaching 40-year old Texas physician plans to try out life in the Caribbean. If they like retirement abroad, they'll consider full time retirement outside of the U.S. The couple had recently purchased long-term care insurance from a major insurer. The policy cost $4,230-a-year (combined for both) and the benefit summary provided by the agent stated he had $72,000 of yearly benefits that could last for 10 years. Sounded good. He never read the policy ... few people (if any) ever do.

One evening following some reading online, he decided to see if he had a good deal. He contacted the Association,

The long-term care insurance specialist knew the policy he purchased contained specific language that limited payments for care received outside of the U.S. to one year of benefits. If the doctor needed long-term care that would be expected to last longer than a year, he and his wife would have to pack up and relocate back to the U.S.

The specialist suggested dropping the policy and purchasing one that would pay up to $1 million in cash benefits anywhere in the world. With cash benefits, they could hire anyone to provide care. They could use any care facility of their choosing. The policy even had a return of premium feature (if they didn't ever need care, everything they paid would be returned). The cost, $2,940-a-year. Bon voyage!

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Smokers Penalty: 10% More or 45% More Than Non-Smoker Rates (Big Difference)

Did I Forget To Tell You This Insurer Charges Smokers 60% More ... oops!      Just under one in five American adults still smokes and you won't get a lecture here on the health hazards. But we will tell you that few people know that long term care insurance companies charge smokers more for long term care insurance. The difference can be substantial.

Mary Jo and her husband (both smokers who are ages 57 and 59) were presented a policy recommendation from one of the leading LTC insurance companies. It was excellent coverage. Each would have 3 years of LTC coverage. Adding the 'Shared Care' option gave up to six years of benefits should one spouse need care beyond the 3 year time frame. Their cost: $4,100-a-year.

The agent for the insurer failed to mention that this insurer charges smokers around 45 percent more than non-smokers ... something only discovered when they decided to request a comparison.

The LTC specialist showed the Wisconsin couple a similar level of coverage with an extra third pool of money. As a result, they'd actually have 9 years of potential benefits (instead of just 6). The cost: $3,700-a-year. More benefits ... less money ... comparison shopping is a good habit to have we guess.

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If you would like to be connected with a designated long term care insurance specialist call the Association at 818-597-3227 or Click here to complete our simple online questionnaire.

Association's 5% Discount: Is An Association LTC Insurance Plan The Better Deal?

The 5% Special Savings "Only Available To Our Association members" sounds great. But is it really your best option?      Jack (age 59) and Sharon (age 61) were offered LTC insurance as members of a professional association. Because they are members, the insurance agent can apply a 5 percent discount. The agent typically receives a lower commission to make up for the premium savings.

The Association plan cost   $3,306-a-year ($3,140 after deducting the 5% Association discount providing each spouse with $200,000 of benefit. The policy had NO INFLATION GROWTH OPTION something vitally important because Jack and Sharon are not likely to need care for a good number of years.

The Missouri couple talked to s long term care insurance specialist who recommended a policy from a top insurance company that started with a lower initial benefit ($164,250 for each spouse) BUT INCLUDED A 3% ANNUAL COMPOUND GROWTH FACTOR  $288,013 in benefits. At age 85, the benefit pool for each would be worth more than $343,000 for each of them.

Their actual cost: $3,073-a-year. For $67 LESS per-year they had $286,000 MORE long term care insurance protection at age 85. Association discounts may not be your best option; it's well worth comparing.

$7,955 Plan Cost Cut To $2,922: Was It Planner Ignorance Or Only Access To 1 Option?

Actually it was both and fortunately this couple chose to compare during their 30-Day FREE LOOK Period.      Before we explain how this couple saved 63%, we'd like to tell you about one of the most important consumer protections (that few insurance agents ever tell you about).

By law, you have a 30-day FREE LOOK period commencing from the date your policy is delivered. During this time, you can cancel for any reason (or no reason) and get your money back.

When Robert (age 59) and wife Diane (age 58) applied for long term care insurance, the planner they worked with recommended coverage from the insurance company he was appointed to sell. The cost $7,955-a-year. Maybe he missed hearing that the Missouri couple stood to inherit sizable funds from an aging parent. Maybe, he only had the ability to recommend coverage from the company he worked with.

The couple applied but they really struggled with the yearly cost. Within their 30-days, they reached out to a specialist who was able to show them identical coverage with one important difference that we'll explain. Their cost   $2,922-a-year (a 63% savings).

Here's what the initial planner didn't think of ... know ... or suggest: The couple could purchase identical $300,000 in benefits for each. But since their financial future would likely change, the specialist suggested a policy that enables the couple to increase their benefits in future years IF they felt they wanted more coverage and could afford it. Their inheritance (along with their policy) might be sufficient to pay for whatever care they might need. So, why pay for more insurance than you need, he asked. But, if it isn't, you still have the ability to increase your coverage. The flexibility you need ... the savings you want.

The couple exercised their FREE LOOK (canceled the initial policy for a full refund) and applied for the new coverage. A happy ending for all (well, except for the initial planner).

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If you are in your FREE LOOK PERIOD and want a FAST COST COMPARISON from a designated long term care insurance specialist call the American Association for Long Term Care Insurance at 818-597-3227 or Click here to complete our simple online questionnaire.
IMPORTANT: Never cancel coverage until you have been approved for new coverage.

Was It "Bait & Switch" Or Just Lack Of Knowledge ?

Many insurance agents quote the LOWEST rate which they know will change if your health doesn't meet the insurance company's best requirements.      Is it "Bait & Switch" or just a lack of knowledge?   Does it really matter? IMPORTANT TO KNOW: The rate quoted by an agent is NOT binding until confirmed by the insurance company.

Mary Ann, a 58-year old single woman who had Hepatitis C in her health history was told she could qualify for the PREFERRED BEST rate from a leading insurer. The agent said her policy would cost $2,045-a-year . When she called for a second opinion, the long term care specialist knew she would NEVER QUALIFY for the Preferred Best rate with that in her records. She would likely pay at least 11% more each year. ($2,271 yearly).

Before calling Ann back, the specialist confirmed his assumption with the insurance company Underwriting Department. He also confirmed that another insurer would offer her the best rate and suggested this might be a better option. In fact, her cost for the same level of long term care insurance protection (a $131,000 initial pool of money that grows 3% annually) would cost $1,666-a-year .

Her yearly savings: 36 percent! .

If you are considering long-term care insurance and have been prescribed medications by a physician (even if you never take them) or have some prior health issues, it is in your best interest to talk with a knowledgeable specialist who understands the various health requirements imposed by the leading insurers.

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State Farm Agent Cancels His Own State Farm LTC Insurance Policy

Why would a State Farm insurance agent cancel the policy he bought for himself and his wife and buy coverage from another insurer? And, keep in mind, the agent could earn a sales commission by selling himself the State Farm policy.

This Maryland couple (ages 61 and 63) had a State Farm long-term care insurance policy costing them just over $4,700 a year. So, why did they drop their coverage and buy a policy after talking to one of the Association's long term care insurance specialists? We asked the specialist and here's what he revealed:

The State Farm policy cost about 30% more for the same pool of benefit dollars.
The other insurer's cost was $3,590-per-year for the couple.
The State Farm policy did NOT include the shared care benefit rider (allows both spouses to share benefits).
The State Farm policy is NOT qualified for the Maryland LTC Partnership (the other is).
The State Farm policy had a slightly better inflation benefit but that was not enough to convince the agent to keep the policy.

Please note we avoid mentioning specific companies here. But since this Real Story involved an actual insurance agent, we felt sharing the information provided more value to consumers reading this information. It is important to note that EVERY company has strengths and weaknesses, and sweet spots when they are truly your best choice. But, one thing is for certain, it always pays to talk to a knowledgeable long term care insurance specialist who can compare all your options.

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PLEASE NOTE       These are real situations. We do not mention specific insurance companies because features and options are not available in all states and are always subject to change. And, YES, that is another reason to speak with a long term care insurance specialist who knows what is currently available for your situation.

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Professor With Savings & Benefits Finds Smart Way To Reduce His Costs

Individuals with savings ask why they need insurance when they can afford to pay for long term care costs. With that in mind, what this college professor did may be of interest to others.

James, a 65-year-old professor had diligently saved and was entitled to a good retirement benefits package. He had looked into long-term care insurance but wasn't sold on spending a large sum for something he might not need.

So, when the long term care insurance specialist shared an atypical strategy, it made good sense (dollars and sense we like to say).

Most agents propose a 90-day Elimination Period (EP = deductible). In fact, virtually every article and Internet posts talk about the 90 Day EP. But, if you have savings and retirement income and, if you are willing to 'self insure' for a longer period of time ... why not consider a longer Elimination Period?

A policy costing $1,650 a year for nearly $300,000 of benefits when he turned age 80 made sense to this professor. What closed the deal was the specialist recommending a policy offering a 'Calendar Day' Elimination Period so Jim didn't have to worry about the 365 days taking more than a year. The specialist knew that insurers DON'T ALL COUNT DAYS IN THE SAME WAY. A different policy definition would really matter come claim time.

An A+ grade for both on making a smart (money-saving) move!

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If you would like to be connected with a designated long term care insurance specialist call the Association at 818-597-3227 or Click here to complete our simple online questionnaire.

Married Couples Beware: Price Penalty When Only One Spouse Buys

Financial planners tend to favor one or two insurance companies -- and that's fine -- BUT NOT IF YOU ARE MARRIED AND ONLY ONE SPOUSE IS BUYING long term care insurance. Two of the top LTC insurance companies DO NOT offer a discount when ONLY ONE SPOUSE applies. Others do.

Randall was 63, married and his wife enjoyed a teacher's pension and had retirement savings. The Wisconsin couple were interested in getting long-term care insurance just for Randall to avoid the risk that his need for care would drain everything she had.

Their financial planner recommended coverage from a top insurer (good). The cost: $3,000 a year (NOT so good). That's because the recommended insurance company does NOT give a "marital discount" unless BOTH spouses apply.

Luckily, the couple called the Association and connected with a specialist who recommended a policy from a different top-rated insurer (national name you all would know and trust). Here's the outcome:
✔ Same amount of coverage: $2,030 a year a 40 % savings because this insurer has LOWER RATES FOR MEN
✔ This insurer offers a 15% Spousal Discount EVEN WHEN ONLY ONE SPOUSE BUYS
✔ This insurer includes better home care benefits
✔ This insurer provides a cash benefit that pays for family members providing care

Some couples know that ONLY ONE SPOUSE intends to buy long-term care insurance. Others find ONLY ONE SPOUSE CAN HEALTH QUALIFY. Either way, it's just one more reason to consider working with a knowledgeable long-term care insurance specialist who really understands the ins and outs of these policies. We can't share the secret for a good marriage here ... but we can share the secret to getting the best LTC coverage. I think we just did!

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Pushy Agents Hate Hearing 'We Want To Think About It' - Couple Ends Up With Same Company

Most long term care insurance used to be sold in the applicant's home over the kitchen table.. The agent came to your home, made their presentation and hoped to leave with a signed application for coverage. In this case, they hoped to leave having sold coverage costing well over $6,000 a year.

Ron, age 63, and wife, age 58, met with a local agent who came to their home. It was not a good experience. The agent pushed a costly plan and failed to really educate the couple. The agent pushed ... and the couple (both engineers) really were looking for information from the first visit.

They didn't like the feeling of being pressured or the agent's tone. So, as soon as they were able to get the agent out the door, they did what you are doing now ... they went online ... and found the Association's website.

Association's designated specialists today communicate over the phone and Internet (using a shared screen system). "We make it very clear that their job is to educate and compare costs and plans," explains Jesse Slome, AALTCI's director. "When the person says 'we want to think about it' they simply say thanks and move on to helping the next person seeking their knowledge. It's a no-pressure, no obligation discussion and I guess not having to pay for gas or take the time to drive to a home is a win-win."

Ron and wife appreciated the education. The Texas couple ended up having several discussions with the Indiana-based specialist (over three weeks) before buying coverage from the same insurer suggested by the agent who came to the house. Their coverage cost $465-a-month for a policy offering 'shared care' and 'shared waiver of premium options' both benefits they found attractive once they understood how they worked.

Sometimes working with a long-term care insurance specialist and comparing insurance companies will help you find better coverage for a better price. Sometimes it will get you better information (without the pressure of having someone in your home). Education without pressure is often just as important and valuable.

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Weight Matters When It Comes To Applying For Long Term Care Insurance

Being overweight affects how much you pay for long-term care insurance. If you are obese, you really need to know why weight matters. Over two-thirds of American adults are overweight. Many weight 100 pounds more than their ideal weight (the definition of obese).     HERE'S WHY WEIGHT MATTERS.

John was 61, married and interested in getting long-term care insurance. John was 5 foot 7 inches tall and weighed just over 255 pounds. He considered himself 'active' relatively healthy.

The insurance agent they met with told John to apply with the hope the insurance company would accept the couple (John's wife was in great health and the agent felt that would sway the insurer). He did explain they would likely 'rate' John (meaning he'd pay more). "It cost nothing to apply and see if they accept you," was the agent's advice.

WRONG ADVICE!     And, here's why.

The insurance company the agent was recommending (one of the very large ones) had a weight cut off of 256 pounds for a 5' 7" male. They also require a health physical for all applicants and John would have very likely been declined coverage. He might have been accepted by another because each insurance company sets their own weight limits. For one, the maximum cut off is 274 pounds.

But here's the real risk the agent failed to tell John about. In New York, there is a long term care insurance policy that does NOT look at height and weight. BUT, IF you have been DECLINED for any long term care insurance in the past 3 years the company will NOT offer insurance. John ended up buying a $108,000 pool of money that would pay for home care or a year of skilled facility care. His cost $1,440-per-year. His wife bought a policy for herself from the same insurer but with a higher potential payout.

The specialist knew this and recommended that as the best option. Weight matters when applying for long term care insurance. So does selecting the right person to get your information from.

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Specialist Saves Client $18,600 By Addressing One Word In Her Medical Records

The price quote you receive from an insurance agent is NOT binding. After you submit an application, the insurance companies will closely review your medical records. The insurance company may request their own medical tests. After a full review, they will tell you how much you really will pay for long-term care insurance.

Patty, a single woman in her late 50s applied for coverage. She expected to pay $249-per-month. for a very good plan of benefits. So, she was shocked when the insurance company came back and said her cost would be $311-per-month. -- 22% more!.

Patty was fortunately working with a long-term care specialist who, because of the volume of applications submitted, called the insurance company underwriter to ascertain the reason for the price change.

Turns out Patty's doctor had indicated a diagnosis of anxiety and depression in his records. This came as real news to Peggy who had never been told she had any signs of depression. The specialist pursued the matter and discovered the doctor used the word 'depression' when he often was referring to anxiety. He knew what he meant but to the insurance company, the combination was a higher risk.

At the specialists suggestion, the doctor wrote a letter to the insurance underwriter indicating that he had never diagnosed Patty or treated her for depression. The insurance company reviewed the application again and agreed to the Preferred health status. Her premium was set at $249-per-month.

Net Savings: $62-per-month - $or - $744-per-year - or - $18,600 over 25 years   just one more example of how a specialist's knowledge of people within the insurance company and knowledge of procedures can make a significant difference to you!

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