Short term care insurance

A number of leading insurers now offer coverage that is often referred to as "Short-Term Care". The American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance established the National Advisory Center to help create heightened awareness of this valuable planning option.

If you would like to speak with a short-term care insurance specialist, call the Association at 818-597-3227. Between 9am and 3pm Pacific Time. Or Email your request to us. Your information will be shared with ONLY ONE specialist.

What Is Short-Term Care Insurance

The typical Short-Term Care insurance (STCi) policy provides coverage for 1 year or less. For many people, this is a very appropriate and affordable amount of coverage. It is true that some long-term care claims last for many years,however, almost half (49%) of long-term care insurance claims LAST ONE YEAR OR LESS.

The majority of short-term care insurance policies have a 0-day deductible (Elimination Period) option and a full year of benefits. Simply, that means the policy pays on the very first day that you qualify for benefits. Most traditional long-term care insurance policies (about 94%) are sold with a 90-Day Deductible that must be met before benefits are paid.

It is important to know that these policies can pay in addition to Medicare -- something a traditional Long-Term Care Insurance policy is prohibited from doing.

Most Short-Term Care applications have only 7-to-10 health questions. If you can answer "NO" to all the questions, you are 95% through the health underwriting process.

There are policies that have ONLY 2 "YES" "NO" HEALTH-RELATED QUESTIONS and can be ideal for people with existing health problems.

Who Should Consider A Short-Term Care Policy?

You (or a spouse) were DECLINED for traditional LTC Insurance.
You want a LESS EXPENSIVE option (than traditional long-term care insurance).
You WAITED TOO LONG to buy long-term care insurance (cost is now too high!).
HOME CARE COVERAGE is more important to you than nursing home coverage.
You are AGE 75 OR OLDER.
You are a SINGLE WOMAN (rates for Short-Term Care policies are NOT GENDER-BASED as they are with traditional long-term care insurance).
You have a long term care insurance policy and you want to cover the Elimination Period.

The typical person buying short-term care insurance is between the ages of 65 and 74 and has a net worth of less than $500,000.

States Where Short-Term Care Insurance Policies ARE Available

Short-term care insurance is NOT AVAILABLE IN ALL STATES. The map below shows states where policies are available (updated as of January 2022).

short term care insurance state directory

How Much Does Short-Term Care Insurance Cost?

Policy costs are based on your age and the benefits you select. But this will give you a general idea of what you can expect to pay for 1-year of coverage in benefits. (Updated January 2022)

Age 65 - HOME CARE ONLY - BENEFIT OF $1,050-per-week x 52 Weeks

Female -- $63 monthly .
Male -- $63 monthly .
Age 65 - HOME CARE - BENEFIT OF $1,050-per-week x 52 Weeks
NURSING HOME BENEFIT OF $200-per-day for 365 Days, 100-Day Elimination Period
Female -- $125 monthly .
Male -- $125 monthly .

Age 75 - HOME CARE ONLY - BENEFIT OF $1,050-per-week x 52 Weeks
Female -- $135 monthly .
Male -- $135 monthly .
Age 75 - HOME CARE - BENEFIT OF $1,050-per-week x 52 Weeks
NURSING HOME BENEFIT OF $200-per-day for 365 Days, 100-Day Elimination Period
Female -- $280 monthly .
Male -- $280 monthly .

Rates subject to change. Illustration for real individual, state of Illinois. Sample from leading insurer. ONLY a licensed agent can give you actual rates.