Key points
- AALTCI has found that rates for virtually identical coverage can vary by more than 110% between insurers (AALTCI).
- Insurers set their own underwriting rules: decline and deferral rates ranged from 15.1% to 34.0% by insurer (Milliman).
- A condition one insurer rates up, another may accept at a better class.
- An independent comparison shows you more than one answer.
Many people get one long-term care insurance quote, find it expensive, and stop. But the same coverage can cost very different amounts from different insurers, and the best price for you depends on your own health history.
How big the gap can be
The American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance has found that rates for virtually identical coverage can vary by more than 110% from one insurer to another (AALTCI). Even in its 2026 price index, the highest price for virtually identical coverage was 56% above the lowest (AALTCI).
Why prices differ
- Pricing assumptions. Each insurer makes its own assumptions about how many policyholders will claim, for how long, and how investments will perform.
- Target market. Some insurers price aggressively for certain ages, couples or benefit designs.
- Rate classes. Insurers define their best and standard classes differently.
- Benefit features. Small differences in elimination periods, home care benefits or inflation riders change the premium.
Why underwriting differs too
Insurers don’t view health the same way. In Milliman’s 2025 survey, 24.3% of stand-alone applications were declined or deferred, and the rate ranged from 15.1% to 34.0% depending on the insurer (Milliman). A managed condition that one insurer rates up, another may accept at a better class.
The good news: Milliman found that 72.5% of stand-alone policies issued landed in the insurer’s best class (Milliman).
How to compare quotes fairly
- Match the benefits. Compare the same monthly benefit, benefit period, elimination period and inflation option.
- Check the rate class each insurer is quoting, and whether it’s likely for your health.
- Look at the insurer’s history with rate increases and claims.
- Compare more than one coverage type. Hybrid and annuity-based options may fit better than traditional coverage, depending on your goals.
Our underwriting and pricing guide explains how each coverage type is underwritten, and the free LTC Policy Checklist and Financial Workbook includes a side-by-side comparison page.
Why independent matters
An agent who represents one insurer can show you one price. An independent comparison, across insurers, shows you where you’re likely to land, before you ever submit an application.
Common questions
Why do long-term care insurance quotes vary so much?
Each insurer uses its own pricing assumptions, rate classes and underwriting rules. AALTCI has found that rates for virtually identical coverage can vary by more than 110% between insurers.
Do all insurers underwrite health the same way?
No. In Milliman’s 2025 survey, decline and deferral rates ranged from 15.1% to 34.0% depending on the insurer.
How do I compare long-term care insurance quotes?
Match the monthly benefit, benefit period, elimination period and inflation option, then compare rate classes and each insurer’s history.
Sources
- American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance — www.aaltci.org
- Milliman 2025 Long-Term Care Insurance Survey (Broker World) — brokerworldmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-SurveyAnalysis-2025-12-16.pdf
- American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance: 2026 Long-Term Care Insurance Price Index — www.aaltci.org/2026-AALTCI-Long-Term-Care-Insurance-Price-Index
Educational content only; not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules can change; confirm current details before you act.
Funding LTC Marketplace is operated by Central States Insurance Services, Inc., Ft. Myers, FL. George A. Mellendorf, CLTC, Florida licensed insurance agent, License # A175981, NPN # 538220. Verify at licenseesearch.fldfs.com/Licensee/211790. This is not an offer of insurance. Coverage, rates, and eligibility are determined by the issuing carrier through underwriting. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.