topsverseWhen you think about your golden years, you probably picture relaxing on a beach or spending time with grandchildren. What most people do not picture is the staggering cost of long-term care. The reality hit me hard when I saw the latest numbers: a private nursing home room now costs over $127,000 per year. That figure jumped 9% in just one year, far outpacing regular inflation.
Here is what really shocked me – nearly 60% of Americans think Medicare will cover these costs. I used to believe that too, until I learned the truth. Medicare only covers skilled nursing care for 100 days maximum, and only under very specific conditions. For most long-term care needs, you are on your own.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about long-term care insurance in 2025. I have researched the top companies, compared their policies, and broken down the costs so you can make an informed decision about protecting your future.
Top 10 Long-Term Care Insurance Companies for 2025
After reviewing dozens of companies and analyzing their financial strength, policy features, and customer service records, here are the leaders for 2025.
1. Mutual of Omaha
Mutual of Omaha has been a household name in long-term care insurance for decades, and for good reason. They earned an A+ rating from A.M. Best for financial strength, which means they are very likely to be around when you need them.
Their MutualCare Custom Solution stands out because you can truly customize it to fit your needs and budget. Instead of rigid daily limits, they use a “pool of money” approach that gives you more flexibility in how you spend your benefits. For 2025, they increased their maximum monthly benefit to $15,000, which is crucial in high-cost areas like California or New York.
What I really like about Mutual of Omaha is their Inflation Buy-Up Option. This lets you increase your inflation protection later without going through medical underwriting again – a valuable feature as you age and your health potentially changes.
2. Thrivent Financial
If financial stability keeps you up at night, Thrivent should put your mind at ease. They hold the highest possible ratings from A.M. Best (A++), Moody’s (Aa2), and Standard & Poor’s (AA+). That is about as rock-solid as it gets in the insurance world.
There is one catch with Thrivent – they are a fraternal organization with a “Christian Common Bond” requirement. You or your spouse must be Christian to qualify. If you meet that requirement, you get access to some of the highest monthly benefits available (up to $15,000) and benefit periods up to eight years.
3. National Guardian Life
National Guardian Life offers something no one else does: a lifetime benefit rider option. While most policies limit benefits to a few years or a specific dollar amount, NGL can provide coverage for as long as you need it. For someone worried about outliving their benefits, this feature alone might make NGL worth considering.
They also offer flexible premium payment options, so you can choose a payment schedule that fits your financial planning goals.
4. Nationwide
Nationwide revolutionized the hybrid market with their CareMatters II plan, and they continue to innovate. This policy combines long-term care benefits with a life insurance policy that guarantees a minimum death benefit even after you have used some long-term care benefits.
The game-changer is their cash benefit feature. Instead of submitting receipts and waiting for reimbursement, Nationwide pays you directly. This means you can hire family members as caregivers or pay for services that traditional policies might not cover. For couples, their CareMatters Together plan allows you to share benefits between spouses.
5. Lincoln Financial
Lincoln Financial gives you the most flexibility in how you pay for your policy. You can make a single large payment, spread payments over ten years, or choose a flexible payment schedule. Their MoneyGuard product line has been popular for years, and 2025 brings an exciting update.
The new Lincoln MoneyGuard Fixed Advantage policy now offers a cash indemnity option that pays 80% of your monthly benefit without requiring receipts. You still get the traditional 100% reimbursement option, but having that cash flexibility addresses what many consumers have been asking for.
6. OneAmerica
OneAmerica specializes in putting your existing assets to work for you. Their Care Solutions portfolio includes Asset Care and Annuity Care products that build long-term care benefits on top of whole life insurance or annuity foundations.
What makes OneAmerica particularly interesting is their more lenient underwriting for annuity-based hybrid products. If you have some health issues that might disqualify you elsewhere, OneAmerica might still offer you coverage.
7. New York Life
When it comes to financial stability, New York Life sets the gold standard. They hold the highest ratings from all four major rating agencies: A++ from A.M. Best, AAA from Fitch, Aa1 from Moody’s, and AA+ from Standard & Poor’s. This level of financial strength provides tremendous confidence that they will be there to pay your claims decades from now.
New York Life offers both traditional (My Care and Secure Care) and hybrid (Asset Flex) options, plus couples discounts on all plans. Their variety of options means you can likely find something that fits your specific situation.
8. MassMutual
MassMutual focuses exclusively on hybrid policies, combining life insurance with long-term care riders. They also earn an A++ rating from A.M. Best for financial strength.
Their standout feature is a zero-day elimination period for at-home health care. Most policies make you wait 30, 60, or 90 days before benefits begin, but MassMutual can start paying immediately for home care. They also reimburse independent or family caregivers, which is increasingly important as more people prefer to age at home.
9. Northwestern Mutual
Northwestern Mutual designed their QuietCare policy with couples in mind. The survivorship benefits can be particularly valuable for married couples planning together. They offer high monthly benefits up to $12,000, though their policies tend to be on the expensive side.
If you are married and want a policy that considers both spouses’ needs, Northwestern Mutual deserves a close look despite the higher cost.
10. GoldenCare Insurance
GoldenCare represents a different approach entirely – they are an independent brokerage rather than an insurance company. This means they can show you policies from multiple insurers and help you compare options objectively.
Working with an independent broker can be particularly valuable in this complex market. They can help you understand the nuances between companies and find discounts you might not discover on your own. GoldenCare offers both long-term and short-term care plans.
Quick Reference: Company Comparison
| Company | Policy Type | Financial Rating | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mutual of Omaha | Traditional | A+ (A.M. Best) | Customizable, pool of money approach |
| Thrivent Financial | Traditional | A++ (A.M. Best) | High benefits, 8-year periods |
| National Guardian Life | Traditional | A (A.M. Best) | Lifetime benefit option |
| Nationwide | Hybrid | A+ (A.M. Best) | Cash benefits, couples sharing |
| Lincoln Financial | Hybrid | A (A.M. Best) | Payment flexibility, cash indemnity |
| OneAmerica | Hybrid | A+ (A.M. Best) | Asset-based, lenient underwriting |
| New York Life | Both | A++ (All agencies) | Highest financial stability |
| MassMutual | Hybrid | A++ (A.M. Best) | Zero elimination period for home care |
| Northwestern Mutual | Traditional | A++ (A.M. Best) | Couples-focused benefits |
| GoldenCare Insurance | Brokerage | N/A | Multi-company access |
Difference You Must Understand About The Traditional versus Hybrid Policies
Before diving into specific companies, you need to understand the two main types of long-term care insurance available today.
Traditional Stand-Alone Policies
Think of traditional long-term care insurance like your car insurance. You pay premiums regularly, and if you need care, the policy pays out from a designated pool of money. If you never need care, you do not get your premiums back – that is the trade-off for lower upfront costs.
The biggest advantage? Lower initial premiums make these policies accessible for most budgets. However, you should know that insurers can raise rates over time, and many have done so significantly in recent years. On the positive side, these premiums may be tax-deductible as medical expenses, depending on your age and how much you pay.
Hybrid Policies: The Best of Both Worlds
Hybrid policies combine long-term care coverage with life insurance or an annuity. This solves the “use it or lose it” problem that many people have with traditional policies. If you never need long-term care, your beneficiaries still receive a death benefit. Many hybrid policies also let you get your money back if you change your mind and surrender the policy.
The catch? Higher upfront costs, often requiring a large lump sum payment. But you get guaranteed benefits and stable premiums that will not increase over time.
The insurance industry has clearly moved toward hybrid policies. Fewer companies offer traditional stand-alone options each year, mainly because consumers prefer knowing they will get something back for their money.
Conclusion
Long-term care insurance represents one of the most important financial decisions you can make for your future. The companies and policies outlined in this guide represent the best options available in 2025, each with their own strengths and ideal customer profiles.
Whether you choose the flexibility of Mutual of Omaha’s traditional coverage, the innovation of Nationwide’s hybrid solution, or the financial stability of New York Life, you are taking a proactive step to protect your assets and ensure access to quality care.
The key is getting started. The younger and healthier you are when you apply, the lower your premiums and the better your chances of qualifying for coverage. Do not wait until health issues arise or until the costs become prohibitive.
Remember that this guide provides general information to help you understand your options, but every person’s situation is different. I strongly recommend consulting with a qualified financial advisor or insurance professional who can analyze your specific circumstances and help you choose the policy that best fits your needs and budget.