How do I check a long-term care insurer's financial strength rating?

Because decades can pass between buying a policy and filing a claim, the carrier's long-term financial strength matters as much as the price. You want a company that will still be strong when you need it.

Independent rating agencies grade insurers' financial strength:

• A.M. Best (scale from A++ down to D) — the agency that specializes in insurers.
• Moody's, Standard & Poor's (S&P), and Fitch — each with its own top-to-bottom scale.

Look for high ratings from more than one agency. You can check them free on each agency's website, or ask your agent. Your state's guaranty association also provides a limited backstop if an insurer fails. See how we summarize this on the carriers page.

General information only. This is educational and not insurance, legal, tax, or financial advice. Rules and products vary and change — confirm the specifics with a licensed professional.