What is an elimination period in long-term care insurance?

The elimination period is your policy's deductible, measured in days rather than dollars. After you qualify for benefits, you pay for your own care during this waiting period; once it ends, the policy begins paying.

Common choices are 30, 60, or 90 days (some policies offer 0 or 180). A longer elimination period means a lower premium, because you are covering more of the early cost yourself.

One detail worth checking: how the days are counted. Some policies count calendar days, while others count only days you actually receive paid care — and the second kind can stretch the wait well past 90 days if you need care only a few times a week.

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.