At what age should I buy long-term care insurance?

There is no perfect age, but most people buy long-term care insurance in their 50s or early 60s. Two factors drive the timing: age and health.

Every year you wait, the premium rises — and you risk a health change that makes coverage more expensive or unavailable. Buying earlier, while you are healthy, effectively locks in a lower rate. Buy too early, though, and you pay premiums for more years before you are likely to need care. The 50s–early 60s window tends to balance those tradeoffs.

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.