Long-term care insurance carrier comparison
The long-term care market has shrunk dramatically. Many household names stopped selling new individual policies years ago — these are the carriers still writing coverage today, scored on a disclosed, weighted methodology, not a paid ranking.
A market that has consolidated
A decade ago, dozens of insurers sold long-term care insurance. Since then, most exited the individual market — including MetLife, John Hancock, Prudential, Unum, CNA, and Transamerica — as claims and interest-rate pressures reshaped the industry. A few carriers now do most of the new business, alongside a growing set of hybrid (life or annuity combined with long-term care) options. The carriers below are the ones actively writing new policies.
Scored comparison
Ranked by overall weighted score (highest first). See how we calculate this — four criteria, disclosed weights, sourced facts, nothing paid-for.
| Carrier | Type | A.M. Best rating | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York Life | Traditional & hybrid | A++ | 5 / 5 — Excellent |
| Thrivent | Traditional & hybrid | A++ | 5 / 5 — Excellent |
| Mutual of Omaha | Traditional & hybrid | A+ | 4.5 / 5 — Excellent |
| Northwestern Mutual | Traditional | A++ | 4 / 5 — Very Good |
| Nationwide | Hybrid | A+ | 4 / 5 — Very Good |
| Bankers Life | Traditional | A | 3.5 / 5 — Good |
| NGL Insurance Company (formerly National Guardian Life) | Traditional | A | 3.5 / 5 — Good |
| Lincoln Financial | Hybrid | A | 3.5 / 5 — Good |
| OneAmerica | Hybrid | A+ | 3.5 / 5 — Good |
| CareScout (Genworth) | Traditional | Not independently rated | 3 / 5 — Fair |
| Pacific Life | Life insurance with LTC rider | A+ | 3 / 5 — Fair |
Product availability varies by state, age, and health — a licensed agent confirms what you qualify for. Ratings and scores last verified July 31, 2026; see each carrier's profile for the source and date behind its specific rating.
How to read insurer ratings
Because you may hold a policy for decades before you ever file a claim, a carrier's financial strength matters. Independent agencies rate insurers on their ability to pay future claims:
- AM Best — the rating agency focused specifically on insurers (A++ down to D).
- Moody's, S&P Global, and Fitch — broader agencies that also rate insurer financial strength.
Look for strong, stable ratings from more than one agency. A licensed agent can walk you through a specific carrier's ratings and how its policies compare. Every carrier above has its own profile page with the sourced rating, the full score breakdown, and what it means.
Compare these carriers for your situation
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