What type of care does long-term care insurance generally cover?

Long-term care insurance primarily covers personal and custodial care services, which are essential for individuals who require assistance with daily living activities due to chronic illness, disability, or aging. These services include help with tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility. The focus of long-term care is on providing support to individuals who cannot perform these activities independently, rather than on acute medical care or temporary services.

This type of insurance is especially relevant for those who might spend an extended period in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or even receive in-home care, allowing them to maintain a degree of comfort and independence in their lives. By covering personal and custodial care, long-term care insurance helps alleviate the financial burden associated with these necessary services, which are not typically covered by standard health insurance policies or Medicare.