Virginia Long-Term Care Insurance
Compare Virginia Plans, Costs & Coverage Options
For more than 30 years, ACACIA Insurance has helped Virginia residents plan for their long-term care needs. As fully independent advisors, we compare highly rated insurance companies and policy types so you receive personalized and unbiased recommendations.
We review benefits, features, and pricing to help you choose the long-term care insurance plan that fits your goals and your budget.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Do I Need Long-Term Care Insurance in Virginia?
- Virginia Long-Term Care Costs
- About Medicare and Long-Term Care in Virginia
- When To Buy Long-Term Care Insurance in Virginia
- Types of Long-Term Care Insurance in Virginia
- Virginia Long-Term Care Partnership Program
- Long-Term Care Insurance Companies in Virginia
- Cost of Long-Term Care Insurance in Virginia
- FAQs About Long-Term Care Insurance in Virginia
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Do I Need Long-Term Care Insurance in Virginia?
Many Virginia residents are surprised by how common long-term care needs become later in life and how quickly the costs can grow. Care often begins unexpectedly, and prices vary across the state in cities like Arlington, Richmond, and Virginia Beach. Knowing your personal risk and the typical cost of care in your area can help you decide if long-term care insurance is a practical way to protect your savings and your family.
The Likelihood of Needing Care
Virginia residents face the same long-term care risks as the rest of the country. Nearly 70% of people turning 65 today will need some form of long-term care in the future, with an average duration of about three years.1
How Long Care Lasts
For Virginia families, this means planning ahead is essential. While one-third of people may never need long-term care, 20% will need it for longer than 5 years. On average, women need 3.7 years of care while men need 2.2 years.2
What Care Costs in Virginia
In 2026, three years in a private nursing home at Virginia’s statewide average would cost about $351,990, or $117,330 per year. By 2046, that annual cost is projected to reach $257,084.3
Virginia Long-Term Care Costs
Long-Term Care Costs in Virginia 2026 | |||
| Region | Nursing Home (private room) annual / monthly | Assisted Living (private room) annual / monthly | Home Health Aide (44 hrs/week) annual / monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $117,330 $9,778 a month | $78,799 $6,567 a month | $77,468 $6,456 a month |
| Arlington | $173,147 $14,429 a month | $108,999 $9,083 a month | $83,274 $6,940 a month |
| Blacksburg | $122,876 $10,240 a month | $83,752 $6,979 a month | $81,500 $6,792 a month |
| Bristol | $110,702 $9,225 a month | $66,544 $5,545 a month | $59,716 $4,976 a month |
| Charlottesville | $126,261 $10,522 a month | $84,022 $7,002 a month | $69,592 $5,799 a month |
| Harrisonburg | $141,819 $11,818 a month | $83,632 $6,969 a month | $50,860 $4,238 a month |
| Lynchburg | $112,218 $9,352 a month | $70,495 $5,875 a month | $77,821 $6,485 a month |
| Richmond | $132,715 $11,060 a month | $78,744 $6,562 a month | $70,952 $5,913 a month |
| Roanoke | $131,556 $10,963 a month | $76,257 $6,355 a month | $67,921 $5,660 a month |
| Staunton | $132,325 $11,027 a month | $81,314 $6,776 a month | $71,714 $5,976 a month |
| Virginia Beach | $122,617 $10,218 a month | $74,649 $6,221 a month | $71,143 $5,929 a month |
| Winchester | $185,205 $15,434 a month | $83,589 $6,966 a month | $80,475 $6,706 a month |
| Source: Nationwide Financial 2026 Cost of Care Survey (HVS), accessed October 19, 2026. Monthly figures are the annual cost divided by twelve. | |||
About Medicare and Long-Term Care in Virginia
Medicare 
generally does not cover ongoing long-term or custodial care. Medicare Part A may cover short-term skilled nursing facility care for up to 100 days per benefit period when specific eligibility requirements are met. It does not generally pay for ongoing help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, eating, or toileting. Learn more about Medicare and custodial care.
In Virginia the gap falls to Cardinal Care, the state’s Medicaid program, or to private coverage. Cardinal Care does pay for long-term care, but only once you meet its financial tests. For 2026 a single applicant may hold no more than $2,000 in countable resources and $2,982 a month in income, with home equity capped at $752,000. The state also reviews the previous five years for property transferred below fair market value, so moving money shortly before applying can create a penalty period instead of eligibility.
When To Buy Long-Term Care Insurance in Virginia
The optimal age to purchase long-term care insurance is typically between your mid-50s and early 60s. During this period, premiums are more affordable, and you’re more likely to be in good health and qualify for coverage. Delaying can lead to higher premiums or challenges in qualifying due to health concerns.
Virginia ties Partnership eligibility to your age when the policy is issued, which makes timing a coverage decision as well as a cost one. Policies issued before age 61 must carry compound annual inflation protection. Between 61 and 76, some form of inflation protection is required. After 76 it is optional. Because the Partnership asset disregard tracks the benefits your policy has paid rather than the premiums you have paid, buying earlier leaves more room for that protection to build. Set against a Virginia average of $117,330 a year for a private nursing home room, the difference adds up quickly.
However, purchasing too early means paying premiums for many years before you’re likely to need benefits, which may not be cost-effective. The right time depends on your health, financial situation, and risk tolerance.
A balanced approach is to start exploring options in your 50s when you may be able to lock in better rates with preferred health discounts. Consulting with a long-term care insurance specialist can help determine the best timing based on your individual circumstances and goals.
Find Out If You QualifyTypes of Long-Term Care Insurance in Virginia
Choosing the right long-term care insurance in Virginia starts with understanding the different types of policies available. Each option offers unique benefits, underwriting requirements, and pricing. Below is an overview of the four main types of long-term care coverage Virginia residents use to plan for future care needs.
Traditional Long-Term Care Insurance
- Design: Specifically designed to cover long-term care expenses, such as in-home care, assisted living, or nursing home care. Provides the most comprehensive long-term care benefits for your dollar.
- Benefits: The broadest set of options & benefits. Provides a daily or monthly benefit for a set period or the policyholder’s lifetime, depending on the policy terms.
- Premiums: Recurring premiums paid monthly, quarterly, or annually. Possibility of premium increases over time.
- Underwriting: Requires medical underwriting, where health status impacts eligibility and premium costs.
- Tax Advantages: Premiums may be tax-deductible, and benefits are generally tax-free for qualified long-term care policies.
- About Traditional Long-Term Care Insurance >
Life Insurance with Long-Term Care Rider
- Design: Combines permanent life insurance with a rider allowing access to benefits you can use for long-term healthcare. If LTC benefits are not fully used, a remaining death benefit is generally paid to your beneficiaries as a tax-free death benefit.
- Benefits: May build cash value and have a Return of Premium option.
- Premiums: Premiums will NOT increase. Cost is higher than standard life insurance due to the added rider, but often more cost-effective than separate policies.
- Underwriting: Medical underwriting is usually less strict than traditional long-term care insurance.
- Tax Advantages: 1035 exchanges may be available, and certain strategies can use retirement assets (IRA, 401k, etc.) to help fund coverage.
- About Life Insurance with Long-Term Care >
Annuity with Long-Term Care Rider
- Design: A deferred annuity contract with a rider to cover long-term care expenses. Includes a fixed interest rate and possible indexing for asset growth.
- Benefits: Long-term care benefits are usually double or triple the value of the annuity. If LTC benefits do not exhaust the contract value, the remaining value passes to your beneficiaries at death.
- Premiums: No premium increases. Can be purchased using a single premium payment.
- Underwriting: Health underwriting is simpler than the other plans available.
- Tax Advantages: Tax-Free 1035 exchanges are possible from an existing annuity to a long-term care annuity.
- About Long-Term Care Annuities >
Short-Term Care Insurance
- Design: Provides coverage for care in a nursing home, assisted living, or at home for a short duration, typically up to 12 months.
- Benefits: Helps cover costs for temporary care needs, including recovery from surgery, illness, or injury. Many policies offer a 0-day elimination period, allowing benefits to begin as soon as eligibility requirements are satisfied. This can bridge gaps before long-term care insurance or Medicare kicks in for services like a home health aide.
- Premiums: Generally lower than long-term care insurance due to the shorter benefit period, making it an affordable option for many.
- Underwriting: Often features simplified underwriting with fewer health questions, making it easier to qualify. This can be very helpful for those who may not meet long-term care insurance health or age requirements.
- Tax Advantages: Premiums may be tax-deductible if the policy qualifies as tax-qualified under federal guidelines.
- About Short-Term Care Insurance >
Virginia Long-Term Care Partnership Program
Virginia Long-Term Care Partnership policies combine private long-term care insurance with a special form of Medicaid asset protection. These plans allow you to keep a matching amount of assets if you ever need to qualify for Medicaid, instead of being forced to spend down your savings.
The State of Virginia also enforces Medicaid Estate Recovery (MERP) , which means the state may seek repayment from your estate after Medicaid pays for long-term care. Assets protected through the Partnership Program may also be protected from Virginia Medicaid estate recovery, up to the applicable Partnership asset-disregard amount.
For many Virginians, this added protection makes Partnership policies a practical way to plan for care and preserve family wealth.
Learn more about the Long-Term Care Partnership Program >
Long-Term Care Insurance Companies in Virginia
There are several long-term care insurance providers in Virginia. These companies differ in coverage, financial stability, premiums, and underwriting requirements.
As independent advisors, we compare all providers to find the best policy for your needs and budget, focusing on premiums, benefits, and financial strength.
USAA member? See your long-term care insurance options >
AARP member? Review AARP long-term care insurance >
- Bankers Life & Casualty
- Brighthouse Financial
- Global Atlantic
- LifeSecure
- Lincoln MoneyGuard
- Mutual of Omaha
- National Guardian Life (NGL)
- Nationwide Life Insurance Company
- New York Life
- Northwestern Mutual
- State Farm
- Securian Financial
- State Life Insurance Company (OneAmerica)
- Thrivent Financial
These companies offer a mix of traditional and asset-based (hybrid) long-term care insurance policies. Availability and pricing vary based on your age, health history, and the type of coverage you need.
Read reviews and ratings of long-term care insurance companies ➜
Cost of Long-Term Care Insurance in Virginia
How much does long-term care insurance cost in Virginia? Most Virginia residents pay about $2,000 to $3,000 per year for a comprehensive traditional long-term care policy. Long-term care insurance in Virginia can cost $1,500 to $5,000+ per year, depending on age, health, gender, benefit design, and other factors.
Several factors influence your premium:
- Age at purchase: Buying at 55 vs 65 can save thousands over time
- Current health status: Better health means lower rates
- Daily or monthly benefit amount: Typically $100 to $300 per day
- Total coverage limit: Usually $100,000 to $500,000+
- Elimination period: 30, 60, or 90-day waiting period before benefits start
- Inflation protection: Protects against rising care costs
Why quotes vary: Pricing depends on underwriting and plan design. Insurers weigh these factors differently, so comparing multiple carriers helps you find the best value.
Virginia Long-Term Care Insurance Quotes
Our Virginia long-term care specialists help you compare a wide range of planning products and strategies. You’ll receive personalized recommendations based on your age, health, and goals, along with guidance on the insurance companies best suited to your situation. You’ll get professional advice with:
✔ Choosing from multiple long-term care planning products
✔ Suggestions for the insurance company best suited to your needs
✔ Help with medical underwriting (qualifying) for coverage
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FAQs About Long-Term Care Insurance in Virginia
The cost of long-term care insurance in Virginia depends on your age, health, marital or partner status, benefit amount, benefit period, elimination period and inflation protection. Rates can also vary significantly between insurance companies for similar coverage, so there is no single premium that applies to every Virginia resident. Buying coverage while you are younger and in good health generally provides more choices and lower premiums. Comparing the same benefit design from several insurers is the best way to determine what long-term care insurance may cost for you.
Yes. Virginia allows a state income tax deduction for long-term care insurance premiums you pay, provided you did not claim a federal income tax deduction for long-term care insurance premiums for the same tax year. Virginia Tax states that the Virginia deduction is disallowed if any federal deduction for those premiums was claimed. Federal rules for deducting qualified long-term care insurance premiums are separate and may include age-based limits, so you should consult your tax advisor when determining which deduction may apply to you.
Learn about long-term care insurance tax deductions >
No. Virginia’s former Credit for Purchase of Long-Term Care Insurance expired on December 31, 2013. Older articles and search results may still refer to a Virginia long-term care insurance tax credit, but it is no longer available for current purchases. Virginia does, however, continue to provide a state income tax deduction for long-term care insurance premiums when the applicable requirements are met. This distinction between Virginia’s expired tax credit and its current premium deduction is important when evaluating the potential tax benefits of coverage.
The Commonwealth of Virginia Voluntary Group Long-Term Care Insurance Program is a participant-paid program administered through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) and currently insured by Genworth Life Insurance Company. Eligibility includes qualifying state employees, public higher-education employees, employees of participating school divisions and political subdivisions, certain vested deferred VRS members and retirees, and eligible family members. Because benefits, underwriting requirements, inflation options and premiums differ, eligible employees and retirees may want to compare the group program with individually purchased long-term care insurance before choosing coverage.
Learn about the Commonwealth of Virginia Group LTC Insurance Program >
Yes. Virginia participates in the Long-Term Care Insurance Partnership Program. A qualifying Partnership policy can provide dollar-for-dollar Medicaid asset protection based on benefits the policy has paid. For example, if a Partnership policy pays $300,000 in long-term care benefits, up to $300,000 of assets may generally be disregarded when determining Medicaid eligibility for long-term care. Partnership coverage does not automatically qualify you for Medicaid; other eligibility requirements still apply. Virginia Partnership policies must also satisfy state and federal requirements, including applicable inflation-protection standards.
Virginia residents can purchase traditional long-term care insurance as well as hybrid or linked-benefit policies that combine long-term care benefits with life insurance or annuities. The Virginia State Corporation Commission publishes information on companies actively marketing individual stand-alone long-term care insurance policies in the state, but notes that its list does not include every company offering long-term care benefits through life insurance or annuity products. Because products, rates and underwriting can change, comparing current options from several financially strong insurers is generally more useful than relying on a single company.
Last updated: October 19, 2026
Written by: Craig Matesky, President, ACACIA Insurance
Reviewed by: Mike Berger, National Sales Manager
Sources:
1. “How Much Care Will You Need?” LongTermCare.gov, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Accessed 10/19/2026
2. “How Much Care Will You Need?” LongTermCare.gov
3. Nationwide Financial 2026 Cost of Care Survey conducted by HVS, Accessed 10/19/2026
Note: Coverages and features vary between insurers, differ by state, and may not be available in all locations.