Short-Term Care Insurance
Short-term care insurance is an affordable and flexible alternative to long-term care insurance. While LTCi polices provide coverage for several years or even a lifetime, short-term care insurance policies provide coverage for a year or less. For many, this is appropriate because almost half of all long-term care insurance claims last for one year or less.
Short-term care insurance can be a good choice if you:
- Cannot health qualify for long-term care insurance
- Cannot afford long-term care insurance
- Have missed the age limit to qualify for long-term care insurance
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Advantages of Short-Term Care Insurance
Simplified Underwriting
A key advantage of short-term care insurance policies is the simplified underwriting process.
Most applications only have 3 to 10 health questions, and if you can answer “NO” to all of them, you are 95% through the process.
There is also a policy with no health-related questions, as long as you don’t need care within the next six months. An ideal option for people with existing health problems.
Some policies are even available up to age 89.
No Deductible
Another advantage of short-term care insurance is that most policies have a 0-day deductible. This means that benefits are paid out as soon as you qualify.
This is a great feature compared to traditional long-term care insurance policies which typically have a 90-day deductible before benefits are paid.
Pays in Addition to Medicare
Short-term care insurance policies can pay in addition to Medicare or any medical insurance. This makes STCi an ideal option for those who want to supplement their Medicare coverage or are looking for a more flexible policy to pay for custodial care.
Who Should Consider a Short-Term Care Policy?
Short-term care insurance can be an ideal option for you if:
- You’ve been declined for traditional LTC insurance (in many cases)
- You want a less expensive option than long-term care insurance
- You’re a woman, since short-term care insurance rates are not gender-based like LTCi
- You have a long-term care insurance policy and want to cover the elimination period
- You have a need for Custodial Care that will not last 90 days or longer
- You’re 75 years or older
The typical person buying short-term care insurance today is between the ages of 50 and 89. If you’re looking for an affordable and flexible alternative compared to LTCi, short-term care insurance may be the perfect solution for you.
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Our specialists offer objective guidance on a wide range of long-term care insurance products and strategies including Short-Term Care plans. Expect personalized service on topics such as:
✓ Choosing from a variety of long-term care insurance products
✓ Suggestions for the carrier best suited to your situation and goals
✓ Assistance with health qualifying for coverage
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About the Author: Craig Matesky
Reviewed by: Mike Berger