Planning for long-term care isn’t the most exciting financial topic; but it’s one of the smartest moves you can make. With nursing home costs, assisted living, and in-home care expenses rising every year, having the right long-term care insurance policy can protect your retirement savings and reduce stress for your family. Below are the top 10 long-term care insurance providers worth considering in 2026. Each offers strong financial stability, customizable coverage, and competitive benefits.
1. Mutual of Omaha
Mutual of Omaha consistently ranks among the best long-term care insurance providers thanks to its financial strength and flexible policy options. The company offers traditional standalone long-term care insurance with customizable daily benefit amounts, elimination periods, and inflation protection riders. Policyholders appreciate its strong claims-paying reputation and straightforward underwriting process. Mutual of Omaha also provides shared care options for couples, which can help maximize coverage while controlling premiums. With decades of experience in the insurance industry, this provider remains a reliable choice for individuals planning ahead for future care expenses.
2. New York Life
New York Life is one of the largest mutual insurance companies in the United States and a strong contender in the long-term care insurance market. The company offers standalone long-term care policies and hybrid life insurance policies with long-term care riders. Its policies are highly customizable, allowing clients to tailor benefit periods and daily coverage amounts. New York Life is known for financial stability and personalized agent support. For those who prefer working with a dedicated advisor and value long-term company strength, this insurer is a dependable and widely trusted option.
3. Northwestern Mutual
Northwestern Mutual specializes in hybrid policies that combine life insurance with long-term care benefits. Rather than offering standalone policies, the company focuses on asset-based solutions that allow policyholders to access death benefits for care expenses if needed. This approach appeals to individuals who want guaranteed value from their premiums, even if long-term care is never required. Known for strong financial ratings and personalized financial planning services, Northwestern Mutual works well for higher-net-worth individuals who want long-term care coverage integrated into a broader wealth management strategy.
4. Genworth Financial
Genworth Financial has long been recognized as a specialist in long-term care insurance. It offers traditional standalone policies with flexible benefit structures, including inflation protection and shared care riders for couples. Genworth also publishes one of the most widely cited annual cost-of-care surveys, demonstrating its expertise in the space. While the company has faced industry challenges over the years, it remains a key provider in the standalone market. Those seeking comprehensive long-term care coverage from a company deeply experienced in this niche often consider Genworth a top option.
5. MassMutual
MassMutual offers long-term care coverage primarily through hybrid life insurance products with long-term care riders. This structure ensures that premiums are not “wasted” if care is never needed, as beneficiaries can receive a death benefit instead. The company is highly rated for financial strength and stability, making it appealing to conservative planners. MassMutual policies often include flexible payout options and strong inflation protection features. For individuals who prefer combining life insurance and long-term care coverage into a single policy, MassMutual presents a solid and reputable choice.
6. Lincoln Financial Group
Lincoln Financial Group provides hybrid long-term care insurance solutions that blend life insurance with extended care benefits. Its policies typically feature guaranteed premiums and flexible benefit acceleration options. Lincoln is particularly attractive to individuals seeking asset protection strategies, as policyholders can access funds for qualified care expenses while preserving wealth for heirs. The company also offers streamlined underwriting for certain applicants. Backed by solid financial ratings, Lincoln Financial remains a competitive option for those interested in predictable premiums and combined coverage solutions.
7. Brighthouse Financial
Brighthouse Financial focuses on hybrid policies that integrate life insurance with long-term care benefits. These policies allow policyholders to use part of the death benefit to cover long-term care expenses. One of the key advantages is guaranteed premium payments, which provide predictability over time. Brighthouse products are often structured for individuals who want simplified coverage without the complexity of standalone long-term care policies. With a reputation for clear policy design and strong backing, Brighthouse is a suitable choice for those seeking straightforward, dual-purpose protection.
8. OneAmerica Financial
OneAmerica Financial is well-known for its Care Solutions product line, which combines life insurance or annuities with long-term care coverage. This asset-based approach allows policyholders to reposition existing assets into tax-advantaged long-term care funding vehicles. OneAmerica emphasizes flexibility in benefit periods and coverage structures. Many financial planners recommend this provider for clients who prefer leveraging savings rather than paying traditional insurance premiums indefinitely. Its long history in the insurance industry and specialized focus on hybrid long-term care products make it a noteworthy contender.
9. Nationwide
Nationwide offers long-term care coverage through life insurance policies with long-term care riders. Its hybrid approach provides guaranteed benefits and flexible payout structures. Policyholders can accelerate the death benefit to cover qualified care expenses, helping protect retirement savings. Nationwide is widely recognized for its financial strength and diverse insurance offerings. The company’s simplified underwriting options can also appeal to applicants seeking a smoother approval process. For individuals who want a nationally recognized brand with strong hybrid long-term care solutions, Nationwide is a compelling option.
10. Transamerica
Transamerica provides both hybrid life insurance policies and long-term care riders designed to help manage extended care costs. Its products often feature flexible premium payment options and customizable benefit structures. Transamerica appeals to individuals seeking a balance between affordability and comprehensive coverage. The company also offers various financial planning tools to help clients estimate potential long-term care expenses. With decades of experience in the insurance market and competitive policy designs, Transamerica remains a strong candidate for those evaluating long-term care insurance providers.
How to Choose the Best Long-Term Care Insurance Provider
When comparing long-term care insurance providers, focus on:
- Financial strength ratings
- Policy flexibility and customization
- Inflation protection options
- Premium stability
- Shared care benefits for couples
- Claims reputation
Choosing the right provider depends on your age, health, retirement savings, and overall financial goals. By starting early and comparing top insurers carefully, you can secure coverage that protects both your assets and your peace of mind.