Long term care insurance is a protection against the high costs of health care.

It is a well known fact that long term illness can wipe out a families savings and long term care insurance or nursing home insurance is promoted as a safety net in case a person requires long term care due to a long illness or accident.

Long term care policies have many benefits:

1. The policy will cover nursing home care or even care at home. Most policies cover home health care, personal care, adult day care, long term health care, respite care and hospice care.

2. Long term care policies cover needs of nursing, physical therapy, speech therapy as well as home aide services for those who are ill and need extensive care.

3. Home care includes assistance with personal hygiene, dressing, feeding, health related tasks, cooking, cleaning and more.

4. Adult day care includes supervision, social and recreational help and more.

5. Long term care covers services of a nursing home, and alternate level care. Many policies include respite care too, where family members are given a break from care giving responsibilities.

6. Most long term care policies cover health care not covered by Medicare and other services.

7. Most long term care policies cover at least 24 months of care and comply with state and country laws.

8. Most long term care policies are medically underwritten. So the earlier a policy is purchased the greater the benefits. Ideally you should be in great health at the time of purchasing a long term care policy.

Since a long term care policy may only be used when a person is aged it is important to buy a policy form a long term player in insurance. The financial soundness of the insurer must be verified through the A M Best or Fitch ratings. Always read through the policy carefully and get the insurance company or agent to explain clearly terms you do not understand. Before purchasing a long term care policy work on your person financial plan and make provisions for the premiums. Most long term care policies have premiums that increase with time/age. So find out clearly what you need to be prepared for in terms of paying premiums.

In case of a long term care policy you need to study and plan your retirement objectives, income, and wealth. If just sustaining is a strain on finances think twice before making a long term commitment of buying a long term care insurance policy. Always check with the state insurance website and see what the recommendations are regarding purchasing a long term care policy, the tax benefits, as well as pros and cons.

Long term care polices can be bought from insurance companies, stock and mutual companies, and online insurance directories. Long term care policies are sold through mail order, insurance consultants and agents as well as through senior citizen organizations.

Always be an informed investor.