When does long term care insurance start paying?

Benefits commonly begin after the insured meets functional or cognitive criteria and completes any elimination period. When evaluating the policy, long term care insurance may help pay for covered care at home, in assisted living, or in a facility when benefit conditions are met. The policy terms and current values should be the primary reference points, instead of treating a sales presentation as the controlling document. Look at the policy's benefit triggers, covered settings, elimination period, inflation protection, premium structure, and insurer strength before buying or replacing coverage.