Long Term Care Cost Calculator

Estimate the future cost of long-term care — assisted living, nursing home, or in-home care — and find out how much LTC insurance you may need.

Part of our Insurance Calculators collection.

Long Term Care Cost Calculator

Free online calculator

Results update automatically as you type

How to Use This Calculator

  1. 1

    Enter your personal details and financial information.

  2. 2

    See the estimated cost or coverage need instantly.

  3. 3

    Adjust inputs to compare different scenarios.

How This is Calculated

Projected Cost = Current Annual Cost × (1 + 0.04)^(80 − Age) × 3 years

2024 Genworth median annual costs:
Assisted Living: $54,000/yr (national)
Nursing Home: $94,000/yr (semi-private)
In-Home Care: $61,000/yr (44 hrs/week)

LTC insurance recommended between ages 50–65 when premiums are most affordable.

Example Calculation

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Medicare cover long-term care?
Only very limited coverage — Medicare covers skilled nursing facility care for up to 100 days after a qualifying hospital stay, and only for skilled care (physical therapy, wound care), not custodial care (bathing, dressing, eating). Most LTC costs are paid out-of-pocket or by Medicaid for those who qualify.
What's the average length of LTC needed?
The average person needing LTC requires about 3 years of care. However, 20% need 5+ years. Women typically need care for longer than men. Plan for at least 3 years when buying coverage.
When should I buy LTC insurance?
The sweet spot is ages 52–64. Before 52, it may be premature. After 64, premiums become expensive and health conditions may make coverage unavailable or very costly.

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Disclaimer: LTC cost estimates based on Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2024. Actual costs vary by provider, location, and level of care needed.