Part of our guide: Long-Term Care Insurance: Costs, Options and Planning →
People approaching retirement are the obvious long-term care prospects. But a meaningful share of buyers are much younger, and they have good reasons.
Key takeaways
- A significant share of long-term care policies are sold to people in their 40s and early 50s.
- Many younger buyers are caring for aging parents while raising families and don’t want the same for their kids.
- Buying young means lower premiums, better health discounts, and protection against becoming uninsurable.
Health can change overnight. Buying while young and healthy locks in insurability that may not be available later at any price.
Personal experience drives the decision
Many younger buyers are in the “sandwich generation,” caring for aging parents while raising children. They’ve seen what caregiving costs, and they don’t want to put their own children through it. See why family shouldn’t be the long-term care plan.
Lower premiums
Premiums are based on age at purchase. Younger buyers pay less each year, and even though they may pay for longer, buying earlier is often less costly overall than waiting.
Future insurability
A new diagnosis can make coverage unavailable. Younger, healthier applicants are also more likely to qualify for preferred health discounts. See the cost of waiting.
Designs for younger buyers
Hybrid life/LTC and life policies with LTC riders can make sense for younger clients who also need life insurance. See life insurance with an LTC rider.
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth buying long-term care insurance in your 40s?
For many, yes: premiums are lower, health discounts are more likely, and coverage is locked in before health changes.
Can young people need long-term care?
Yes. Accidents and illnesses such as MS, stroke, or cancer can require care at any age.
What type of LTC coverage fits younger buyers?
Traditional LTC, hybrid life/LTC, or a life policy with an LTC rider, depending on budget and life insurance needs.
Reviewed by Tim Fuller on 2026-09-25
Tim Fuller
President, SRS Inc.
Tim leads SRS Inc., a full-service IMO (Independent Marketing Organization) and BGA (Brokerage General Agency), connecting independent financial professionals with life, annuity, disability income, and long-term care solutions from 60+ carrier partners.
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