Why You Should Consider Getting A Long Term Care Quote

By Olivia Cross


Prudent people plan for their retirement years from an early age. Life expectancy has risen and nobody want to spend their last years living in poverty or dependant upon family or the state. There are many factors to consider when planning for future financial security. One important possibility that is often overlooked is the potential need for personal care at home or at an institution for an extended period of time. When planning a financial portfolio, it is vital to also get a long term care quote.

Thinking that medical insurance, even the most comprehensive medical insurance will cover situations where the policy holder requires permanent or even semi permanent caring from a dedicated professional can be a very big mistake. Many people requiring this type of service are not actually ill and they do not need medical attention. Instead, they need assistance with activities such as eating, dressing and toileting, for example.

Policies that specifically cover the cost of ongoing personal assistance, either in an institution or at home, are offered by most of the large insurance companies. The cost of permanent or even part time personal care by a professional can be staggering, especially if one thinks about the fact that such assistance may be required for many years. Getting insurance for such a situation is simply a sensible and responsible step.

The importance of such a policy becomes even more evident when one considers the number of children and young people that become disabled or frail due to accidents and disease. Caring for such patients can be horrendously expensive and ongoing assistance may be required for many years. Very few families can afford such a situation. Caring for such a patient personally can easily become a tremendous personal and financial burden.

The policies offered by the various insurers differ wildly. Some insurers will only pay for services rendered at a specialist institution, such as homes specializing in caring for people with Alzheimer. Other policies only make provision for limited daily visits by a caregiver. There is therefore a real danger that policy holders may find themselves in a situation where their policies do not cover their individual needs when the time comes.

Comparing quotations from different insurers can be problematic. The quotations are not in a standard format and it is often difficult to judge the long term implications of the various terms and conditions. It is nevertheless important to get as many quotations as possible. It is also important to ascertain whether the policy can be upgraded when circumstances change or when the budget allows such a move.

One solution is to seek professional advice. Brokers that specialize in this type of policy can obtain quotations on behalf of their clients. They can then explain the advantages and disadvantages of each policy and recommend a product that will suit the needs and budget of the client. There are also independent websites that can produce several quotations, all in a similar format, making a comparison between them easier.

Considering a life where it is impossible to perform even basic personal tasks can be depressing. However, considering such a life without professional help can be a nightmare. Purchasing an appropriate policy will at least ensure a dignified and endurable life.




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