Sunday, September 28, 2008

Six Things You Need To Know About Ltci and the Elimination Period

By Terry Stanfield

The elimination period is an important factor when you get a long term care insurance quote. It can make a really big difference how much money you have to pay or the type of coverage you have should you need to exercise your rights to long term care. Here are six tips that should help you make a decision on the type of elimination period you have.

1. An elimination period on a long term care insurance policy is the time frame you wait until your long term care really kicks in. This is also known as the 'waiting' period because you have to wait for the policy to become effective.

2. You can decide how long your waiting period is or isn't. A waiting period can be from 0 days to 100 days if you like. It is important to mindfully think about this period properly so you are not in a position that you need care and you do not have it.

3. The shorter the elimination period is that you choose the higher the long term care insurance quote will be. This is because you will actually have coverage when the period ends. During the time period that the waiting period is in effect you will not be paying as much money for coverage because technically you will not be covered.

4. If you get sick during the elimination period you will have to pay for the costs associated with the long term care policy. This can be very expensive if you need to be hospitalized or you need any type of home health care coverage. Be sure you are in good health and that you will not need any care for as long as you choose to have the elimination period.

5. When you look at a long term care policy it is important to consider the cost. The long term care insurance cost will be different depending on the amount of time you want the benefit period to last for and many other factors. You will pay less money in the long run if you opt not to have a waiting period, should you get sick.

6. Should you choose a long elimination period on your policy you will not be able to change it later. This may cost you thousands. Be sure you really know what you want for a long term insurance policy before you agree to it.

When you get a long term care insurance quote it is important to consider the elimination period you have on your policy.

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