Short Term Care Insurance
Coverage for up to 12 months of care, with simplified underwriting and lower premiums than traditional long-term care insurance. A practical fit when traditional LTC isn't an option.
What Is Short Term Care?
Short Term Care insurance (sometimes called “recovery care”) covers care needs that last less than a year — typically 90 days to 12 months. It pays for the same services as traditional LTC: home health care, assisted living, adult day care, and nursing facility stays.
The difference is duration and underwriting. Benefit periods cap at a year, premiums run substantially less than traditional LTC, and medical qualification is simpler — making it an option for applicants in their 70s or 80s, or those who have been declined for traditional coverage.
Why Consider Short Term Care?
Short Term Care fills specific gaps that traditional LTC insurance can't — simpler qualification, faster benefits, and a lower price point.
Simplified Underwriting
Most policies require just a few yes/no health questions — no medical exam, no records review. Many applicants who are declined for traditional LTC can still qualify here.
Lower Premiums
Because benefit periods are capped at 12 months, premiums are a fraction of traditional LTC — often making coverage affordable when a full LTC policy isn't.
Short Elimination Periods
Benefits typically start after 0–20 days, compared to the 90-day waiting periods common in traditional LTC. You get paid faster.
Available Into Your 80s
Most carriers issue policies up to age 89. Traditional LTC typically stops new applications around age 75.
Covers Recovery Care
Ideal for recovering from surgery, a stroke, or a hospital stay — the kind of short-term need Medicare only partially covers.
Same Care Settings
Pays for home care, assisted living, adult day care, and nursing home stays — the same setting flexibility as traditional LTC.
Tradeoffs to Understand
Benefit Period Is Capped
Most claims for dementia, Alzheimer's, or progressive conditions run longer than 12 months. Short Term Care will not cover those full durations.
No Inflation Protection Guarantees
Traditional LTC can include inflation riders that grow benefits 3–5% annually. Short Term Care products typically don't offer that protection.
Not Partnership-Qualified
Short Term Care policies don't qualify for state Partnership programs, which protect assets from Medicaid spend-down.
See If Short Term Care Fits Your Situation
If traditional LTC was too expensive or you were declined on health, Short Term Care may still be an option. Our specialists can quote it side-by-side with other coverage types in one call.
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