Which type of care is typically covered under long-term care insurance?

Long-term care insurance primarily covers custodial care, which is designed to help individuals who have chronic illnesses or disabilities perform daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility. This type of care often takes place in settings like nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or through home health aides.

Custodial care is essential for those who may not need medical care but require assistance with personal care tasks over an extended period. Many people who seek long-term care have conditions that do not require acute medical intervention but do require ongoing support to maintain their quality of life.

In contrast, acute care generally involves immediate treatment for severe or urgent medical conditions and is often provided in hospitals or urgent care clinics. Rehabilitative care focuses on helping individuals recover from injuries or surgeries, typically for a shorter duration, and it may require skilled nursing or therapy services. Emergency care pertains to immediate, life-threatening situations that require urgent medical attention. Each of these care types serves distinct needs and is structured differently compared to custodial care, highlighting why custodial care is the specific focus of long-term care insurance coverage.