Short-Term Care and Long-Term Care Insurance Options
Buursma Agency focuses on finding insurance options that give you the coverage and peace of mind you deserve.
Protecting Your Family and Savings from Unexpected Health Care Costs
Short-term and long-term care insurance can help cover the cost of services that traditional health insurance and Medicare may not fully provide, including in-home care, assisted living, rehabilitation, and nursing care. Whether you need temporary support during recovery or extended care later in life, having the right coverage can help reduce financial stress and ease the burden on loved ones. We’ll help you understand your options and find a solution that fits your needs, goals, and budget.
Short-Term Care Insurance
Short-term care insurance helps cover the cost of temporary care services when you need assistance recovering from an illness, injury, surgery, or other health event. Unlike long-term care insurance, these policies are designed for shorter benefit periods — often up to 12 months — while still providing valuable financial protection and support during recovery. Benefits can help pay for home care, assisted living, rehabilitation services, or nursing care so you can focus on healing without draining your savings.
Why Short-Term Care Insurance Matters
A temporary illness, injury, or surgery recovery can lead to significant unexpected care expenses. Medicare and traditional health insurance usually only provide limited coverage for extended recovery or daily living assistance.
Short-term care insurance helps cover recovery-related care costs while protecting your savings and reducing stress on family caregivers.
Short-term care coverage can help you:
- Protect your finances from unexpected care costs
- Receive care at home when possible
- Reduce the burden on loved ones
- Maintain independence during recovery
- Gain peace of mind during temporary health setbacks
For many people, it offers an affordable alternative to traditional long-term care insurance.
What Short-Term Care Insurance Covers
Coverage varies by policy, but many plans may include:
- In-home care services
- Assisted living care
- Skilled nursing or rehabilitation care
- Adult day care services
- Therapy and recovery assistance
- Care coordination and caregiver support
Policies typically provide benefits for a limited time after a waiting period, with daily or weekly benefit limits based on your selected coverage. We can help you compare options and find a plan that fits your needs and budget.
Long-Term Care Insurance
This plan pays a lump-sum cash benefit if you’re diagnosed with a serious condition like cancer, heart attack, stroke, or kidney failure. The benefit can be used however you need — from paying deductibles and out-of-network care to travel, childcare, or lost income. Coverage can often be tailored by diagnosis type and benefit amount. Some policies include additional wellness benefits or second-diagnosis protection.
Why Long-Term Care Insurance Matters
The average cost for a room in a skilled nursing facility exceeds $100,000 per year — and these costs are rising rapidly. Many people assume Medicare or traditional health insurance will cover long-term care, but coverage is usually very limited. That means most of those expenses would fall on you or your family. Without insurance, your retirement savings and other assets could be depleted within just a few years.
Having long-term care coverage helps you:
- Avoid relying entirely on your children or loved ones for caregiving
- Protect your retirement savings and assets
- Have more control over your care decisions
- Reduce emotional and financial stress on your family
- Plan for the reality that nearly 70% of people turning 65 will need long-term care at some point, with 20% needing it for longer than five years
The earlier you buy coverage — ideally while you're younger and healthier — the more affordable it may be.
What Long-Term Care Insurance Covers
Policies vary, but most long-term care insurance plans include:
- Home care services by a licensed care provider
- Assisted living facilities
- Skilled nursing facility stays
- Memory care for Alzheimer’s or dementia
- Respite care, caregiver training, or care coordination
Policies typically reimburse you for services up to a daily or monthly benefit limit, after a short waiting period. Many also offer inflation protection, so your benefits can keep pace with rising care costs. Note that location matters; the cost of care can vary widely depending on where you live or plan to retire. We’ll help you estimate the coverage amount that fits your needs and region.
How These Plans Work with Health Insurance
These plans don’t replace your main health insurance; they work alongside it to help you manage extra costs. When something serious happens, you receive cash benefits directly, giving you more flexibility to cover what your health plan doesn’t.
- Use funds for any need, medical or non-medical
- Plans are often affordable and customizable
- Many are available with no medical exam or underwriting
Supplemental Insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I enroll in more than one supplemental plan?
Yes, many people combine different plans (like accident + critical illness) to build a broader safety net.Are these plans just for older adults?
Not at all. Many plans are popular with younger individuals, parents, or anyone with a high-deductible medical plan.What’s the difference between critical illness and cancer insurance?
Critical illness covers a variety of serious health conditions; cancer insurance is more targeted and offers more specific cancer-related benefits.Do I need to submit receipts or claims to use the money?
In most cases, no. These policies pay you directly after diagnosis or injury, and you choose how to use the funds.How soon does coverage begin?
Some plans offer immediate coverage, while others may have a short waiting period or exclude pre-existing conditions. We'll walk you through the fine print during our consultation.
