Definition:
Co-Insurance
This is the concept of sharing the cost of future long-term care services and supports with an insurance company. It refers to the amount of money that the insured must pay out-of-pocket to make-up the difference between their actual costs and the amount the policy covers. The greater the amount the insured is willing and able to "co-insure" the lower the policy benefits must be and therefore policy premiums. Most policy designs will include some level of co-insurance to keep the premium as low as possible without placing a financial burden on the family.