National Guardian Life offers a comprehensive Long-Term Care Insurance policy with the features and benefits that many specialists and consumers are looking for to plan for the costs and burdens of aging. 

NGL is a leader in the Long-Term Care Insurance industry and is the only traditional policy that offers unlimited benefits as an option. Couples can select three benefit accounts, one for each person and a third shared pool of money if not purchasing unlimited benefits. 

There are variations between the policy language and benefits between the many companies that offer Long-Term Care Insurance; however, the primary features and benefit choices are comparable from company to company. Premiums and underwriting criteria vary dramatically between insurance companies. 

When comparing long-term care insurance, you should understand the differences between National Guardian Life (NGL) and other companies. 

NGL - Financially Strong

NGL is a mutual company founded in 1909 with nearly $5 billion in assets. They are known for outstanding customer service. 

As a highly rated and respected company, National Guardian Life offers a full-featured policy that includes two return of premium options and unlimited long-term care benefits. NGL is the only A-rated company that offers a traditional Long-Term Care Insurance policy with unlimited benefits.

AM Best has upgraded NGL's Financial Strength Rating to A (Excellent) from A- (Excellent). This rating reflects the company's ability to meet its ongoing insurance policy and contract obligations and attests to its financial strength.

Refreshed Rates for New Policies Started April 1, 2021

National Guardian made some changes in their product, and this included a new premium structure. 

Special Note about Washington State

NGL had temporarily discontinued selling Long-Term Care Insurance in the State of Washington but has resumed as of November 1, 2021.

NGL Features and Benefits

Recent changes with several other insurance companies make National Guardian Life a great value for many people. National Guardian Life offers several features and benefits consumers and Long-Term Care specialists alike look for in a long-term care insurance policy. These benefits include:

• Partnership benefits in most states
• Daily benefits options from $50 to $300 a day
• Inflation benefit options including are 3% and 5% compounded - you can select no inflation benefit as well
• Shared Care Benefit featuring a third pool of money
• Return of Premium option minus claims paid
• Ten Pay Premium Option with guaranteed never to increase premium
• Elimination period options includes 30, 90, and 180 days
• Pool or money or unlimited benefit options
• Facility only benefit option available

NGL offers one policy for couples with one premium. Each individual has their own separate long-term care benefit. If a shared care option is added to the policy, the couple will share a third benefit account if they exhaust their own benefits. Generally, this provides a larger amount of benefits available to the couple than other shared benefit plans.

With a policy that includes a couple, the full premium is waived when one spouse receives benefits. The premium gets recalculated if one spouse dies. You also have a ten-pay option that allows the policy to be fully paid in ten years. In addition, you can add a return of premium rider.

Claims

If you own an NGL Long-Term Care policy and seek help submitting a claim, LTC NEWS offers free - no-obligation assistance - including help finding quality caregivers and facilities. Since most agents have little or no experience in this area, this assistance can be beneficial for the entire family - Filing a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim | LTC News

Federal Regulation and Consumer Protections

All Long-Term Care Insurance contracts are regulated under IRS regulations §7702B(b)(1). Any insurance contract that meets the guidelines set by the Internal Revenue Service is considered long-term care. All insurance products that meet these federal guidelines contain consumer protections and regulated benefit triggers, in addition to tax advantages. 

Partnership Long-Term Care Insurance

NGL does offer Partnership Long-Term Care Insurance plans in most states. Partnership policies provide additional dollar-for-dollar asset protection. 

You can learn more about the federal/state partnership program and other state-specific information on long-term care by finding your state on the LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator.

Find State-Specific Information

You can learn more about the federal/state partnership program by going to the LTC NEWS Cost of Calculator. Each state has a state-specific page that includes the current and future cost of long-term care services, available tax incentives, information on care providers, and other important information -  Cost of Care Calculator - Choose Your State | LTC News.

Shopping for Long-Term Care Insurance?

When shopping for Long-Term Care Insurance coverage, keep in mind, numerous state and federal regulations impact Long-Term Care Insurance. Each state's department of insurance regulates products and premiums. Because of regulation, an insurance agent, agency, or financial advisor cannot give a consumer a special discount that is not available otherwise. 

Be sure to use all the tools and resources available on LTC NEWS to help you in your research - Resources for Long-Term Care Planning | LTC News.

There are more similarities than differences when it comes to features and benefits. However, options and benefits vary from company to company, and premiums can vary by over 100% when comparing equal benefits.

Underwriting - Consider NGL Very Conservative

NGL's underwriting criteria are considered very conservative. Be sure, before applying for coverage with NGL, that you meet their underwriting guidelines. A qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist should review your health in detail - more than just the questions on the application - before seeking to apply.

Long-Term Care Insurance is medically underwritten, and every company has its own underwriting rules which determine insurability and rate class. An experienced Long-Term Care Insurance specialist will understand these underwriting rules when helping you select the best company and policy options.

Be sure to seek the assistance of a qualified Long-Term Care Specialist to compare the features, benefits, and costs of each policy. You can find a trusted and qualified specialist representing the major insurance companies that offer these products - Work With a Specialist | LTC News.

Since your health is a primary consideration in determining your eligibility for coverage, it is always best to start planning before retirement when health is usually better. An experienced Long-Term Care Insurance specialist will ask you several questions about your health to provide you with accurate quotes and professional recommendations.

Please note: Since every company has different underwriting rules, you could be eligible for coverage with one company and not another.

Because Long-Term Care Insurance is custom-designed, you can design the plan to fit your specific needs, concerns, and budget. A specialist will help you develop your plan to address your concerns. Generally, you can design a plan to meet some or all of these common goals:

• Safeguard income and savings
• Protect the lifestyle of your spouse/partner
• Provide options for quality care
• Reduce the stress and burdens otherwise placed on family members
• Give your adult children time to be family
• Provide a legacy for loved ones

State variations may apply.