According to the American Association for Homes and Services for the Aging, the average annual long-term care premium for people under the age of 65 is $1,337. But for people over 65, the average annual premium more than doubles to $2,862.

HOW TO BUY IT

If you decide to purchase LTC insurance, you'll really need to shop around. First, LTC insurance premiums vary widely, so do some research to help you gauge costs. As the average costs I mentioned above suggest, the earlier you buy it, the cheaper it's likely to be (although you will of course be paying premiums for a longer period of time). But cost isn't the only consideration: It may not even be the prime consideration. You'll need to understand the coverage itself - does it cover in-home care? nursing home care? or both?; the benefit itself - how much will the policy pay you? how long will it last?; the waiting period, if any, before benefits kick in; and the policy's inflation protection - health care costs typically rise faster than the general rate of inflation.

A good agent who is truly representing your interests, not the insurance company's, will be a tremendous help. That makes it worth your time to find an agent you can trust. Your state's department of insurance can be a big help. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of your policy.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Like most financial decisions, you have to weigh the costs and the benefits to make a truly informed decision about long-term care insurance. Don't forget the benefits that are hard to quantify. You may really value the peace of mind that comes with having a good LTC insurance policy; the fact that LTC insurance could greatly alleviate the burden of the healthy spouse or other family members.

Finally, while you're thinking about long-term care, think about the issues associated with getting older - ensuring that your last will and testament is up-to-date, establishing power of attorney with someone you can trust if you or your spouse become incapacitated, and creating an estate plan that reflects your wishes. Put your plans in writing and share them with your spouse and your children. None of these issues are particularly pleasant to think about, but making decisions now will make life much easier down the road.

A good source of information regarding LTC insurance options is the "Shoppers Guide to Long-Term Care Insurance" available through the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.