The longer you're willing to wait, the lower your premiums. Companies often offer inflation-protection riders that increase the daily benefit amount. Choose a company with a history of refining and updating policies. Policyholders can qualify for benefits if they need assistance in performing two or more activities of daily living. They don't have to be hospitalized before qualifying.
Premiums are for individual policies, and men and women of the same age pay the same premium.
Don't buy any policy on price alone. Although comparing policies has become easier, the policies are not standardized and details vary. For help evaluating policies, find the nearest health-insurance counseling and advocacy program by calling your area agency on aging or your state insurance department.