Premiums are based on your age when you purchase the policy. After age 60, premiums begin to increase substantially. You can reduce them by covering the first 90 or 100 days yourself. Also, higher daily benefits mean a higher premium. If you have Social Security or a pension benefit, you won't need to cover the full cost from insurance.
Smoking raises premiums.
Good health when you purchase the policy reduces them. In addition to premiums, you often have to pay a commission to the agent. The average long-term care insurance commission is 48.5 percent for the first year and ranges from 50 to 66 percent of the first year's premium. To keep the commission to a minimum, buy only what you need, not more. Check the cost in your area.