In France, between 500,000 and 1.3 million seniors live at home with a loss of autonomy (Source: DREES, the French statistics office for health and social affairs).

Faced with these figures, a fair question arises: should I take out long-term care insurance?

The point is not to worry, but to stay in control of your own future. This guide helps you see things more clearly in 5 simple steps.

1. What difference does it actually make?

Long-term care insurance is a form of contingency cover. In exchange for a premium, if you lose your autonomy (assessed using the French AGGIR scale), the insurer pays you:

  • A monthly annuity (e.g. €500/month) to fund home help or ease the cost of a care facility.

  • Or a lump sum to adapt your home (step-free shower, stairlift, etc.).

Worth knowing: the average out-of-pocket cost in an EHPAD (French nursing home) is €1,957 per month (after benefits). An annuity can therefore protect your savings.

2. What are the 5 criteria for deciding?

To find out whether this type of policy is right for you, look at your personal situation from these angles:

  1. Your age and health: the earlier you sign up, the more affordable the rates. A health check-up can help you see things clearly.

  2. The people around you: do you have a family carer available? Insurance can take over financially so that they don’t become exhausted.

  3. Your budget: is a small regular premium manageable for you without cutting into your everyday life?

  4. Your assets: do you own your home? Selling or renting it out later can help fund your care. Also check whether you are not already covered (health insurance, contingency policy).

  5. The real cost: between staying at home (around €2,000/month) and an EHPAD (around €3,400/month), how much might you have to pay?

3. At what age should you look into it?

The right time is now. Ideally between 50 and 65:

  • Rates are gentler.

  • Medical formalities are simpler.

  • You lock in stable terms.

After the age of 70-75, taking out a policy becomes harder and more expensive.

4. How do you choose the right policy?

Not all policies are equal. Compare these 4 points carefully:

- Partial vs total loss of autonomy: does the policy help you from the first signs of a loss of autonomy (often 50% of the annuity), or only in cases of severe dependency?

  • The waiting period: how long after signing must you wait before you are covered?

- The deferment period: how much time passes between your condition being recognised and the first payment?

  • Index-linking: does the annuity rise with inflation so it keeps its value 20 years from now?

5. What if I’m considering a senior residence?

Long-term care insurance and a senior services residence complement one another.

  • The residence meets a need for comfort, social connection and security.

  • The insurance gives you the financial means to move in, or to pay for additional services if your autonomy declines.

In short:

Take the time to compare, and talk it over with your loved ones or an adviser. Planning ahead doesn’t mean worrying, it means giving yourself the freedom to choose later on.