Long-term care insurance premiums are set primarily by your age at purchase, health status, gender, marital status, benefit level, and selected riders — especially inflation protection. Buying younger and in good health produces lower premiums and improves your odds of passing underwriting. Insurers can raise premiums for entire policyholder groups (not individuals) if claims costs exceed projections, subject to state insurance department approval in the state the policy was purchased. Always review a carrier’s rate-increase history before purchasing.