Quebec Long-Term Care Insurance 2026: CHSLDs and Home Support

Long-term care costs between $2,200 and $6,500 per month in Quebec — whether in public CHSLDs, private seniors’ residences or through home services. The public plan covers only a fraction, and waiting lists often exceed 18 months. Long-term care insurance pays a tax-free monthly pension as soon as you lose your independence, to guarantee you the quality care you want, where you want. Assur360 compares the best contracts via our AMF-certified brokers — free quote in 3 minutes.

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55+
Ideal age to subscribe
$5,500/month
Average premium private CHSLD
3 min
To get a price
100 %
Non-taxable at reception

What is long-term care insurance?

Long-term care (LTC) insurance is a contract that pays a monthly pension when you lose your independence to perform at least two of the six daily activities (bathing, dressing, feeding, moving, using the toilet, continence) or in the event of diagnosed cognitive disorders (Alzheimer’s, dementia). The money is non-taxable and can be used freely: CHSLDs, private residences, caregivers, home adaptations, professional services.

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Home care

Covers home help, nurse, attendant, meals delivered, remote assistance and adaptation of the home (ramp, adapted shower).

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Residence and CHSLD

Completes the difference between the public plan and the actual cost of a private RPP or a private CHSLD under agreement — on average $3,500 to $6,500 per month.

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Cognitive impairment

Triggers payment upon diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, dementia, advanced Parkinson’s, or any documented neurocognitive disease.

How much does long-term care really cost in Quebec?

Costs vary greatly depending on the type of accommodation and the level of care. Here are the indicative rates for 2026 — before the insurance contribution.

$
Type of careAverage monthly costWait time
Public CHSLD (max contribution)$2,202/month12 to 24 months
Seniors’ Home (MDA)$2,202/month18 to 36 months
Private seniors’ residence (PSR) — with care3,500 to $5,500/month1 to 6 months
Private CHSLD under agreement$2,500 to $4,500/month3 to 12 months
Private CHSLD not under agreement$5,500 to $9,500/monthImmediate to 3 months
Home Services 8 hrs/day$4,000 to $7,500/monthImmediate
Specialized Nursing Care at Home$6,000 to $12,000/month1 to 2 weeks

*2026 indicative rates according to MSSS Quebec and FADOQ. Get your exact price in 3 minutes.

Who should take out this protection?

The younger you subscribe, the lower and more stable the premium. The optimal age is between 50 and 60 years old, before the appearance of pre-existing conditions that could lead to a disqualification or additional premium.

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Single 50-65 years old

No children available for care. LTC insurance replaces absent family breadwinners and avoids dependence on social assistance.

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Owner couple

So as not to deplete the savings of one spouse if the other loses his or her autonomy. Protects the legacy and quality of life of the healthy spouse.

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Net assets> $500,000

Too many assets for government assistance but not enough to absorb $6,000/month for 5 to 10 years. LTC insurance preserves assets.

How does a benefit application work?

1

Documented loss of autonomy

A doctor or occupational therapist assesses your inability to perform at least 2 of the 6 daily activities (ADLs) or diagnoses a cognitive impairment.

2

Reporting to the Insurer

You (or a caregiver/proxy) send the benefit form with the medical reports. Most contracts require a waiting period of 30 to 90 days.

3

Validation and confirmation

The insurer validates the file — sometimes via an in-home evaluation by a mandated nurse. Average delay: 30 to 45 days.

4

Tax-free monthly payment

The agreed upon amount (e.g., $3,000/month) is paid directly into your account. You use the money however you want — no receipts to provide.

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Combine LTC and life insurance

Many newer policies allow you to combine long-term care and permanent life insurance in one policy — if you don’t use LTC benefit, the intact death benefit is paid out to your heirs. Very advantageous premium-to-value ratio after age 55.

Monthly premium according to the age of subscription

Example for a benefit of $3,000/month for life, 90-day waiting period, healthy non-smoker:

Age at PurchaseFemaleMaleCouple (2 policies)
50 years$110/month$95/month$185/month
55 yearsold $155/month$135/month$265/month
60 yearsold $225/month$195/month$385/month
65 years old$335/month$290/month$580/month
70 yearsold $510/month$450/month$895/month
75 years old$825/month$735/month$1,440/month

*2026 indicative premiums according to Canada Life, Manulife, Sun Life, Desjardins and RBC. Get your exact personalized price.

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Pre-existing conditions cause the premium to skyrocket

If you wait until you have diabetes, heart disease or a history of stroke before applying, expect a 50% to 200% surcharge — or even a complete refusal after age 65. Take out a healthy policy, ideally before age 60.

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The 3 main contract structures

🔁 Pension repaid if not used

If you die without having activated the benefit, your heirs recover 100% of the premiums paid. Higher premium but zero risk of “losing” your investment.

📆 Lifetime benefit vs. limited time

Some contracts pay as long as you are losing autonomy (for life), others limit it to 5 or 10 years. The lifetime annuity costs 20-30% more but protects against long stays.

💊 With or without a palliative care component

Option that doubles the benefit for the last 6 months of life if there is a terminal prognosis. Modest cost (~5-8% of premium) for a significant end-of-life gain.

💵 Leveled Premium vs. T100 Premium

The level premium remains fixed for life. The T100 premium is payable until age 100 or until death. Prioritize leveled if you are under 65 years old.

3 ways to reduce your premium

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Extending the waiting period

Going from 30 to 90 days reduces the premium by 15-25%. If you have 3 months of savings available, the calculation is advantageous.

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Applying for health insurance before age 60

Premium 50-70% cheaper at age 55 than at age 65. Every year counts a lot after the age of 55.

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Joint contract

Some insurers offer a 10-15% discount when two spouses purchase the same policy together.

LTC Insurance in Quebec: Where We Serve

Our Assur360 brokers support Quebecers throughout the province. We particularly serve Montreal, Quebec City, Laval, Gatineau, Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivières, Saguenay and Thetford Mines, as well as all regions — Montérégie, Lanaudière, Laurentides, Estrie, Mauricie, Chaudière-Appalaches and Côte-Nord. Whether you live in an urban centre or in a rural area, we compare the same national insurers — Canada Life, Manulife, Sun Life, Desjardins, Empire Life, RBC, iA Financial Group — and apply the most competitive rates on the market.

Related articles to consult

Frequently asked questions — Long-term care insurance

Does the RAMQ or the public plan cover long-term care?
Partially. The public plan covers public CHSLDs and seniors’ homes (MDAs), but waiting lists often exceed 18 to 24 months and you don’t choose either the facility or the room. Public home care services (CLSCs) are generally limited to 1-3 hours per week. For any private service — retirement homes with care, full home help, private CHSLDs — you pay out of your own pocket. LTC insurance makes up for this difference.
At what age should I take out?
Ideally between the ages of 50 and 60. Earlier, the premium is low, but you pay for longer. Later, the premium explodes and pre-existing conditions can cause exclusions or refusal. At age 55, healthy, non-smoker, you’ll pay about $130-160/month for $3,000/month for life. At age 65, the same contract costs $290-340/month.
What is the difference between LTC insurance and disability insurance?
Disability insurance replaces your employment income if you can’t work — it usually ends at age 65. Long-term care insurance pays for your accommodation and care when you lose your independence (often after age 70). These are two complementary products, not substitutable.
Is the benefit taxable?
No. Long-term care insurance payments in Canada are tax-free, since premiums are paid with after-tax money and the benefit is considered compensation, not income.
What are the criteria for triggering a benefit?
Two main criteria. ADL criterion : inability to perform at least 2 of the 6 daily activities (bathing, dressing, feeding, moving, using the toilet, continence) on their own. Cognitive endpoint : medical diagnosis of a neurocognitive disease (Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, advanced Parkinson’s) requiring constant supervision.
Can I use the benefit to pay a caregiver?
Yes, in most recent contracts. You receive the monthly pension without proof and can pay a caregiver, a family member, or hire professional help. However, check the tax implications for the paid relative.
What happens if I die without ever using the benefit?
Depending on the type of contract: either the premiums are refunded to your heirs (guaranteed premium return option), or they are kept by the insurer (non-return option, cheaper). The return option costs about 20-30% more but eliminates the risk of “getting nothing in return”.
Can I combine LTC insurance with life insurance?
Yes. Many insurers offer hybrid contracts with a guaranteed death benefit and an integrated LTC benefit. If you do not use the LTC portion, your beneficiaries receive the full lump sum upon death. Very advantageous fiscally and financially after the age of 55.
Can my contributions increase over time?
It depends on the contract. The level premiums remain the same for life, contractually guaranteed. The so-called renewable premiums can increase with each renewal (5 or 10 years). Always go for leveled if your budget allows it.
Do I need a medical exam to take out?
Generally yes, especially after the age of 50. The examination includes a detailed questionnaire, blood tests and sometimes a cognitive test (MoCA). For people with a medical history, there are products without a medical exam, but the premiums are higher and the benefit limits lower.
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