Securian SecureCare 4
Securian Financial (Minnesota Life) just raised the bar on hybrid long-term care insurance — adding retroactive day-91 payments and full international coverage with no premium increase.
What's New in SecureCare 4
Drew and Derek walk through the two upgrades Securian made — and why it matters if you're shopping hybrid LTC today.
Two Big Upgrades, Same Premium
When we first heard these features were coming, we assumed the premium would go up. It didn't. Securian kept pricing flat and added real benefit improvements.
Retroactive Day-91 Payment
The 90-day elimination period is reimbursed as a lump sum on day 91 of claim. On a $10,000 monthly benefit, that's $30,000 paid back to day one plus your fourth month's benefit — about $40,000 delivered at once. Matches the feature Nationwide has offered for years.
100% International LTC Benefits
Full long-term care benefits paid anywhere in the world, with no reduction. Previously, Brighthouse was the only carrier offering 100% international coverage. SecureCare 4 joins them — a major upgrade for clients with family ties or retirement plans abroad.
Why insurers have a 90-day elimination period in the first place: actuarially, a portion of claimants pass away in the first 90 days, reducing payout. The retroactive day-91 reimbursement gives the benefit back to clients whose claim extends past that window — without Securian raising premiums to cover it.
The Core of the Product
Everything that made Securian a hybrid LTC leader for over a decade — still in place.
Cash Indemnity Payments
Benefits are paid in cash, not reimbursement. At 85, you're not scrambling for receipts to prove a home-health aide worked 15 hours — Securian just cuts the check. Spend it however care is needed.
100% Return of Premium
Change your mind after year 5? Securian refunds 100% of your premium. The 'use it or lose it' concern that dogs traditional LTC doesn't apply here.
3–4× Leverage on Day One
Fund with a one-time premium, 5-pay, or 10-pay. A $100K premium typically unlocks $300K–$400K in long-term care benefits immediately. If you never need care, premiums pass to heirs as a tax-free life insurance death benefit.
A+ Rated, Decade of Leadership
Securian (also known as Minnesota Life) has led the hybrid LTC space for more than a decade. A+ rated for financial strength, with a product that has steadily raised the bar for the industry.
How You Fund It
Pay once, over five years, or over ten. Whichever structure you choose, the policy is fully paid up when you're done — and premiums are locked in from day one.
Single Premium
One lump-sum deposit — typically delivers the highest LTC leverage per dollar. Ideal for repositioning CDs, savings, or underperforming assets.
5-Pay
Five annual premiums. Balances affordability with strong benefit levels, with premiums locked in from day one.
10-Pay
Ten annual premiums for the lowest annual outlay. Good for clients who prefer smaller recurring payments over a large upfront commitment.
Securian vs. Nationwide
The two carriers clients most often compare. With SecureCare 4, Securian has largely pulled even on the headline features — so the decision usually comes down to age, health, and international coverage.
| Feature | Securian (SecureCare 4) | Nationwide (CareMatters II) |
|---|---|---|
| Payment type | 100% cash indemnity | 100% cash indemnity |
| Retroactive day-91 reimbursement | Yes (new in SecureCare 4) | Yes |
| 100% international LTC benefits | Yes (new in SecureCare 4) | Limited |
| Return of premium | 100% after year 5 | Varies by year |
| Financial strength | A+ rated | A+ rated |
| Best fit by age | Often edges ahead age 65+ | Strong on 10-pay, 65 and under |
Our take: Nationwide still has very competitive rates on 10-pay plans for clients 65 and younger. Securian tends to edge ahead at older ages and is the stronger pick when international LTC coverage matters. Both are A+ rated. As independent brokers, we shop both for every quote.
A Note on Underwriting
Securian has tightened underwriting slightly in recent years and can be a bit pickier than Nationwide in certain categories. Lincoln's MoneyGuard, by contrast, tends to have the most forgiving BMI standards — and is unique in not charging smoker rates on its hybrid product.
That's where an independent broker matters. We run your quote with Securian, Nationwide, Lincoln, and the other A-rated carriers at the same time, then lay out the differences. If one carrier is more forgiving on your specific health profile, you'll know before you apply.
Who SecureCare 4 Fits Best
When to Consider Another Carrier
See SecureCare 4 Numbers Tailored to You
As independent brokers, we shop Securian alongside every other A-rated hybrid carrier. We'll show you side-by-side numbers based on your age, health, and the benefits that matter to you — with no obligation.
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