Typically, even $500,000 in assets and upward would quickly erode given the need for long-term care, creating a serious impact on a spouse or other dependents.

Since illness or injury can strike anyone at any time, the sooner you buy, the lower the cost will be.  The annual cost of long-term care coverage at age 45 is about 20% of the cost of the same policy bought at age 65.  The cost at age 65 is 35% of the cost of the same policy bought at age 75, rising dramatically as one gets older until you are either uninsurable or the cost is prohibitive.