Brighthouse SmartCare Hybrid Long-Term Care Insurance - 2025 Review

See Brighthouse SmartCare in Action

Brighthouse Financial, the MetLife spinoff that launched in 2016, offers one of the most competitive hybrid long-term care insurance policies in 2025. With $250 billion in assets backing their promises, Brighthouse SmartCare® has emerged as a value leader in the hybrid space—often providing the most long-term care benefits per premium dollar compared to competitors.

Why Brighthouse SmartCare Stands Out in 2025

"Brighthouse is extremely competitive right now. It's the least expensive option in almost all situations—not all, but it's a value proposition." - Derek from LTC Tree

As a spin-off from MetLife, Brighthouse inherited decades of insurance expertise while creating innovative new products. Their SmartCare® hybrid consistently ranks at the top of our comparison spreadsheets for clients seeking maximum long-term care leverage.

Key Features of Brighthouse SmartCare

100% Cash Indemnity - No Receipts Required

Brighthouse SmartCare is a true cash indemnity policy:

• Full monthly benefits paid directly to you
• No documentation or receipts needed
• Use funds however you choose
• Less hassle at claim time
• "Who wants to be submitting receipts to an insurance company at 85 years old?" - Drew from LTC Tree

100% International Coverage

Brighthouse offers the only hybrid with full international benefits:

• Most competitors cap overseas benefits at 50%
• Brighthouse provides 100% of your benefits worldwide
• Perfect for retirees planning to live abroad
• Important nuances—speak with us for details

How Cash Indemnity Works in Practice

"With cash indemnity, once you're on claim, they're going to send the full monthly benefit every single month regardless of your expenses. You can spend the money how you see fit." - Drew from LTC Tree

Brighthouse SmartCare Product Options

Payment Flexibility - NEW for 2025

Brighthouse recently expanded their payment options:

• Single Premium: One-time lump sum payment
• 5-Year Pay: Spread payments over 5 years
• 10-Year Pay: NEW option to "dollar cost average" over 10 years

Growth Options

1. Indexed LTC Growth: Link to S&P 500®, Russell 2000®, or MSCI EAFE

   • Potential for increased benefits
   • Downside protection—no market losses
   • Capped upside potential

2. Fixed 5% Growth: Guaranteed compound annual growth

   • Predictable benefit increases
   • No market risk

3. Level Benefits: Keep coverage constant

   • Lower initial premium
   • Benefits don't increase

NEW: 3% Compound Inflation Rider

"Brighthouse recently added a 3% compound inflation rider to their policy which they were lacking for a few years. Now they've added it—we're getting tons of demand." - Derek from LTC Tree

Coverage Includes

• Home Health Care: Professional or family care in your home
• Assisted Living: Full coverage for ALF expenses
• Adult Day Care: Support for part-time care needs
• Memory Care: Specialized dementia/Alzheimer's facilities
• Nursing Home: Comprehensive skilled nursing coverage
• Hospice Care: End-of-life care support
• International Care: Full benefits available worldwide

Financial Strength & Ratings

• Assets: $250 billion (MetLife heritage)
• Public Company: NYSE traded (BHF)
• AM Best: A (Excellent)
• Standard & Poor's: A- (Strong)
• Claims Experience: Decades of MetLife claims processing

Pros and Cons of Brighthouse SmartCare

Pros:

✓ Often the lowest premium for benefit dollar ✓ 100% cash indemnity—no receipts ever required ✓ 100% international coverage (unique in the market) ✓ Recently added 3% compound inflation protection ✓ New 10-year payment option for flexibility ✓ Strong MetLife heritage and claims experience ✓ Tax-qualified benefits up to $12,400/month ✓ Flexible underwriting for various health conditions

Cons:

✗ 90-day elimination period (waiting period) ✗ No minimum guaranteed death benefit after LTC claims ✗ Newer company name (though MetLife heritage) ✗ Some nuances with international coverage details

How Brighthouse Compares to Other Hybrid Carriers

As independent agents who spreadsheet every carrier:

vs. Lincoln MoneyGuard:

• Brighthouse often wins on pure LTC leverage
• Lincoln has zero elimination period
• Both offer competitive pricing in 2025

vs. Nationwide CareMatters:

• Both offer 100% cash indemnity
• Brighthouse typically lower premium
• Nationwide may have death benefit advantages

vs. OneAmerica:

• Brighthouse offers better international coverage
• Similar benefit structures
• Brighthouse usually more competitive on price

vs. Pacific Life:

• Brighthouse's 100% international coverage is unique
• Pacific Life offers different payment structures
• Brighthouse typically provides more LTC per dollar

Is Brighthouse SmartCare Right for You?

Brighthouse SmartCare is an excellent choice if you:

• Want maximum long-term care benefits for your premium dollar
• Value true cash indemnity with no documentation
• May retire or travel internationally
• Prefer MetLife's decades of claims experience
• Want flexible payment options (single, 5, or 10 year)
• Can handle the 90-day waiting period

Return of Premium Feature

"If you never need your long-term care bucket of money, it'll fall back on the life insurance bucket which is essentially, in most cases, you get your premium you paid in with probably 20-30% more." - Derek from LTC Tree

This means:

• Your premiums are never "wasted"
• Death benefit provides legacy protection
• Win-win proposition for policyholders

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes Brighthouse different from traditional long-term care? A: Traditional policies are "use it or lose it." With Brighthouse's hybrid approach, you get either long-term care benefits OR a death benefit—your premiums always provide value.

Q: How does the 90-day waiting period work? A: You'll pay out of pocket for the first 90 days of care. However, the premium savings (often $10,000-$15,000) may justify this trade-off.

Q: Is Brighthouse financially stable? A: Yes. With $250 billion in assets and MetLife's insurance heritage since the 1860s, Brighthouse has substantial financial backing.

Q: Which growth option should I choose? A: We'll show you projections for all options. Fixed 5% provides certainty, while indexed options offer upside potential with downside protection.

Q: How does Brighthouse rank overall? A: It consistently appears in our top recommendations, especially for clients prioritizing maximum long-term care leverage and international flexibility.

Get Your Brighthouse SmartCare Quote

Don't make this important decision without seeing how Brighthouse compares to all other hybrid carriers. As independent agents representing all major companies, we'll show you:

• Side-by-side premium comparisons
• Benefit analysis across all carriers
• Honest recommendations based on your situation
• Clear explanations of each product's advantages

"We work with all the companies. We work for you, not one company. We'll show you quotes on Brighthouse but all the other companies as well because we really want you to get the best deal." - Drew from LTC Tree

Request your free comparison quote today. We'll provide personalized illustrations from Brighthouse and all other top carriers, helping you make an informed decision about protecting your retirement.

The Bottom Line on Brighthouse SmartCare

With its MetLife heritage, competitive pricing, true cash indemnity benefits, and unique international coverage, Brighthouse SmartCare has earned its place among the top hybrid long-term care insurance options for 2025. While the 90-day waiting period may not suit everyone, the substantial premium savings and comprehensive benefits make it a compelling choice for many.

Whether Brighthouse SmartCare or another carrier is best for you, we're here to help you navigate these important decisions. Licensed in all 50 states since 1999, we've helped thousands of families find the right long-term care protection.

Protect your retirement savings while ensuring you have options for care. Contact us today for your personalized comparison.