The elimination period in long term care insurance refers to the waiting period before the insurance benefits start to be paid out. It is similar to a deductible in other types of insurance. During this period, the policyholder is responsible for covering their own long term care expenses. The length of the elimination period can vary depending on the policy, but it is typically measured in days or months. The purpose of the elimination period is to prevent individuals from purchasing insurance only when they are already in need of long term care, as it helps to ensure that the policyholder has a genuine need for the coverage. Once the elimination period has been satisfied, the insurance benefits will begin to be paid out according to the terms of the policy. It's important to review the details of the elimination period when considering a long term care insurance policy, as it can have a significant impact on when and how benefits are received.