Hospice Care

Updated: 10 May 2026

What Does Hospice Care Mean?

Hospice care is a specialized form of healthcare provided by qualified medical professionals to individuals with terminal conditions or those nearing the end of life. This type of care is typically covered by insurance programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.

Insuranceopedia Explains Hospice Care

Although hospice care is often provided in the patient’s home, it can be quite costly. The care involves frequent visits from nurses or other healthcare professionals to administer services, leading to a rapid increase in expenses.

Even when Medicare or Medicaid covers the medical side of hospice, families are often left paying out of pocket for related costs like funerals, burials, and any uncovered bills, which is one reason older adults often look at final expense life insurance or compare the best life insurance companies for seniors when planning ahead.