What is the difference between palliative care and hospice care?
Understand the differences between palliative care and hospice care, including who may benefit, what services are offered, and how each approach supports comfort and quality of life.
When you or someone you love is living with a serious illness, it helps to understand your care choices. Palliative care and hospice care are two options that can provide support and comfort. Knowing the differences can help you make informed decisions.
What is palliative care?
Palliative care helps ease the pain, symptoms, and stress caused by a serious illness. You can receive palliative care while continuing treatments that are meant to manage or treat your condition. Palliative care can be started at any stage of illness and continue for as long as it is needed. The goal is to help you feel more comfortable and improve your quality of life.
Palliative care may include:
- Pain and symptom relief
- Ongoing support (hours and services may vary by provider)
- Help understanding treatment options
- Care goal setting and coordination
- Emotional and spiritual support
What is hospice care?
Hospice care focuses on comfort and quality of life when treatment is no longer helping. It is usually for people with a life expectancy of six months or less and used to provide comfort. Hospice care supports patients and their families during this time.
Hospice care may include:
- Pain and symptom relief
- Support available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Medical equipment and medications to manage symptoms
- Emotional, spiritual, and family support
- Grief and counseling services
What are the key differences between hospice and palliative care?
| Palliative care | Hospice care |
|---|---|
| Available at any stage of illness | For end-of-life care (6 months or less) |
| Can be given while getting treatment | Focuses on comfort, not cure |
| Can be used for any amount of time | Length of care depends on eligibility and your health needs |
| Helps manage symptoms and stress | Provides support for patients and family |
Where is care provided and who is involved?
Palliative and hospice care can be provided in many places, including at home or in a hospital, nursing or assisted living facility, or specialized care center.
Both types of care are provided by a team of healthcare professionals who work together to support your needs. This may include doctors and nurses, social workers, chaplains or spiritual care providers, and other support staff. It is important to know that while these are similar types of care, a person cannot receive both at the same time.
Will insurance cover this care?
Palliative care is usually covered by Medicare (Part B), Medicaid, and most private insurance plans. Coverage depends on your specific plan, and some treatments, medications, or services may not be included. Co-pays or out-of-pocket costs may also apply.
Hospice care is widely covered. Medicare, Medicaid (in most states), and many private insurers offer a hospice benefit for care related to terminal illness. Certain medications, equipment, or services may not be included depending on the plan.
Your care team can help you understand your coverage and when each type of care may be right for you.
Key takeaways
- Palliative care helps relieve symptoms, reduce stress, and improve quality of life for people living with a serious illness.
- Hospice care focuses on comfort and support when treatment is no longer helping and life expectancy is generally six months or less.
- Both palliative care and hospice care provide physical, emotional, and spiritual support for patients and their families.
- Palliative and hospice care can be provided in a variety of settings, including the home, hospital, nursing facility, or specialized care center.
- Your care team can help you understand your options and determine which type of care may be right for your needs.
We are here to help
Your care team can help answer your questions about hospice and palliative care. Reach out for any support you need.
This serves only as a guide. Talk with your healthcare provider for more information based on your health needs.
Jaime Redman, MSN
APRN, AGNP-C, CCM, Senior Director, Clinical Operations, Interwell Health
Jaime Redman, MSN, APRN, AGNP-C, CCM, is a nurse practitioner and healthcare leader with extensive experience in advancing value-based care and empowering patients with chronic disease through education, engagement, and proactive health management. Jaime earned her bachelor's degree from Purdue University and her master's degree from Walden University.