LTC Explained – Video 7
At-a-Glance Summary
(“Health Underwriting 101” – Karp Loshak LTC Insurance Solutions)
Why Underwriting Is Crucial
Long-term-care insurance is not a guaranteed-issue product; your age and current health determine whether you even have a seat at the table and what you will pay. Locking in coverage while you are younger and healthier preserves the best rates and widest carrier choice.
What Underwriters Like to See
Conditions that are stable or fully resolved—for example, early-stage cancer in remission for one-to-three years, controlled heart disease, or a completed joint replacement. They review the whole picture: diagnoses, medications, test results, and overall lifestyle.
Red Flags That Trigger Declines
Severe osteoporosis with fractures, long-term insulin-dependent diabetes, neurological diseases such as MS or Parkinson’s, multiple strokes/TIAs, and metastatic cancers are typically uninsurable.
Approval Odds by Age
Carrier statistics show decline rates of 7–14% in the 40s and 50s, rising to 23–45% after age 65. Overall, roughly four in ten applicants are turned down, making solid pre-screening essential.
How to Improve Your Chances
Work with an LTC specialist who conducts a thorough medical pre-qualification and matches you only with carriers whose guidelines fit your health profile. Going in with realistic expectations—and acting before a change in health—gives you the strongest shot at approval.
Key Takeaways
Health drives your long-term-care insurance options. Secure coverage while you’re still in a stable, favorable health window; waiting can narrow choices, raise premiums, or close the door entirely.
