Can you get coverage with a health condition?
A health condition rarely means an automatic "no." What matters is how well it is controlled and whether it has caused complications. These guides explain, honestly, how long-term care underwriting actually treats common conditions — and what your options are if a traditional policy is off the table.
-
Can you get long-term care insurance with diabetes?
Often yes — many people with well-controlled Type 2 diabetes qualify for traditional coverage. Type 1, insulin use, and complications make it harder, but asset-based policies and other options may still be available.
-
Can you get long-term care insurance with high blood pressure?
Usually yes. Well-controlled high blood pressure on medication is one of the most common and least problematic conditions for long-term care underwriting — often at standard rates. It becomes an issue mainly when it is uncontrolled or has damaged organs.
-
Can you get long-term care insurance if you are overweight?
Usually yes if you are moderately overweight. Carriers use height-and-weight build charts; being well above the range can raise your rate or, past a point, lead to a decline — especially combined with diabetes or heart disease.
-
Can you get long-term care insurance with sleep apnea?
Usually yes. Treated obstructive sleep apnea — using a CPAP as prescribed — is often insurable at standard or near-standard rates. Untreated apnea, or apnea with heart or lung complications, is underwritten more strictly.
-
Can you get long-term care insurance with arthritis?
Usually yes for osteoarthritis that does not limit your daily activities. Rheumatoid arthritis is looked at more closely, and severe arthritis that affects mobility or the ability to do daily tasks can lead to a decline.
-
Can you get long-term care insurance with osteoporosis?
Often yes. Mild, treated osteoporosis without fractures is usually insurable. The underwriting concern is fall-and-fracture risk, so a history of fractures, falls, or reduced mobility makes it harder.
-
Can you get long-term care insurance with depression or anxiety?
Usually yes. Mild, well-controlled depression or anxiety on stable treatment is commonly insurable, often at standard rates. Underwriters look harder at severe cases, hospitalizations, or several medications at once.
-
Can you get long-term care insurance with chronic back pain?
Usually yes if it does not limit your mobility or daily activities. Common back pain and a successful spine surgery are often fine; the concerns are chronic narcotic pain medication, reliance on a walker or wheelchair, or pain that limits self-care.
-
Can you get long-term care insurance if you smoke?
Yes. Smoking by itself rarely blocks coverage, but you will pay higher "tobacco" rates. It becomes a real barrier only when it has led to lung or heart disease — and quitting for a period can move you to non-smoker pricing.
-
Can you get long-term care insurance with kidney disease?
It depends on severity. Mild, stable chronic kidney disease may be insurable, often at a higher rate; moderate-to-severe disease is looked at closely, and dialysis or a transplant history is usually declined for traditional coverage.
-
Can you get long-term care insurance with atrial fibrillation (AFib)?
Often yes. Well-managed AFib — controlled rate or rhythm, on appropriate medication, without other significant heart disease — is frequently insurable, sometimes at standard rates. It gets harder when combined with heart failure, stroke, or other conditions.
-
Can you get long-term care insurance after cancer?
Often yes, after a waiting period. Most carriers postpone coverage for a set time after treatment ends — shorter for early-stage cancers, longer for more serious ones — and decline while treatment is still active.
-
Can you get long-term care insurance with heart disease?
Sometimes. A single, well-managed event — like one heart attack or a stent — with good recovery and no other major conditions may be insurable, often at a higher rate. Heart failure, recent events, or multiple problems are usually declined.
-
Can you get long-term care insurance after a stroke or TIA?
It depends on severity and timing. A single TIA well in the past with no lasting effects may be insurable; a stroke with residual impairment, or a recent or repeated event, is usually declined for traditional coverage.
-
Can you get long-term care insurance with COPD?
It is one of the harder conditions. Mild, stable disease in a non-smoker may have limited options, but moderate-to-severe COPD, oxygen use, or current smoking is usually declined for traditional coverage.
-
Can you get long-term care insurance with Parkinson's disease?
Generally no for traditional coverage. Because Parkinson's is progressive and strongly predicts a future need for care, most carriers decline it. After a diagnosis, planning ahead and other funding strategies become the focus.
-
Can you get long-term care insurance with multiple sclerosis?
Usually not for traditional coverage. Because MS is unpredictable and can lead to disability, most carriers decline it, though a very mild, long-stable case is occasionally considered. Early planning and alternatives matter most.
-
Can you get long-term care insurance with dementia or Alzheimer's?
Generally no. Because dementia directly causes the need for long-term care, carriers decline traditional coverage after a diagnosis — and even mild memory problems or memory-related medications trigger close scrutiny. Planning ahead is the realistic path.
Underwriting varies by carrier and changes often. We describe how conditions are generally viewed; we do not publish carrier-specific approval thresholds. Only a licensed carrier reviewing your records can tell you what you qualify for.
Wondering if your health will qualify? Find out free
Free cost comparison
See personalized long-term care insurance costs from the carriers still writing new policies in 2026 — no obligation and no pressure.
Request a free, no-obligation cost comparisonFree LTC planning report
Prefer to read up first? Get our plain-English guide to planning and paying for long-term care, delivered to your inbox.
Get the free LTC planning report