Can you get long-term care insurance with dementia or Alzheimer's?

This is the clearest "no" in long-term care underwriting, and it is worth being direct about: after a diagnosis of Alzheimer's or another dementia, traditional long-term care insurance is not available.

Why it is an automatic decline

Severe cognitive impairment is one of the two things that trigger long-term care benefits in the first place (see what triggers benefits). Insuring someone who already has dementia would be like insuring a house that is already on fire — so carriers decline these applications, and asset-based policies are generally unavailable as well.

Even early memory issues get scrutiny

Underwriters take cognition seriously well before a formal diagnosis. Mild cognitive complaints, memory-related medications, or a note in your records can lead to postponement or decline, and older applicants are often given a short cognitive screening test (by phone or in person) as part of underwriting.

What families can still do

• Use any coverage already in place. A policy bought before the diagnosis is exactly what it was meant for — protect it.
• Plan the funding. An elder-law attorney or fee-only advisor can help with Medicaid planning, budgeting for care, and family caregiving arrangements.

Dementia is the single strongest reason to buy coverage while you are healthy — the option can close the moment memory concerns appear.

General information only. Underwriting varies by carrier and changes often, and we do not publish carrier-specific approval thresholds. Nothing here is a guarantee of coverage or a quote — only a licensed carrier reviewing your medical history can tell you what you qualify for. This is educational and not insurance, legal, tax, or financial advice.