Long-term care insurance typically involves medical underwriting that can drag on for months, but simplified issue policies now let you skip the lengthy exams and get approved in days. If you're over 50 and want coverage without the hassle of blood tests and detailed health histories, this faster track might be your answer. The trade-off is real—you'll pay higher premiums—but for many people, the peace of mind and speed make it worth it.
What Simplified Issue Actually Means
Simplified issue long-term care insurance removes the medical exam requirement entirely. Instead of scheduling bloodwork, answering 50+ health questions, and waiting for underwriters to request additional records, you complete a shorter health questionnaire and get a decision in days rather than months.
This approach works because insurers accept higher risk in exchange for streamlined processing. You're not getting a worse policy—you're getting the same coverage, just without the investigative overhead.
How Fast Can You Get Approved?
Most simplified issue policies deliver a decision within 3–7 business days. Some carriers promise approval in 24 hours for the cleanest applications. Compare this to traditional underwriting, which often takes 60–90 days when insurers request additional medical records or ask for clarification on existing conditions.
The speed matters if you're concerned about your health changing or if you simply want protection in place now rather than months from now.
The Premium Cost Reality
Here's where simplified issue requires honesty: premiums run 15–40% higher than traditional policies. A 55-year-old buying a traditional daily benefit of $200 might pay $1,800–$2,400 annually; the same person buying simplified issue could pay $2,200–$3,100 per year.
For a 65-year-old, the gap widens. Traditional policies might cost $3,500–$5,000 annually, while simplified issue could hit $4,500–$7,000.
These ranges depend on:
- Your age at purchase
- Benefit amount you select ($150–$300+ per day)
- Elimination period (30–180 days; longer waiting periods lower premiums)
- Coverage length (3 years, 5 years, or lifetime)
- State regulations and carrier pricing
Who Actually Qualifies?
Simplified issue isn't a free pass for anyone with major health problems. Insurers still reject applicants based on the health questionnaire. Common disqualifiers include:
- Recent diagnosis of Alzheimer's or dementia
- Advanced Parkinson's or ALS
- Recent stroke or heart attack
- Active cancer treatment
- Severe cognitive decline
- Current claims for disability or workers' comp
If you have controlled diabetes, mild hypertension, or arthritis, you'll likely pass. The questionnaire focuses on conditions that would immediately trigger claims, not manageable chronic issues.
Comparing Simplified Issue Policies
When evaluating options, focus on these specifics:
- Daily benefit amount: $150–$300 is typical; higher amounts increase premiums substantially
- Elimination period: A 90-day wait saves 20–30% versus 30-day
- Coverage duration: Lifetime policies cost 30–50% more than 5-year policies
- Inflation rider: Adds 3–5% annually to your benefit; costs extra but protects against future care inflation
- Home care coverage: Confirm it includes in-home assistance, not just nursing facilities
- Spousal discounts: Many carriers offer 10–20% off if both spouses apply
When Simplified Issue Makes Sense
Choose this route if you:
- Are 55 or older and want protection quickly
- Have minor health conditions but don't want lengthy underwriting
- Already delayed purchasing and feel time-sensitive
- Can afford the higher premium for speed and simplicity
- Have changing health and worry you might not qualify later
Avoid it if you have a clean bill of health—traditional underwriting will save you thousands over your policy lifetime.
Finding and Comparing Carriers
Don't shop in isolation. Different carriers price simplified issue differently; one might charge $2,600 annually while another charges $3,100 for identical coverage. Mercoly helps you compare and find trusted long-term care insurance providers in one place, so you see multiple quotes side-by-side without contacting each carrier individually.
Request quotes from at least three carriers and compare the same benefit amount, elimination period, and coverage length across each.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I switch from simplified issue to traditional coverage later if my health improves? A: No. Once you apply for simplified issue, you cannot convert to a traditional policy. The underwriting direction is one-way—you can't "upgrade" back.
Q: Does simplified issue cover pre-existing conditions? A: Yes, but most policies include a 180-day waiting period before benefits apply to any condition you disclosed on the application.
Q: How long does a simplified issue policy stay in force? A: As long as you pay premiums. The policy itself doesn't expire; however, most carriers will not increase rates based on your claim history, only on age and company-wide adjustments.
Get quotes from multiple carriers today and lock in coverage within a week.