Most long-term care policies require medical underwriting — a health questionnaire, phone interview, and sometimes medical records review. Insurers can decline applicants with certain conditions or charge higher premiums based on risk factors including chronic disease, mobility limitations, or cognitive concerns. Even approved applicants may face a look-back period during which claims related to pre-existing conditions are excluded, typically for the first several months of coverage. Review the contract’s pre-existing condition section carefully before binding a policy.