Will being a breast cancer survivor disqualify you from getting LTCI?

A fellow caregiver asked...

I was diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago and underwent chemotherapy and a partial mastectomy. I am now 42 and cancer free. Can I qualify for long term care insurance or will some companies consider this a pre-existing condition?

Expert Answer

Duane Lipham is a certified long-term care (CLTC) consultant who writes extensively on long-term care insurance issues. Lipham has also been a caregiver for members of his own family.

Most long-term care insurance carriers will accept someone with a history of cancer treatment as long as it has been treated successfully and sufficient time has passed with no recurrence.

A history of cancer treatment may lower the health rate classification that you are given, but in most cases it will not prevent you from getting insured.