Most people assume they can buy life insurance or long-term care coverage whenever they are ready. The truth is, timing matters. Your ability to qualify depends heavily on your age and your health. If something changes, you might find yourself facing higher premiums or even being declined altogether.
At Landau Insurance Brokers, we see this situation often. Someone calls our office ready to buy coverage after a recent medical diagnosis or health change, only to discover that their options are now limited. The coverage that would have been affordable and widely available before may now be harder to qualify for, or it may come with a much higher price. The best time to secure coverage is always before you need it.
How Health Changes Impact Eligibility
Insurance companies review your health history carefully. They look at conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and even less serious issues like cholesterol levels or weight. Prescription medications, recent hospital visits, or surgery can also play a role in whether you qualify.
Even manageable conditions may raise concerns. For example, someone who is taking medication for high blood pressure might still be approved, but the rates will be higher than for someone with no health issues. If the condition worsens or combines with other factors, approval might not be possible at all.
The challenge is that health can change suddenly. You may feel fine today, but tomorrow a doctor's visit could reveal something that affects your eligibility. Once that happens, you cannot go back and apply as the healthy version of yourself.
Age Also Plays a Role
Age is another factor that determines cost and eligibility. The older you are, the more likely it is that a company will view you as a higher risk. Premiums rise steadily with age, even if you remain healthy. A 45-year-old in good health will typically pay much less for life insurance than a 55-year-old with the same health profile.
The problem is that many people wait until later in life, when responsibilities such as caring for parents or preparing for retirement make coverage feel more urgent. By then, premiums are higher and health changes may limit your options.
The Risk of Waiting Too Long
Becoming "uninsurable" does not always mean you cannot buy coverage. Sometimes it means that the coverage available is too costly to make sense for your budget. In other cases, it might mean that certain products, such as long-term care insurance, are no longer available to you at all.
When this happens, families are left to rely on their own savings or on children to step in and provide care. Without proper planning, the financial burden can quickly become overwhelming.
How to Protect Yourself Today
The best way to avoid this situation is to apply while you are still in good health. Whether it is life insurance, long-term care coverage, or a combination of both, securing a policy now ensures you are covered if your health changes later. Once your policy is in place, your benefits are guaranteed even if your health declines.
For people who have funds set aside for retirement, certain products such as long-term care annuities can even multiply your investment into double or triple the benefits. These options can protect your savings while giving you the security of knowing you will not have to depend on others for your care.
Take Action Before It Is Too Late
No one likes to imagine becoming sick or needing care, but ignoring the possibility will not protect you. The sooner you take steps to put coverage in place, the more choices you will have and the more affordable it will be.
At Landau Insurance Brokers in Los Angeles, we help clients across California and in other states find the coverage that fits their needs. If you have been putting off life insurance or long-term care planning, now is the time to act. Waiting could mean higher costs or no coverage at all, but acting today can give you and your family peace of mind for the future.
Contact us to discuss your options and secure your protection while you still can.
