At what age may long-term care insurers require a physical examination of any applicant?

Long-term care insurers typically require a physical examination for applicants starting at age 80 or older. This age threshold is set because as individuals age, they typically have an increased risk of health issues that could impact their eligibility for coverage or the type of policy they can obtain.

By ensuring a physical examination is part of the application process for this age group, insurers can accurately assess the health status and potential care needs of the applicant. This practice helps to mitigate risk for the insurance provider while ensuring that coverage options are appropriate for the individual's current health situation. Age 80 is a standard benchmark in the industry reflecting considerations of actuarial data and health care analytics relevant to that demographic.

Other age options would not align with common underwriting practices within the insurance industry, as they typically occur at a later age when health risks become more pronounced.