The landscape of long-term and extended care planning continues to evolve, and 2025 has brought some exciting updates you won’t want to miss. From underwriting innovations that speed up approvals to the launch of new products designed to meet the growing needs of the senior market, this year has been packed with opportunities for agents and clients alike. Let’s take a closer look.
Read More: The Power of Planning: A Smart, Client-Centered Approach to Long-Term Care Insurance
LTCI Underwriting Innovation
The underwriting process is getting faster, smarter, and more client friendly. Many carriers are now piloting virtual cognitive exams alongside MediData integration to streamline the process.
- Virtual cognitive exams allow your clients to complete their cognitive assessment from the comfort of their home, at their convenience, removing the need to work around a nurse’s schedule.
- MediData uses billing codes from medical practitioners, eliminating the need to wait on traditional medical records.
Together, these tools help shorten underwriting times—a big win for both agents and clients. We typically recommend planning for:
- Long-Term Care Insurance: 45–60 days for processing
- Short-Term Care Insurance: Under 7 days for processing
New LTCI Products for 2025
CareScout Care Assurance (Released 10/1/25)
This is a new traditional LTCI product from CareScout, a wholly owned subsidiary of Genworth. With over 50 years of industry experience and more than $33B in LTC claims paid, Genworth’s legacy adds credibility and confidence.
Nationwide CareMatters Annuity (Released 10/13/25)
This deferred fixed annuity offers built-in LTC benefits and simplified underwriting with only six eligibility and rate questions. Features include:
- Guaranteed interest crediting rate
- PPA and 1035 exchange friendly
- Cash indemnity benefit payouts
John Hancock LifeCare (Released 2/1/25)
This hybrid Indexed Universal Life (IUL) policy with LTC benefits features index crediting, which grows both the death benefit and LTC benefit, and clients can choose between cash indemnity or reimbursement payout options.
Exciting LTCI Product Changes
National Guardian Life – EssentialLTC (Coming 12/5/25)
Highly anticipated updates to this popular LTC product include:
- Change from service day to calendar day elimination period
- Actual age vs. nearest age rating
- Enhanced inflation protection options
Chubb LifeTime Benefit Term
This is a competitively priced final expense option for clients working 30+ hours per week. Key highlights include:
- Death benefits from $10,000–$75,000 with just one eligibility question
- Higher benefit options ($100K, $125K, $150K) including living benefit access for LTC payouts at 4% per month (with four additional eligibility questions)
Read More: How to Initiate Meaningful Conversations Around LTC Planning
Short-Term Care Solutions
Short-term care insurance (STC) continues to be a strong option for clients seeking affordable coverage with simplified underwriting and rapid processing times. STC products are ideal for clients who may not qualify for traditional long-term care insurance but still want meaningful protection against care costs. With underwriting decisions often completed in under a week, these plans provide a practical solution for clients looking for immediate, budget-friendly coverage options that fill the gap between health insurance, Medicare products, and long-term care.
Join our live webinar on November 20 for an in-depth look at these exciting updates or schedule a one-on-one session with our team to explore how these innovations can enhance your client offerings.