The Foreign Service Journal, March 2003

coverage. Most applicants qualify for long-term care insurance, but there are exceptions. If you have already been diagnosed with forms of dementia, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease, for example, chances are you will not qualify. Other conditions for which you might not be insurable include a mini-stroke, cancer, and insulin- dependent diabetes. Nonetheless, the underwriting process for LTC is generally less involved than for life insurance. Look at the length of cover- age. When selecting a long-term care insurance policy, choose the benefit period that best fits your situation. Many industry experts suggest a four-year benefit period, based on some average nursing- home stay statistics. Lifetime or unlimited benefit periods are also available with most LTC contracts, as well as two-year and five-year benefit periods. Also bear in mind that payment of benefits may not begin the first day care is received. Most policies have an elimination period (also known as a waiting or deductible period) of anywhere from 0 to 365 days (your choice), which means your benefits will not begin until you have paid for that many days of care. Of course, the shorter the elimination period, the greater the policy premium. Most policies do include some form of a waiver of premium after the elimination period while care is provided. Care Abroad The issue of care abroad should be considered especially carefully. Those serving overseas may have occasion to receive care outside of the United States or may retire in a foreign country for family or profes- sional reasons. Not all LTC policies provide benefits for care abroad; M A R C H 2 0 0 3 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 17 F S F I N A N C E S TEL: 1-800-332-8501 or 703-671-7505 FAX: 703-685-4660 or E-MAIL: home@crystalquarters.com VISIT OUR WEBSITE: www.crystalquarters.com WASHINGTON • ARLINGTON, VA • CRYSTAL CITY CRYSTAL CITY - ARLINGTON, VA “WHEN A GOOD HOTEL IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH.” Now you can choose between two fully- equipped, full-service residential suites with two great locations ... L ike many fine hotels, we offer cable, color television with HBO, pool (in season) and maid service. Crystal Quarters also offers: • Queen bed and Queen sleep sofa • 24-hour excercise room, both locations • Inside secured parking included • Unlimited local telephone use • No extra charges for spouse or children • Ironing board and Iron • Fully-equipped kitchens with microwave • Private Mail Box • Washer/Dryer in each unit • Voice Mail & VCR (upon request) N ow comnpare the cost for the convenience and location you find at Crystal Quarters with what you could spend at hotels that offer only part of our complete package. We think you will find Crystal Quarters is the best value. • On Metro System • Next to Reagan National Sirport • Adjacent to underground Parking