What condition must be met for an individual long-term care policy to remain valid in South Dakota?

For an individual long-term care policy to remain valid in South Dakota, it must be renewable for life. This means that the policyholder has the right to continue the coverage as long as they pay the premiums, without the insurer being allowed to terminate the policy except for non-payment. This provision is crucial because long-term care needs can arise unexpectedly and may continue for extended periods, making it essential for policyholders to have ongoing access to their coverage without the risk of losing it due to changes in health status or age.

The ability to renew the policy for life provides peace of mind and security for individuals planning for their future care needs. In contrast, requirements like covering a specific illness or excluding previous claims do not directly affect the validity of the policy in terms of renewal, and while policies must be sold by licensed agents, this does not pertain to the validity of the policy itself.