Guide
Health classes explained
Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard: what each designation represents and how underwriting determines your classification.
Carriers determine term life premiums based on rate class. Although terminology differs slightly between companies, the structure is uniform: Preferred Plus (sometimes called Super Preferred or Best Preferred), Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, with additional table ratings for elevated-risk scenarios. Tobacco users occupy a separate classification tier at higher rates.
What underwriters look at
Height-to-weight ratio, blood pressure and lipid levels, parents' or siblings' history of cardiac or malignant disease before age 60, motor vehicle history, medications you take, line of work and leisure pursuits, and any nicotine or tobacco consumption. The top classes demand favorable findings across virtually all categories; Preferred allows minor variations; Standard Plus and Standard allow managed conditions like controlled high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
Assess yourself truthfully in the health question: Excellent corresponds to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus and Average to Standard. Quotes reflect your stated class; the insurance company finalizes your class during underwriting. When uncertain, compare quotes for two classes side-by-side and allow the application procedure to determine the final assessment. Overestimating your health class does not reduce your ultimate premium; it just creates a less precise estimate.
Susman Insurance Agency can identify carriers whose underwriting is more flexible for your particular situation—often more impactful than any advertised rate.