Guide
Health classes explained
Understand the four main rate classes—Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard—what each one means, and what determines which class you qualify for.
Term life pricing follows rate classes. Though names differ slightly between carriers, the hierarchy stays the same: Preferred Plus (sometimes Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus, Standard, and special ratings for higher risks. Tobacco users occupy a separate tier of higher-priced classes.
What underwriters look at
Body composition, blood pressure and cholesterol readings, whether close relatives had heart disease or cancer before turning 60, your driving history, what medications you take, your job and activities, and any tobacco or nicotine use. Reaching the top class requires excellent results in almost every area; Preferred accepts a few small issues; Standard Plus and Standard can accommodate managed conditions like controlled blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
The health question on this site asks for an honest self-assessment: Excellent health corresponds to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus, and Average to Standard. Your quotes are based on that class selection, though the carrier will confirm your true class during underwriting. If you are uncertain, get quotes in two classes and compare—the application process will sort out the final class. Picking a more optimistic category will not reduce your actual premium, only make the initial estimate less accurate.
Susman Insurance Agency can help you identify carriers whose underwriting is more favorable toward your particular health situation, and this often makes a bigger difference than chasing the lowest headline rate.