Guide
Health classes explained
An explanation of Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard: what each tier means and which factors determine where you fall.
Insurance carriers organize term life premiums by rate class. Company names differ slightly, but the structure stays the same: Preferred Plus (sometimes called Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, with additional table ratings for above-standard risk. Tobacco users are placed into a separate tier with higher rates.
What underwriters look at
Body composition (height and weight), blood pressure and cholesterol levels, family history of heart attack or cancer before age 60, driving record, medications you take, your job and hobbies, and tobacco or nicotine use. The top tier requires clean results across nearly everything; Preferred permits a few minor issues; Standard Plus and Standard accept controlled conditions like blood pressure managed by medication.
How to use the quote tool
When the health question asks how you would describe yourself, answer truthfully: Excellent translates to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus and Average to Standard. Quotes show that class; the carrier sets the actual class after underwriting. If you are not certain, quote at two different levels and see the difference, then let the application process sort it out. Claiming a better class than you actually have does not reduce your final cost; it just makes the quote less accurate.
Susman Insurance Agency can help you find carriers with underwriting guidelines that work better for your particular health situation, which often makes more difference than the base rate.