Guide
Health classes explained
Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard: the meaning behind each category and what determines your placement.
Carriers establish pricing for term life using rate classes. Names differ slightly between insurers but follow the same hierarchy: Preferred Plus (sometimes Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, with extra table charges for above-average risk. Tobacco users occupy a separate tier structure at higher premiums.
What underwriters look at
Build (weight relative to height), blood pressure and lipid readings, parental history of coronary issues or malignancy before turning 60, traffic history, medication use, work activities and recreational pursuits, and nicotine or tobacco consumption. The highest tier requires nearly flawless marks in all; Preferred allows slightly more; Standard Plus and Standard accommodate managed illnesses like controlled high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
The health question invites self-description: Excellent aligns with Preferred Plus, Very good with Preferred, Good with Standard Plus and Average with Standard. Your quotes match that class; actual class is settled by underwriting. When uncertain, get quotes for two levels, compare rates, then let the underwriting confirm. Understating your condition doesn't reduce premiums—only makes initial estimates unreliable.
Susman Insurance Agency can guide you toward carriers whose evaluation standards are tailored to your particular medical picture, which frequently is more valuable than comparing just the listed rates.