Guide
Health classes explained
Health classifications explained: Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard—how carriers assign them and what they mean for your rate.
Term premiums are determined by rate class. While names differ slightly among carriers, the structure is standard: Preferred Plus (sometimes Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard, with table ratings for elevated risk. Tobacco users face parallel classes at higher premiums.
What underwriters look at
Build, blood pressure, cholesterol, family history (heart disease or cancer before age 60), driving history, medications, occupation, activities, and tobacco/nicotine use. Preferred Plus requires excellent results across all categories; Preferred allows minor variations; Standard Plus and Standard accept controlled conditions like treated high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
When you describe your health, Excellent corresponds to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus, and Average to Standard. Your quote reflects that class; underwriting confirms the final one. If unsure, quote multiple classes to compare; the application determines the actual class. An inflated estimate doesn't change your final rate—it just makes the estimate wrong.
Susman Insurance Agency can help identify carriers whose underwriting guidelines are more flexible for your situation, which often affects your rate more than the headline quote.