Guide
Health classes explained
The underwriting ladder: Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard—what each tier signifies and which factors determine your placement.
Carriers structure term insurance pricing around rate classes. Terminology differs slightly from company to company, but the structure is uniform: Preferred Plus (sometimes labeled Super Preferred or Preferred Elite), Preferred, Standard Plus, Standard, and then table ratings for applicants with above-standard risk profiles. Users of tobacco have their own rating scale with higher costs.
What underwriters look at
Factors include your body composition, blood pressure and cholesterol numbers, family history of early cardiac or cancer events, your driving record, medication list, job and recreational activities, and any tobacco or nicotine use. Preferred Plus demands strong results on most measures; Preferred is a step more forgiving; Standard Plus and Standard accept managed conditions like blood pressure controlled by medication.
How to use the quote tool
When the health question appears, be truthful in your self-assessment: Excellent aligns with Preferred Plus, Very good with Preferred, Good with Standard Plus, and Average with Standard. Quotes will reflect the class you pick; the carrier makes the final determination after underwriting. Uncertain? Get quotes for two different classes, compare them, and let your actual medical data guide the final decision during underwriting. Selecting a higher class than fits does not reduce the actual premium—it only makes the quote less useful.
Susman Insurance Agency can help match you with carriers whose underwriting rules are more favorable for your particular health situation—a factor that often outweighs the lowest quoted rate.