Guide
Health classes explained
The four main tiers—Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard—explained, plus what factors influence which class you land in.
Insurance companies organize term life pricing into rate classes. While the exact names shift from carrier to carrier, the structure is the same: Preferred Plus (sometimes labeled Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard, with table ratings above that for elevated risk. Tobacco users occupy their own tier with higher premiums.
What underwriters look at
Your build (height and weight), blood pressure, cholesterol, family history of early cardiac or cancer events, driving history, medications you take, your job and pastimes, and any tobacco or nicotine use. The top class requires clean marks on nearly everything; Preferred is slightly more flexible; Standard Plus and Standard accommodate controlled issues like treated high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
The quote tool's health question invites honest self-assessment: Excellent corresponds to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus, and Average to Standard. Quotes will show that tier; the carrier will set the actual class during underwriting. Uncertain? Quote yourself at two different levels and look at both, then trust the application to sort it out. Being too optimistic will not reduce your price; it just makes the estimate less reliable.
Susman Insurance Agency can point you toward carriers with more favorable medical guidelines for your situation, which can matter more than the advertised rate.