Guide
Health classes explained
Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard: the meanings and what causes movement between tiers.
Insurance companies price term life through rate classes. While terminology varies slightly, the structure is universal: Preferred Plus (Super Preferred, Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, with table ratings for additional risk, and a parallel range for tobacco users at higher prices.
What underwriters look at
Height-to-weight ratio, blood pressure and lipid counts, close relatives' heart or cancer history prior to age 60, motor-vehicle history, medication history, job and pastimes, and tobacco or nicotine consumption. Top classifications require strong results across virtually all factors; Preferred tolerates modest variations; Standard Plus and Standard accommodate managed conditions like treated high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
Rate the health question sincerely: Excellent aligns with Preferred Plus, Very good with Preferred, Good with Standard Plus, and Average with Standard. Carrier quotes correspond to these tiers; final assignment comes after review. When unsure, check multiple tiers, then let underwriting finalize the grade. An inflated self-assessment won't reduce your premium; it will just make the estimate less trustworthy.
Susman Insurance Agency can guide you toward carriers whose underwriting is more flexible for a given health situation—often this matters more than published rates.