Guide
Health classes explained
Definitions of Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard, plus the factors that cause underwriters to move you between them.
Insurers organize term life pricing using rate class. While label names vary among carriers, the hierarchy remains consistent: Preferred Plus (sometimes Super Preferred or Preferred Elite), Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard, then additional tiers for more complex health pictures. Tobacco smokers are quoted using a parallel tier system at elevated pricing.
What underwriters look at
Weight-to-height ratio, blood sugar readings, pulse and cholesterol levels, ancestors' health problems (especially heart disease or cancer under 60), traffic violations, past prescriptions, work tasks and pastimes, and nicotine/tobacco use. Top classes demand solid outcomes in nearly every factor; Preferred permits some variation; Standard Plus and Standard accommodate managed conditions such as blood pressure that's controlled by medication.
How to use the quote tool
Your health self-assessment drives the quote: Excellent correlates with Preferred Plus, Very good with Preferred, Good with Standard Plus, and Average with Standard. Quotes use that assigned class, though the actual class gets finalized during underwriting. Not certain? Run quotes for multiple classes and see the differences, then let underwriting make the final determination. Overestimating your health doesn't bring lower rates; it just makes your quote less realistic.
Susman Insurance Agency specializes in matching you to carriers with underwriting guidelines that suit your specific situation, which often matters more than comparing only advertised premiums.