Guide
Health classes explained
How carriers assign ratings: Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, and what it takes to qualify for each.
Insurance companies use rate classes to price term life. Naming varies by carrier, but the tiers are standard: Preferred Plus (or Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, plus table ratings for higher risk. Tobacco users sit in their own tier structure at higher rates.
What underwriters look at
Weight and height, blood pressure and lipids, family heart or cancer history before 60, driving history, medicines, job and hobbies, and tobacco or nicotine. Preferred Plus needs excellent marks almost across the board. Preferred allows slightly more. Standard Plus and Standard accept managed conditions like high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
Be truthful on the health question: Excellent points to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus, Average to Standard. Quotes use that class; underwriting confirms it. Unsure? Quote two classes and compare. Inflating your health doesn't lower the final premium, just makes the estimate inaccurate.
Susman Insurance Agency finds carriers with underwriting rules that fit your circumstances—often more important than the advertised rate.