Guide
Health classes explained
An overview of rate classifications: Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, what each rating means, and what factors might place you in a particular class.
Carriers structure their pricing for term life around rate classes. While company terminology shifts slightly, the order stays constant: Preferred Plus (sometimes Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, then additional ratings for elevated risk. A separate tier of ratings applies to tobacco users, with proportionally increased rates.
What underwriters look at
Carriers evaluate body composition (height-to-weight), blood pressure and cholesterol values, parents' and grandparents' heart disease or cancer (prior to age 60), driving history, medications you take, work and recreational activities, and any tobacco or nicotine products. The top ratings demand favorable results across almost all factors; the next level allows modest flexibility; the lower categories permit well-managed conditions including controlled blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
On the quote form, the health question asks for your honest self-assessment: Excellent maps to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus and Average to Standard. Quotes mirror this rating; carriers finalize the rating post-underwriting. In doubt? Compare quotes at two different ratings to see the spread, then let underwriting confirm the final rating. Inflating your health assessment doesn't reduce your ultimate rate; it just makes the estimate less accurate.
Susman Insurance Agency can match you with carriers that consider your specific medical history more favorably—sometimes the carrier matters more than the published rate.