Guide
Health classes explained
Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard: what these categories mean and how carriers decide which one fits you.
Insurance carriers assign term life premiums using underwriting classes. Though names differ slightly, the ranking is universal: Preferred Plus (sometimes Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, then table adjustments for elevated risk. Tobacco users have their own set of classes priced higher.
What underwriters look at
Body mass, blood pressure numbers, lipid panel results, heart disease or cancer in your immediate family before 60, vehicle history, medication history, line of work and pastimes, and tobacco or nicotine consumption. Excellent health needs great results in virtually every category; Preferred category allows minor deviations; Standard Plus and Standard allow some managed conditions including controlled blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
The health assessment asks you to be truthful: Excellent corresponds to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus and Average to Standard. Quotes are calculated based on that class, which the carrier will verify post-underwriting. If unsure, quote both options and examine the results; let the application determine the final class. Being overly optimistic on health won't reduce your actual premium; it just makes the estimate less accurate.
Susman Insurance Agency helps you find carriers whose underwriting rules are more favorable for your specific health situation, which often makes more difference than the advertised rate.