Guide
Health classes explained
The four main categories—Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard—explained with what determines where you fit.
Insurance companies organize term life premiums by rate class. While naming differs by company, the framework stays consistent: Preferred Plus (also called Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, plus higher tiers for greater risk profiles. Those who smoke have access to a separate classification system that costs extra.
What underwriters look at
Weight-to-height ratio, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, parents' or siblings' cardiac or cancer history before turning 60, accident and violation record, past prescriptions, work activities and recreational pursuits, and cigarette or nicotine consumption. Top-tier classification requires clean outcomes in essentially all these areas; mid-tier permits slight variances; lower tiers accept managed issues including controlled high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
Your health self-assessment translates like this: Excellent equals Preferred Plus, Very good equals Preferred, Good equals Standard Plus and Average equals Standard. Quotes reflect your selected category; underwriting by the carrier validates your final tier. When uncertain, quote using two different health levels and compare the outcomes, letting your application results be definitive. Choosing higher self-ratings won't reduce your final cost; it only makes your estimate less reliable.
Susman Insurance Agency is equipped to match you with carriers whose underwriting policies are more favorable for specific health situations, which frequently matters more than the posted base rate.