Guide
Health classes explained
Understand the four rate classes—Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard—what they represent, and what determines which one you fall into.
Term life premiums are determined by rate class assignments. While names differ slightly between insurers, the structure follows this hierarchy: Preferred Plus (sometimes Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard, with additional table ratings for applicants above standard risk. Tobacco and nicotine users have their own parallel rating classes at elevated premiums.
What underwriters look at
The underwriting review covers your build, blood pressure and cholesterol levels, whether close relatives had heart disease or cancer before age 60, your driving history, medications you take, your job and pastimes, and any tobacco or nicotine use. Preferred Plus requires excellent results in nearly every area; Preferred permits some variance; Standard Plus and Standard accommodated managed health conditions like stable high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
You'll describe your health in your own words: Excellent corresponds to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus, and Average to Standard. The quotes you receive match the class you select; the carrier sets the final class during underwriting. If you're uncertain, get quotes for two different classes to compare, and allow the underwriting process to determine your actual class. Selecting an inflated health rating won't produce lower premiums; it just creates less useful estimates.
Susman Insurance Agency can guide you toward carriers whose policies are more favorable toward your particular situation. This approach often results in better overall rates than focusing on advertised minimums alone.