Guide
Health classes explained
Understanding Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard: what these categories mean and the reasons you might shift between them.
Insurance carriers set term life costs by rate class. The specific names differ between carriers, but the tiers remain consistent: Preferred Plus (sometimes Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard, then additional adjustments for applicants with elevated risk. A separate group of classes applies to tobacco users, at higher rates.
What underwriters look at
Your body composition (height and weight), blood pressure and cholesterol readings, family health history—specifically heart disease or cancer before age 60—driving record, past and current medications, your profession and interests, and cigarette or nicotine usage. The highest class needs excellent results in all these areas; Preferred is more forgiving; Standard Plus and Standard accept managed disorders like blood pressure under medication.
How to use the quote tool
You are asked to rate your health honestly: Excellent corresponds to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus, and Average to Standard. Your quote mirrors this category; the underwriter establishes your actual category afterward. Uncertain of your category? Get quotes at two levels, weigh them, then let the underwriter settle it. Picking an inflated category does not decrease your quote; it only makes the estimate less accurate.
Susman Insurance Agency can guide you to carriers with rules better suited to your particular health situation, which typically counts for more than the headline monthly amount.