Guide
Health classes explained
Rate classes, what they mean and how underwriting determines your placement.
Term insurance pricing is based on rate classes. Naming varies, but the scale is standardized: Preferred Plus (sometimes Super Preferred), Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, plus table ratings for additional risk. Tobacco users get a separate, higher scale.
What underwriters look at
Body composition, blood pressure and cholesterol, family history of early heart disease or cancer, driving record, prescription medications, occupation and hobbies, and tobacco or nicotine use. Preferred Plus requires clean results across most factors; Preferred allows minor issues; Standard Plus and Standard accept controlled conditions like well-managed high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
The health prompt asks for honest self-assessment: Excellent corresponds to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus and Average to Standard. Quotes match that class; the carrier verifies your final class during underwriting. If unsure, quote two classes to compare, then trust the application process. Overstating health does not reduce your final rate; it only skews the estimate.
Susman Insurance Agency can match carriers with underwriting guidelines suited to your health profile, a factor that often outweighs the advertised rate.