Guide
Health classes explained
Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, Standard—here's how carriers classify these ratings and what factors move applicants between them.
Insurance companies apply rate class as the cornerstone of term life pricing. Exact labels vary, but the pricing tiers remain consistent: Preferred Plus (also sold as Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard, plus table ratings for above-average risk. Smokers have a corresponding tier system that costs more.
What underwriters look at
Height and weight ratio, blood pressure and cholesterol levels, family history (heart disease, cancer, stroke), age, and occupational hazards all factor in.
How to use the quote tool
When asked about health, answer truthfully: Excellent aligns with Preferred Plus, Good with Preferred, Fair with Standard Plus, Poor with Standard.
Susman Insurance Agency can guide you to carriers whose underwriting is more favorable for certain health profiles or backgrounds.