Guide
Health classes explained
The names and meaning of rate classes—Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, Standard—and what moves you between them.
Term insurance pricing divides into rate classes. Terminology differs between companies, but the progression holds steady: Preferred Plus (sometimes labeled Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus, Standard, then increased rates for above-average risk. Tobacco users move to a higher class structure at higher costs.
What underwriters look at
Carriers examine build (height and weight), blood pressure and cholesterol, family medical background for heart disease or cancer before 60, driving record, medication history, job and hobbies, and tobacco or nicotine status. Top rate classes require strong results in nearly every category; Preferred allows some variances; Standard Plus and Standard accommodate managed conditions like controlled blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
The health question asks for an honest self-assessment: Excellent corresponds to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus and Average to Standard. Your quotes match that classification, though the carrier may assign a different class after underwriting. If you are not certain, get quotes for multiple classes and see the variation; selecting an inflated class does not change the final cost, only throws off your estimate.
Susman Insurance Agency helps match you with carriers whose underwriting criteria work better for your specific situation; that match can save more than comparing headline pricing.