Guide
Health classes explained
Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard: what these categories represent and what determines movement between them.
Insurance carriers assign rate classifications for term coverage. Company names differ slightly, yet the ladder stays consistent: Preferred Plus (sometimes Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, with additional table ratings for above-standard situations. Users of tobacco products get a distinct set of tiers at elevated rates.
What underwriters look at
Physical measurements (height and weight), blood pressure and cholesterol numbers, genetic background for cardiac and cancer events before age 60, driving history, medication history, profession and pastimes, and tobacco or nicotine consumption. The most favorable tier requires clean marks across essentially everything; Preferred allows one or two minor issues; Standard Plus and Standard allow managed conditions like hypertension on medication.
How to use the quote tool
The health question requests your honest self-assessment: Excellent corresponds to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus and Average to Standard. Your quote reflects that classification; underwriting will determine your final tier. When in doubt, quote two categories and compare, letting underwriting make the call. A higher health claim doesn't lower your quote; it just makes the estimate less trustworthy.
Susman Insurance Agency can recommend carriers with guidelines that are more favorable for particular health situations—something that frequently outweighs the advertised rate.