Guide
Health classes explained
What the four rate classes mean and what factors place you in each one.
Life insurance premiums follow rate class tiers that differ in name between carriers but follow the same structure: Preferred Plus (sometimes Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, with further table ratings for above-standard risk. Tobacco users fall into their own parallel tier system at higher premiums.
What underwriters look at
Body composition, blood pressure and cholesterol levels, whether heart disease or cancer ran in your family before age 60, your driving history, what medications you take, what you do for work and leisure, and any tobacco or nicotine use. Preferred Plus demands excellent results on nearly everything; Preferred is more flexible; Standard Plus and Standard accept managed conditions like controlled high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
Be truthful when you rate your health: Excellent translates to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus and Average to Standard. Your quoted rates match that class; underwriting confirms the actual class afterward. If you're not certain, get quotes at two levels and see the difference; the application will determine the final class. Picking a better health rating than honest won't change your final premium; it just skews the estimate.
Susman Insurance Agency can help you find carriers with more flexible underwriting for your particular health situation, which can matter more than the stated rate.