Guide
Health classes explained
Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard—what each tier means and what determines which one you fall into.
Term life carriers use rate class to set pricing. Company names vary slightly, but the scale is the same everywhere: Preferred Plus (sometimes called Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, with additional table ratings for cases that fall beyond standard. Tobacco users sit in a separate tier with higher rates.
What underwriters look at
Height and weight, blood pressure and cholesterol numbers, whether heart disease or cancer runs in your family before age 60, driving history, medications you take, your line of work and what you do in your spare time, and any use of tobacco or nicotine products. Getting the top rating requires excellent results across nearly everything; the Preferred tier accepts some variation; Standard Plus and Standard allow certain managed conditions such as blood pressure that's being treated.
How to use the quote tool
You answer the health question honestly: Excellent corresponds to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus, and Average to Standard. The quote reflects your stated class, but the carrier makes the final decision after evaluating your application. When in doubt, request quotes for two different classes, compare them, then submit your application. Being overly optimistic about your class won't lower what you pay—it just makes the quote less reliable.
The team at Susman Insurance Agency can identify carriers that are more flexible with your specific health situation, which can matter as much as the basic rate.