Guide
Health classes explained
Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard: what these categories mean and what causes carriers to shift you between them.
Term premiums are set by rate class. Names differ between carriers, but the structure is consistent: Preferred Plus (sometimes Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard, plus possible table ratings for extra risk. Smokers and tobacco users have their own tier with higher costs.
What underwriters look at
Body metrics (weight and height), blood pressure and cholesterol numbers, family history of early disease, driving record, medication history, work and activities, and use of tobacco or nicotine. Top-tier class requires good results across virtually everything; Preferred is more lenient; Standard Plus and Standard accept managed conditions like blood pressure on medication.
How to use the quote tool
The health question asks you to self-report: Excellent corresponds to Preferred Plus; Very good to Preferred; Good to Standard Plus; Average to Standard. Your quote reflects this class, which the carrier confirms during underwriting. Unsure of your class? Quote two different ones and compare. Picking an optimistic answer doesn't reduce your actual premium—it just makes the quote less reliable.
Susman Insurance Agency can help identify carriers with guidelines that suit your particular health situation—often a bigger factor than headline pricing.