Guide
Health classes explained
Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard: what these underwriting classes mean and what factors move you between them.
Term life premiums depend on rate class placement by the carrier. The terminology differs slightly among companies, yet the overall structure remains the same: Preferred Plus (sometimes marketed as Preferred Best or Super Preferred), Preferred, Standard Plus, Standard, and then higher-risk table ratings. A separate, higher-cost tier applies to nicotine or tobacco users.
What underwriters look at
Height, weight, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, family heart or cancer history before 60, driving history, current medications, job and recreational activities, and whether you use tobacco or nicotine. Preferred Plus requires excellent results nearly across the board; Preferred allows for more variation; Standard Plus and Standard allow stable, managed conditions including controlled hypertension.
How to use the quote tool
Your self-assessment on the health question produces a category assignment: Excellent corresponds to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus, and Average to Standard. Your quoted rates will assume this assignment; underwriting will then verify your true class. If you're uncertain where you fall, obtain quotes under both categories and review the difference, then permit the underwriting review to establish your position. Selecting a higher health rating won't improve your ultimate rate—it only creates less-reliable estimates.
Susman Insurance Agency can connect you with carriers whose eligibility rules and rate guidelines are favorable for specific health conditions, which often matters more than the standard rate published here.