Guide
Health classes explained
Learn what the four categories—Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard—represent and which factors determine which category you fall into.
Term life premiums are structured around rate classifications. Naming conventions shift slightly between carriers, but the structure remains consistent: Preferred Plus (sometimes labeled Best, Super Preferred), Preferred, Standard Plus, then Standard, with further table increases for significantly greater risk. Those using tobacco face a separate pricing tier at higher rates.
What underwriters look at
Physical profile (height and weight), lipid and pressure numbers, family medical background (especially early heart or cancer events), traffic history, current medications, work and pastimes, and smoking or nicotine products. The highest class requires favorable results across the board; Preferred is more accommodating; Standard Plus and Standard accept managed health situations like blood pressure that's being handled with medicine.
How to use the quote tool
The health segment of the form asks you to self-evaluate fairly: Excellent corresponds to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus and Fair to Standard. Your quotes reflect your selected classification, and underwriting by the carrier validates your final assignment. If you're uncertain about your ranking, request quotes at two tiers to compare, and then let underwriting make the final call. Overstating your health won't reduce what you'll be charged—it just makes your estimates less reliable.
Susman Insurance Agency has expertise matching clients with insurers whose approval standards work favorably for individual health circumstances—often a bigger factor in final rate than the starting premium number.