Guide
Health classes explained
What the rate classes mean and what determines where an applicant fits.
Carriers structure term life pricing using rate classes. While company names differ slightly, the framework is standardized: Preferred Plus (sometimes labeled Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard, with extra table ratings applied for elevated risk categories. Tobacco users fall into parallel classes priced higher.
What underwriters look at
Age and weight relation, blood pressure and cholesterol readings, whether heart disease or cancer runs in your family (especially before age 60), your driving history, medications you take, your occupation and leisure activities, and any tobacco or nicotine use. The top rate classes require strong results across virtually all these factors; Preferred classes permit somewhat more variation; Standard Plus and Standard allow for managed conditions like regulated blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
The health assessment asks for your honest evaluation of yourself: Excellent corresponds to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus, and Average to Standard. Quotes reflect your selected class; underwriting confirms the final class assigned. When uncertain, get quotes at two different classes to see the variation, then allow the application process to determine the actual outcome. Selecting a more favorable-sounding health class doesn't reduce your final price; it just makes the estimate less realistic.
Susman Insurance Agency can direct you toward carriers that have underwriting guidelines more favorable to your specific health situation, which often matters more than the initial quoted rate.