Guide
Health classes explained
Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard tiers: their definitions and what determines which category applies to you.
Insurance companies organize term life pricing through rate classes. Naming conventions differ between insurers, but the structure is uniform: Preferred Plus (sometimes labeled Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, followed by escalating premiums for applicants with greater risk. Tobacco consumers occupy a separate classification ladder with higher pricing.
What underwriters look at
Body mass (comparing height and weight), blood pressure and lipid values, hereditary factors for cardiac disease or malignancies occurring before age 60, driving history, medication history, job responsibilities and leisure interests, plus cigarette and nicotine consumption. Scoring the highest class demands favorable results in nearly every area; Preferred tier permits some deviation; Standard Plus and Standard can accommodate regulated medical conditions including managed high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
The health assessment requests that you assess your health frankly: Excellent corresponds to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus and Average to Standard. The estimate reflects that level; underwriting by the company finalizes the real classification. If you're uncertain, enter two scenarios and weigh the prices; let the underwriting process finalize the outcome. Stating a higher health level than realistic doesn't improve your actual premium; it just makes the estimate less dependable.
Insurance carriers have different medical standards, and Susman Insurance Agency can show you which ones are more understanding about particular medical situations—which often has more impact than comparing the advertised rates.