Guide
Health classes explained
Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard: what they mean and how you move between them.
Insurers price term life by rate class. Names shift slightly between companies, but the order stays the same: Preferred Plus (sometimes Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, then table ratings for higher risk. Those who use tobacco have their own set of classes at higher prices.
What underwriters look at
Build (height and weight), blood pressure and cholesterol, heart disease or cancer in the family before age 60, driving record, medications, job and hobbies, and nicotine use. Top classes need clean marks across almost everything; Preferred allows some room; Standard Plus and Standard allow managed conditions like treated high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
The health question asks you to be truthful: Excellent lines up with Preferred Plus, Very good with Preferred, Good with Standard Plus and Average with Standard. Your quotes assume that class; the carrier decides the actual class after underwriting. Unsure? Quote two classes, compare them, and let the application decide. An optimistic selection doesn't lower your actual price; it just makes the estimate less useful.
Susman Insurance Agency can match you with carriers whose underwriting rules are more favorable for your particular situation, which often matters more than the posted rate.