Guide
Health classes explained
The four main rate tiers: Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard. What each tier means and what factors influence which one you fall into.
Term life premiums depend on your rate class. While the terminology differs between carriers, the hierarchy stays the same: Preferred Plus (sometimes named Super Preferred or Preferred Best) sits at the top, then Preferred, then Standard Plus, then Standard, with table ratings for above-standard risk. Tobacco users occupy a separate, higher-priced set of classes.
What underwriters look at
Carriers examine your height-to-weight ratio, blood pressure and cholesterol numbers, whether early heart disease or cancer runs in your family, your driving history, medications you take, your job and hobbies, and any tobacco or nicotine use. The top tier requires strong results on nearly everything; the next tier permits minor variations; the lower tiers accept controlled conditions like managed high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
When you self-report your health as Excellent, Very good, Good, or Average, those map to Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard respectively. Quotes are based on your chosen health level, but the carrier sets your actual class during underwriting. Unsure which fits? Run quotes for two levels and compare—the application will sort it out. Picking a rosier health picture won't reduce your final premium; it only makes the estimate less realistic.
Susman Insurance Agency can guide you to carriers whose underwriting is more forgiving for your particular situation. That alignment often matters more than chasing the lowest advertised rate.