Guide
Health classes explained
Understand the four tiers—Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, Standard—their definitions, and how you move up or down.
Term pricing is anchored to rate class. While labels shift between carriers, the hierarchy holds: Preferred Plus (sometimes Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus, then Standard, with additional table grades for elevated risk. Smokers/tobacco users occupy a separate, costlier scale.
What underwriters look at
Assessment factors include build, blood pressure, cholesterol, family cardiac or cancer history before 60, driving and RX records, job, hobbies, and tobacco/nicotine use. Top class requires nearly spotless data; Preferred is slightly forgiving; Standard Plus and Standard accommodate managed conditions like regulated high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
Tell us honestly about your health: Excellent corresponds to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus, Average to Standard. Quotes use your selection; the carrier validates it later. Uncertain? Quote both classes and weigh them, letting the application finalize it. Inflating your health doesn't reduce the final price—only the estimate's accuracy.
Susman Insurance Agency specializes in matching carriers whose underwriting favors particular health situations—sometimes a bigger factor than the posted rate.