Guide
Health classes explained
The four tiers—Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard—and what determines which applies to you.
Insurance companies group term applicants into underwriting tiers. While naming varies by company, the structure is consistent: Preferred Plus (sometimes Super Preferred), Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard, with further table ratings for elevated risk. Tobacco users have parallel tiers with higher costs.
What underwriters look at
Body measurements (height, weight), blood pressure and cholesterol readings, family disease history (particularly heart disease or cancer under 60), motor vehicle violations, medicine history, your occupation and hobbies, and nicotine/tobacco use. The best classifications require good results across almost everything; Preferred allows some flexibility; Standard Plus and Standard accept managed medical conditions like controlled blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
On our form, rate yourself honestly: Excellent health equals Preferred Plus, Very good equals Preferred, Good maps to Standard Plus, and Average maps to Standard. Your quote will reflect this tier; the underwriter confirms after reviewing your file. If you're unsure, run quotes for two tiers and see the difference; the actual decision rests with the carrier. Being overly optimistic doesn't reduce the final rate; it just makes the estimate less reliable.
Different carriers weight health factors differently. Susman Insurance Agency knows which carriers are more accommodating for your situation, which often matters more than the advertised rate.