Guide
Health classes explained
The spectrum of Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard: their meanings and what determines your placement.
Carriers grade term life premiums through rate classes. While company-specific names differ slightly, the hierarchy is universal: Preferred Plus (occasionally termed Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, followed by rated classes for elevated risk. Tobacco users access comparable categories at higher cost.
What underwriters look at
Weight-to-height proportions, blood pressure and cholesterol levels, relatives with early heart or cancer diagnoses, traffic history, medications you take, job type and pastimes, and any nicotine usage. The most favorable classes require excellent results across virtually every factor; Preferred permits minor variations; Standard Plus and Standard accommodate managed conditions including stable high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
Be truthful when answering the health category: Excellent correlates to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus and Average to Standard. Your quote reflects this tier; the insurance company validates the final tier following their review. When uncertain, pull quotes for two tiers to evaluate—the application outcome settles it. Selecting a higher tier doesn't reduce your ultimate cost; it just makes the quote less reliable.
Susman Insurance Agency specializes in matching you with carriers whose health criteria are most favorable for your situation, which frequently carries more weight than advertised rates.