Guide
Health classes explained
Rate categories (Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard): what each represents and what factors determine your classification.
Pricing for term life insurance uses rate classes as the organizing principle. While terminology differs slightly between carriers, the rating structure stays consistent: Preferred Plus (sometimes called Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard, then table-rated premiums for applicants presenting elevated risk. Tobacco users fall into a separate rating structure with corresponding higher premiums.
What underwriters look at
Physical measurements (height and weight proportion), blood pressure and cholesterol readings, family medical background—especially early heart disease or cancer—motor vehicle record, medication usage, work environment and personal activities, and any nicotine or tobacco use. Top rate categories demand clean or near-clean results in virtually every area; the next tier permits some variation; lower tiers accept managed conditions including controlled blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
Answer the health self-assessment truthfully: Excellent corresponds to Preferred Plus classification, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus, and Average to Standard. Your quote reflects that classification, but the carrier makes the ultimate determination after underwriting completes. When you're uncertain, request quotes for two different classifications and compare results; the application process makes the final decision. Selecting an artificially high classification doesn't reduce your actual premium; it just makes the estimate incorrect.
Different carriers have different underwriting philosophies. Susman Insurance Agency helps identify carriers with approaches suited to your particular health situation, which frequently makes a bigger difference in your actual rate than the advertised base price.