Guide
Health classes explained
Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, Standard: definitions and the factors determining your class.
Carriers tier term premiums via rate class. Labels shift by insurer, but the hierarchy holds: Preferred Plus (sometimes Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus, Standard, plus extra charges for above-standard risk. Tobacco users occupy a parallel ladder with raised costs.
What underwriters look at
Height and weight, blood pressure and cholesterol, family cardiac or cancer before age 60, driving history, medications, job and pastimes, and tobacco/nicotine status. Preferred Plus requires clean marks on virtually everything; Preferred loosens slightly; Standard Plus and Standard permit managed issues like regulated blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
The health prompt requests honesty: Excellent aligns with Preferred Plus, Very good with Preferred, Good with Standard Plus, Average with Standard. Quotes use your picked class; carriers nail it after underwriting. Uncertain? Quote both and weigh them, letting the application settle it. Inflating your health won't cut the final rate—just skews the estimate.
Susman Insurance Agency assists with finding carriers whose criteria suit your particular circumstances—sometimes more valuable than chasing the lowest rate.