Guide
Health classes explained
The four standard rate classes are Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard—definitions and what you'd need to achieve each one.
Life insurance rates follow a classification system that all carriers use with slight naming differences. The standard progression is Preferred Plus (occasionally labeled Super Preferred or Elite), Preferred, Standard Plus, then Standard, with additional higher charges for greater-than-standard risks. Tobacco users get a parallel tier at elevated premiums.
What underwriters look at
Factors include: body measurements (height/weight), blood pressure and cholesterol readings, family disease history (cancer or heart disease before age 60), driving history, past prescriptions, your work and hobbies, and any nicotine use. Reaching the highest class requires strong marks across virtually all dimensions; Preferred is more flexible; Standard Plus and Standard both allow well-managed chronic conditions like medicated high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
The health question asks for your honest assessment: Excellent aligns with Preferred Plus, Very good with Preferred, Good with Standard Plus, and Fair with Standard. Quotes reflect your selected class; underwriting will finalize it. If uncertain, try quoting both classes for comparison and let the underwriting process determine the final result. Overstating your health doesn't lower the approved premium—it just makes your estimate less useful.
Susman Insurance Agency specializes in comparing carriers with underwriting rules that are more favorable for particular health situations, which often makes a bigger difference than the advertised rates.