Guide
Health classes explained
Understanding Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard—their definitions and what determines which tier you land in.
Term premiums are determined by rate class. Companies use different names, but the hierarchy stays the same: Preferred Plus (sometimes Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard, plus table ratings for elevated-risk cases. Those who use tobacco have their own class structure with elevated premiums.
What underwriters look at
Weight and height, blood pressure and cholesterol numbers, whether heart disease or cancer appeared in your family before age 60, your driving history, what prescriptions you take, your job and pastimes, and any tobacco or nicotine consumption. The top class demands clean marks on almost everything; Preferred permits more variation; Standard Plus and Standard accept controlled medical issues like managed blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
In the health question, be truthful: Excellent corresponds to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus, and Average to Standard. Quotes are built on your chosen class, though the carrier's final determination comes after review. When in doubt, get quotes from two classes to compare, then let the application form determine the right tier. Overstating health does not reduce your actual rate—it just makes the quote incorrect.
Susman Insurance Agency can assist you in finding carriers with more favorable terms for a particular health situation, which frequently outweighs focusing solely on the lowest premium.