Guide
Health classes explained
Breaking down each tier—Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, Standard—explaining meanings and factors that shift your classification.
Carriers group term pricing by rating classification. While names differ slightly, the system mirrors: Preferred Plus (also Super Preferred, Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus, then Standard, plus higher ratings for elevated situations. Smokers occupy a distinct classification ladder at steeper premiums.
What underwriters look at
Height, weight and BMI; blood numbers like cholesterol and pressure; family disease history (heart or cancer diagnoses before age 60); violations and driving record; medication use; career and recreation; nicotine in any form. Premium categories require clean marks in nearly everything; Preferred accepts somewhat more; Standard tiers accommodate managed problems such as regulated high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
Your health self-description drives this: Excellent corresponds to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus, Average to Standard. Quotes reflect that designation; insurers finalize it post-underwriting. Uncertain of your category? Quote multiple levels and evaluate, then allow the application to determine your actual tier. Overstating wellness doesn't decrease final rates—it merely makes estimates less trustworthy.
Susman Insurance Agency expertise helps find carriers with underwriting rules suited to your situation—often outweighing advertised minimums.