Guide
Health classes explained
Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, Standard—what these mean and how underwriters move applicants between them.
Insurers price term life using rate classes. Naming varies, but the hierarchy is universal: Preferred Plus (or Super Preferred/Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, then table ratings for elevated risk. Smokers have a parallel scale at higher costs.
What underwriters look at
Height and weight, blood pressure and cholesterol readings, family history of early heart attack or cancer, driving record, medication list, job and interests, and tobacco or nicotine use. The best classes require clean results across most factors; Preferred allows some variation; Standard Plus and Standard accommodate managed conditions like treated high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
Answer honestly about your health: Excellent aligns with Preferred Plus, Very good with Preferred, Good with Standard Plus and Average with Standard. Your quote reflects that class; the carrier sets the final class through underwriting. When uncertain, quote both classes and examine the difference; picking a better class does not affect the underwriting decision or final rate.
Susman Insurance Agency can help you identify carriers with guidelines that suit your particular situation, which often matters more than the lowest advertised rate.