Guide
Health classes explained
Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard: what each means and how you move between them.
Carriers price term life using rate class tiers. Names vary slightly, but the order is consistent: Preferred Plus (also Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, followed by table ratings for higher risk. Tobacco users have a separate set of tiers at higher rates.
What underwriters look at
Build (height and weight), blood pressure and cholesterol, family history of heart disease or cancer before age 60, driving record, prescription history, occupation and hobbies, and tobacco or nicotine use. The best classes require clean results across almost everything; Preferred allows more leeway; Standard Plus and Standard allow controlled conditions like treated high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
The health question asks for your honest self-assessment: Excellent health maps to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus and Average to Standard. Your quote reflects that; underwriting confirms the final class. When unsure, quote at both levels to compare, and let the application process settle it. A better-than-true health class doesn't lower your final premium; it just makes the quote less accurate.
Susman Insurance Agency can help you find carriers whose guidelines are more favorable for a specific health situation—often that matters more than the advertised rate.