Guide
Health classes explained
The four rate classes explained: what Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard mean and what determines which one applies to you.
Carriers use rate class as the backbone of term pricing. Although names differ between companies, the hierarchy is standard: Preferred Plus (sometimes called Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus, Standard, and table ratings for elevated risk. Tobacco users sit in a parallel set of classes at raised rates.
What underwriters look at
Carriers evaluate your weight and height ratio, blood pressure, cholesterol, family history of early heart disease or cancer, driving record, medication history, job and pastimes, and tobacco use. Preferred Plus requires excellent results across most factors. Preferred allows some variance. Standard Plus and Standard accept well-controlled conditions like managed high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
Be truthful when rating your health on the form: Excellent corresponds to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus, and Average to Standard. Your quotes show the class you picked; underwriting determines your actual class. Unsure? Quote yourself in two classes to compare, then tell the truth on the application. Overstating health does not reduce the final premium—it just makes the estimate wrong.
Susman Insurance Agency can help you find carriers with more lenient underwriting for a specific health condition — often more valuable than the headline rate.