Guide
Health classes explained
The labels are Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard—see what they mean and what moves you between them.
Term life rates are built on rate classes. Company labels shift, but the structure stays: Preferred Plus (also Super Preferred), Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, then table ratings for higher risk. Tobacco users have parallel classes at higher cost.
What underwriters look at
Physical metrics (height, weight, blood pressure, cholesterol), family heart disease or cancer history before age 60, driving history, medication history, work and leisure activities, and tobacco or nicotine use. Preferred Plus demands nearly perfect results across the board; Preferred allows slightly more; Standard Plus and Standard accept managed conditions like treated blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
The health question invites honest self-assessment: Excellent corresponds to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus, and Average to Standard. Quotes show that class; underwriting confirms final status. Unsure? Quote in two classes and compare—let underwriting decide. Inflated health choices don't reduce the final rate; they just make estimates less accurate.
Susman Insurance Agency can help you find carriers with softer guidelines for particular conditions, which often shifts rates more than the base quote.