Guide
Health classes explained
Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, Standard: what these levels mean and what circumstances affect your placement.
Underwriters price term policies using underwriting tiers. Names shift slightly between companies, but the structure remains standard: Preferred Plus (sometimes called Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, followed by special ratings for above-standard cases. Tobacco customers occupy a distinct rate structure with higher prices.
What underwriters look at
Body composition (height and weight), blood pressure and lipid levels, family cancer or heart disease history prior to age 60, driving background, medication history, job type and recreational activities, and tobacco or nicotine consumption. The highest ratings need positive results in virtually all areas; Preferred allows minor variations; Standard Plus and Standard accommodate managed issues such as controlled high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
Health answers track to rate categories: Excellent corresponds to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus and Average to Standard. Estimates use your chosen class; underwriting determines the actual class post-application. If uncertain, get quotes at two different class levels and review both, letting the application process settle the actual tier. Overstating your health won't reduce your final charge; it only makes estimates inaccurate.
Susman Insurance Agency can help identify carriers with underwriting criteria that favor your particular health profile—which often makes a bigger difference in your rate than the advertised base price.