Guide
Health classes explained
The meaning of Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, and what determines which one you fall into.
Life insurance pricing uses rate classes. Though names differ slightly among carriers, the structure is: Preferred Plus (sometimes Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, plus table ratings for elevated risk. Smokers/tobacco users get a matching set of classes at higher costs.
What underwriters look at
Height and weight, BP and cholesterol, family disease history (heart or cancer before 60), driving record, medicines you take, work and hobbies, and tobacco or nicotine use. Best rates require clean results across the board; Preferred allows more variance; Standard Plus and Standard accept controlled issues like managed high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
The health question needs an honest self-assessment: Excellent aligns with Preferred Plus, Very good with Preferred, Good with Standard Plus, and Average with Standard. The quote reflects this class; the carrier sets the final class after underwriting. Not sure? Quote both classes and compare, then let underwriting decide. Picking an inflated class won't reduce the final premium—it just makes the estimate less reliable.
Susman Insurance Agency helps you find carriers with underwriting rules that work better for your specific situation, which typically matters more than the base rate.