Guide
Health classes explained
Four tiers: Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard—what they describe and what determines your placement.
Insurance carriers use rate classes to price term life. Though carrier names vary slightly, the framework is consistent: Preferred Plus (sometimes called Super Preferred), Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, followed by table ratings for applicants with greater risk. Those using nicotine occupy a parallel set at higher rates.
What underwriters look at
Build (your height and weight), cholesterol and blood pressure, whether close relatives had heart or cancer before age 60, traffic record, medication history, what you do for work and hobbies, and any nicotine use. Top classifications need good results everywhere; Preferred is a bit more forgiving; Standard Plus and Standard allow controlled conditions like managed high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
Describe your health truthfully: Excellent aligns with Preferred Plus, Very good with Preferred, Good with Standard Plus and Average with Standard. Your quote reflects the class you chose; the carrier sets your final class after underwriting. If you're unsure, quote two classes, compare, and let underwriting confirm. An inflated health choice doesn't reduce the final cost; it just makes your estimate less reliable.
Susman Insurance Agency helps you find carriers with guidelines that work better for your circumstances, which often matters more than comparing prices alone.