Guide
Health classes explained
The labels are Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard: what they mean and how applicants move between them.
Carriers use rate classes to price term coverage. Names shift slightly between companies but the ladder is the same: Preferred Plus (also called Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard, with table adjustments for higher risk. Tobacco users have a parallel scale at higher rates.
What underwriters look at
Build (height and weight), blood pressure and cholesterol, family disease history before age sixty, driving history, what prescriptions you use, job and hobbies, and tobacco consumption. The best rates need clean marks almost across the board; Preferred tolerates some variation; Standard Plus and Standard allow managed conditions like controlled high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
The health question asks you to pick a tier: Excellent aligns with Preferred Plus, Very good with Preferred, Good with Standard Plus, and Average with Standard. The quote reflects that choice; the carrier decides the actual class after underwriting. If unsure, quote two tiers and compare; the application settles it. Overstating health doesn't cut the final bill—it just makes the quote less reliable.
Susman Insurance Agency can help you find carriers that prefer your particular situation, which often matters more than the base rate.