Guide
Health classes explained
Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard: what each tier represents and what factors move you across the spectrum.
Insurance companies assign term policies to rate classes. Company labels vary slightly, but the structure is uniform: Preferred Plus (sometimes called Super Preferred or Preferred Elite), Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, followed by table ratings for higher-risk applicants. Tobacco users have a parallel tier system at higher rates.
What underwriters look at
Your height and weight, blood pressure and lipid profile, family history of heart or cancer issues before age 60, driving record, prescription history, work and hobbies, and tobacco or nicotine consumption. Top rates require strong numbers across nearly every category; Preferred allows some room; Standard Plus and Standard accommodate managed conditions like treated high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
On this tool, health is described using Excellent (maps to Preferred Plus), Very good (maps to Preferred), Good (maps to Standard Plus) and Average (maps to Standard). Rates here correspond to that tier; the insurance company will validate the final tier after underwriting. When unsure, get quotes at two different health tiers and compare; let the application settle the actual tier. Overstating your health doesn't reduce premiums—it only makes the estimate inaccurate.
Susman Insurance Agency can point you toward carriers with more favorable criteria for specific health situations, which often matters more than the advertised rate.