Guide
Health classes explained
The four rate tiers—their meanings and what determines which one applies to you.
Insurance companies organize term premiums using rate classes. Names differ a bit, but the structure stays the same: Preferred Plus (sometimes called Super Preferred), Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard, plus table ratings for extra risk. Tobacco users are in separate tiers with higher premiums.
What underwriters look at
Weight relative to height, blood pressure, cholesterol, whether heart disease or cancer ran in your family before age 60, your driving record, what you take for prescriptions, your job and hobbies, and any tobacco or nicotine. The top tier requires good results on almost everything; Preferred is more flexible; Standard Plus and Standard accept managed conditions like medicated high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
The health question wants an honest self-rating: Excellent typically lines up with Preferred Plus, Very good with Preferred, Good with Standard Plus, and Average with Standard. The quotes match your choice, but the carrier officially confirms your class after underwriting. If you're unsure, get quotes for two classes and weigh them; underwriting will identify the real class anyway. Overstating your health won't reduce what you pay—only make the estimate inaccurate.
Susman Insurance Agency can help you find carriers with more flexible underwriting for your situation, which typically matters more than advertised rates.