Guide
Health classes explained
Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard: what these tiers represent and the factors moving you between them.
Carriers set term life price by rate class. Companies use slightly different terminology, but the progression remains constant: Preferred Plus (sometimes Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, then table adjustments for elevated risk. Tobacco users get a separate tier structure at higher prices.
What underwriters look at
Body composition (height to weight), blood pressure and cholesterol numbers, early family history of heart or cancer, moving violations, medication list, type of work and leisure pursuits, and tobacco or nicotine products. Best class demands good results nearly everywhere; Preferred permits some variance; Standard Plus and Standard accommodate managed problems like medicated high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
Answer the health question truthfully: Excellent aligns with Preferred Plus, Very good with Preferred, Good with Standard Plus, and Average with Standard. Your quote tracks that tier; underwriting validates the final one. Uncertain? Get quotes at two tiers and contrast them; the application establishes the real tier. Overstating health doesn't reduce your cost; it just reduces accuracy.
Susman Insurance Agency helps you discover carriers with more favorable treatment of your specific situation, which regularly outweighs the advertised base rate.