Guide
Health classes explained
Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard: what they mean and what moves between them.
Carriers price term coverage by rate class. Names vary slightly by company, but the structure is consistent: Preferred Plus (also called Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, then table ratings for higher-than-standard risk. Tobacco users have a separate set of classes at higher prices.
What underwriters look at
Body composition, blood pressure and cholesterol, family history of early heart or cancer, driving record, medications, work and hobbies, and tobacco or nicotine use. The top classes require clean results across nearly all factors; Preferred allows a little more range; Standard Plus and Standard permit controlled conditions like managed high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
Health questions ask you to describe yourself honestly: Excellent maps to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus and Average to Standard. Quotes reflect that class; the carrier confirms the final class after underwriting. If unsure, quote two classes and compare; the application will determine the accurate one. Choosing an optimistic class does not lower your final premium; it just makes the estimate less accurate.
Susman Insurance Agency can help locate carriers whose underwriting guidelines fit your situation, which often matters more than the headline rate.