Guide
Health classes explained
Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard: the categories and what shifts you between them.
Carriers organize term life with rate classes. Labels vary slightly between carriers, but the order is constant: Preferred Plus (also Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, then table ratings for above-standard risk. People who use tobacco have a separate set of classes at higher rates.
What underwriters look at
Height and weight, blood pressure and cholesterol, family medical history of heart disease or cancer before age 60, driving record, medication history, work and hobbies, and tobacco or nicotine products. The best class requires strong results across all of these; Preferred allows some edge; Standard Plus and Standard allow managed conditions like treated blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
The health question asks you to rate yourself honestly: Excellent points to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus and Average to Standard. Quotes follow that class; the carrier sets the final class after underwriting. If you are unsure, quote both levels and see, then let underwriting decide. Guessing high does not lower the final price—it only makes your estimate wrong.
Susman Insurance Agency can help match you with carriers whose medical guidelines are more welcoming to your specific situation—this often matters more than the headline rate.