Guide
Health classes explained
Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard: what these tiers are and what determines which applies to you.
Carriers set term life pricing based on rate class. The exact names differ between companies, but everyone uses the same structure: Preferred Plus (sometimes Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, then extra charges for higher-than-standard danger. Tobacco users occupy a separate set of tiers at raised rates.
What underwriters look at
Height and weight, blood pressure and cholesterol, any heart disease or cancer in your family before age 60, your driving record, prescription history, what you do for work and leisure, and any tobacco or nicotine use. The premium tiers depend on how clean your profile is across nearly all these areas; Preferred allows for some issues; Standard Plus and Standard permit managed situations like blood pressure that is controlled.
How to use the quote tool
The health section requires an honest self-assessment: Excellent aligns with Preferred Plus, Very good with Preferred, Good with Standard Plus and Average with Standard. The quotes use your stated tier; the insurance company confirms the actual tier once you apply. Unsure which applies? Get quotes for two tiers, review them, and let the application confirm. An inflated health choice will not bring the premium down, but will make the quote less reliable.
Susman Insurance Agency can assist in finding carriers with guidelines more accommodating of your specific situation, which frequently matters more than a carrier's base rate.