Guide
Health classes explained
Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard: the tiers explained and what determines your fit.
Carriers use rate class to price term policies. Names shift slightly between companies, yet the structure stays the same: Preferred Plus (sometimes Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus, Standard, and table ratings for above-standard risk. Tobacco users face their own tier, priced higher.
What underwriters look at
Build (height and weight), blood pressure and cholesterol readings, family heart disease or cancer before age 60, driving history, medication record, job and pastimes, and tobacco or nicotine use. Premium Plus demands spotless results in nearly everything; Preferred permits a bit more; Standard Plus and Standard accept managed situations like medicated high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
The health question needs honest self-assessment: Excellent aligns with Preferred Plus, Very good with Preferred, Good with Standard Plus, Average with Standard. Quotes adopt that tier; underwriting confirms your true tier later. Uncertain? Request quotes at two tiers, review both, and let the application sort it out. Inflating your health tier won't reduce your final rate—it only throws off your estimate.
Susman Insurance Agency specializes in matching carriers with more favorable policies toward your particular situation—often more impactful than focusing solely on the advertised rate.