Guide
Health classes explained
Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard: what each label means and what moves applicants between them.
Term life is priced by rate class. The exact names shift among carriers, but the hierarchy stays consistent: Preferred Plus (sometimes Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, then table ratings for higher risk. Tobacco users occupy their own parallel classes at higher premiums.
What underwriters look at
Build (height and weight), blood pressure and cholesterol, family cardiac or cancer history before 60, driving record, medication history, occupation and pastimes, and tobacco or nicotine use. The top class requires strong results across nearly all categories; Preferred allows a bit more variation; Standard Plus and Standard allow managed conditions such as controlled high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
The health question asks you to describe yourself truthfully: Excellent maps to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus and Average to Standard. Quotes are based on that class; underwriting confirms the final one. If you're unsure, try both classes and compare the results, then let the carrier's decision stand. Guessing optimistically does not improve your final rate—it just clouds the estimate.
Susman Insurance Agency can help you find carriers that view your specific health picture favorably—their guidelines vary, and a better-fit carrier often matters more than the lowest rate.