Guide
Health classes explained
Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard: what these designations mean and which factors affect your assignment.
Carriers determine term insurance pricing using rating classes. Terms differ between insurers but follow a predictable structure: Preferred Plus (at times labeled Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, followed by extra charges for greater-than-usual risk. Non-tobacco consumers get one class scale; smokers get another with steeper rates.
What underwriters look at
Body measurements (height and weight), blood pressure and cholesterol readings, family health background particularly heart problems or cancer before sixty, driving record, pharmaceutical history, what you do for work and recreation, and use of tobacco or nicotine products. Achieving the highest rating requires favorable findings across virtually all factors; Preferred class allows some variance; Standard Plus and Standard accept controlled ailments including medicated hypertension.
How to use the quote tool
The questionnaire asks you to depict your condition truthfully: Excellent corresponds to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus and Average to Standard. Rate estimates show that class; your real class is confirmed only after underwriting. If you're unsure of your assessment, quote in two separate classes to examine the distinction, then allow the application evaluation to decide. Overstating your wellness doesn't bring down the final cost; it just makes the forecast less useful.
Susman Insurance Agency can guide you in locating carriers with more accommodating standards for your particular situation, which sometimes matters more than the published base rate.