Guide
Health classes explained
Insurance companies use rate classes like Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard—here's what each one means and what factors influence where you land.
Insurance companies organize term life pricing by health class. Each carrier uses slightly different names, but the classes are consistent: Preferred or Preferred Plus for best health, Standard Plus for average health, Standard for controlled conditions or past health events.
What underwriters look at
Your body composition (height and weight), blood pressure, cholesterol levels, family medical history (heart disease, cancer especially), current medications, whether you have diabetes, and your tobacco use.
How to use the quote tool
Here's how the health categories map to rate classes: Excellent health gets Preferred or Preferred Plus rates; Good gets Preferred or Standard Plus; Fair gets Standard Plus or Standard; Poor may get Standard or needs underwriting review.
Susman Insurance Agency can help you compare insurance companies whose guidelines are friendlier to a specific condition, which often matters more than the headline rate.