Guide
Health classes explained
Understand what each underwriting tier means and how your health and circumstances determine which one you land in.
Insurance companies organize term premiums by rate class tier. Although carriers use slightly different titles, the hierarchy stays similar: Preferred Plus (sometimes called Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, with additional table ratings for elevated risk. Tobacco and nicotine users occupy a separate, higher-priced class tier.
What underwriters look at
Rating factors include your body measurements, blood pressure and cholesterol, whether close relatives had early heart disease or cancer, your driving record, current medications, your job and how you spend your time, and any nicotine or tobacco use. The top class demands solid marks in nearly every area; Preferred is a bit more forgiving; Standard Plus and Standard accept controlled conditions like well-managed high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
On the health question, select your honest assessment: Excellent corresponds to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus and Average to Standard. Your quote is based on that tier, though the carrier will confirm the final class during underwriting. Uncertain? Try quoting both classes to see the difference, then let your actual application determine the real outcome. Inflating your health status won't lower your true premium—it just makes today's estimate inaccurate.
Susman Insurance Agency can guide you toward carriers whose underwriting approach is more favorable for your particular situation—often more valuable than comparing the lowest advertised rate alone.