Guide
Health classes explained
Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard: the tier system and how applicants fall into each category.
Insurance carriers organize term life pricing into underwriting classes. Companies use slightly different labels, yet the hierarchy remains: Preferred Plus (sometimes Super Preferred or Preferred Best), then Preferred, Standard Plus, Standard, and higher categories for elevated risk. Tobacco users occupy a parallel ladder with bigger premiums.
What underwriters look at
Body composition, blood pressure and cholesterol numbers, whether close relatives had heart or cancer issues before turning 60, your driving history, what medications you take, your job and interests, and any tobacco or nicotine products. The top tier wants excellent marks on virtually everything; Preferred permits minor variations; Standard Plus and Standard accept controlled medical conditions like blood pressure on medication.
How to use the quote tool
The health question requests an honest self-assessment: Excellent corresponds to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus and Average to Standard. Quotes assume that class; the carrier validates the final tier during review. Uncertain about yourself? Get quotes at two different classes and see the gap, then pick the one you believe fits. An inflated self-rating won't reduce your final cost; it just makes the quote less realistic.
Susman Insurance Agency can guide you toward carriers whose rules are more lenient for your particular situation, which can matter more than just the lowest monthly price.