Guide
Health classes explained
Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard are the basic tiers, with labels and requirements explained below.
Carriers use rate classes to price term life. Exact names shift between companies, but the structure is the same: Preferred Plus (sometimes Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard, with table charges for elevated risk. Tobacco users get a separate, higher set of classes.
What underwriters look at
Height-to-weight ratio, blood pressure and cholesterol readings, family health history (heart disease or cancer before age 60), traffic record, medicine history, job and interests, and use of tobacco or nicotine products. The highest tier requires clean results across nearly everything; Preferred allows minor issues; Standard Plus and Standard are okay with managed conditions like controlled high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
The health question asks you to pick your own description: Excellent aligns with Preferred Plus, Very good with Preferred, Good with Standard Plus, and Average with Standard. Your quote reflects this choice, and the underwriter confirms your real class later. If you're uncertain, run quotes for two health levels and compare, then let the underwriting process determine the final result. Overestimating your health won't reduce your premium; it just makes the quote less trustworthy.
Susman Insurance Agency is skilled at matching applicants to carriers that are more lenient on particular health conditions — this often matters more than chasing the lowest rate.