Guide
Health classes explained
The four tiers—Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, Standard—defined and what affects where you sit.
Insurance companies assign underwriting tiers for term insurance pricing. Labels shift somewhat between carriers, but the ranking stays the same: Preferred Plus (sometimes Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus, then Standard, plus table adjustments for elevated risk. Smokers occupy separate tiers with higher fees.
What underwriters look at
Body metrics (height relative to weight), pressure and lipid levels, genetics regarding cardiac or malignant disease starting before 60, license status, prescription drugs, job duties and leisure pursuits, and smoke/nicotine habits. Top ratings need excellent marks everywhere; second tier permits one weak spot; lower tiers permit managed issues such as blood pressure under control.
How to use the quote tool
Health self-assessment should be genuine: Excellent corresponds with Preferred Plus, Very good with Preferred, Good with Standard Plus, and Average with Standard. Quotes match your selected category; the underwriter verifies the actual category later. When uncertain, request quotes at two levels and look at the difference, then submit and allow the underwriter to assess. Overestimating your condition does not reduce your rate; it just skews the estimate.
For a given illness or situation, Susman Insurance Agency can identify carriers with more permissive standards, which can be more important than the posted rate.