Guide
Health classes explained
Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard—what each tier means and what determines which one you fit.
Life insurance pricing starts with rate class. Companies use slightly different names, but the framework is the same: Preferred Plus (sometimes Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus, Standard, and table ratings for above-average risk. Tobacco users get a separate set of classes at higher cost.
What underwriters look at
Body composition, blood pressure and cholesterol, family heart or cancer before age 60, driving history, medications, job and recreation, and tobacco. The top class needs good marks on almost everything; Preferred gives some room; Standard Plus and Standard accept managed issues like treated high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
On the health question, pick the one that fits you: Excellent aims at Preferred Plus, Very good at Preferred, Good at Standard Plus, Average at Standard. Your quote assumes that class; underwriting locks in the real one. Torn between two? Quote both and compare, then let the application settle it. Guessing too high does not reduce your final price; it just makes the estimate wrong.
Susman Insurance Agency can point you toward carriers with more flexible rules around a particular situation, which usually has more impact than the listed rate.