Guide
Health classes explained
Understanding the tiers: Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard—their definitions and what determines your placement.
Term pricing revolves around rate class designation. While carriers use slightly different labels, the hierarchy remains uniform: Preferred Plus (sometimes termed Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, plus supplementary ratings for above-average risk. Those using tobacco occupy an equivalent structure with higher premiums.
What underwriters look at
Factors assessed: BMI (height and weight), hypertension and lipid levels, parental/sibling heart or cancer diagnosis before reaching 60, motor vehicle history, medication usage, work and leisure activities, and smoking/nicotine use. Top classes demand nearly flawless results in every area; Preferred permits some variation; Standard Plus and Standard accommodate managed health situations like regulated blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
You're asked to assess your health truthfully: Excellent corresponds with Preferred Plus, Very good with Preferred, Good with Standard Plus and Average with Standard. Quotes use this classification; the underwriter finalizes your actual class. Uncertain about yourself? Generate quotes for two classes and examine the differences, allowing the formal application to confirm your true category. Overstating your health won't reduce what you'll ultimately pay; it merely reduces estimate reliability.
Susman Insurance Agency assists in identifying carriers with more favorable underwriting criteria for your particular health situation, frequently proving more valuable than base rate comparison.