Guide
Health classes explained
The four basic tiers—Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, Standard—what they mean, and how underwriting determines which category fits you.
Carriers organize term pricing into categories. Terminology varies between companies, but the framework stays consistent: Preferred Plus (occasionally called Super Preferred or Best), Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, with additional table adjustments for higher-risk situations. Those using tobacco occupy their own price ladder starting higher.
What underwriters look at
Body composition (height and weight relative to each other), blood pressure and lipid levels, whether a parent or sibling had a heart attack or cancer diagnosis before age 60, driving record, medication history, job type and pastimes, and smoking status. The top tier requires excellent results across virtually every category. The Preferred tier allows some variation. Standard and Standard-Plus allow for managed conditions, such as hypertension that responds well to medicine.
How to use the quote tool
When asked about your health, answer truthfully: Excellent corresponds to Preferred Plus; Very good to Preferred; Good to Standard Plus; and Average to Standard. The quote uses that category; underwriting confirms the actual category later. If you're uncertain, request quotes for two categories and examine the variance, then let the underwriting decision settle it. Picking an inflated health picture won't lower the final cost—it just makes the estimates less dependable.
Susman Insurance Agency specializes in matching applicants with carriers whose underwriting guidelines are most suited to individual circumstances—often a more valuable match than the advertised headline rate.