Guide
Health classes explained
Understanding the four tiers: Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, what determines placement, and transitions between categories.
Insurance companies organize term policies around rate classifications. Though terminology differs by insurer, the structure stays consistent: Preferred Plus (sometimes Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, with table ratings for above-average risk levels. Users of tobacco or nicotine products fall into separate rating categories with increased premiums.
What underwriters look at
Carriers examine body composition (height-to-weight ratio), cardiac measurements and cholesterol levels, family susceptibility to heart problems or malignancies before age 60, traffic record, medicine list, employment type and leisure activities, plus any tobacco or nicotine consumption. Attaining the premium rating category requires favorable results in almost every category; a Preferred rank allows some flexibility; Standard Plus and Standard categories accommodate managed medical issues such as controlled hypertension.
How to use the quote tool
On the health question, report your condition truthfully: Excellent corresponds to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus and Average to Standard. Rate quotes match that tier; the carrier adjusts the ultimate category following underwriting. If uncertain, obtain quotes for two categories and examine both, then let underwriting determine the correct tier. Inflating your health status won't reduce your actual cost; it only produces less useful estimates.
We can help identify carriers that evaluate your particular health situation more favorably, which typically has greater impact on your final rate than the initial advertised price.