Guide
Health classes explained
Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard: what those names mean and what determines which category you are in.
Underwriters price term coverage by rate class. Names differ slightly among carriers, but the scale is: Preferred Plus (sometimes "Super Preferred" or "Preferred Best"), Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard, followed by table ratings for higher risk. Tobacco consumers have a separate scale at higher rates.
What underwriters look at
Weight-to-height ratio, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, family history (heart disease or cancer before age 60), driving record, medicines you take, job and hobbies, and tobacco or nicotine products. Preferred Plus needs near-perfect results on all fronts; Preferred allows minor variation; Standard Plus and Standard let through managed conditions like blood pressure held steady on medication.
How to use the quote tool
On the health question, describe yourself truthfully: Excellent correlates with Preferred Plus, Very good with Preferred, Good with Standard Plus, and Average with Standard. Your quote displays this class; the carrier verifies the true class during underwriting. If you're uncertain, request quotes at two classes and compare, then let underwriting decide. Overstating your health does not cut your rate; it just makes the estimate inaccurate.
Susman Insurance Agency knows carriers whose underwriting treats particular health conditions more favorably—and that fit often affects your rate more than the advertised premium does.