Guide
Health classes explained
The four tiers—Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard—and what determines which you fit.
Pricing follows rate tiers established by each carrier. Names shift slightly between companies, but the structure is uniform: Preferred Plus (sometimes Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus, Standard, plus extra charges for above-standard risks. Smokers have their own tiers at higher rates.
What underwriters look at
Body measurements, cholesterol and blood pressure, family medical history (heart disease or cancer before age 60), traffic record, medication history, job type, hobbies, and smoking status. The best tier requires strong results across nearly everything; Preferred gives some room; Standard Plus and Standard accept controlled issues like managed high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
The health question expects honest self-reporting: Excellent corresponds to Preferred Plus, Very Good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus, and Average to Standard. Quotes use that tier; carriers finalize your tier after underwriting. Uncertain? Get quotes at both tiers to compare, then let the carrier decide during the application. An inflated health rating won't reduce your final premium—it just makes your estimate less realistic.
Susman can help you find carriers whose underwriting rules are most favorable for your specific situation—often a bigger factor in cost than any single rate.