Guide
Health classes explained
Class names, definitions, and the factors that land applicants in each.
Pricing hinges on underwriting class. Company labels differ, yet the hierarchy stays familiar: Preferred Plus (some call it Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus, Standard, then table ratings for elevated risk. Tobacco users inhabit a separate bracket with higher premiums.
What underwriters look at
Physical metrics (height and weight), vital signs and lipids, whether close relatives had heart or cancer issues before 60, driving history, medications, work and pastimes, smoking status. The highest tier demands strong marks on nearly everything; Preferred permits some slack; Standard Plus and Standard accommodate managed conditions like stable blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
When asked about your health, choose your category carefully: Excellent suggests Preferred Plus, Very good implies Preferred, Good indicates Standard Plus, and Average signals Standard. Your quote reflects the tier you pick; the carrier validates it after full review. Uncertain? Try two classes and compare, then let the application reveal the truth. Overstating your health doesn't reduce what you'll ultimately pay—it just skews the estimate.
Susman Insurance Agency helps you find carriers with looser underwriting for your specific condition—sometimes that's worth more than a lower advertised rate.