Guide
Health classes explained
Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard: what each tier represents and what factors cause movement between them.
Term quotes are priced by underwriting tier. While names shift slightly, the progression holds steady: Preferred Plus (also called Super Preferred or Elite Preferred), Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, plus additional ratings for above-standard risk. Tobacco users have a parallel ranking at elevated premiums.
What underwriters look at
BMI, blood pressure and lipid levels, parents' cardiac or cancer history before age 60, traffic record, medication history, job type and avocations, and current or recent tobacco or nicotine use. Reaching Preferred Plus requires solid results across almost everything; Preferred permits some leeway; Standard Plus and Standard permit controlled conditions like managed hypertension.
How to use the quote tool
The health question prompts you to describe your status accurately: Excellent correlates to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus and Fair to Standard. The quote reflects your declared tier; the insurance company verifies it during evaluation. Uncertain? Quote both tiers and weigh them, then let the company decide. Choosing a rosier classification doesn't reduce your final cost; it just makes the estimate less dependable.
Susman Insurance Agency helps you identify carriers whose guidelines are more favorable for your specific health situation, which frequently matters more than the base pricing.