Guide
Health classes explained
Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard: what each means and what determines which category you land in.
Carriers set their prices for term life based on rate classification. The exact names change slightly from company to company, but the order is always: Preferred Plus (sometimes Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus, then Standard, with extra charges possible for elevated risk. People who use tobacco have a separate set of categories at higher rates.
What underwriters look at
Your height and weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels, whether heart disease or cancer runs in your family (especially if it happened early), your driving history, what medications you take, what you do for work or hobbies, and any tobacco or nicotine use. Getting the top rating requires clean scores across almost everything; Preferred allows a little variation; Standard Plus and Standard accept controlled conditions like treated high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
The health question asks you to describe your situation honestly: Excellent corresponds with Preferred Plus, Very good with Preferred, Good with Standard Plus, and Average with Standard. Your quote reflects that class, though the insurer will confirm the actual class during underwriting. If you are unsure, quote at two different health levels and compare, then let the application settle it. Inflating your health does not lower the final bill; it just makes your estimate less reliable.
Susman Insurance Agency can help you compare carriers that are more favorable to your specific health situation, which frequently matters more than what the top rate looks like.