Guide
Health classes explained
Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, Standard, and beyond: what these classifications mean and how they differ.
Insurance carriers set term premiums by classification. Classifications vary slightly between companies but follow a consistent ranking: Preferred Plus (sometimes called Super Preferred or Preferred Excellent), Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, with higher-risk tables above Standard. Tobacco users qualify for a separate set of classes at higher rates.
What underwriters look at
Height-to-weight ratio, blood pressure and cholesterol readings, parents' health history (especially early heart disease or cancer), driving record, medication history, work and hobbies, and cigarette or nicotine use. Earning the best classification requires clean results across essentially all categories; Preferred permits minor issues; Standard Plus and Standard accommodate well-managed illnesses like controlled blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
On the health question, rate yourself as you honestly see yourself: Excellent corresponds to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus and Average to Standard. Your quote reflects that classification; the carrier establishes your actual classification following underwriting. If you are uncertain, get quotes for two classifications to compare, then let the underwriting process establish the real one. Overestimating your health standing will not result in lower final premiums; it only makes your estimate less reliable.
Susman Insurance Agency can help identify carriers with guidelines suited to your particular situation, which frequently is more useful than the published rate alone.