Guide
Health classes explained
Understand Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, Standard rating labels, and what impacts your placement.
Rates follow rate class tiers. Terminology shifts between carriers, but consistency exists: Preferred Plus (sometimes Super Preferred, Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus, Standard, then table adjustments for elevated risk. Tobacco applicants get parallel, higher-cost tiers.
What underwriters look at
Factors include weight and height ratio, blood pressure and lipids, parental heart/cancer illness before age 60, driving record, medication history, job function and interests, and nicotine or tobacco use. Top tiers demand solid results in essentially all areas; middle tiers allow some deviation; lower tiers accommodate regulated conditions including managed high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
Self-report honestly: Excellent suggests Preferred Plus, Very good indicates Preferred, Good means Standard Plus, Average maps to Standard. Quotes assume these; carriers validate post-underwriting. Uncertain? Request two classes and compare—application assessment makes final determination. Exaggerating health doesn't reduce cost; only degrades estimate reliability.
Susman Insurance Agency pinpoints carriers with favorable rules for your situation—which often outweighs posted pricing.