Guide
Health classes explained
Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard: what the categories mean and what factors move you from one to another.
Each carrier structures pricing by rate class. The exact names vary, but the structure is similar: Preferred Plus (also Preferred Best or Super Preferred), Preferred, Standard Plus, then Standard, followed by table ratings for additional risk. Tobacco users fall into parallel classes at higher rates.
What underwriters look at
Weight-to-height ratio, blood pressure and cholesterol numbers, family history of early heart disease or cancer, traffic record, medication history, work and hobbies, and any tobacco or nicotine use. The best classes need strong results across the board. Preferred class allows some flexibility. Standard Plus and Standard allow stable conditions that are being treated, like controlled high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
When asked about your health, answer honestly: Excellent aligns with Preferred Plus, Very good with Preferred, Good with Standard Plus, and Average with Standard. Your quote reflects that assumption. The carrier verifies and sets your final class during underwriting. If you're not sure which fits, quote under two different assumptions and see the difference. Picking a rosier class doesn't lower the actual premium; it just makes the estimate less reliable.
Susman Insurance Agency can help identify carriers with more flexible requirements for your specific situation. Often, underwriting philosophy matters more than the advertised headline rate.