Guide
Health classes explained
Super Preferred, Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard: what each rating means and the factors that determine your classification.
Carriers use health classifications to price term life insurance. Although carrier labels differ slightly, the scale is standard: Super Preferred (sometimes Preferred Best or Preferred Elite), Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, followed by table rates for applicants with elevated risk. Tobacco users are classified separately at higher premiums.
What underwriters look at
Build metrics (height and weight), blood pressure and lipid levels, family health history going back to age 60, traffic and violation history, medication history, job duties and recreation, and smoking status or nicotine product use. Getting the best rating requires excellent results in essentially all areas; the Preferred category permits minor issues; Standard Plus and Standard accommodate managed conditions such as controlled blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
The health assessment asks for honest self-reporting: Excellent health corresponds to Super Preferred, Good health to Preferred, Fair health to Standard Plus, and Below average health to Standard. The insurance company confirms your final class through underwriting. When uncertain, run quotes at two different classes to compare; let the underwriting process make the final determination. An inflated health claim doesn't reduce your premium—it just makes the estimate inaccurate.
Susman Insurance Agency helps you identify carriers whose criteria align with your specific health profile, which frequently has more bearing on your cost than the initial rate quote.