Guide
Health classes explained
The four ranks—Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, Standard—how they're defined, and how factors move you between them.
Insurers use rate classes to price term. Though terminology varies, the sequence is universal: Preferred Plus (called Super Preferred or Preferred Excellent by some), Preferred, Standard Plus, Standard, and added tiers for substantial hazard. Smokers have their own parallel tier arrangement with surcharges.
What underwriters look at
Body measurements relative to stature; blood pressure and lipid levels; any heart or cancer in your family before 60; traffic violations; pharmacy history; what you do for work and recreation; cigarettes or nicotine. The top grade demands top numbers almost across the board; Preferred gives some flexibility; Standard Plus and Standard welcome controlled problems like stable high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
Your health self-report maps like this: Excellent corresponds to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus, Average to Standard. The company determines the real tier after their evaluation. Uncertain about your tier? Request quotes at both levels and examine them; let underwriters decide. Claiming a superior tier doesn't help your price; it makes the quote less realistic.
Susman Insurance Agency helps identify companies with sympathetic underwriting for your specific health—often this determines your price more than the advertised cost.