Guide
Health classes explained
The four health classes: what they are and what determines where you land.
Carriers organize term pricing by rate class. Names differ slightly, but the structure is the same: Preferred Plus (Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus, Standard, then table ratings for higher risk. Tobacco users get a separate ladder with higher rates.
What underwriters look at
Carriers look at build, blood pressure, cholesterol, family history of early heart disease or cancer, driving record, prescriptions, work, hobbies and tobacco use. The top classes need clean results on nearly everything; lower classes allow managed conditions like controlled blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
The health question maps your answer to a rate class: Excellent to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus, Average to Standard. Quotes assume that class; the carrier sets the final class after underwriting. Unsure of yourself? Quote two classes and compare, then let underwriting decide. Picking an optimistic class won't lower your final premium—it just makes the estimate off.
If you have a specific health condition, Susman Insurance Agency can help match you with carriers who view it favorably—often more valuable than the lowest headline rate.