Guide
Health classes explained
Understanding the rate classes: from Preferred Plus to Standard, and what health factors determine where you fall.
Carriers organize pricing using rate classes. While names differ from company to company, the structure is the same: Preferred Plus (sometimes Super Preferred or Preferred Best), Preferred, Standard Plus, and Standard, with table ratings for higher risk. Tobacco users occupy a separate tier with higher costs.
What underwriters look at
Body measurements, blood pressure and cholesterol numbers, any family history of early heart disease or cancer, your driving history, current medications, your job and pastimes, and any tobacco or nicotine use. The top classes want nearly perfect scores on everything; Preferred is a bit more forgiving; Standard Plus and Standard accept controlled conditions like high blood pressure that's being treated.
How to use the quote tool
The quote form asks you to assess your health truthfully: Excellent aligns with Preferred Plus, Very good with Preferred, Good with Standard Plus, and Average with Standard. Your quotes match the class you pick; the carrier sets the real class during underwriting. If you're uncertain, get quotes for two different classes and compare—the application will settle the question. Overstating your health won't reduce your actual premium; it just makes the estimate unreliable.
Susman Insurance Agency can point you toward carriers with more flexible rules for a particular health situation, which is often more important than just comparing top-line prices.