Guide
Health classes explained
The four brackets—Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard—explained, plus how carriers move between them.
Insurance pricing for term policies uses rate classes. Names differ slightly from one carrier to another, but the framework stays consistent: Preferred Plus (also known as Super Preferred or Preferred Elite), Preferred, Standard Plus and Standard, and then extra charges for more significant risks. Tobacco buyers have a separate tier at higher costs.
What underwriters look at
Your physical measurements (height and weight), blood numbers (pressure and cholesterol levels), family medical record (particularly for early heart or cancer occurrences), motor vehicle performance, current prescription use, job and hobbies, plus nicotine product use. Reaching the best rating requires excellent findings on nearly everything; Preferred accommodates some variation; Standard Plus and Standard accommodate managed conditions including controlled high blood pressure.
How to use the quote tool
Describe your wellness truthfully on the health question: Excellent corresponds to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus, and Average to Standard. Our quotes reflect that rating; carriers confirm actual placement after underwriting. Try quoting two different categories to compare if uncertain, then submit your genuine assessment with the application. Inflating your health status won't reduce final costs—it only makes the estimate less reliable.
We can help identify carriers that are more welcoming to your particular health situation, which frequently carries more weight than the published rate for that bracket.