Guide
Health classes explained
The four rate categories and what separates them: how carriers assess risk and what moves you between classes.
Carriers assign you to a rate class which sets your price. Names differ slightly across companies, but the step system is uniform: Preferred Plus (sometimes called Super Preferred or Preferred Best), then Preferred, then Standard Plus, then Standard, with table ratings above that for elevated risk. Tobacco customers have their own set of classes, priced higher.
What underwriters look at
Physical metrics—weight and height—blood pressure and cholesterol numbers, family history of major illness before age 60, your driving history, what medicines you take, your job and hobbies, and any tobacco or nicotine use. To get the best class, you need solid marks across virtually everything. The Preferred class allows a little more room. Standard Plus and Standard accept managed health issues—controlled blood pressure, for example.
How to use the quote tool
You'll be asked to rate your own health honestly: Excellent corresponds to Preferred Plus, Very good to Preferred, Good to Standard Plus, and Average to Standard. Your quotes will use your selected class; the carrier will verify your true class through underwriting. Uncertain about your rating? Get quotes for two different classes and compare them side by side; your application will ultimately settle the actual class. Overstating your health won't bring your final premium down—it just makes the estimate less reliable.
Each carrier weights health conditions differently. Susman Insurance Agency has expertise matching applicants to carriers whose medical guidelines are most favorable for your situation—which typically has more impact on your rate than the headline cost.