Guide
Health classes explained
Rate classes—Preferred Plus, Preferred, Standard Plus, Standard—reflect how carriers evaluate applicants based on age and health. Different carriers classify people differently; moving to a carrier with friendlier guidelines for your situation can substantially lower your rate.
Term life carriers assign prices using rate class. Though names vary across carriers, the tiers work similarly: health status and age determine where you fall, which determines your rate.
What underwriters look at
Weight-to-height ratio, blood pressure and cholesterol readings, and family history of cardiac events or malignancies affect your classification. Carriers also evaluate family medical history, occupational hazards, and prior health incidents.
How to use the quote tool
When describing your health, pick honestly: Excellent aligns with Preferred Plus; Good aligns with Preferred; Fair aligns with Standard Plus; Poor aligns with Standard. Intentionally misrepresenting health may result in policy denial or cancellation.
Our agency works with carriers whose underwriting preferences may place you in a favorable category, sometimes meaningfully reducing your monthly cost compared to another carrier's policies.