By Richard Reich | Independent Life Insurance Broker | CA License #0832938 | 30+ years specializing in impaired risk and high-risk life insurance placements.
Insurance rating classifications (your health class) are based on your medical history and the results of the medical exam (if one is taken). Each insurance company is somewhat different. They differ on the names of their classifications and in the requirements to qualify for a rating class. The following can give you some guidelines and allow you to estimate your health class. Much of the content of these definitions comes directly from major life insurance company rating guides.
For build requirements, please check our Height and Weight Guidelines for Life Insurance
| Preferred Plus |
|---|
| No Health Impairments* allowed. No personal history of cardiovascular disease or diabetes |
| No use of tobacco/nicotine substances in the last 5 years. (Occasional Cigar may be allowed). |
| Family History: No cancer or coronary artery disease in either parent before age 60. |
| Blood Pressure, treated or untreated, currently controlled and average readings do not exceed: Age 0-50 135/85 Age 51-64 140/85 |
| Maximum Cholesterol, treated or untreated: 230 |
| Cholesterol/HDL Ratio: Female 4.0 Male 4.5 |
| Driving History: No DUI, reckless driving, license revocation or suspensions in the last 5 years. |
| No history of or treatment for alcohol or substance abuse EVER. |
| Preferred |
|---|
| No Health Impairments* allowed. No personal history of cardiovascular disease or diabetes |
| No use of tobacco/nicotine substances in the last 3 years. (Occasional Cigar may be allowed). |
| Family History: No Death from cancer or coronary artery disease before age 60 |
| Blood Pressure, treated or untreated, currently controlled and average readings do not exceed: Age 0-50 140/90 Age 51-64 145/90 |
| Maximum Cholesterol, treated or untreated: 250 |
| Cholesterol/HDL Ratio: Female 5.0 Male 5.5 |
| Driving History: No DUI, reckless driving, license revocation or suspensions in the last 5 years. |
| No history of or treatment for alcohol or substance abuse in the last 10 years. |
| Regular Plus/Regular |
|---|
| No Health Impairments* allowed. Can have personal history of certain cardiovascular diseases or diabetes, |
| No use of tobacco/nicotine substances in the last 12 months. (Occasional Cigar may be allowed). |
| Family History: Not more than one death of a parent due to coronary artery disease prior to age 60. |
| Blood Pressure, treated or untreated, currently controlled and average readings do not exceed: Age 0-50 150/90 Age 51-64 155/90 |
| Maximum Cholesterol, treated or untreated: 300 |
| Cholesterol/HDL Ratio: Female 7.0 Male 7.5 |
| Driving History: No DUI, reckless driving, license revocation or suspensions in the last 2 years. |
| No history of or treatment for alcohol or substance abuse in the last 10 years. |
*Please call for quotes if you have been diagnosed with or received treatment for the following:
- Alcohol/Drug Abuse or Dependency
- Anxiety, ADD, ADHD or Depression
- Asthma
- Cancer (other than basal cell)
- Cardiovascular disease
- COPD
- Crohn’s Disease
- Diabetes
- Emphysema
- Epilepsy
- Hepatitis or Liver Disease
- HIV or AIDS
- Kidney Disease
- Leukemia
- Liver Disease
- Mitral Valve Prolapse
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Sleep Apnea
- Stroke
For more information about underwriting questions or other unanswered questions, please call us at 866-868-0099 or contact us through our website.
Estimate Your Health Class Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to estimate your health for life insurance?
Estimating your health for life insurance means getting a general idea of how an insurance company may view your overall health before you apply. Life insurance companies look at factors like your height, weight, medical history, prescriptions, tobacco use, family history, and lifestyle. This estimate can help you understand whether you may qualify for Preferred, Standard, or higher-risk rates.
Why do life insurance companies care about my health?
Life insurance companies use your health information to determine how much risk they are taking by offering you coverage. Generally, the healthier you are, the lower your life insurance rates may be. If you have certain medical conditions, take specific medications, or have a risky lifestyle, the company may charge a higher premium or offer a different type of policy.
Can I still get life insurance if I have health problems?
Yes, many people with health problems can still qualify for life insurance. Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart issues, anxiety, or past cancer do not always mean you will be declined. The final decision depends on your current health, treatment, control of the condition, age, and the insurance company’s underwriting guidelines.
How accurate is a health class estimate?
A health class estimate is helpful, but it is not a guarantee. The final health class is determined after the insurance company reviews your application, medical history, prescription records, and, in some cases, lab results or a medical exam. An estimate gives you a starting point so you can better understand what rates you may qualify for.
How can I improve my chances of getting a better life insurance rate?
You may improve your chances by managing health conditions, taking prescribed medications, avoiding tobacco, maintaining a healthy weight, and being honest on your application. It also helps to work with an experienced life insurance agent who can match your health profile with companies that are more favorable toward your specific situation.
By Richard Reich | Independent Life Insurance Broker | CA License #0832938 | 30+ years specializing in impaired risk and high-risk life insurance placements.
Highly Rated Companies We Proudly Represent
- Guardian Life Insurance
- John Hancock Life Insurance
- Lincoln National Life
- MassMutual Life Insurance
- Nationwide Life & Annuity
- North American Life & Health
- Pacific Life Insurance
Richard Reich
President, LifeInsure.com · Independent Life Insurance Broker
In my 30+ years as an independent life and disability insurance broker, I have personally assisted thousands of clients with their life and disability insurance needs.
Being independent, I represent many highly-rated insurance companies and, because I am not beholden to any one insurance company, my focus is to find the right company and policy for each individual client.
I believe that when people shop for insurance (or anything else, for that matter) on the Internet, they are looking for a simple, non-intrusive, non-pressure method of doing so.
I strive to treat my prospective clients with the utmost respect and I believe an educated prospect can make the right decision without sales pressure.
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