PREFERRED PLUS (Super Preferred or similar wording for the very lowest rate class)
You must be in excellent health and have no history of heart problems, stroke, cancer, diabetes, liver or kidney disease. Most insurance companies reserve this rate for the very healthiest of applicants; usually less than 10% who apply are issued a policy at the "Super Preferred" class. In order to qualify you must have an excellent height/weight ratio, low cholesterol, good blood pressure (without medication). Your driving record is also important. For example, two or more moving violations in the past 2-3 years will most likely disqualify you for this class. For most carriers, cardiovascular disease or cancer in either parent or siblings before age 60 will also disqualify you for this class. Private pilots, scuba divers, and other hazardous occupations generally will not be accepted for this class. Commercial airline pilots usually OK unless they engage in private flying. Most carriers require you to not have used any form of tobacco products for a minimum of 3 years.

PREFERRED (next lowest rate class)
This classification is for those in excellent health but who don't qualify for Super Preferred because of minor health issues, e.g. 10 pounds over the prescribed height/weight ratio, slightly elevated cholesterol level and family history of cardiovascular disease or cancer. There can be no cardiovascular or cancer deaths in either parent before age 60 for Preferred. Some carriers will issue Preferred to applicants on blood pressure medication if blood pressure is well controlled.

REGULAR PLUS - STANDARD
This classification pretty much fits the remainder of applicants. It is for those who have a disqualifying family history of cardiovascular or cancer death in either parent before age 60, or might be slightly overweight. Those with elevated blood and urine test results sometimes fall into this rate class if they are not too far out of the underwriter's acceptable range. Again, generally the applicant must not have any significant heart problems, cancer, or diabetes that would be ratable. .

REGULAR - SUBSTANDARD (no risk classification listed for this class)
This class is what is referred to as "Ratable" or "Table Rate" class. If an individual does not qualify for a Standard risk policy they may still be issued a policy at a higher premium. The Table Rate is added to the Standard premium. Table rates go from A, B, C etc all the way for some carriers to "P" and beyond. Premiums increase approximately 25% for each table. Example: table D premium would be 100% more than the Standard premium class.

Please understand that this is a general view and each insurance company sets their own underwriting parameters, it is offered as a guide only. Only after going through the underwriting process will you know exactly what rate class and premium you are offered.