How to Improve Your Life Insurance Health Rating and Get the Best Rate Today
What Are Life Insurance Health Ratings?
When you apply for a policy, the insurance company evaluates your medical history, current health, lifestyle habits, and family history. This evaluation process is called underwriting.
Based on the underwriter's findings, you are placed into a specific category known as a risk class or health rating. Your risk class determines exactly how much you will pay each month for your policy.
BEST RATES & LOWEST PREMIUMS
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Preferred Plus ? (Exceptional health, ideal BMI, clean history)
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Preferred ? (Great health, minor/controlled conditions)
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Standard Plus ? (Good health, slightly elevated blood pressure or BMI)
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Standard ? (Average health, managed chronic conditions)
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Substandard / Table ? (Higher risk; 25% surcharge per table level)
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HIGHEST RATES & SURCHARGES
The Standard Risk Classes Explained
- Preferred Plus (Super Preferred): The highest rating possible. Reserved for individuals in exceptional physical health with ideal body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and cholesterol, as well as no history of tobacco use or family heart disease.
- Preferred: Given to people in excellent health who might have a minor, well-managed condition (such as slightly elevated cholesterol managed with low-dose medication).
- Standard Plus: Assigned to individuals in good health overall whose BMI or blood pressure readings fall slightly above the average range.
Standard: Represents an average life expectancy profile. If you have controlled high blood pressure, diabetes managed with diet or basic medication, or a higher BMI, you will typically qualify for Standard rates. - Substandard (Table Ratings): If you present significant health risks (like recent heart surgeries or unmanaged conditions), underwriters place you on a "Table Rating" scale (usually Tables A–J). Each table level adds roughly a 25% extra cost on top of the base Standard premium.
How Underwriters Evaluate Your Health
Insurance companies look at specific physical markers and medical records when deciding your rating. Understanding what they look for allows you to prepare effectively before requesting a policy.
| Health Factor | Ideal Range / Criteria | Impact on Health Rating |
| Blood Pressure | Under 120/80 mmHg | Readings consistently above 140/90 mmHg can drop you from Preferred to Standard. |
| Cholesterol Ratio | Total/HDL ratio under 4.5 | High cholesterol drops your rating unless controlled by routine medication. |
| BMI / Weight | 18.5 – 24.9 | Higher BMI readings move applicants toward Standard or Table ratings. |
| Tobacco Use | 100% Nicotine-free for 12+ months | Tobacco users pay 2x to 4x more than non-smokers across all risk classes. |
| Blood Sugar (A1C) | Under 5.7% | Uncontrolled blood sugar lowers ratings; well-managed A1C preserves Standard tiers. |
How to Improve Your Life Insurance Rating
If you received a quote that was higher than expected or worry that your health history will raise your costs, you have options. Here are proven steps to improve your health rating and lower your monthly premiums.
1. Work with Your Doctor to Manage Chronic Conditions
Underwriters reward consistency. If you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes, taking your prescribed medications consistently and keeping regular doctor visits proves that your condition is stable and controlled.
2. Quit Tobacco Products
Smokers pay significantly higher rates than non-smokers. If you quit all nicotine products (including cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and e-cigarettes) for at least 12 months, most carriers will allow you to qualify for non-smoker rates, immediately cutting your monthly costs.
3. Prepare for the Paramedical Exam
Many term life policies require a brief home medical exam. You can optimize your exam results with a few simple preparation steps:
- Schedule for early morning: Fasting overnight ensures your blood sugar and triglyceride tests are clean.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol: Skip coffee and alcohol for 24 hours prior to prevent artificial spikes in blood pressure.
- Drink plenty of water: Hydration makes blood draws easier and helps clear kidney function markers.
- Avoid intense workouts: Heavy weightlifting or high-intensity cardio right before the exam can temporarily elevate protein levels in your urine sample.
4. Shop Around with an Independent Agent
Every insurance company has its own underwriting guidelines. Company A might treat controlled diabetes strictly and place you in a Substandard class, while Company B considers the same health profile eligible for Standard Plus rates. Working with an independent agent gives you access to multiple carriers simultaneously so you can select the company most favorable to your specific health history.
How to Get Your Term Life Insurance Free Quote
Getting started is simple, fast, and carries no obligation. Securing a term life insurance free quote allows you to see baseline pricing based on your age, coverage amount, and general health class.
1. REQUEST A FREE QUOTE
Enter basic coverage goals and health details.
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2. COMPARE CARRIER RATES
Review transparent pricing from top-rated companies.
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3. SPEAK WITH AN AGENT
Finalize details and lock in your permanent rate.
Steps to Take Today:
- Choose your coverage amount: Calculate your family's needs, including mortgage payoff, future college tuition, and monthly living expenses.
- Select your policy term: Common terms are 10, 20, or 30 years depending on how long your family relies on your income.
- Connect with an agent: Speaking directly with a licensed professional ensures your application is formatted correctly to get you the highest possible health rating.
Ready to Secure Your Rate?
Locking in your coverage early is the best way to guarantee low monthly premiums. Age is the single largest factor in life insurance pricing, meaning every year you wait increases your base cost.
Talk to an agent here or Dial +1 (888) 617-5812